Jomtien Beach

• Jomtien Beach Jomtien Beach
• Na Jomtien Beach Na Jomtien Beach
• Na Klua Beach Na Klua Beach
• Pattaya Beach Pattaya Beach
• Pattaya Beach Pattaya Beach
• Wong Amat Beach Wong Amat Beach
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Pattaya's name originated from the march of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin) and his followers from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi just before the fall of the former capital to the Burmese invaders in 1767.

When Phraya Tak's army arrived at the vicinity of what is today's Pattaya, he encountered the troops of Nai Klom who tried to intercept him. But when the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak's dignified manner and his army's strict discipline. And he surrendered without a fight. The place the two armies confronted each other, was later called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was changed to Phatthaya, which happens to mean the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today the spelling of the name has been simplified to Pattaya.

For the past centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, the sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. Fishermen's huts along the beach were replaced by a full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats. And the quiet powdery golden beaches are frequented by swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.

Location

Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13° N and longitude 101° E in the area of Chon Buri province. It is 147 km. from Bangkok. It lies parallel to Sukhumwit Road on its east and the coastline on its west.

Area

Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. km. of land and 154.66 sq. km. of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 km. long.

Climate

The climate of Pattaya can be divided into 3 periods: cool to warm (from November to February), hot and humid (from March to May), and hot and rainy (from June to October).

Topography

Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains on its south. The area on the east slopes down toward the sea on the west.

Administration

Pattaya city has been administered under a special autonomous system since 1978. It has a status comparable to a municipality and is separately administered by the mayor of Pattaya city who is responsible for making policies, organizing public services, and supervising all employees of Pattaya city administration.

Products

90% of labour in Pattaya work in tourism that is the highlight of Pattaya. Tourist attractions including land and marine destinations, and nighttime entertainment. There are no native products.

Language

Standard Thai language. English is widely used.

Internet Access

Internet cafes are ubiquitous and hotels often have wi-fi for guests. 

By Car

Pattaya can be reached in a 2.30-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new route of Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong or motorway from Rama 9 Road.

By Bus

Air-conditioned and non-aircon coaches regularly depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit) on Kamphaengphet Road and Southern Bus Terminal on Borommarat Chonnani Road throughout the day.

Departure times and fares may be obtained from:

The Eastern Bus Terminal

Tel : 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097

For taxi : Eastern Bus Terminal   ไปสถานีขนส่งเอกมัย

The Northern Bus Terminal

Tel : 0 2936 2852 to 66, 0 2936 3666

For taxi : Northern Bus Terminal   ไปสถานีขนส่งหมอชิต

The Southern Bus Terminal

Tel : 0 2894 6122

For taxi : Southern Bus Terminal   ไปสถานีขนส่งสายใต้

There are also air-con buses that go directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya. Buses run daily from 6.30 to 19.00 hrs. For information, contact the Public Transportation Centre at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Tel. 0 2134 4099, 0 2132 9171.

Besides, there are bus services to Pattaya available at most hotels in Bangkok. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.

By Train

The State Railway of Thailand offers a train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 06.50 hours. (Mon-Fri). The journey takes about 3.30 hours.

For details, call the State Railway of Thailand

Tel : 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444

RSVN Tel : 0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701

For taxi : Hualamphong Station   ไปสถานีรถไฟหัวลำโพง