Pattaya > In and Around Pattaya - In and Around
In Pattaya
Pattaya is easily divided into two main areas, Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach. Both of these beaches at Pattaya and Jomtien do not match the beauty and tranquility of many of Thailand’s islands and Southern coastline and do not seem to be the major feature of the area, rather sunbathing seems to be a way of passing the time in-between sampling Pattaya’s numerous daytime activities and nightlife. Pattaya Beach is by far the busier of the two areas, with the main nightlife scene and the accompanying greater variety of restaurants and accommodation. This is the area that the real party animals visit for it’s infamous nightlife, though during the day it is certainly quieter and offers many activities, attractions and facilities that are suitable for families.
Jomtien Beach is further south along the coastline and is generally the place for families and those people that do not need to be in the middle of the action, or at least prefer a little distance from it. From Jomtien Beach to Pattaya Beach its just a short songtaew (baht bus) journey so its easily reachable for visitors that want to experience the best of the area in the daytime or become tempted to sample its neon lit nightlife. Jomtien Beach of course does have a nightlife scene, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants along the waterfront, but there is less variety and abundance of establishments than in the main Pattaya Beach area.
Around Pattaya
Pattaya is flanked by the two provinces of Sri Racha and Rayong, lying to the north and south east of Pattaya respectively. Sri Racha is a long stretch of coastline that is becoming a popular retirement destination for expatriates that want to locate close to Pattaya and Bangkok but prefer to live somewhere a little quieter. Though there is some excellent beaches in this province it serves for tourists mainly as a departure point for boats to nearby Koh Si Chang, and it’s two smaller neighbouring islands of Kham Yai and Khang Kao. If you have some spare time in Sri Racha one very popular attraction worth visiting is the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, home to over 100 Bengal Tigers and featuring daily crocodile and elephant shows.
Rayong is one of Thailand’s major provinces for industrial and agricultural industries, also boasting over 100 kilometres of pristine coastline, much of it undeveloped and overlooked by foreign tourists though it is a popular area for Thai visitors on a break from the nearby provinces and Bangkok. Much like Sri Racha, most visitors to Rayong just pass through the province on the way to an island location, in this case the nearby Koh Samet that is easily reached by boat from the pier in the Rayong town of Bang Phe.
Areas and islands around Pattaya
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