CONTENTS HISTORY OF PATTAYA
5
LEARNING THAI
6
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
7
GETTING AROUND
8
PATTAYA MAP
12
JOMTIEN MAP
14
GOOD FOOD GUIDE
16
NIGHTLIFE GUIDE
26
HALLOWEEN PART 2011
36
KOH CHANG
38
ACTIVITIES GUIDE
40
THE GREAT PATTAYA FACE LIFT
48
GOLF GUIDE
50
ACCOMMODATION
52
HEALTH AND FITNESS
56
SERVICES GUIDE
58
VISA INFORMATION
71
SHOPPING GUIDE
76
REAL ESTATE GUIDE
78
4
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | contents
The Pattaya Guide is a monthly publication which is on display in many hotels, shopping centre’s, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout Pattaya, Jomtien and Naklua. Created & Published by: The Pattaya Guide Company Limited, 482/14 Moo 10, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Email or Call us if you would like to be added to our distribution list Telephone: 085 945 9689 Email: thepattayaguide@gmail.com All contents of this guide are the copyright of The Pattaya Guide Company Ltd, all rights reserved. Reproduction, use of editorials and use of pictures in any manner is prohibited without written permission of The Pattaya Guide Co Ltd.
HISTORY OF PATTAYA Pattaya - Thailand’s capital of fun is a popular resort on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, 150 km south-east of Bangkok. Once a sleepy fishing town, Pattaya first boomed as an R & R spot during the Vietnam War and has been a popular tourism destination ever since. Currently, Pattaya is booming and the opening of the Suvarnabhumi Airport has made visiting easier than ever. Pattaya is popular not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife and shopping, but also for the broad selection of recreational activities 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 kite surfing. Pattaya, unlike other beach resorts, shows no respite after sundown, Pattaya’s nightlife is unique and fascinating with Walking Street, South Pattaya in the centre of it all. This is the most popular place to go amongst tourists and expats here you will find many go go bars, beer bars, discos, street entertainers and the odd ladyboy. Food is another one of the highlights of any trip to Pattaya. From giant prawns to spicy som tam salad, there is every imaginable cuisine here. Cajun, Chinese, Indian, Italian, English, French, Vietnamese, German, Russian and many more. Today Pattaya attracts annually more then a million tourists from all over the world. Pattaya provides high standard hotels, restaurants, sports, entertainment and shopping. It really has it all and a whole lot more. history of pattaya | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
5
LEARNING THAI Always use
“KRUP” (for men)
One
“KA” (for women)
Two
KHORB KHUN
Three
Thank you Hello & Goodbye Goodbye See you again Good luck How are you? I am fine What is your name? My name is It’s ok I don’t want any don’t have any money Where are you going? I don’t believe you
NUENG SONG SAM
SAWAT-DEE
Four
SEE
LA-GON
Five
HAR
Six
HOK
LAO JER GUN
Seven
JED
SABAI DEE MAI
Eight
BAD
SABAI DEE
Nine
GAO
CHOK DEE
KHUN CHUE ARIA
SIB
Ten
PHOM CHUE.
Eleven
SIB ET
MAI BEN RAI
Twelve
SIB SONG
Thirteen
SIB SAM
MAI OW KHRAP/KA MAI MEE DTUNG
14 = 10 + 4
BAI NAI?
