Pattaya, is
147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai
Gulf. It is Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with
equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors.
Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with
every ingredient for memorable holidays.
Accommodation
ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with
superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses. Sporting
opportunities abound both on land and water, and include
some of the finest golfing, game fishing, and scuba-diving
anywhere in Asia. Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums
and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure
activities and cultural entertainment for all family
members. And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and
magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular
variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques,
cocktail lounges and cabarets. Pattaya can be brash, bold,
beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic
international beach resort.
Pattaya History
Fifty years ago Pattaya was a sleepy little fishing village,
dwarfed by her neighbors to the North, Na Klua, to the
South, Rayong. Its only claim to fame being that it had, in
the 13th century, been a resting place for the battle forces
of the great King Narai during his campaign to oust the
Burmese invaders. From that overnight bivouac, Pattaya
derives its name. Then came the Vietnam war and incursion of
more benign foreign troops. Thailand supported the American
efforts in the area! providing bases, manned by thousands of
young America requiring rest and recreation.
How is it possible to fix the date of an historical trend?
Whilst Pattaya had achieved some popularity with a few
adventurous souls who braved the rough road from Bangkok to
take advantage of the crystal waters, great diving and soon
following them, beach bars and restaurants, let us take the
time when, on the 29th June 1959, four or five transport
trucks loaded with American G.I.'s arrived in the village of
Pattaya on leave from their base at Nakhon Ratchasima.
On
arrival in Pattaya they rented houses belonging to Phraya
Sunthorn which were along the southern end of Pattaya Beach,
now know as the "Strip". The marines stayed for about a week
and returned to base. Having had a great time in Pattaya
With the friendly residents, they spread the word. A new
group of marines kept arriving periodically and the village
geared up to cater to their every need. This can be
considered as the birth of Pattaya as a tourist resort.
Pattaya continued to grow in popularity at such a rate with
both Thai and foreign tourists, that the local government
could not cope with the administration. Administrative and
infrastructure combination with Na Klua, took place in 1976
and the government promulgated the Pattaya City Act in 1978,
there by joining Na Klua and Pattaya to form the fifth local
government municipality. Thus was Pattaya City born, and
thus, with an ever - increasing influx of visitors and
residents from the burgeoning surrounding industrial
estates, has she developed into what she is today.
How to get there
(Pattaya Maps)
Distances from Amphoe
Muang or Chon Buri Town to other districts:
|
Ban Bueng
Phanat Nikhom
Phan Thong
Si Racha
Ko Sichang
Bang Lamung (Pattaya)
Nong Yai
Bo Thong
Sattahip |
14 km.
22 km.
24 km.
24 km.
35 km.
45 km.
51 km.
56 km.
86 km. |
Distances from Chon Buri
to neighbouring provinces:
Chachoengsao
Rayong
Samut Prakan
Rayong
Chanthaburi |
43 km.
98 km.
64 km.
98 km.
164 km. |
By
Car
Chon
Buri is one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34
(Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, a faster trip can be made by
taking Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route).
By
Bus
The 1.30-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular
buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai).
Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from
5.30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses
leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0
2391 2504.
There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Mo Chit 2
Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m.-6.30
p.m. Call :0 2936 2852-66 for more information. Si Racha
Tour Tel: 0 2936 4029 also operates air-conditioned bus
services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.
