151: Pattaya, Thailand

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Pattaya in Thailand.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics: Observations Best known as inexpensive Thailand holiday resort especially popular on package holidays, day trip from Bangkok and cruise line passengers docking at Laem Chabang nearby. Also known for late nights of partying, drink and sex. Also renown for large lady boy population and shows HistoryWas a small remote fishing village until the Vietnam war when in 1959 a boat load of US soldiers taken there for some R&R and had great time and more and more came .Getting around Simple layout with main road called Pattaya Road along beachfront and parallel road called Pattaya Second Road with small roads and lanes connecting - jammed full of hotels, bars , shops. Bart open sided taxi/ bus which you hail and take you to want to go. Taxis plentiful but watch out as don't switch on meters so ensure agree a price. Motorbike hire Things to do Beach Three main sections along the beach front Nakula Bay - more family orientated (north).Central - busiest and most popular swimming area.South near Walking Street (bars and focus of night life)Swimming areas marked by plastic barriers - densely packed deck chairs and umbrella sections next to themWater sports - paragliding - jet ski - banana boatsConstant flow of vendorsPattaya Floating marketVarious sections reflecting different regions of Thailand - 114 shops and lots of vendors - can hire boats to go from section to section Sanctuary of TruthHuge wooden Castle / Temple covered with carved sculptures depicting heaven and earth - 344 feet high covers area of 21,520 square feetNong Nuch tropical gardens600 acre landscaped park - biggest botanical park in SE Asia - tropical plants (orchids, palms , cycads , cacti , bonsai), various cultural shows (folk dances from regions of Thailand ) and also an elephant performance showPairaj Elephant VillageRetirement village for working elephants Sea Turtle Conservation CentreLady Boy showsOther attractions Teddy Bear museumMuseum of Bottle Art Ripley's believe it or notUnderwater World Aquarium ShoppingLots of cheap souvenirsLots of fakes so watch out Central Festival Shopping Mall