Travel to Pattaya with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Pattaya with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Pattaya is one of Thailands most commercially developed beach resorts, just 47kms east of Bangkok. It began as an R&R capital for American troops during the Vietnam War and has retained its legacy of go-go clubs, beer bars and massage parlours. The tourism boom of the 1980s exhausted the infrastructure, leaving the beaches in the area quite unpleasant, despite modern efforts at clean-up. However, Pattaya is still home to many international resorts and is crowded primarily with sex tourists.

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Key Attractions

There are a few daytime sights, with the most culturally significant one being Wat Khao Prayai. This small temple complex high above town to the south offers some amazing views and features a 10-metre-high golden Buddha. Kids will enjoy the Ripleys Believe It or Not showcase in the Royal Garden Plaza, as well as the Pattaya Elephant Village.

Of course, the beach is an attraction for many, with most of the bustle on Pattaya Bay. Here, you’ll find high-rise hotels and plenty of beach loungers for rent. There are also water sports on offer, including jet skiing and parasailing. The usual vendors are on hand, offering massages, drinks and souvenirs. Additionally, scuba diving is available in the area, with several shops to choose from.

Out and About

The neighbouring Jomtien Beach is a popular alternative to Pattaya. It has fewer seedy bars and cleaner, less crowded beaches. Alternatively, Nong Nooch, 18kms from Pattaya, is home to a massive botanical garden and elephant park with daily performances. Farther afield (185kms) is Ban Phe, the mainland gateway to the tiny island of Koh Samet. The island is a national park and is just one kilometre wide.

Leisure Options

There are plenty of excellent restaurants with delicious and spicy Thai food here, as well as pulsating bars with eager Thai ladies. A traditional Thai massage at a reputable establishment should not be missed. Additionally, Pattaya’s cabaret shows are touristy but good fun. Beautiful katoeys (transvestites and transsexuals) dress up elaborately and perform skits, song and dance.

Safety

Pattaya has an active katoey (transvestite and transsexual) scene and sometimes you might get more than you bargained for if you mistake one of these ‘third sex’ people for a woman. Stories of drinks laced with drugs and theft by prostitutes are prolific, so you should keep your wits about you if you choose to partake in the seedy nightlife. Prostitutes have a high incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance.

Weather in Pattaya

The best time to visit is November to February with temperatures of 20-30C. You will find humidity around 50% and short, sharp showers. February to May brings humidity of 75%, temperatures from 30-40C and spectacular thunderstorms. June to October is very wet with heavy and prolonged rain and humidity of around 90%

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