SIB SEE
15 = 10 + 5
SIB HA
MAI CHUE
20
YEE SIB
JING
21
YEE SIB ET
Expensive/Cheap
PANG/TOOK
22
YEE SIB SONG
Sorry
KHOR THOT
23
YEE SIB SAM
Really
(you will say it when you want to interrupt someone, when you want to pass by someone or when you do something wrong) Sorry
SIA JAI
(In this case it means a different thing. Like if someone died or got hurt, you say “phom di chan sia jai” which means “I am sorry”) 6
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Thai Phrases
24 = 20 + 4
YEE SIB SEE
25 = 20 + 5
YEE SIB HA
100 200 1,000 2,000 10,000
NUENG ROI SONG ROI NUENG PUN SONG PUN NUENG MUNG
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Pattaya City Phone Center
1337
Emergencies Police Emergency
191
Sawang Boriboon Foundation
038 222 474
1669
Tourist Police
038 425 937
1155
Pattaya Immigration
038 410 24
Police Station (Pattaya)
038 420 802-5
Police Station (Jomtien)
038 232 330-1
Police Station (Banglamung)
038 221 331
Fire Brigade (Pattaya)
038 425 943
Fire Brigade (Naklua)
038 221 000
Hospital (Bangkok- Pattaya) Hospital (Banglamung)
038 429 244
Hospital (Pattaya International)
038 428 374-5
Hospital (Pattaya Memorial)
038 488 777
AA (Alcoholics anonymous)
084 564 8479
199 1719
Transport Bus Station (to Bangkok)
038 429 877
Pattaya Railway Station
038 429 285
U-Tapao Airport
038 245 593-5
Bangkok Airways
038 412 382
Thai Airways International
038 425 934-7
Suvarnabhumi Airport Phone Centre 021 321 888 Please text any useful phone numbers that you come across to 0859 459 689 Useful Phone Numbers | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
7
GETTING AROUND Pattaya is a very easy city to get around although the busy traffic causes frequent hold-ups at peak times (07:00 – 09:00 and 15:00 – 18:30), particularly on the major roads. Unusually, for Thailand, there are no tuk-tuks in Pattaya, so everyone usually gets around on the baht-buses (songtaews) or on motorbike taxis. There are literally hundreds of both all over Pattaya. MOTORBIKE TAXIS Motorbike taxis are a way of life in Pattaya. They are your best bet of getting around if you want to get somewhere quickly or conveniently, particularly at busy times. On every corner in Pattaya, no matter how small the Soi (street), you will find a gathering of motorbike taxis. They are operate 24 hours a day 7 days per week and provide a very convenient service. However, this option is not for the faint-hearted and can be dangerous. These guys, and the occasional lady will take you anywhere but agree on a price first! RENTING CARS AND MOTORBIKES Another practical way to get around Pattaya is by renting a motorbike. Most people simply don’t have the nerve to tackle the traffic and bizarre driving habits here, but if you do, renting a motorbike is your best option for getting around Pattaya. You can rent a motorbike for around 200 baht a day or cheaper for longer periods. There are scooter type bikes which are actually extremely easy to ride, with no clutch when changing gears, and very reliable, larger motorbikes are freely available as well, but obviously more expensive. 8
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | getting around
In Thailand it is illegal to ride a motorbike or to be a passenger without a helmet, to ride with more than two passengers, to undertake in traffic, to go the wrong way down one-way streets, to exceed the speed limit, or, to jump red lights, which means very little to anyone in Thailand and driving habits here are dreadful. If you decide to rent a motorbike, make sure your medical insurance is up-to-date as accidents here are a daily occurrence. Cars can be hired too, but driving them in and around the city is likely to be a frustrating experience, particularly at school times, market days, rush hours and on Sukhumvit Road. There are many car rental companies around the city with prices starting at around 500 baht a day for the older cars, to a more realistic 1200+ baht for more modern or four wheel drive vehicles. WARNING… Driving habits in Thailand are appalling and most drivers are quite irresponsible and ignore simple safety rules. In contrast to the Thai’s usual polite and peaceful behaviour, they become quite inconsiderate behind the wheel. Be very wary of your speed and always look out for bad drivers, Pattaya is full of them. Unlike many Western countries, it’s very easy to pass a driving test here, so many drivers have little or no experience of driving either in town or on main roads. Many simply don’t have a licence at all or any awareness of road rules. Be prepared at any time for other drivers to suddenly pull out in front of you without even looking, stop without warning, overtake dangerously (and on the inside) and ignore motorcyclists. Some people just stop and park where it suits them, weave through the traffic with a death wish, ride the wrong way up the road into oncoming traffic and more. Do pay careful attention and drive conservatively. Accidents are regular in Pattaya and when they do occur, the offender is usually reluctant to accept any responsibility, should the worst happen however, the Pattaya police and ambulance services are exceptionally good, as well as being very quick to the scene.
