MONEY
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. Check out the current exchange rates. I strongly recommend you avoid changing money before you arrive - the exchange rates at the airport banks on arrival are far superior to the rates that you will get in your own country and it just goes to show what a rip off foreign exchange business is for tourists who don't know any better. No wonder in the UK the banks and travel companies make obscene amounts of money out of the ignorance of travellers.
When you arrive at Bangkok International once you clear customs, you will find a bank immediately outside the customs hall. Change your money before you look for ground transportation. Here is a good source of current rates
HOW TO GET THERE
Pattaya is about 90 miles south of the new Bangkok International airport. If it is your first visit I would recommend you take the official airport taxi service which will probably set you back around 2,300 baht including expressway tolls but is still pretty good value and they will take you right to your hotel door. You book the taxi at the desk immediately outside the customs hall. There are bus services between the airport and Pattaya but these do not operate in the evening and at night. For information on these check this out.
PATTAYA
There are two distinct parts to Pattaya for the tourist. North Pattaya is more peaceful and is home to many of the plush hotels in the $100 -$400 US a night range, while in South Pattaya it is much wilder, home to more of the budget style accommodation and is the area for the best nightlife and it is the location of the original Walking Street,
WALKING STREET
Walking street, home to the Climax Bar is also the centre of nightlife with great restaurants, girlie bars and live music. Located at the Southern end of Pattaya, Walking Street is closed off to traffic from 7pm and usually does not reopen tiil around 2am when the most of the bars are supposed to close. Certainly they turn the lights and music down! The Thai police have a special Tourist Police squad who patrol the area and have done an excellent job in clearing out undesirables in the last couple of years. They are tolerant but not to the point of drunken abuse. They also have several undercover officers disguised as tourists to keep an eye on things.
HOTELS
The budget price hotels will give your rooms in the range of $20 - $40 US a night - some are even cheaper but may have poor air conditioning and questionable security. I always stay at the Diamond Beach Hotel where my room costs around 15 pounds UK approx $28 US per night. It has fully air conditioned rooms each with a stocked mini bar fridge, 24 hour restaurant, bar and rooms service, breakfast is included. Security is excellent. If you do bring a visitor to your room there is no extra charge but they are required to leave their ID card with security for your own protection. Check out their website
RESPECT
The Thai society is extremely polite. Do not say anything to offend the Thai Royal Family who are held in great respect. To be a big hit with your Thai friends try and learn just a few words in their language. They will love you for it.
DRUGS
Do not in any way get involved with drugs in Thailand. The penalties are severe and life in a Thai prison is not the way to extend a holiday.
MORE INFORMATION
There are many websites giving information about Pattaya. Check out the official Pattaya site for a good overall description of the resort. I also recommend you check out one of the best local English Language weekly papers on line - The Pattaya Mail.
TIME TO GO HOME
LINKS
Mr John
Webmaster
