|
Live & Let Live(In Pattaya)
Two small children gaze out across the water at the latest spectacle,
a massive luxury steam ship setting anchor. Circa 1920, the bay
teems with long wooden boats propelled by paddle and straining muscle,
bearing locals hawking wares from mangoes to live chickens to bolts
of silk, all in sepia tone. The photo hangs in the business centre
of the Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, a reminder that some things
change, but much stays the same.
These days, ships docking and anchoring off Pattaya are no longer
steam-powered; the local boats boast V6 engines mounted on their
sterns, turning propeller crank shafts over five metres in length.
The vendors have set up shops in malls and developments, stalls
in markets and along the sidewalks. High-rise hotels and shopping
centres cut a jagged skyline of concrete, steel and glass, a twentieth
century, man-made rendition of the limestone formations common to
other parts of Thailand. A picture of today's Pattaya will lack
the exotic flavour of the 1920s, yet its theme remains unchanged.
This is a town where people arrive by air, limousine, cruise ship,
or naval vessel and are met by legions selling everything from five-star
hotel rooms to grilled chicken and papaya salad, jet-ski rides to
antiques. It is a tourist mecca of stark contrasts: the most popular
family vacation spot in Thailand and the country's largest red light
district.
 |
|
The closest major resort to Bangkok, Pattaya is Thailand's sporting
capital. 18 golf courses green up the surrounding area, including
Laem Chabang International Country Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus
and voted "Best Golf Course in Thailand." Polo and other
horseback riding activities all centre here, as well. Jet ski championships
take place here and Pattaya is the quintessential venue for parasailing,
water skiing, banana boating, cable wake boarding, and bungy jumping.
The islands of Koh Krok and Koh Sak are good deep sea fishing destinations,
scuba diving is popular off outlying islands and reefs and the marina
is the best in Thailand. Although Phuket hosts the famous King's
Cup Regatta every year, many consider Pattaya's overall yacht racing
circuit to be more competitive. Tennis is popular with local superstars
Paradorn and Tamarine making frequent tournament appearances here.
On an indoor note, snooker aficionados will be right at home since
Pattaya hosts major international tournaments.
Pattaya, like Hua Hin, 60 km across the Gulf Of Thailand, is just
minutes from the "real" Thailand. Rent a car or motorcycle
and explore the countryside with ease, visit with folks untouched
by the jade of tourism. Follow the coastline south and discover
an increasingly picturesque view. Or take a day trip to the nearby
islands of Koh Lan and Koh Phai. For a real break from the urban
resort vacation, sneak off to Koh Samet for a night or two. Just
a couple of hours south, in Rayong Province, this island national
park boasts some of Thailand's whitest sand beaches, lovely coves
and a wide choice of bungalow accommodation, ranging from the rustic
to the lavish. Koh Samet is the perfect spot to grab a cold beer,
rent an inner tube and float off into blissful oblivion. For the
more athletic traveller, a great hiking trail leads around the island.
|
|
|
Pattaya's prominence as an international resort destination began
in 1959, when the first American G.I.s stopped by for a swim on
their way to the Nakorn Ratchasima airbase. It quickly became the
hotspot for R&R throughout the Vietnam War era. Uncertain times
give birth to atypical behavior and thousands of Thais rushed in
from the countryside in search of quick money, often with hopes
of marriage. Many of the soldiers have been here ever since; the
ships and the girls keep coming back. All judgment aside, visitors
to Pattaya should at least be aware of what they are getting into.
An attitude of live and let live is most useful, as you will definitely
see all manner of people and unions. If you think scenes like this
would bother you, it's probably best to choose an alternative resort
town.
If, however, you are game for most anything and enjoy people watching,
then Pattaya is an absolute must. In terms of human variety, the
city is right up there with Las Vegas. For a real treat, check out
Tiffany Cabaret, the most famous transvestite show in Thailand.
The Hard Rock Caf?, Tony's and Hollywood are all popular nightclubs,
although the Marine Bar is an old standby. A day stroll along the
beach will take you all around the world in thirty minutes or less.
Then return in the evening to see how the faces and outfits, have
changed.
|
|
Thais from all over the country, but especially from Bangkok and
Issan, the northeastern region, pour into Pattaya and nearby Jomtien
for family holidays, school vacations, business conferences, golf
weekends and escapes from the big city. As a result, excellent Thai
food is easier to find here than in other resort towns. People come
to visit the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, the Million Years Stone Park &
Crocodile Farm and the massive Buddhist temple, Wat Yansangwararum.