getting around | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
9
PATTAYA MAP
Mini Siam
Police Box
P
To Chonburi & Ba H Bangkok Pattaya
Air Con Bus Station to BBK
North Pattaya Road
ngkok
3rd Road
Tesco Lotus
P
Soi 1
Police Box
Big C
Best
Bierfest
To Naklua
Sanctuary of Truth
P.I. Hospital Garden Sea View
1 Woodland
Asiawan Resort Garden Cliff
10
Long Beach Garden
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Pattaya Map
Amari Dusit
2
3
4
H
Soi Nern Pl ub wan
Siam Country Club
Pussy Cat
Bus Station to Northern Thailand
Fairways Golf Range & Resort
Sukhumvit Road Newspaper Direct
Big Banner
Foodland
Soi Bongkot
The George & Dragon
Pattaya Memorial
H
Mai Thai Witherspoons Motorbikes Soi Diana
Soi Boukhao
Soi Lenkee
X-Zyte Disco
Soi Chaiyapoon
TOT Telephone
Central Pattaya Road
Carrefour
LK Metro
Kilkenny
Take It Easy
Champagne Slices Pizza
Key Visa
2nd Road
P
Tops 6 Soi Yodsak
5
Central Festival
Police Box Alibaba
Nova Lodge
The Sportsman
Jim International
Tequila Reef
Police Station 8 9
7
P
Five Star Visa Runs
10
11
12
Beach Road
13
Pattaya Beach :- Real Estate
:- Shopping
:- Restaurant & Bar
:- Services
:- Activities
H :- Hospital :- Hotel
Pattaya Map | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
11
Soi Wat Tham Samakkee
Highway Police Station
Ornate Plaster
Soi Khaotalo
JOMTIEN MAP Police Box
P Police BoxTesco Lotus
Big C
Outlet Mall
Ornate Plaster
ppa The
7
i1
7
17
Thai Decor
Roa
d
Adventure Divers
Post
Soi Diam
Soi Yamoto Soi Post Office
ond
Phr ata m
nak
Soi 15
South Pattaya Ro
City Garden Resort
So
Corner Kitchen
German Dental
oad
ad
sit R
Soi Buakhao
P Police Box
Pattay Bungy
9
B4 Agogo
Tudor Court
Swiss Food Alcatraz
V2O
Walkin g Teazers
Street
Jim International
Nova Ocean
Blues Factory :- Easy Kart Pattaya Diving & Fishing Amari Residences
Ialand View
Asia Pattaya
Royal Cliff Sheraton Cosy Beach
12
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Jomtien Map
Pattaya Bay
Soi Norng Kraborg
Soi Chaiyapruk 2 To Rayong, Sattahip & U-Tapao Airport
Sukhumvit Road Underwater World
n
o at Bo Soi W
ya y Jump
Soi Chaiyap
Royal Garden The Village Store Dine From 99
Welcome Jomtien
Simon’s Fish & Chips
Post Office
ruk
Winchester Club Grand Palace Hotel
Immigration
Bus to Bangkok
9 5
7
View ien Jomt
Pattaya Park
ad
h Ro
Beac
Jomtien Beach
P
B tan
D
g on
:- Shopping
Police Box
Adriatic
e
h ac
Police Box P
:- Activities :- Real Estate :- Restaurant & Bar
:- Services
H :- Hospital :- Hotel or Condo
Jomtien Map | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
13
GOOD FOOD GUIDE With a wealth of international restaurants offering delicious food. Pattaya is truly the crossroads of cuisine in Asia. French, Mexican, German, ltalian, Indian, Chinese, Scandinavian, Korean, Japanese and of course, Thai plus many other varieties of restaurant are located within the city. For most visitors to Pattaya the experience of new and interesting dishes is an exciting alternative to the traditional foods available at home. However, along with wonderful Thai dishes, one should sample the culinary delights available from other countries. Try “Kimji” a type of Korean spicy salad or maybe “sizzling Fajitas” a popular Mexican dish. Also, why not take this opportunity to find new ways of cooking traditional ingredients… there are now several cooking schools around the city where for a nominal fee you can learn to cook local dishes as well as go shopping to local markets and buy the ingredients you will need. Local specialities include: Tom Yam Gung (spicy prawn soup), Gaeng Kiewan (green spicy curry). If you like your food “hot” then try some of the food served from the vast number of vending carts across the city. At these you can sample such delicacies as: Som Tam (spicy salad) or Hoy Tord (fried mussels or oysters with egg) and the amazing variety of seafood. 14
