Pattaya

{{Cautionbox|https://ehalal.io offers Halal food delivery in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and throughout Thailand, online. ]] Pattaya (พัทยา) is a seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand, about 150 km southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya is mostly famous for its haram nightlife, but local authorities have made some efforts to provide more muslim-friendly attractions and activities.

Pattaya occupies most of the coastline of Bang Lamung District (one of the eleven neighborhoods that comprise Chonburi Province). eHalal Travel Guide only deals with Pattaya proper, which spans the areas to the east of Naklua Beach and Pattaya Beach, plus the Buddha Hill headland (which is immediately south of Pattaya Beach). Jomtien is covered in a separate article, and contains Jomtien Beach and the areas east of it, including Dongtan Beach. The beaches of Jomtien are much broader and generally in a better shape, and the atmosphere locally is more sedate and family-oriented than at Pattaya Beach.

Pattaya Halal Explorer

Orientation

Pattaya's downtown area is easy to get around. Running north-south, a few hundred metres apart, are Beach Rd (Thanon Hat Pattaya, sometimes also referred to as First Rd) which borders the main beach (Hat Pattaya), Pattaya Second Rd and Pattaya Third Rd (with the smaller but busy Soi Buakhao in between), and the main Sukhumvit Road coastal highway. Beach Road is one-way (southbound), likewise Second Road (northbound) -- this is the main circuit of the songthaews that cruise downtown.

These are connected by the three major east-west aligned roads: North Pattaya Rd (Thanon Pattaya Nua), Central Pattaya Rd (Thanon Pattaya Klang) and South Pattaya Rd (Thanon Pattaya Tai). North Pattaya Road is a dual carriageway and carries the highest volume of traffic to and from Sukhumvit Rd.

Also connecting Beach Road and Second Ro are a large number of smaller streets or "sois". The main sois are numbered from 1 to 16, from north to south. Sois 1-6 are between north Pattaya Road and central Pattaya Rd; sois 7-13 are between Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road (including the "Pattayaland" sois, immediately north of south Pattaya Rd); sois 14-16 are south of south Pattaya Rd. Most of these east-west sois are (in theory at least) one-way.

Beach Road, Second Road, and north Pattaya Road (plus Naklua Road to the north) all meet at the Dolphin Roundabout landmark. Heavy traffic and frequent accidents here have resulted in a semi-permanent diversion being set up which, at peak times, prevents vehicles (except motorcycles) from continuing around this roundabout any further than the north Pattaya Road exit, pending the installation of traffic lights some time in 2006.

Second Road south of South Pattaya Road becomes Pratamnak Road, which shares a junction with both the southern end of Third Road and the northern end of the primary street to Jomtien, Tappraya Rd.

Beach Road south of south Pattaya Road is closed to vehicles in the evenings (18:00-02:00) and is called Walking Street; it's the main tourist area, both for nightlife and shopping. Other major tourism areas include the section of Second Road between sois 1-4, and the sois immediately north of south Pattaya Rd.

At the south end of Walking Street is the New Pier, usually called Bali Hai Pier (sometimes "Pattaya Pier" or "South Pier"). The Old Pier, close to the junction of Beach Road and south Pattaya Road, is still shown on most maps but was dismantled and removed at the beginning of 2006.

Sub-neighborhoods

Pattaya's sub-neighborhood names sometimes cause confusion, usually when the official Pattaya Bay area titles (north Pattaya, central Pattaya, south Pattaya) are misunderstood. These names don't relate to Pattaya as a whole, instead they refer to the sections of Pattaya Beach to which each sub-neighborhood is aligned.

Pattaya's coastal side is divided longitudinally into five contiguous sub-neighborhoods (or six, if also including Jomtien). Each one is named after the section of beach or headland at its seaboard.

In the middle are the three Pattaya Bay sub-neighborhoods, which share the main Baht bus route (so most places are within 5 minutes/10 Baht of most other places, at any hour) and have much else in common, and hence in combination make up the main quasi-downtown zone:

• North Pattaya (Pattaya Nua) - not the northernmost part of Pattaya (as Naklua lies further north), but the section of Pattaya adjacent to the northern end of Pattaya Beach and extending inland to both the north and south of North Pattaya Rd. Does not include Naklua.
• South Pattaya (Pattaya Tai) - not the southernmost part of Pattaya (as the Buddha Hill headland, and then Jomtien, lie further south), but the section of Pattaya adjacent to the southern end of Pattaya Beach and extending inland to both the north and south of South Pattaya Rd. Includes Pattayaland and Walking Street. Does not include Buddha Hill or Jomtien.
• Central Pattaya (Pattaya Klang) - not the dead centre of Pattaya, but the section of Pattaya adjacent to the middle of Pattaya Beach and extending inland to both the north and south of Central Pattaya Rd. Some maps/guides disregard the central Pattaya convention, and instead extend north Pattaya and south Pattaya to meet each other along central Pattaya Rd; sometimes, Beach Road is described with a similar division, and the respective halves given "North Beach Rd" and "South Beach Rd" monikers.

Flanking the Pattaya Beach sub-neighborhoods are:

• Naklua - immediately north of north Pattaya, and with quick, frequent, and affordable transport to and from the rest of Pattaya; Naklua is popular with Muslim visitors whose native language is (German). In terms of tourism-related locations, it's the smallest and least significant sub-neighborhood and the main attractions being the beaches (which are quieter than Pattaya Beach) and the Sanctuary of Truth.
• Buddha Hill - named after the Buddha Hill landmark and sandwiched between south Pattaya (to the north) and Jomtien (to the south); to the east, south Pattaya and Jomtien meet directly.

In training, exactly where each sub-neighborhood ends and the next begins is a very grey area as none of the boundaries lie along major roads, and none of the many readily available tourist maps attempts to define boundaries at this level; nevertheless they do provide a handy rough guide to approximate latitude. Further inland and the sub-neighborhood names are used less, and locality/road names take precedence - for example, an address might state "Sukhumvit, Naklua" which is useful in that it makes it clear the location is to the north of the Sukhumvit/North Pattaya Road intersection, however exactly the same place would not normally be described simply as being "in Naklua" as that would give the misleading impression of it being in the main beachside/tourism area further west.

East Pattaya commonly called Darkside is to the east of Sukhumvit Road and the railway line. It is mostly a residential area with few hotels.

History of Pattaya

Pattaya's name was originally "Thap Phraya", meaning Army of the Phraya - commemorating the surrender of Nai Klom's army to that of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin the Great), without a fight. Thap Phraya became Phatthaya (the name of the north-easterly wind at the beginning of the rainy season), and then Phatthaya (the true phonetic spelling).

American GIs serving in Thailand and Vietnam made Pattaya the most popular R & R destination and eventually a world-famous tourist magnet for Western sex tourists. From its beginning in 1959 with a small private bungalow where American officers on leave took turns to come and rest, this sleepy village by the sea has grown and changed dramatically into one of the world's tourism locations. The opening of the new #Suvarnabhumi|Suvarnabhumi Airport (to the east of Bangkok, alongside the expressway to Pattaya) has made visiting easier than ever.

