Pattaya lies 147km southeast of Bangkok on the northeast coast of the Gulf of Thailand. In 1950 there was little here other than a small fishing village. It was unspoiled and unsophisticated yet in 40 short years it has become a city in its own right.
More than 30 offshore islands stretch around Pattaya within a radius of some 48km, from around Si Racha in the north to Sattahip in the south. A few islands are off-limits as they are under the control of the Royal Thai Navy. Most others have fascinating dive sites. The waters are rich in various coral species and tropical fish.
Today, Pattaya is one of Thailand’s premier beach resorts and annually attracts thousands of pleasure-seeking tourists from all over the world. Despite the wide range of excellent facilities for tourists with legitimate interests, Pattaya in particular has, like Thailand in general, an image problem, caused by the so-called sex industry.
Reports in the international media have long overemphasized the sex-related negative sides of the city and these reports, fueled by the local media haven’t helped the situation. Prostitution is practiced and perverts coming to Pattaya has made sensational international coverage, enticing people to come with the sole purpose of bedding pre-teenagers of either sex.
True, there has been a problem, but things are improving here as well as other known ‘sex trade’ areas in Thailand. It is regularly raided by both the Thai and international police. The future for Pattaya is looking bright being encouraged and although the industry still exists, and already there are major changes to the area. Wholesome, family entertainment is on.
Not that Pattaya lacks in attractions. It has good beaches, though the actual Pattaya beach is not the cleanest anymore, others are pristine and the water crystal clear. Beach related activities are extensive and you are sure to find something to suit you.
Pattaya at nightBesonders Pattaya is located within easy reach from the Bangkok as well as Don Muang International Airport. It has an excellent accommodation infrastructure, which are of international standard and restaurants and entertainment for all tastes. Because of its good accessibility from Bangkok, Pattaya remains one of Thailand’s most important and popular dive centers.
Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons: Hot (March-May), Rainy (June-October) and Cool (November-February). It is hot all year round, there is little difference between the hottest and coolest months, and average temperatures are around 27° c.
The months with the most rain are July, August and September. Pattaya’s coastal location means more breezes than say Bangkok and the rain tends to come in short and heavy bursts rather than prolonged over days, but no matter when you come, you'll have a good time. Lightweight casual clothing is recommended.
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Saturday, July 21, 2007
Pattaya Travel Guides
Bangkok Shopping Guide
Shopping is one of Bangkok's major attractions. Favourite purchases include Thai silks and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery silverware, nielloware, pewterware, bronzeware, ceramics and any of the one thousand and one items produced by skilled Thai artisans.
Bangkok is one of the most competitively priced cities in Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and markets ensure favourable prices and service.
Suriwong, Silom Area
Numerous shops, and department stores sell jewellery, gemstones, antiques, ceramics, leather goods, men's and women's clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and cottons, electrical and photographic goods.
Sukhumvit Road Area
Numerous shops, and department stores sell jewellery, gemstones, antiques, ceramics, leather goods, men's and women's clothing, handicrafts,Thai silk and cottons, electrical and photographic goods.
China Town
Bangkok’s China Town is an old business centre covering a large Charoen area around Yaowarat Road and Krung Road. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively and market stalls abound. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago.
Banglamphu
This riverine section of Bangkok is favoured by back-packers for its budget accommodation. The area offers various inexpensive items, especially ready-made clothing, handbags, men's and ladies' shoes, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended. The area called Kao Sarn Road is most well-known among foreigners as the hub of cheapest-rates guesthouses in town.
Chatuchak Weekend Markets
Chatuchak Weekend Market,located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, is where people buy and sell thousands of local products.The trade items may range from rare exotic things to essential popular ones like books, fresh fruits, flowers, pets, handicrafts, furniture, dress materials and many more.
Credit : atsiam.com
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Racha Kiri Resort and Spa
Racha Kiri Resort and Spa A Boutique Resort, one of our pride in the south. Situated on the most gorgeous peninsula of Nai-Plao Beach. Just 15 minutes from a ferry pier to Koh Samui.
Enjoy yourself with a true resort paradise, an unspoiled beauty of white sandy beaches.
Contact:
Racha Kiri Resort and Spa
99, Moo 8, Nai Plao Beach, Nai Plao-Thong Yea Road, Kha-Nom,Nakorn Srithammarat, 80210 Thailand Tel : 66-(0)-7552-7847 Fax : 66-(0)-7552-7833
Website : www.rachakiri.com
Bangkok Sales Office
252/199, 24th FloorMuangthai-Pathara Office Tower IIRatchadapisek Road, Huaykwang,Bangkok 10320Tel : 66-(0)-2693-3196Fax : 66-(0)-2693-3195
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Right on the river at The Shangri-La Bangkok
The Shangri-La offers world-class services and well-appointed rooms in the heart of Bangkok, says Vipasai Niyamabha
The Shangri-La is definitely one of the top five-star hotels in Bangkok. However, most people think of the hotel only when they have activities involving MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions). The hotel has had a strong presence in the MICE market over the last decade.
Recently, the hotel's management team decided that it wanted to make the 15-year-old Bangkok Wing a more attractive destination for guests other than MICE groups. This is a new market for luxury, for these guests prefer to be away from the Main Wing. Only 100 metres away, from the Main Wing, the Bangkok Wing is along the bank of the Chao Phya River.
There is a nicer and bigger swimming pool in the Bangkok Wing, which is exclusively reserved for guests of this wing. It also has a separate lobby lounge, Riverside Lounge, on the ground floor, and Chi Spa on its second floor.
The Bangkok Wing has 119 guestrooms and 10 suites, and each of them is equipped with a private balcony overlooking the river and Taksin Bridge. 
It is nice to have a balcony, and also the hotel was thoughtful enough to install soundproof windows to keep the peace in the room. This is a very important element to have, as when you open the door to the balcony, the noise from all those cars driving on the bridge is so loud. It is nicer to appreciate the view from inside the bedroom.
The good thing about five-star luxury hotels is that they are considerate when it comes to the details. It seems every amenity is in the right place. A bottle of drinking water and a glass are placed on the bedside table, a hairdryer is easily found in a drawer and a modem for a hi-speed Internet connection is on the desk.
The Shangri-La also offers a long pillow menu. And guests can get anything they want from a personal butler, from bath gel to a CD. Personalised service is indeed a hallmark for this well-established hotel, which boasts a well-trained staff and high-standard facilities. Even Bangkok's new generation of boutique hotels will find it difficult to compete with this grand old hotel.
At a glance
High point: This is a luxurious five-star hotel by the river and BTS Skytrain. It is hard to find a better location than the Shangri-La's Bangkok Wing.
Low pzoint: Due to its close proximity to the road and river, this is a noisy location. But at least the windows are soundproof.
Pay for it: Deluxe room in Bangkok Wing starts at $250 per night
Find it: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok Wing, Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bang Rak 10500
Phone it: (02) 2367777
Website: www.shangri-la.com/bangkok
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