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | good food guide
Tandoori & Curry Restaurant “Serving Delicious” VEGETARIAN & NON VEGETARIAN INDIAN, MUGHALAI & PUNJABI CUISINE
Open 11am till 12 Midnight
Pattaya Beach Road
Soi 8
Second Road
Soi 7
Nova Lodge Hotel
Pattaya Central Road
14th century inspired the famous legend “Alibaba and the 40 thieves” architecture provides the perfect setting for Pattaya’s most famous Indian restaurant 1/13-14, Pattaya Central Rd, Opp. Nova Lodge Hotel, Pattaya City, Thailand Phone:- 038 361 620 For Home Deliveries Call
038 423 227
English, European, Mexican and Thai food
OVER 200 ITEMS AVAILABLE!
DRAUGHT BEERS EXOTIC COCKTAILS
Hanuman Statue
DOOR 2 DOOR 2011 Menu
Open Till 3am
DOOR 2 DOOR LATE NIGHT MENU AVAILABLE...
Simply call:
ORDER ON LINE - www.door2doorpattaya.com
Soi Diana Opposite Areca Lodge Hotel
For Delivery Call Door Door
2
038 720 222
Simon’s Fish & Chips Thrappraya Road 50 metres from the Jomtien roundabout Takeaway available 038 267 080 Receive a 10% Discount Off Food Menu On Presentation Of This Advert *One Per Customer
NIGHTLIFE GUIDE As you would expect from one of the most exciting vacation destinations in the world. Pattaya offers the visitor a kaleidoscope of entertainment possibilities. Live music & be enjoyed at several clubs around the city. These venues provide the visitor with wonderful atmosphere, cold beer & cocktails & the opportunity to see artists from various parts of the world playing a wide selection of popular & new music. There are also a number of traditional nightclubs in the city. These nightspots also offer live entertainment… the live music is usually performed by Thai singers & bands with regular interludes where the resident DJ will play a selection of dance/house or other forms of music. For visitors who like to sit back & watch a truly spectacular show, check out Alcazar & Tiffany’s located on 2nd Road, Pattaya. These are the lady-boy shows, where the singers perform in a vast array of costumes & sing their way through songs in several languages. A little outside Pattaya you will find the Alangkarn Extravaganza. A show which features animals, pyrotechnics, acrobats etc. Alangkarn is now creating itself as one of the “must see” shows for visitors. 24
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Nightlife Guide
r
t
wincheste e h bar
The Best Fun Bar In The Day By Far
Come & Try Our Chef’s 99 Baht specials We are located at Soi Wat Boon Kanjana 500 meters from Jomtien Beach
Phone: 085 741 8390
Pattaya’s only real live blues & rock club with live bands 7 days a week
THE BLUES MACHINE with B.B.King award winning SNOWMAN
THE ROCK MACHINE & THE ETERNITY ROCK BAND Pattaya’s hottest rock musicians
& “the Guitar King of Thailand”
Lam Morrison • Rock Nights & Bikers Nights • Blues & Rock Jam Nights • Great Video D.J. • Friendly Hassle Free Staff • The Perfect Place For Couples & Singles Soi Lucky Star, Off Walking Street www.thebluesfactorypattaya.com
Come and enjoy a great night out
Come and drink with us, play pool or enjoy the football on our big TVs at Kilkenny bar and guesthouse!!!