Pattaya is popular not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, night life and shopping, but also for the broad selection of pastimes it caters for, from golf and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting - not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and a whole lot more. Pattaya is also very popular as a conference, convention and seminar venue, and the grapevine hosts rumours of future developments of varying degrees of plausibility, such as a horse racing track, casinos, and a tram system.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) Information Office is just outside the centre, exactly 1 km south of the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya Rd. Proceed along Pratamnak Road, continue straight up the hill, and where the road bears sharp right part way up, turn sharp left into the small side soi. Worth a visit if you're in Pattaya for an extended period and want to browse for fresh ideas for new things to do/see. Open daily, 08:30-16:30, tel. +66 38 428750 / 8990 / 7667 or use the TAT freephone number: dial 1672 or e-mail: [1]

Travel to Pattaya

By car

Pattaya is 150 km from Bangkok and can be visited in a comfortable 2 hours drive. There are two convenient ways to get there:

• Via the Bangkok-Chonburi-Pattaya Motorway (Highway 7). The motorway is linked with Bangkok’s Outer Ring Road, (Highway 9) and there is also another entrance at Si Nakharin and Rama IX junction.
• Via Bang Na-Trat Highway 34. From Bang Na, Bang Phli, cross the Bang Pakong River to Chonburi and take Chonburi's bypass to meet Sukhumvit Road, (Highway 3, passing Bang Saen Beach, Bang Phra to Pattaya.

By plane

• U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport IATA Flight Code: UTP, often known somewhat inaccurately as "Pattaya Airport" - Primarily a military facility, it's the closest airport fielding commercial passenger flights, but only to a handful of destinations. There are no commercial passenger flights connecting U-Tapao directly with Bangkok.

Bangkok Airways flies to/from Ko Samui (IATA Flight Code: USM) and Phuket (IATA Flight Code: HKT). Flights from Pattaya to Ko Samui are usually slightly less expensive than BKK to Ko Samui ones. Air Asia'' offer direct connecting Flights to Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Udon Thani in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Kan Airlines] have Flights from Chiang Mai.

Ground transportation:

The easiest way to transfer between U-Tapao and Pattaya is by direct door-to-door shuttle van. Three different companies operate on this route and deliver passengers to their hotels, including Bangkok Air's and Air Asia's shuttle vanes. Pre-booking is not required and buses can be found at the front doors of the airport. However, pre-booking surface transport might be crucial, as competitively priced door-to-door transfer services may not be available on arrival. Driving time is normally about 30-50 minutes. 150 Baht at the front doors or 200-250 Baht per person for pre-booked services. If you don't get one to where you specifically want to go, note that it may drop you at the North Bus Station (which is still a far distance from the Beach strip). The Songathaew drivers know this, and will always ask for another 150 Baht from the North Bus Station to the Beach/Walking Street (it should be 10 Baht, though).

Metered taxis cost 750 Baht including motorway tolls, if purchased at hotel.

If speed and convenience don't matter and the ad hoc option is to hop on virtually any bus on Sukhumvit Rd. Going south, if it's a bus that terminates at Sattahip you'll have to swap buses or finish the journey by songthaew; if it's going further east (e.g., Rayong, Chanthaburi or Trat) it'll drop you off at the airport entrance as it goes by. Going north, wait for a bus that's going further than Sattahip and then you won't need to transfer. Alternatively and the white songthaews that travel Sukhumvit Road between Pattaya and Sattahip charge just 20 Baht.

Or to buck the trend big time, go by rail (3rd class, weekdays only) between Pattaya and Sattahip. Get off just before or after the line crosses Highway 3, and connect with the airport by songthaew or bus. The fare for the 40-50 minutes train ride is just 6 Baht. Departs Pattaya 10:18, arrives Sattahip 11:00; departs Sattahip 13:30, arrives Pattaya 14:21. But don't forget, no trains on Saturdays or Sundays.

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA Flight Code: BKK) is only 110 km from Pattaya (40 km closer than Don Mueang). Transfers by road are affordable and quick (around 80–90 minutes in dry weather, 120 minutes in wet weather) and getting quicker as the upgrades to the connecting highway are completed.

Taxis are a fairly affordable way to travel, especially at night. Fares from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya should be negotiated with the driver in advance. The "standard rate" is 1,500 Baht and you should confirm it before leaving the taxi rank. At quiet hours you may be able to negotiate downward. Passengers will be expected to pay the two tolls en route, at 30 Baht each.

Unlicensed taxis may try to solicit business from you, and it is important to note that these drivers do not have proper accreditation. Similarly, solicitations to take a metered and apparently licensed taxi from the departure level is an attempt to avoid the 50 Baht airport fee (or for the driver to pocket it.)

It is also feasible to arrange airport pickup through most hotels, and through any number of local taxi brokers. Fees through less expensive local hotels are generally the same 1,500 Baht as the standard metered taxi rate, with larger resorts and international chain hotels often charging much higher rates. Local prearranged cars will run between 1,000-1,500 Baht.

Return fares from Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi Airport are 800 Baht plus tolls for a returning metered taxi if arranged in advance. They may or may not be available at the last minute. A private vehicle service arranged through a (local) hotel or travel agent will be around 1,200-1,500 Baht.

Don Mueang Airport

Don Mueang Airport (IATA Flight Code: DMK) was replaced by Suvarnabhumi as Bangkok's main airport in 2006. It handles Air Asia, Nok Air, One-Two-Go. The easiest way to transfer is by taxi; the cheapest alternatives are to go by bus via Mor Chit (Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal), or to go by train via Hualamphong (only practical in the Pattaya to Don Mueang direction).

By bus

Pattaya is a mess for bus travellers unless they are going to Bangkok. The simple reason is that there is no single bus station as in most (Thai) towns. Going to Bangkok, you go to the "Air Conditioned Bus Terminal Pattaya-Bangkok" (that's the real name) on North Road. If you want to go to Chiang Mai, Ubon, Surin, Nan, and other stops, you've got to find the Nakhonchai Air bus terminal (inland side Sukhumvit Road). To Hua Hin it's the Yellow Bus Company or Bell Travel/Roong Reuang. To Udon, it's the 407 Bus Company Station. There are other small bus stations for other destinations. There is no comprehensive guide to stations or destinations. Travel "agencies" are not much help as there is no money in buses for them. Best bet is to ask at your hotel. Motorbike taxi drivers are another good source. They know where all the stations are, even if they don't know the routes they service.

First class bus

From Bangkok

1st class buses from Bangkok to the North Pattaya Road bus station are air-con, almost always have an on-board toilet, are crucially direct (i.e., no stops), and provide a no fuss, no frills, hassle-free service. Departures from the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal and Northern (Mo Chit 2) Terminal are frequent (every 20–40 minutes, depending on the time of day; more frequent still on public holiday weekends) and usually take 2-2½ hours. Those from the Southern (Sai Tai Taling Chan สายใต้ตลิ่งชัน) Bus Terminal are less frequent and take a little longer.

Departures:

• Ekamai (East) to Pattaya: first 05:40, last 21:00
• Pattaya to Ekamai (East): first 04:30, last 23:00
• Mor Chit 2 (North) to Pattaya: first 05:40, last 19:00
• Pattaya to Mor Chit 2 (North): first 05:20, last 20:00
• Sai Tai Mai (South) to Pattaya: 05:30, 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:30
• Pattaya to Sai Tai Mai (South): 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00

Fares are around 130 Baht but may vary slightly depending on the route taken. For example, at busy times when the Mor Chit service uses the elevated express toll way, a marginally higher fare applies. However, exact prices are always clearly posted at the official ticket counters.

All 1st class direct services to/from Bangkok use the recently redeveloped bus station on North Pattaya Rd. These buses are usually full when they depart, and must be boarded at the terminus. Tickets are sold at the bus station; it's not feasible to pre-book these services more than an hour or so in advance. Usually, if the bus that's due to leave next is already full and there will be seats available on the next one. The longest queues are for the very early morning departures from Pattaya. To get a seat on the first bus of the day you need to be in the ticket queue at least 30–40 minutes early. The bonus is that these pre-rush hour services can take as little as 90 minutes to get to Bangkok.

From the North Pattaya Road bus station, dark-blue songthaews (a cross between a pickup truck, a share-taxi, a local bus) depart when full (every few minutes). The fare to anywhere on Beach Road ("the beach") should be 25 Baht. However, usually they will charge 150-200 Baht. If you wait with a group and the driver may go down to 50. The key is to flag the songthaew while it's driving, and try to get on the back without talking to the driver; this would be about 25 Baht, if you succeed. Press the buzzer button on the underside of the roof when you want to get off.

