Pattaya Travel Guide

Lying southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya dubbed the `Jewel of the East Coast’ by its many admirers, is the Asian Riviera of South East Asia. Pattaya is much more than a beach resort- it’s a vibrant, pulsating city, known for its colourful nightlife, water sports and its attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Pattaya, once just a quaint fishing village has grown into an international playground with its acres and acres of golden beaches, innumerable offshore islands, promontories jutting into the sea and cliff ringed bays and coves. The region is rich in natural resources, including rubber and coconut plantations, arable land and virgin forestland. All year round, the sun shines down on Pattaya making for ideal holiday weather.

Pattaya is unbeatable if you’re looking for the sun-sea-and-sand combination, and the fact that it’s just about two hours’ drive from Bangkok, makes it a must-see on most itineraries.

Ladyboys or Katoeys as they are famously referred to as in Thai language are a huge phenomenon in Thailand. They are transvestites and some of them so beautiful and convincing it’s hard to tell them apart from a woman. They are a fully integrated part of society and while some of them work as prostitutes it’s not unusual for them to have the more regular day jobs of tour guides, bank clerks and so on. There are also beauty contests held for Katoeys in Thailand.