www.kilkennypattaya.com
Live Premiership Football
Soi 15
Alcatraz A Go Go
Walking Street
See You There
www.alcatrazpattayagogo.com
Alcatraz A GoGo bar was designed with a professional design team to make it ooze sensuality; an electrifying dance and music scene in Pattaya's Walking Street, world-renown for its GoGo bars
Walking Street: Between Soi 14 and 15 Pattaya Beach: 3 minutes walk / Jomtien Beach: 15 minutes taxi ride
The Pussy Cat Club The Place To Come For The Greatest Fun Traditional Pub Grub Full English Breakfast 99 Baht 3 Course Sunday Roast 180-240 Baht Partys Catered for Serving From 8 am Till 5 pm
Sukhumvit Road Soi Nern Plub Vaan
The Pussy Cat Club 82/31-32 Soi Nern Plub Waan Samor Health Centre 089 930 5309
Norng Samor Health Centre
THE PUSSY CAT CLUB
Beautiful ladies, cold beers and a great atmosphere so come and join in the fun!!!
Come play with me!
338/21 Pratumnak Road, Pattaya Hill, Pattaya Phone: 083 110 7196
The George and Dragon Bar is located on Soi Excite in Pattaya City. We offer a wide range of food and drinks, call in to meet our friendly staff, have a bite to eat.. or guess on which punter will go through our windows on our crazy mid week pool night Mike’s Shopping Mall
THE GEORGE DRAGON PUB
So ite xc
iE X-Zyte Disco
Pattaya 3rd Road
Central Pattaya Road
Soi Baukhao Soi Chaiyapoon
Soi Lengkee
South Pattaya Road
Soi Diana
Pattaya 2nd Road
LOY KRATONG 2011 Loy Kratong is one of the most popular and romantic of Thailand’s traditional festivals. The festival is held on the night of the 12th full moon, which lands sometime in November. The festival is held to pay homage to the goddess of rivers and waterways, Mae Nam. Loy literally translates to “float”, while Kratong is the Thai word for a sort of tray made out of banana leaves. Loy Kratong is celebrated by floating elaborate kratongs decorated with flowers, candles and incense on just about any waterway in the kingdom. The romance is provided by a legend from the origins of the festival in 13th century, Sukhothai. According to the story, Nang Nopamas, a royal consort of King Ramkhamhaeng (the founder of Sukhothai), made the first kratong as an offering to Mae Nam. She set it afloat on one of the canals of the palace so that it would drift past her lover the king. The king was delighted with the creation, and thus was the origins of the saying that if two lovers set a kratong adrift and it stays afloat until out of sight, their love will last forever. In Thailand, people enjoy creating their own Krathong made from natural resources, such as leaves and trunks of banana adorned with flowers. Some might use bread instead of synthetic materials showing their concern for the environment. Other than flowers, a candle and incense sticks, people often put some coins on their Krathongs for luck, however they normally get their Krathong raided for the money by kids shortly after it is set down in the river or sea. The act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one’s grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh 36
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Loy kratong 2011
on a better foot. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself. Many Thai people believe that floating a krathong will create good luck, and they do it to honour and thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha. In the old time of traditional Thai culture young men and women did not have opportunity to meet each other except on religious events. Loy Krathong day was the very enjoyable day for the community that brought young men and women together. Many of them had built relationship from that evening. Some couples used floating Krathong as a prediction for their future marriage and family life. They believed if their Krathongs float away together, they would love and stay together forever. A multitude of Lanna-style hot-air lanterns (khom fai) are also launched into the air where they resemble large flocks of giant fluorescent jellyfish gracefully floating through the skies. Thai people use this act to show respect to the rivers, although they use fire to do so. These are also believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets. Loy Krathong Festival remains the most romantic and favourite occasion for a number of Thai people. The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the sky. For visitors to Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festival is an occasion not to be missed. The festival is listed in the tourist calendar. Everyone is invited to take part and share the joy and happiness. Loy kratong 2011 | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