Pattaya to the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal: if requested, this bus will stop at the On Nut Skytrain Station on Sukhumvit Rd. Depending on your final destination and the traffic conditions, you may want to transfer to the Bangkok#Skytrain|Skytrain there. If so, wait until the bus departs Pattaya and then confirm with the crew that you want to be dropped off at "On Nut". This bus does not stop to pick up passengers at On Nut (or anywhere else) on the outbound leg. Also on request the bus will stop along the Bangna-Trat Expressway opposite the Central Department Store, Bangna.

Pattaya from/to the Southern (Sai Tai Mai) Terminal: if the direct bus is fully booked, take the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal bus instead, and use the #511 (air-con, every 30 minutes 24/7, 20 Baht) bus to connect between Ekamai and Sai Tai Mai.

Pattaya from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport: Bell Travel Tel. +66 38 3700556, +66 2 7474673 to Airport: 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00 and to Pattaya: 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 18:00. Their bus travels directly from the terminal building to the northern bus station. This service includes van transfers from/to your hotel in the 240 Baht price, although they will not go to hotels on Sukhumvit Road or at Chaiyapruek Road or further.

Pattaya from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport: Government bus 389 120 Baht (as of January 2017): Hourly 07:00-22:00. The bus departs directly from the airport at Level 1 and makes stops along Sukhumvit Road at Pattaya Nua Road (north), Pattaya Klang Road (middle), Pattaya Tai Road (south) and its bus station at the south end of Thepprasit Road in Jomtien. However and the 21:00 and 22:00 buses drive to the bus station at Pattaya Nua Road (north). Departures to the airport from the bus station in Jomtien are hourly 07:00-21:00 without any stops.

Second class bus

2nd class services (air-con, usually no on-board toilet) don't use the expressways, and make frequent (and sometimes lengthy) stops, hence they take considerably longer than their 1st class counterparts (which at worst will only halt momentarily once or twice to let passengers jump off on the final approaches to their destination). As at June 2006 the 2nd class fare is 100 Baht, so the difference in price doesn't amount to much.

Many 2nd class buses from Bangkok continue on to Pattaya/Jomtien|Jomtien, so may be worth considering if that's your final destination and you're not in a hurry. For travel from Jomtien to Bangkok they have the advantage that they can be flagged down and boarded as they crawl along Jomtien's seafront road (Jomtien Beach Road - Thanon Hat Jomtien), avoiding the need for a preliminary trip to the bus station.

The terminus for 2nd class services to/from Bangkok and other short-haul destinations is on South Pattaya Road, but in training these buses pick up and drop off the majority of their passengers en route. Tickets are sold both at the bus station (although advance booking may not be feasible) and on the bus itself.

The airport bus service from Suvarnabhumi Airport is direct from the airport and terminates at Jomtien Beach Road & Soi Chaiyapruek. It costs 112 Baht. There are 5 return trips either way per day.

From Chiang Mai

Nakhonchai Air buses depart from the Nakhonchai Air Terminal at Chiang Mai's Arcade bus station (behind Terminal 2) regularly throughout the day. Fare is roughly 785 Baht, travel duration is about 11 hr, with no stops longer than 5 min. Buses arrive at Pattaya's Nakhonchai Air Terminal on Sukhumvit Road, about a 60 Baht motorbike taxi ride from Beach Rd.

From/to Hua Hin/Cha-am

Roong Rueang Coach in conjunction with Bell Travel Service runs a daily bus from Hua Hin/Cha-am to Pattaya. It leaves Hua Hin Bus Station (between Sois 96 and 98) daily at 11:00, stopping to pick-up passengers in Cha-am at the bus stop at the Government Savings Bank at 11:30. Fare is 389 Baht. Drop off in Pattaya at the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Road. Buses from Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Road to Hua Hin/Cha-am depart daily at 11:00. Fare is 389 Baht. Drop-off points are the Cha-am intersection (bus stop at Bangkok Bank) and the Hua Hin Bus Station (between Sois 96 and 98). Reservations may be made on-line at the website.

From Udon Thani and points north

The 407 Bus Company runs buses daily from Nong Khai/Udon Thani to Rayong, stopping on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya. Their station in Udon is in front of Bus Terminal Number 1 on a main street. Their last bus departs Udon at 20:50 arriving Pattaya about 06:00. It stops at various places such as Khon Kaen en route, and can be boarded at any stop. A VIP seat is 636 Baht (Oct 2023).

By shuttle van/minivan

• Bangkok - shuttle vanes run between Pattaya and Bangkok's hotels and Khao San Road, offering the convenience of a door-to-door service for around 400 Baht/person. Departure times vary, but 09:00, 12:00, and 17:30 are the most widely advertised. Driving time is about 2 hours, however it can take quite a bit longer overall (especially if you're the first to be collected and the last to be dropped off). One such service runs direct between Pattaya Dynasty Inn (Soi 13) and Bangkok Dynasty Inn (Soi Nana), and can be arranged through the Dynasty Inn reception desks.
• Eastern Bus Terminal next to Ekamai BTS station: vans to Pattaya, 140 Baht each way. T-Tour tel. +66 80 0906540.
• Ban Phe (gateway to Ko Samet) - about 90 minutes, 150-200 Baht; departures typically 07:30, 11:30, 15:00.
• Laem Ngop (gateway to Ko Chang) - about 3 hours, 400-500 Baht; departs 09:00.

It's also feasible to travel by shuttle van to Hat Lek (for the southernmost border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia), but not every day of the week. this service may or may not go via Laem Ngop, depending on overall demand. depart 07:30, arrive around 14:00, 700 Baht, Tuesday and Friday only, but liable to change, so enquire locally for the latest schedule.

Travel agencies (ubiquitous throughout Pattaya) plus many hotels/guesthouses sell shuttle van tickets, and tourist-oriented services such as these invariably include collection from your hotel/guesthouse/wherever (allow extra time for this - times quoted above are approximate transit times and make no allowance for the vagaries of the collection process).

By taxi

Public taxis serving the airport must have a meter, be air-conditioned, and be less than five years old. The driver should have an Airports of Thailand certificate.

To Bangkok - widely advertised in Pattaya at 800 Baht (the lower price is because it'll be a Bangkok cab returning home), and easily arranged through most travel agencies and hotels/accommodations. The driver pays 300 Baht commission to the agency, if you can hail one yourself you might be able to negotiate lower. Minibuses can also be chartered taxi-style from around 1,800 Baht.

From Bangkok - prices range from 1,500 Baht (the official meter-taxi rate) to 1000 Baht; arranged vehicle services will tend toward the higher end, but licensed meter-taxis should be negotiable to the lower end of the range. Allow about 90–120 minutes, depending on where in Bangkok you're coming from; more around rush hour.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport - the official meter-taxi price to Pattaya is 1,050 Baht (1,100 Baht to Jomtien) plus the 60 Baht highway ("motorway" or "expressway") toll (this isn't necessary outside peak times, when travelling down below is just as fast). Allow around 80–90 minutes in favourable conditions.

Scams to watch out for when headed for Bangkok by taxi include being told that the pre-paid price is fully inclusive, but then, on arrival at the first toll booth, being told that the expressway fees are extra.

Many of the more upmarket hotels can arrange (for an additional fee) to have you met at the airport gate by a personal driver with a limousine, thus avoiding the need to negotiate with taxi drivers.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Pattaya

Provided it's a weekday and the most economical way to travel between Pattaya and Bangkok by public transport is by rail. The one-way fare is just 31 Baht, and if you've never experienced a 3rd class (Thai) ordinary Train No. 283/284, this can be an interesting experience.