The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden covers 600 acres of flowers and lakes.
Mini Siam, Mini World are also interesting sights, with hundreds
of miniature renditions of historical landmarks. The Ripley's Believe
It Or Not museum is a popular attraction, although you might find
stranger sights on the streets, especially if you venture out at
night.
Of course, shopping is another reason to visit Pattaya. Central
Festival and Mike Shopping Mall have all varieties of Western-style
shops with the latest perfumes, fashions and sporting equipment.
The Night Market, near Tiffany Cabaret, offers Thai handicrafts
galore and Theprasit Market, open from Friday-Sunday, is an authentic
Thai weekend market drawing folks from both the city and the surrounding
countryside. Royal Garden Plaza, the building with an airplane sticking
out of it, is home to numerous boutiques and shops as well as both
Ripley's and Benihana Restaurant, "An experience at very table."
This popular Japanese-American steakhouse chain has two outlets
in Thailand; the other is in the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa.
Benihana turns cooking into a martial art as highly trained "show"
chefs perform at each table, slicing and dicing, flipping fresh
shrimp from griddle to bowls hidden in their tall hats. A great,
fun alternative to Thai cuisine.
|
|
|
Visitors to Pattaya can choose from many great hotels, including
the five-star Dusit Pattaya Resort, the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel
and the Royal Wing & Spa. The Ambassador City Jomtien is the
world's largest resort complex with the biggest swimming pool in
Asia. Hard Rock Hotel is a great choice for fans of the Hard Rock
Caf?, indisputably the best American food (paradoxical as that sounds)
in the country, serving the only real cheeseburgers, nachos and
chicken wings that you'll find. The Mud Pie is as decadent as Pattaya
itself. One of the most convenient accommodations is the deluxe
Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, situated in the heart of shopping
and entertainment venues between the Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd
Road. In this urban setting, the word oasis, so overused by the
tourist industry, is especially apropos. Occupying a full 8 acres
of prime beachfront, the Marriott is a deep breath of fresh air
after the bustle of malls and streets. A green lung of lush tropical
gardens, palm trees, salas, lotus ponds and a spacious swimming
pool, complete with in-pool bar. The resort recently enhanced many
of its public areas including restaurant and swimming pool under
the creative direction of landscape architect Bill Bensley, famous
in Thailand for his work at such hotels as the Four Seasons, Chiang
Mai and the JW Marriott Phuket.
|
|
As with many Royal Garden Resorts properties, the Mandara Spa attends
to guests' aching muscles, skin and facial needs. In the scent of
lemongrass aromatherapy, soothe yourself with traditional Thai massage,
deep tissue "sports" massage, or their signature Mandara
massage, "created for pure pleasure" and performed by
a tandem of skilled therapists using a combination of five styles:
Balinese, Swedish, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Japanese Shiatsu and, of
course, Thai. Mud wraps, body scrubs and facials are all on the
menu. For the peak of pampering, spend a whole day at the spa. Hit
the "Ultimate Indulgence" package, beginning in the steam
room, followed by an aromatic floral bath, then your choice of body
scrubs or mud wrap, an aromatherapy massage, spa cuisine meal, topped
off by "Nature's Own" aromatic facial and a final refreshment.
Alternately, bring that special friend for the "Romantic Getaway,"
which offers essentially the same treatments for couples. Both full-day
packages take place in a luxury spa suite with a private plunge
pool, steam room and complimentary herbal teas and cookies.
A member of the Royal Garden Resorts group, the hotel was officially
re-branded on October 09, 2001 and became the first international
brand presence in town. As with all Marriott hotels and resorts,
Pattaya's works closely with local people through their "Spirit
To Serve Our Communities" programme. Here, the project helps
the needy in and around Pattaya, currently providing scholarships
for the children of poor families. The charity has already sponsored
many families and has identified others to join in the near future.
Guests are encouraged to support the service project by donating
a mere 40 baht at checkout. Of course, larger gifts are welcome.
Although elements of Pattaya may seem to be taken straight from
science fiction movies, it has much more to offer. With great dining,
sporting events, endless activities of both indoor and outdoor variety,
some of the best golfing in Asia, musical concerts, a hopping nightlife
and oases of luxury like the Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa,
Pattaya truly has something for everyone.
|