37
KOH CHANG The island of Koh Chang is a tropical marine national park. It consists of over 70% rainforest and is the best preserved tourist holiday destination in Thailand. Situated 4 hours from Pattaya, it’s Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. Recently, with the surge of development and popularity, it has been elevated to Thailand’s new tourist haven. Koh Chang has everything, white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests and abundance of wildlife and marine life, high mountain peaks, several scenic waterfalls, a rich variety of cuisine and great nightlife. Accommodation on the island ranges from simple beach huts and bungalows to luxury villas and apartments. If you drive, you can hire motorbikes, jeeps and cars to take you to any of the beaches along the coastal roads and, in the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, live music bars and nightclubs to choose from to spice up your stay. ACCOMMODATION Paddy’s Palms Resort, 32 room resort with hot water, air con, TV and fridge. The resort itself has a large swimming pool, excellent parking and is located 5 minutes from Whites Sands Beach. 1000 – 1300 baht Palm Garden Hotel, a small 12 room hotel with hot water, air con, TV and fridge. Just 50m from the beach in the heart of the main tourist spot, White Sands Beach. RESTAURANTS 15 Palms, a beautiful beach side restaurant on White Sands Beach serves European food with everything from pizzas, salads, pasta, burgers and of course Thai food. Paddy’s Palms, Koh Chang’s first Irish Pub is a well managed pub with a great atmosphere. They have a pool table, wireless internet, live sport on big screens, great Italian coffee, traditional Irish dishes, Kilkenny and Guinness on tap. The restaurant is the most popular on the Island and must be visited.
38
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | A Guide to Koh Chang
ACTIVITIES GUIDE Get Active in Pattaya. There’s a wealth of activities to enjoy during your stay. If you’re the watersports type, then check out both Jomtien and Pattaya beaches where you can find windsurfing, parasailing, jet skis and canoeing, the mild to strong winds make for excellent windsurfing and sailing conditions throughout the year. It is possible to rent a small sailboat or boards and sail at several locations both in Jomtien and Pattaya. PATTAYA PARK For a wonderful family day out, why not go to Pattaya Park at jomtien, they have water slides, tower jumps and the tower shot a great choice for all adrenalin junkies, the park also caters for families with kiddies pool and a larger pool that has a very gentle current to float around on a lilo and a small restaurant to have refreshments. Pattaya Park Tower has a revolving restaurant, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of Pattaya. Phone 038 364 110-20, visit www.pattayapark.com for more information.
40
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Activities Guide
NONG NOOCH GARDEN Located approximately 18km south of Pattaya, the Garden can be reached by taking a left turn from Sukhumvit Road at the Km 163 marker. The Garden is a sprawling recreation park in a typical Thai setting. A group of traditional Thai pavilions and gardens of different flowering plants are positioned around the beautifully landscaped site. Daily cultural and elephant shows and elephant rides are available for tourists with show times at 9.45am, 10.30am, 3pm and 3.45pm, admission fee is 400 baht. Nong Noch Garden Phone 038 709 358-62 Pattaya Office Phone 038 429 321or 038 429 958 Bangkok Office Phone 02 252 1786 Visit www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com for more information.