From Monday to Friday, a single daily 3rd class (non-air-con) train departs Bangkok#Hualamphong Train Station|Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station at 06:50 and arrives at the main Pattaya station at 10:18 before continuing on to Sattahip. It then returns via Pattaya at 14:21 and terminates back in Bangkok at 17:40 (on Saturdays and Sundays it turns back to Bangkok at Chachoengsao, so is of no practical use for getting to or from Pattaya on weekends). Regardless of direction, simply turn up and buy a ticket at the station. This train can't be pre-booked.

The fare from/to Bangkok is 50 Baht, from/to Sattahip 20 Baht.

The surcharge for transporting a bicycle (up to 20 kg) between any two points on this line (i.e., Bangkok-Sattahip) is 80 Baht.

Tickets for other journeys can be purchased (up to a maximum of 60 days in advance) at the Pattaya Train Station ticket office between 08:00 and 16:00. The same tickets can also be arranged through Pattaya agencies, who will add on a 200-300 Baht mark-up to cover their assistance and the cost of sending a moto-taxi to collect the tickets from the station.

Travelling by train although is the most economical, is far less comfortable than travelling by bus (train is non-air-con, not very clean and no toilet). Also travelling by train takes longer time, as much as 3.5 hours compared to bus 1½-2½ hours.

Pattaya has two train stations, both just east of Sukhumvit Rd:

• Pattaya Train Station - This is the main stop. Facilities include a small Snacks and chilled drinks counter, toilets, a solitary payphone, and the ticket office, which also sells maps of Pattaya. At the main Pattaya Train Station, tickets must be bought before boarding and are only sold in the final 30 minutes prior to departure.

Getting there: a songthaew waits here for the train to arrive and charges a reasonable 30 Baht/person to anywhere in the Pattaya Beach area. In the opposite direction, budget around 40-50 Baht for a motorbike taxi from Beach Rd.

• Pattaya Tai Train Station - This is a small unmanned halt about 3 km further south, and hence closer to Pattaya/Jomtien|Jomtien, near the Sukhumvit/Thepprasit Road intersection. As the Pattaya Tai halt has no ticket office, passengers are permitted to board here without tickets and then pay on the train

By ferry

• Pattaya-Hua Hin-Pattaya - A passenger-only ferry service from Pattaya-Hua Hin-Pattaya, started January 2017. The service is operated by Royal Passenger Liner Co, Ltd. It operates three catamarans, each accommodating up to 346 passengers. The ferry leaves Pattaya once daily at 10:00. (May 2017) From Hua Hin it leaves at 12:30. The 116 kilometers journey takes 2 hr. Passengers are discouraged from leaving their seats during the voyage and are not permitted on deck. The reason to take the ferry is to save time, as the excellent 24-passenger bus service between Hua Hin and Pattaya takes 4-5 hr, but only costs 389 Baht and offers more leg room.

How to get around in Pattaya

By songthaew

Apart from a handful of privately operated examples, Pattaya has no Thailand#Tuk-tuk|tuk-tuk]s and most ad hoc local transport is undertaken by a flotilla of over 700 dark blue coloured songthaews - pickup trucks used as buses. The "bus" fare is 10 Baht for trips within Pattaya, for local residents and foreigners. Having the correct change is by no means crucial, but does keep the potential hassle factor to a minimum. In the past, dual pricing applied (5 Baht base fare, but generally only applied to local residents, with a 10 Baht fare for foreigners) and some drivers will short-change you on a 20 Baht note if you don't act like you know what you're doing, but most will return 10 Baht. Avoid asking destination (or talking to the driver at all) when riding a songthaew, as many drivers will charge you a lot of money (100-200 Baht). If you know the direction of where you're going, it's recommended you just wave at the truck to stop, get on the back, and ride the songthaew without talking to the driver. That way you will just pay 10 Baht per person no matter how far you go.

Flat fares only apply when operating as a bus. Beware of the driver of an otherwise empty songthaew, especially one that's parked at the roadside, who might presume (or decide on your behalf) that you want to charter him as a taxi, in which case expect a much higher fare of 100 Baht or more, depending on your negotiating skills. Taxis in Pattaya do not use meters at all, and unless you can speak (Thai), start at 150 Baht and up.

The busiest route is the beach circu from the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya Road, north along Second Road to the Dolphin Circle roundabout; then south along the full length of Beach Rd; then briefly east along South Pattaya Road to complete the loop. Frequency is virtually non-stop, and even at the most unlikely hours, average waiting time is literally no more than a minute, often only a few seconds during daytime hours.

Routes sometimes vary. For example with a left turn (from Beach Road or Second Rd) into Central Pattaya Rd; or no left turn at the Dolphin Circle roundabout (where Second Road, Beach Road and North Pattaya Road meet) and going straight on to Naklua (or even a right turn towards the bus station and Sukhumvit). The only way to know the route for sure is to ask (but don't let the driver mistake your asking as a charter request). Sometimes the driver will just decide to turn down a random soi for no apparent reason, or because he's just been hired as a taxi, but you'll still be expected to pay your 10 Baht if you've ridden for more than a soi or two.

It's also easy to catch songthaews along South Pattaya Road, Central Pattaya Road, and North Pattaya Rd. In the latter case and there's often a songthaew waiting at the Dolphin Circle roundabout (they depart from here at regular intervals, or when full, and the fare to the bus station is 10 Baht) and there's also a free songthaew service to the Lotus supermarket on North Pattaya Rd.

For Jomtien, songthaews wait at the beginning of Pratamnak Road (the continuation of Second Road, from the South Pattaya Road crossroads), and charge 10 Baht.

For Naklua, take a songthaew up Second Road to the Dolphin Roundabout (10 Baht). If the songthaew turns left or right at the roundabout (i.e., it's not one of the few that continue straight on to Naklua), disembark immediately and cross to the north side of the roundabout, and either walk or take a northbound songthaew (10 Baht) from there.

White coloured songthaews ply Sukhumvit Road, going as far as Si Racha and Sattahip (20 Baht). Full-size buses to destinations as far away as Trat and even Chiang Mai also stop and pick up passengers on Sukhumvit Road (at the South Pattaya Road, Central Pattaya Road, and North Pattaya Road junctions).

If you're overcharged by a songthaew driver, note the three digit vehicle number (top left corner of the windscreen, also stencilled on both sides and in the back) and report the problem to:

• Pattaya City Manager: dial +66 38 429216.
• Banglamung District Baht Bus Cooperative: dial +66 38 221271, +66 38 423554.

By local bus

A local bus company, called Beach Bus, runs a circular route: Pattaya Floating Market - Chaiyapruek - Jomtien Beach Road - Thappraya – Pattaya Second Road – Dolphin Roundabout – Northern Bus Terminal – City Hall – Pattaya Beach Road – Walking Street - Thappraya - Jomtien Beach Road - Chaiyapruek - Pattaya Floating Market. Tickets cost 30 Baht.

By motorbike taxi

The quickest way to get around is by motorcycle (motosai). A moto-taxi will be less expensive than a songthaew charter or taxi, but, annoyingly, still overpriced by Thailand standards (more expensive than a metered air-conditioned taxi in Bangkok), and arguably less safe. Roadside moto-taxi stands are scattered throughout town, and waiting drivers usually clap their hands or sometimes call out to attract the attention of potential passengers; alternatively just flag down the next available one that cruises by, as the drivers are easily identified by their coloured vests. Some will carry two, or more, passengers although this is illegal. Foreign Muslims can expect to pay around 30-40 Baht for trips around the inner parts of town (you will likely have to bargain for this price, though, especially if you don't speak any Thai), 60-80 Baht for longer distances.

