Sukosol Blog
Proper Pattaya
by Social Media Manager (05 Jun 2012)
Pattaya, the Sodom and Gomorrah of Thailand, is the first stop for old white men in their quest for cheap escorts and beer. Or is it? Though the seediness that gives Pattaya its reputation still exists, these days it’s not as prevalent and there are more and more opportunities for some clean fun, from grape picking to a creepy house of wax.
The Great Outdoors
Only a few minutes from downtown Pattaya, the Pattaya Floating Market (Talad Nam Si Pak, 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvi Rd., Pattaya, 038-706-340, www.pattayafloatingmarket.com) recently opened up at an old, abandoned pond. Custom-built for tourists in search of a slice of ‘ye old Thailand, its four sections represent the Kingdom’s main regions: North, Central, Northeast and South. Each region sells its own food, from Isaan somtam to sai-oua sausage.
For a European day trip, head to the 10-year-old Silverlake Vineyard (same entrance as Khao Chee Chan Buddha Mountain, 31/62 Moo 7, Na Jomtian, Pattaya, Chonburi, 038-938-250, www.silverlakethai.com), 20 minutes from downtown Pattaya. Go Sideways with a stroll through the vineyard and a visit to the winery while enjoying the 1,500 rai of beautiful rolling hills surrounding a lake. We recommend renting a bicycle, but the lazy can opt for an ATV. Admission is free.
Bang for Your Baht
The beachfront CentralFestival Pattaya Beach complex (Pattaya Beach Rd., between Soi 9-10, 038-930-999, www.centralpattana.co.th) has the same brands as every other mall around Thailand but boasts magnificent sea views. Browse and enjoy over 200 stores and eateries, as well as a bowling alley and cinema. Every Friday sees the front square host “Indie in Town”, the same flea market concept as Bangkok's CentralWorld, where teenagers and young adults come to sell their quirky merchandise.
For something a bit more offbeat, try your luck at Naklua Walking Street, which runs from the front of the Government Savings Bank to Saphan Yao (Pattaya-Naklua Road). Every weekend from 2pm-10pm, this century-old local market becomes a more civilized walking street, offering local merchandise and street food, from vintage toys to T-shirts, deep-fried chicken to mango salad.
Real or Fake?
For kicks without the ping pong balls, there's always Ripley’s (2/F, Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Moo 10 Beach Rd., 038-710-294/8. Open daily 11am-11pm), though we've been told that it's not a "real" Ripley’s Believe it or Not!. But that’s not the only fake in Pattaya. Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks (2/F, Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Moo 10 Beach Rd., 038-710-294/8. Open daily 11am-11pm.) is banking on the fame of the real Madame Tussaud, but is not affiliated with the London wax museum. One visit and this will be painfully clear to you. Tata Young looks like she’s 200 years old.
How to get there
Bus: Large buses leave from Ekamai Bus Terminal (BTS Ekamai) every hour and take about 1.5-2 hours. They run from roughly 5am-8pm and cost around Bht 150-200.
Vans: You can get a mini-van (16 seats) from Century Movie Plaza beside BTS Victory Monument (just up the road from The Sukosol). Only Bht 120 for a single trip (discounts for students) taking 1.5 hours.
Thank you.
Comment on this post
No Comment