Activities Guide | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
41
THE SI RACHA TIGER FARM The farm, which is situated at 20km marker on highway No.36, raises a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as large crocodiles. Visitors will be amazed to witness tigers, pigs and dogs living together in the same quarters. The Si Racha tiger farm opens daily from 8am till 6pm. Admission fee is 350 baht for adults and 200 baht for children, phone 038 296 556-8, for more information visit www.tigerzoo.com MILLION YEAR STONE PARK AND CROCODILE FARM The Million Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, which is located approximately 9km from Pattaya City and has beautifully landscaped grounds with elaborate flower and rock gardens in addition the farm has hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals. Crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows run 7 times a day from 9am till 5pm. Open daily from 8am till 5pm, admission fee is 300 baht and 150 baht for children. Phone 038 249 347-9 or 025 794 008 - 025 795 033 for more information. Getting there, drive along the Sukhumvit Road until you come to the km 140 marker near Sawangfah temple, then turn into Chaiyaporn Vidhi (Route No. 3240) and proceed for 5 km then turn left on Soi 21. 42
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Activities Guide
SANCTUARY OF TRUTH The compound, which covers an area of more than two rais, is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet on Naklua Road in North Pattaya. Within the compound is a gigantic temple like structure entirely made of wood that is 105 metres high at the highest point which was constructed to withstand wind and sunshine on the seashore, with exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out of the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truths. Open daily from 8am till 6pm, admission fee is 500 baht and 250 baht for children, with dolphin training shows at 11.30am and at 3.30pm Phone 038 367 229 or visIt www.sanctuaryoftruth.com UNDERWATER WORLD A must see tourist attraction in town is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, boasting a 100m long, 6.4 cm thick acrylic pedestrain tunnel through an underwater filled with dozens of marine species. The aquarium itself houses more than 4000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from over seas, top of the visitors list is the rare shovelnose ray a hybrid between a shark and a stingray. Located just 200m south of Tesco Lotus on the Sukhumvit Road. Open from 9am till 6pm (tickets are on sale until 5.30pm) admission fee for adults is 450 Baht and children 250 Baht, for more information and booking phone 038 756 879.
Activities Guide | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
43
MINI SIAM Located opposite Bangkok Pattaya Hospital on the Sukhumvit Road is a wonderland of miniture replicas of such outstanding architectural works as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, the Bridge Over the Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai also replicas of places of world significance are displayed in the mini world area these include the Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi fountain. Open daily from 7am till 10pm admission fee 250 baht and 125 baht for children, shows at 6.30pm and 8pm, for more information phone 038 727 333 or 038 421 628. BUDA MOUNTAIN The Silver Lake Vineyard attraction is conveniently situated next to the famous laser-sculptured Buddha image at Khao Chi Chan Cliff, so it is easy to see two attractions in one trip. Easy to get to from Pattaya. The garden areas at Silver Lake Vineyard are relaxing, superbly landscaped, with plenty of seating areas to either enjoy a snack or simply take in the views. There are a few small food shops and you can also get drinks of your choice or ice creams and of course you can have an ice-cold drink of grape juice. Needless to say, the grape juice is produced from the fresh grapes at Silverlake Vineyard. How to get to Silverlake. You can get to Silverlake Vineyard by driving along Highway 3 - Sukhumvit Road towards Sattahip. Silverlake is signed - but not too well on the left hand side, around 6 km out of South Pattaya - maybe 4km past the Floating Market. Also follow signs for Khao Chi Chan - The laser Buddha.
44
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Activities Guide
Dive Trips Are What We Do Best Adventure Divers and Water sports
is your best and most friendly dive shop in Pattaya. We have our own boat with experienced captain • PADI Training and crew with an intimate knowledge of reefs and wrecks in the area.“ MV SAIFON” has all • Snorkeling the comforts you could want. Our train staff gives attentive service to make • Swimming your trip not only fun, but luxurious. Diving here will introduce you to beautiful • Game Fishing reefs, endless types of fish and other maries life. • Catamaran Charter Whatever your level or interests, we are happy to assist. Our instructors can lead you on dives • Boat Charter of all skill levels. Just tell us your interests and we will do the rest!