By taxi

Meter-taxis are a common sight in and around Pattaya, however none of them will accept a fare using the meter. The minimum for a foreigner is usually 150 Baht - even 1 km hops. All are from Bangkok; their drivers bring passengers from the capital, and then operate locally until a return fare becomes available. There are also some vehicle services and non-metered taxis that operate on an on-call basis; shuttle vanes can also be chartered. These services are suited primarily to longer trips outside the core of the town or to another city, and can be arranged through most travel agencies and many hotels/accommodations.Expect to pay considerably more than the cost of a songthaew charter, probably in the order of a few hundred Baht. If you are going back to Bangkok and there is the affordable possibility of catching a taxi which has just came from there (with some passengers) and has to return. Since the driver isn’t going to get a passenger as soon as he leaves Pattaya, he’ll be willing to take back a passenger for affordable which should cost you no more than 800-1200 Baht.

By car

If considering renting a vehicle, bear in mind that traffic in Pattaya can seem very erratic by GCC standards, and that driving on the left can be confusing not only for those who have previously only ever driven on the right, but also for those unfamiliar with the common (Thai) training (even the police do this) of motorcycling alongside the kerb on the "oncoming" side of the road, or the wrong way up one-way streets. The latter problem is especially prevalent in the Pattaya Bay area, where the majority of the roads in the main tourism zones are one-way; and the northern section of Second Road requires great care as some treat the right-hand "bus" lane as oncoming, while others do not.

Motorcycles, bicycles and electric bicycles rental

Motorcycle rentals are a very popular way to get around, but not the safest, especially in the case of visitors with limited previous experience of motorcycling and Eastern traffic habits, and even more so in Pattaya given the large number of motorcycle-mounted holidaymakers who seem hell-bent on a Darwin Award. Also note that a motorcyclist carrying a shoulder bag, and anything placed in the front basket of a motorcycle, makes an especially easy target for bag-snatchers. Also beware the "No Parking" signs; fines are typically 400-500 Baht.

Motorbikes can be rented without difficulty at countless locations in Pattaya, including many hotels and guesthouses, usually without having to produce a licence; however it's common for foreigners to be asked to deposit their passports as security. To avoid this, simply shop around until you find one of the many places that will accept a photocopy instead. Cash deposits are also often required, with 1,000 Baht being common. Motorcycle rentals do not include insurance, and both motorcycling accidents and motorbike thefts are common. Some outlets have a third-party cover which covers you for medical attention. If motorbikes don't carry this insurance they are illegal and should not be entertained. One company offering this cover is Nittayas who operates from Soi 12 Naklua.

There are many places where you can hire bicycles, prices start at 150 Baht per day. Besides, it's also feasible to rent electric bicycles for 150 Baht, which don't require a helmet or a drivers license. Punctures can be repaired for 40 Baht or a new inner tube fitted for 150 Baht at bicycle repair shop on Soi Buakhao, directly opposite Princess Bar. Another bicycle repair shop can be found if turn left at end of Soi Buakhao onto South Pattaya Road, shop on left just before traffic lights with 3rd road.

Cars and jeeps rental

Cars can easily be rented, and are a good way to explore beyond the city limits, but they are not such a practicable way to get around the busiest central areas as traffic can be congested, and parking spaces can be difficult to find in the evening and on weekends. However and the major supermarkets offer free parking, and low-cost parking is available at the major shopping venues such as Royal Garden Plaza, Central Festival, & Big C on Second Road.

Rentals without insurance start from around 800 Baht/day for small cars, and from as little as 600 Baht/day for open-top jeeps; cars with insurance start at just under 1,000 Baht/day, and come down to around 5,600 Baht/week or 18,000 Baht/month in low season. High season prices (from early November) are generally a few hundred Baht more.

Getting the correct type of insurance cover on any rental vehicle in Thailand is extremely important. Commercial "Car Rental Company" first-class insurance provides the absolute full legal cover as opposed to limited personal or third party-only insurance cover. Request a copy of the policy document and check that it states "For Commercial Use".

Quads rental

• Imac ATV Centre - Has a small fleet of assorted models. Prices start at 1,500 Baht/day for a 4-stroke 150 cc quad with road tyres that can carry two people; rates for larger models (some with off-road tyres) go as high as 3,000 Baht/day.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Pattaya

Regular ferries depart from

• Bali Hai Pier to nearby Ko Lan|Ko Lan island, trip costs 30 Baht per person and takes about half an hour. Some of the ferries go to Na Baan pier on the Pattaya side of the island; others go to Tawaen Beach pier on the far side of the island.

Besides, it's also feasible to charter there a private boat going to #Island day-tripping|Ko Khrok island (2 kilometers east of Ko Lan) or #Island day-tripping|Ko Phai, and other islands in the Ko Phai group.

What to see in Pattaya

Many attractions marketed as being in Pattaya are actually located in Jomtien, Sattahip and Si Racha.

Animals and zoos

• The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm - อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา - Features an exotic zoo and crocodiles, fire-swallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Its grounds are landscaped with flowering and rock gardens. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows 7 times a day from 09:00-17:00.

• Pattaya Elephant Village - หมู่บ้านช้างพัทยา - This elephant camp focuses on the daily lives of elephants and their keepers and also offers stage shows demonstrating how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football, and a grand war elephants parade. The shows are held daily at 14:30 and last one hour. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 08:00-17:30 for 900 Baht/person and rafting/trekking for three-hours is available from 10:00-15:30 at 1,800 Baht/person.

Beaches

The 3 km long Pattaya Beach GPS 12.9389, 100.8835 runs alongside the city. The beach is full of life with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls all along the road facing the beach. The street south of Beach Road, Walking St, comes alive with rock music as the night sets in. People throng the street to experience the night life, which is unique in all respects. There are hundreds of organic juice bars, go-go bars, discothèques around the area. Muay (Thai), or (Thai) Boxing, in open arenas in some of the organic juice bars adds to the carnival atmosphere.

Jomtien Beach, more popular with families, is in the southern part of the urban area, and separated from Pattaya Bay by Buddha hill. Jomtien, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, is calmer and more serene compared with Pattaya. Jomtien is also popular for its amusement park and tower, to keep children entertained. The 1 km long, Wong Phrachan Beach, at the north end of Pattaya Beach is a favourite among swimmers.

There are acres of sand jam-packed with deck chairs (recliners) and umbrellas (usually with an "in-house" supply of soft-drinks), serviced by an army of laid-back but tenacious hawkers offering anything and everything from food (especially seafood, fruit, ice cream) to massage, manicure/pedicure, tattoos, lottery tickets, newspapers, herbs, flowers, gems, perfumes, sunglasses, CDs, watches, lighters, clothes, toys, souvenirs, handicrafts and so on. Eventually you buy a pair of very dark sunglasses and just pretend to be asleep.

Pattaya Beach is almost 3 km long and bordered by Beach Rd. Due to its central location and proximity to several hundred hotels, and because it's a relatively narrow strip of sand, it's crowded at the best of times (and even more so at high tide). Hefty fines for littering help keep the sand neat and tidy, however the sea is not so clean.

The north end of Pattaya Bay is occupied by Wong Amat Beach GPS 12.9620, 100.8846, which is accessed from Naklua; and beyond the southern end, around the Buddha Hill headland that separates Pattaya Bay from Jomtien, are several more smaller beaches.

Naklua Bay is immediately north of Pattaya Bay, with Rachvate Cape separating the two. Naklua Beach GPS 12.9523, 100.8828, to the far north, is the main strip, with the smaller Crescent Moon Beach GPS 12.9711, 100.8866 and then Palm Beach GPS 12.9712, 100.8845 further south. Beyond them is Wong Amat Beach which occupies the northern end of Pattaya Bay, but is accessed from Naklua. All are generally cleaner and more suitable for quiet relaxation than Pattaya Beach.

