PATTAYA
Thailand
two with pool views. First floor lagoon rooms have access to a private swimming pool and also a Jacuzzi. There’s a large main pool and a conference centre.
www.grandheritagepattaya.com
Hilton Pattaya Situated above the new Central Festival Pattaya Beach complex with over 300 shops and restaurants plus entertainment facilities, all rooms at this hotel have balconies. There’s a choice of restaurants, event space, 24-hour fitness centre and an Eforea spa. Some of the hotel’s facilities will open in late 2011.
www.hilton.com
Closest to Bangkok
The island is a party island. However is has a dual personality and being only a short road transfer from Bangkok, it also appeals to families and convention groups
Pattaya beach is party central with Walking Street home to the most extrovert nightlife. Still lively Jomtien is more of a family favourite and good for watersports. Gay-focused nightlife can be found around Dongtan beach. Families will find many child-friendly attractions like go karts, dolphin shows, a waterpark and elephant village and plenty of full-facility hotels with kids’ clubs. Adrenalin junkie adults can try bungee jumping and paintballing, while golfers can try Pattaya’s many courses. Pattaya is relatively close to Rayong,
departure point for Koh Samet (or Samed), a less developed island with unsurfaced roads and white sand beaches. A midweek stay here is quieter and cheaper as it’s a favourite weekend jaunt for Bangkok residents.
Things to do • Visit Pattaya Park for a few hours on the waterslides then lunch in a revolving tower
• Take a boat trip to Coral Island (Koh Lan) for snorkelling, glass-bottomed boat tours or watersports
• Dive one of several wrecks off shore including navy vessel HMS Khram
• Visit the Four Regions Floating market for souvenirs, food and a cultural show
• See a Thai boxing (Muay Thai) match. The popular sport involves kicks as well as punches
• Catch a show at Tiffany’s, a famously glitzy transvestite cabaret show
• Twin partying in Pattaya with a relaxed retreat on the less developed islands of Koh Samet or Koh Chang in the same region
• Tackle the tough St Andrews golf course – built to mimic its famous Scottish namesake
• See crocodiles at the Million Years Stone Park or take a ride at the Elephant Village
• Shop till you drop in Pattaya’s malls.
New Centra Pattaya Resort /Centra Nova Hotel and Spa Pattaya/ Centara Residence and Suites, Pattaya Centara opened three properties in Pattaya in 2011. The chain’s new value brand is represented with 152-room Centra Pattaya Resort while the 79-room Centra Nova Hotel and Spa Pattaya, is part of the boutique collection. Both are in central Pattaya. The Nova includes a spa. 130 home-
from-homes aimed at long-stay corporate or leisure travellers are meanwhile found at Centara Residence and Suites, Pattaya on Pratumnak Road which is part of Centara’s new four- star serviced apartment brand.
www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Grand Heritage Beach Resort & Spa, Pattaya This hotel on Dongtan beach offers 248 rooms and suites spread over three buildings, one with ocean views,
Coming soon Radisson Resort & Spa Pattaya Bay The former Garden Cliff Resort & Spa is due to reopen as a Radisson in 2012 following a renovation. The hotel’s 203 rooms and 27 suites will be spread across two buildings.
www.carlson.com
Other options Paradee, Koh Samet (Samed) Samed Resorts owns several hotels on the island. Paradee is a romantic, luxury choice. Its 40 villas are furnished with natural materials and most come with private pools and Jacuzzis. A west facing Sunset Bar and a spa are among facilities. Weddings are possible.
www.samedresorts.com
Aiyapura Resort, Koh Chang This island resort is now managed by Furama and is changing its name to Furamaxclusive Resort and Spa, Aiyapura Koh Chang. It’s a beachfront property on Klong Son Bay with Thai style villas and suites.
Clockwise from left: Pattaya Beach, fishermen bring in their nets, kitesurfing
TOP TIP Got a local Thai boxing club? If so, why
not meet to discuss group travel and joint promotions.
Thailand Travel Guide 2012 25
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