• Wong Phra Chan Beach - หาดวงพระจันทร์ | This small tranquil 1 kilometre beach is on the north side of Pattaya Bay. The serene atmosphere here is attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy.

Sacred places

• Ban Sukhawadee - บ้านสุขาวดี - This is the residence of Dr. Panya Chotithewan. Visitors can enter the house to pay respect to the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin, to see the spacious conference room and the roof.

• Buddha Hill - เขาพระตำหนัก หรือ เขาพระบาท Khao Phra Tam Nak | Buddha Hill is one of the highest points in Pattaya. At the summit is the biggest Buddha statue in Pattaya, and nearby is a beautiful Chinese-style sacred area dedicated to Confucius and Lao-zi. The next hill, just across Phra Tam Nak Road, has the best Pattaya Bay coastline viewpoint and is also worth a visit, especially for sunsets. The local residents come here to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat atop the hill and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is regarded as the founding father of the modern (Thai) navy.

• Chaloemphrakiat Park - สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติ | A park at the foot of Khao Pattaya. With an area of 6 acres and the park was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King's sixtieth birthday on 5 Dec 1988. The gardens of the park boast a wide variety of flowering plants and offer a scenic view of Pattaya. There are also multi-purpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities. It is not at all obvious how to access the gardens of the park from the summit, and those from overseas should ask a local for guidance.

• Sanctuary of Truth - ปราสาทสัจธรรม - This huge ancient-style wooden temple is by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, north Pattaya. The entrance is at Soi 12, Na Kluea Rd. The Sanctuary of Truth was first begun in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan and the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite an unique architectural features and the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It is an unfinished project, but worth a visit even now.

Muslim Friendly Theme Parks in Pattaya

• Mini Siam - เมืองจำลองพัทยา - Mini Siam features miniature replicas of iconic structures from Thailand and all over the world. It is one of the most famous model villages in the world. It celebrates the legacys of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai, etc. Miniature replicas of the Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called "mini-world".

• Siriphon Orchid Farm - สวนกล้วยไม้ศิริพร | Inside the farm are various kinds of orchids to be admired and purchased such as Pompadua, Vanda, Golden Shower, and Cattleya.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Pattaya

Pattaya's main beaches are popular and busy places for activities. Some of these include banana-boat rides, jet-skiing, water-skiing, para-sailing, windsurfing, and the like; anyone who just wants to enjoy a simple swim or a good splash around with a Frisbee or rented inner tube will always find themselves with plenty of company as well.

Cabaret

Pattaya is well known for its katoey cabaret (aka ladyboy or transvestite) shows. Two of the best known (expect busloads of Asian tourists) are:

• Tiffany's Show - ทิฟฟานี่ โชว์ - Tiffany's is a muslim-friendly ladyboy cabaret show. The 19:30 show is generally deemed to be the best of the night. After the show there the ladyboys would gather outside available for photos sessions with interested audience. However, be aware that taking photos with the ladyboy means you are obligated to give the ladyboy tips as much as 40 Baht to 100 Baht depending on the rank of the ladyboy (front row ladyboys are more costly to take photos with than the back rows). Some ladyboys offers free photos session though.

Cinemas

Cinemas in Thailand tend to be severely air-conditioned - bring a long sleeve shirt, or jacket, or both! Otherwise and the four large mall cinemas in Pattaya are mostly up to GCC standards. Some (but by no means all) Thai-language films are subtitled in English (check the billing at the theatre) and some films will have both subtitled and non-subtitled showings. Visitors must stand up during the national anthem.

• Major Cineplex | Shows similar movies to the SFX cinema in Central Festival but is about 20 Baht cheaper. Regular ticket for 120 Baht (80 Baht on Wednesdays).

• SFX Cinema - Multiplex with 10 theatres on the 6th floor of the Central Festival shopping complex. Regular ticket for 140 Baht (120 Baht on Wednesdays), larger seat 20 Baht more, fancy sofa seat at the very back, 500 Baht. One theatre has first class seats for 600 Baht (including popcorn and a soft drink).

• SF Cinema City | This cinema has six theatres with ticket prices around 90 Baht, slightly more at weekends; this has increasingly been showing Thai-soundtrack-only films (including dubbed versions of foreign films and no-English-subtitle releases of (Thai) films).

Book a Diving trip in Pattaya

As with most coastal towns in Thailand, Pattaya is a good place for diving. The diving is done mostly on the near islands, Ko Larn, Ko Sak, Ko Krok. Once in a while the dive centres go out to the far islands, Ko Rin and Koh Wichai.

The diving off Pattaya is also known for its numerous wrecks: the HTMS Kut, HTMS Kram and the Bremen, and the Harddeep.

• DA scuba - Aquanauts CDC - DA Scuba is one of the oldest dive centres in Pattaya, which are running daily trips to the near islands, far islands and wrecks.

Entertainment

• Art in Paradise - This is an “illusion” art museum that features ten galleries – the Camouflage Room, Under the Ocean Room, Wildlife Room, Classical Art Room, Civilization Room, Surrealism Room, Dinosaur Room, Waterfall Room, Scenery Room, and Exhibition of Art Room. Great Muslim Friendly place for any one who loves to snap selfies!

• Bowling Plus - previously Pattaya Bowl | 20 bowling lanes. Also has 6 swimmingpool tables plus 2 full-size snooker tables for 120 Baht/hour.

• Paintball Park - Decent field; helpful English speaking manager.

• Pattaya Kart Speedway - พัทยาคาร์ท สปีดเวย์ | A kart racing circuit where there are separate lanes for professionals and amateurs, and there is a separate "off-road" track.

• P.S. Bowling - junction of Central Pattaya Road and Second Road, above TOPS Supermarket

• Ripley's Believe It Or Not - At the same location there's also a "Haunted Experience" show, a 4D movie theatre and "Infinity Maze" game. Various combination tickets available to enter all four.

• Tiffany's Shooting Range | The only indoor shooting range in Pattaya with 19 lanes. Minimum age 18. Try the Glock or AK47.

Festivals

• New Year's Day | 1 Jan has been adopted as New Year's Day. On the first of January, people offer food to monks at the temple or at a particular site designated by government offices of private organizations.

• Songkran - Mid-April. Songkran is the (Thai) New Year, celebrated primarily by everyone throwing prodigious quantities of water at anything that moves. Pattaya officially celebrates Songkran on later dates (April 18–19) than most of the rest of the nation (April 13–15) - but in reality the fun just starts early and keeps on going that much longer. During this period many hotels and guest houses have high occupancy levels, and public transport services (especially buses to/from Bangkok) are very busy, with more frequent than normal departures but also with appreciable delays due to the general mayhem on the roads. Songkran in Pattaya follows the same overall pattern as seen elsewhere in Thailand, but is especially vigorous in areas such as Soi 7 and Soi 8. Expect to get very wet indeed and you're unlikely to be disappointed - regardless of where you go or what else you actually plan to do. Although things calm down considerably after dusk, it's still worth keeping anything that could easily be damaged (especially cameras, mobile telephones, passports etc) in plastic bags.

• Pattaya Festival | Mid-April. The Pattaya Festival has floral floats, a Miss Pattaya Beauty contest, a traditional aquatic sports competitions, castles, a fireworks display, fire crackers, arts and cultural performances, exhibitions and souvenirs for sale. Don't expect an "authentic" festival, this is basically a festival to promote Pattaya as a popular seaside destination for tourists.

Forest canopy zip lining

For those who want adventure combined with the experience of seeing a rain forest canopy, this adventure tour is ideal. It involves zip lining over the forest canopy and getting a thrill that is in a league of its own. The tour operates twice daily: one starting around 07:00 and the other around noon. Total time including travel is about 5 hours of which about 2–3 hours will be spent in the forest. Can be booked through one of the many tour operator shops or on-line at ] Cost can vary from 2,100-2,500 Baht depending on where you book, your ability to negotiate and the supply-demand situation.

Golf

• The Mini Golf Pub | 18 holes, refreshments available; their cat sometimes acts as a self-propelled obstacle.

• Pattaya City Golf | at the Nova Lodge Hotel on Beach Road, next to the junction with Pattaya Central Road. 18 holes, plus chipping, driving and putting areas for the more serious golfer; refreshments served at the waterfront bar; caddy service available.

Island day-tripping

• Ko Khrok - or Krok | 2 km east of Ko Laan, is an isolated rocky islet with a single 100 metre stretch of sandy beach to the east, where visitors can see coral reefs.

• Ko Phai - หมู่เกาะไผ่ or Bamboo Island | Ko Phai, and other islands in the Ko Phai group, Ko Klung Badan (or Krung Badan), Ko Luam (or Leom), Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin (or Lin) - are preferred destinations for scuba divers, and are also popular for general relaxation, fishing, swimming and snorkeling day trips. This area is controlled by the Royal (Thai) Navy, and overnight stays are not permitted. For a return speedboat charter from one of the mainland beaches or Bali Hai Pier (approx. 23 kilometers/2 hours), expect to pay 2,500-4,000 Baht; possibly less from Ko Laan.

Muay Thai

• Pattaya Muay (Thai) Academy - พัทยา มวยไทย สถานศึกษา เมืองพัทยา ประเทศไทย - A popular muay (Thai) camp that is open to everyone for fitness, self-defence and fighter training. The gym is fully matted, including a large open training area, a boxing ring, several punch and kick bags as well as fitness equipment. Accommodation is available in camp and the instructors are multilingual, free Wi-Fi for clients, and the option of fighting at muay (Thai) stadiums.

Performances

• Open Eyes Show - เปิดหู เปิดตาโชว์ | "The Great Experience Behind The Magical", a lot of technological magic and illusion shows. It is a magic performance in various styles such as Aladdin and the Mermaid, Invisible Woman and the Wonderland, etc.

• Tuxedo Magic Castle - ปราสาทเวทมนต์ ทักซิโด - It is a magic theatre in the form of a split-level restaurant. There are series of shows such as making an umbrella out of cards.

Watersports

Speedboat-towed parachute rides are available along the main beaches, and in Pattaya Bay from several large floating platforms with speedboats ferrying clients out from the shore. Typically about 500 Baht.

• Pattaya Lake Land Cable Ski - Lake Land Cable Ski is a manmade, freshwater lake beside Sukhumvit Road, not far from Jomtien Beach. Water skiing and wakeboarding.

Study in Pattaya

Training in scuba diving and trips for a wide range of ability levels and interests, certified by a number of different organisations, including both NAUI and PADI, are available through numerous dive shops.

• Language and (Thai) Cultural School | Teaches languages (Thai - rates depend on group size), (Thai) cookery (10 hours - 3,900 Baht + ingredients), fruit carving (10 hours - 3,900 Baht + materials, Ministry of Education certification available after 30 hours), (Thai) massage (10 hours - 3,900 Baht), and yoga/meditation (5 hours - 1,900 Baht).

• YachtPro Sailing School - ASA (American Sailing Association) sailing courses, based at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Pattaya

There are numerous malls, supermarkets, bazaar-style markets, and thousands of other shops. Sadly, you'll be seeing a lot of the same stuff over and over again — there's no endless variety in Pattaya. Also, Pattaya is not a good place to go shopping for hi-tech products, such as cameras and computers—expect to see prices around 50% higher than the best prices advertised in the West. Also beware of buying fake branded and designer goods, since these could be confiscated by customs officers at the airport.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged for (Thai) Baht at the many exchange booths which can be found in all areas popular with tourists — there are even mobile exchanges/ATMs in specially adapted minivans that are set up as and when and where the need arises. Note that the majority of exchange booths will buy foreign currency but will not sell it — if you need to obtain US dollars, for example if you're going to Cambodia, use one of the larger branches of a major bank, such as the Bangkok Bank branch on Second Road (almost opposite Soi 6).

ATMs are widely available around the city, however and the vast majority of them now charge a steep 180 Baht fee for using foreign cards, on top of what your home bank normally charges. The only exception was until 2014, Aeon bank but they now charge 150 Baht. Their ATMs are located at the ground floor of Carrefour near KFC, Central Pattaya Road (around 400m up from the Second Road crossing), near Homework Furniture Mall entrance (just behind Big C on South Pattaya/Sukhumvit Road intersection, accessible by 10 Baht songthaews parked near Second Road intersection), and in Lotus at South Pattaya. Also at Lotus on North Pattaya Road on the ground floor.

Visit a Muslim Friendly Mall in Pattaya

• Central Festival - One of the largest malls in Asia. It is the best shopping mall in the region and now attracts clients from all over, adding to the traffic chaos of Beach Rd. Fashion, electronics, health & beauty, kids activities and food are all here. With the obligatory cinema complex and bowling alley on the top floor, this mega-mall is styled on the big Bangkok destination shopping areas like Siam Paragon. The Food Loft has the best view of the bay and great variety at reasonable prices. The anchor store is Central Department Store itself, offering high-end designer labels from abroad and Thailand. A supermarket and budget food hall is in the basement. Enter from Soi 9, Pattaya Beach Road or on Second Road after the new View Talay complex. Easy to find, just look for the traffic jams.

• Mike Shopping Mall - The ground floor has many small stalls selling clothing, souvenirs and many other affordable items; above that there's a department store; on the 5th floor there's a food court; and up on the roof (10th floor) there's a public swimming pool.

• P.S. Plaza and Tops supermarket - A Tops supermarket and a cooked food outlet occupies most of the ground floor; billiards, books, private massage, and a handful of other shops on the first floor; and P.S. Bowling on the second floor.

• Tukcom - A predominantly IT mall. In the basement is a Tops supermarket, a food court, and various other (mostly clothes) shops as well as a spare parts department that sells a variety of electronics (e.g., transistors) and other parts (e.g., washing machine lint filters), and the ground floor hosts an assortment of regular shops. However the upper floors are almost exclusively mobile phones (1st floor), computer software and MP3/video CDs (4th floor), and computers and handheld electronics (2nd/3rd/5th floors). Prices are significantly higher than in Bangkok though.

• Lotus Pattaya Nuea - sells most things you need including hundreds of Halal food items.

Markets

There are many bazaar-style markets in Pattaya where you can haggle 'till you drop, including:

• Made In Thailand Night Bazaar | Despite the name, it is also open in mornings.

• The Market Pattaya | This market is a little lonely, but some evenings it has students giving music or dance performances on a small stage.

• Soi Buakhao Market - Daytime on Tuesdays and Fridays; plus an evening market further along the same road.

Miscellaneous

• Gems Gallery - One of several "World's Biggest" jewellery stores, this one also has a theme park.

• Jo Fishing Tackle Shop | Small/mid-size shop absolutely packed to the gills(!) in a well-organised fashion with all manner of fishing tackle, owner doesn't speak much English, but is very friendly and helpful.

• KC Gallery | The best and biggest art gallery shop.

• Narai Art Gallery | A local crafts shop which doubles as a nice restaurant.

• Liam's Gallery | Exhibits and sells original art works from Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Pattaya

• Art galleries are also considered to be rising business in Pattaya, most of the places will offer variety works and services including custom orders and art reproductions. These galleries in Pattaya have reputations in affordable prices and fine quality artist skills.
• Convenience stores are everywhere, especially 7-Eleven and FamilyMart shops (all open 24/7), plus countless independents. If you use the family run shops the prices aren't always marked but should be the same, or just a Baht or two higher.
• Gold shops abound, with concentrations around the market on South Pattaya Road and around Central Pattaya Road near Second Road, plus numerous jewellery shops towards the south end of Beach Rd. Small jewellery shops can also be found as part of supermarkets.
• Tailor shops Are everywhere, offering men's clothes, but quality is variable. Ideally, make sure you get two fittings before buying.
• Tea Village - Very good tea, more than 80 flavours and they also sell more than 6 flavours of Coffee beans. Prices on herbal teas start from 39 Baht per 100 grams, on green Oolong Tea from 70 Baht, Coffee 30 Baht per 100 grams.

Halal Restaurants in Pattaya

There are many Halal restaurants, food carts, food courts, food markets, motorcycle-sidecar hotdog and meatball vendors, fruit sellers both mobile and stationary, even a roaming Coffee peddling tuk-tuk.

Chonburi Province has a lot of fresh seafood and dried fruits. As there are a lot of people from the Isaan region living and working in Pattaya and there is an abundance of northeastern favourites such as spicy papaya salad (som tam) and spicy-sour chopped Beef salad (larb).

• Parsa Restaurant | Iranian restaurant serving high quality modern and traditional Persian food including y- Halal Kebab and khoresht. Iranian drinks like doogh as well.

Vegetarian

• Chinese Vegetarian Cafe - 3rd Road near turn to Thappraya Road, in the Blind Massage Centre building

• Five Star J. Restaurant - A small middle-range indoor place that's 100% lacto-vegetarian and has a Vegetarian owner/manager who speaks good English; also caters for vegans.

• J Vegetarian Restaurant 256/10 Moo 5, Soi 20, Naklua Road Next to Sousiree Massage, near Dusit Resort Hotel

• Thammachart Vegetarian Restaurant - Basic café-style budget place, also has a very small Vegetarian supplies shop. Not much English spoken, but does have a bilingual menu.

• Vegetarian Cafe on Central Road | Between 2nd and 3rd Road, it has a big yellow-red sign

• Vegetarian Club of Pattaya - Meets at 18:00 on the second Tuesday of every month for an "international Vegetarian adventure buffet" (199 Baht, reservations required - at Café New Orleans, Soi Pattayaland 2 (Soi 13/4).

Muslim Friendly hotels in Pattaya

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Stay safe as a Muslim in Pattaya

Traffic

For most people and the most hazardous aspect of visiting Pattaya is the traffic. The top three accident black spots are:

• Dolphin Roundabout (intersection of Beach Road, Second Road, North Pattaya Road and Naklua Rd)
• junction of Beach Road and Central Pattaya Rd
• junction of Beach Road / Walking Street and South Pattaya Rd

Most accidents in Pattaya involve motorbikes, and are especially common late at night and in the early hours of the morning, when drunk driving is a significant problem. Be careful on the roads, even if you're just crossing one on foot (and be equally careful both on and off pedestrian crossings, as (Thai) drivers generally ignore them, and many foreigners seem to approach them with the hope of scoring double points); be careful on the pavements too - obstacles apparently purpose-engineered to trip up as many people as feasible are commonplace, and motorcyclists use footpaths as short cuts with impunity. When riding in the back of an otherwise empty songthaew, it's probably safest to sit directly behind the cab.

In the event of an accident and the injured are usually bundled into the back of the next available songthaew or pickup truck or even onto the back of a motorbike (now you know why Pattaya has so many songthaews, why Thailand is the world's biggest pickup truck market, and why so many Thais ride motorbikes).

A completely different genre of traffic-related accident was highlighted by a fatality in January 2006 when a surfacing diver was hit by a speedboat propeller near Ko Laan. Unfortunately and the popularity of Pattaya's beaches combined with a relatively relaxed attitude to safety concerns in general means that swimmers and divers (and even sunbathers on the beach!) being struck by speedboats and jet skis is not such a rare occurrence. Stick to swimming in the 4 or 5 areas cordoned off with red and white booms and you should be safe as boats and jet skis are unable to enter.

Scams in Pattaya

Some of the scams to be wary of:

• Jet-skiing rentals are available along all the popular beaches, with rates starting around 600 Baht for 30 minutes. A common scam involves some operators attempting to collect surcharges for supposed damage - call the Tourist Police (1155) if necessary.

Police

The main police station is on Beach Road (at the junction of Soi 9); dial 191, or ☎ +66 38 420802 (-5). For Bang Lamung Police Station, dial ☎ +66 38 221331.

The Tourist Police ☎ 1155, on Pratamnak Rd. They are now located next door to the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) Information Office, exactly 1 km south of the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya Road — proceed along Pratamnak Road, continue straight up the hill, and where the road bears sharp right part way up, turn sharp left into the small side soi. Alternatively and their mobile minivan office which sets up every evening at the junction of Walking St, South Pattaya Road, and Beach Road is much easier to reach.

The Pattaya Tourist Police advise that in theory foreigners should carry their passports with them at all times, however they also suggest that in having a good photocopy (personal details page, visa and entry stamp pages, and TM card) is acceptable.

Health

Pattaya has several hospitals and dentists of a high standard. It's a good place to get medical treatment at reasonable cost. Thailand gets a lot of health tourists. Bangkok Hospital (Pattaya) even has a Snoring Clinic for anyone trying to cure a snoring problem, including potentially dangerous sleep apnea for which they offer CPAP therapy.

• DMED Hearing - This is possibly the best audiologist in Pattaya. They sell several well known International brands of hearing aids including bluetooth models.

• Fascino pharmacy - opposite Lotus on North Pattaya Road - This is possibly the largest and best stocked pharmacy in Pattaya

Cope

Airlines

Various online and print resources give Pattaya addresses for Kuwait Airways, Orient Thai/Orient Express/One-Two-Go and (Thai) Russian Air Service — however all these offices have been closed. The following airlines still have offices in place:

• Bangkok Airways - ☎ +66 38 412-382
• Thai-Airways International - ☎ +66 38 420-995 (-97) opening from Monday to Saturday 09:00-17:00

Immigration

The Pattaya Immigration Office is now housed in new premises near the inland end of Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road. Opening hours are 08:30-16:30 weekdays, 08:30-12:00 (extensions/notifications only) on Saturdays (☎ +66 38 252-750); casual but smart attire is OK, however entry in swimwear or without a shirt is not permitted.

Entry permit extensions are processed on a same day (if applied for before noon — collect after 15:00) or next working day (if applied for after noon). On Saturdays, previous applications can be collected, and new applications can be submitted (for collection next working day). For most nationalities, 30 day entry permit stamps and 60 day visas will usually be extended for an additional 30 days (further extensions beyond 90 days are sometimes feasible). In all cases and the 30 day extension fee is 1,900 Baht, and two passport photos must be supplied. Photocopies (5 Baht) and photos (100 Baht for two) are available from a shop inside the immigration office compound (these prices are about four times as much as can easily be found elsewhere). Note that entry permit extensions are discretionary, and must be applied for in person. Shorter extensions are likely to be issued to nationalities who do not qualify for "visa free" entry; longer extensions are issued in certain circumstances.

Travel Next from Pattaya

Nearby destinations suitable for day trips include:

• Bang Saen - see what Thais do at the beach
• Chonburi - one of the local festivals like the Buffalo Race may justify a day trip
• Jomtien - officially a part of Pattaya, this beach front is more mellow and popular among families and expats
• Ko Laan - small island close to Pattaya
• Ko Sak - small island just north of Ko Laan
• Ko Samet - quiet white beaches
• Ko Si Chang - small nearby island, not focused on beach life
• Laem Chabang
• Rayong - some of the best beaches on the eastern coast
• Sattahip - hosts many attractions that are marketed to tourists as being in Pattaya
• Si Racha - open-air zoos, a large butterfly garden and many golf courses
• Trat near Cambodia coastal border and gateway to Ko Chang, Thailand's second largest island.