• Scuba Diving
Location : Thappaya Rd, Soi 13 Phone : 038 364 453 Contact : Robert 089 252 5026 : Phillip 084 863 4664 Email : info@pattayadivers.com www.pattayadivers.com
r 08 7 83 56 890
TAKE IT EASY
CAR & BIKE RENTAL
4 80 77 089 00
Phone: 089 007 7804 or 085 698 4277 pattayacarandbike hire.com www.
Pattaya New Plaza
2nd Road
Soi 8
50m
Soi 7
o
SUDOKU 8 1 6 1 3 8 7 4 9 5 3 9 4 8 1 8 2 4 3 7 9 2 4 7 6 8 9
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PATTAYA, A DESTINATION FOR COUPLES BY INSPIRE-EMAGAZINE.COM
I bet you never thought you would read that headline, well unless you had hold of the latest magazine for swingers, but you better believe it because Pattaya welcomes more than just single men now. For too long Pattaya has had to be dragged through the global media with images of sleaze and bar girls, but for the last few years this has all been changing. Pattaya has blossomed into a true city of variety that offers something for everyone. Couples from Russia have enjoyed Pattaya for many years now, enjoying the beaches and various other attractions such as Nong Nooch Gardens and Sanctuary or Truth, but if you look now you will see couples from all nationalities now gracing these shores. So, what has been happening? It comes down to one thing and that is Pattaya has become accessible to all. You won’t see a beer bar on every corner now with girls screaming ‘handsome man’, now they certainly still exist but they are being controlled in certain areas. This has allowed for visitors to report good things back to their home countries, which then attracts more couples. And why not, after all as a location it is close to Bangkok and only a short drive to beautiful islands such as Semet and Chang. We should also look at how people are changing and 50
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Pattaya, A Destination for Couples
liberated in their views, so what if the bar has a few girls in it? Many a couple has sat in a beer bar and found the bar girls to be wonderfully friendly without the wife feeling threatened by outrageous flirting. It just doesn’t work like this. Why settle for that run of a mill holiday to Spain where traditionally couples would go to the same resort, lay on the same beach and eat in the same restaurants? Pattaya offers so much more than this and couples are waking up to this fact. Life is for living and Pattaya will make you feel alive. How the future will look in another ten years is anyone’s guess but the town is changing in more ways than just nationality face changes. Pattaya is no longer the single mans fortress. Regards, Dan Cheeseman
Write a Pattaya G uide We are asking any budding writers out there to write a Pattaya Guide about any Pattaya related subject i.e. Guide to Walking street, Pattaya Nightlife Guide, Guide to Bar Girls, Guide to your favourite soi etc The Guide can not be any more then 800 words but feel free to add any pictures you wish Please submit entries through
www.thepattayaguide.com
Win a meal for 2 at The Sportsman Pub & Restaurant
ACCOMMODATION For those who are not familiar with the Pattaya and Jomtien geography, the South and Central Pattaya located hotels are the ones to chose if you are looking to be in the centre of the “action”. Lots of restaurants, bars, shopping etc. For those looking for perhaps a quieter night’s sleep, choose North Pattaya or Naklua, where there are several quality hotels down by the beach at Wongamat. If you really want to get out the city, then stay at Jomtien. The beach is better than that in Pattaya and it is easy to travel to Pattaya for evenings by taking one of the many “baht buses” which congregate at several points along the Beach Road. The Pattaya Guide Recommends - Sandy Springs Hotel, Soi 13 Room range from 1200 (Basic room) - 2500 (Superior Suite) The hotel is very clean, the staff are excellent and is you will struggle to find better value for money elsewhere in Pattaya. Call 038 414 752-8 52
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Accommodation
Jomtien Beach Properties
Studios, 1 - 2 bedroom units for rent or sale We own and manage all our properties No agents - No commission
Tel: 085 697 8245
www.jomtienbeachproperties.com
Taxi Service
Pattaya > Suvarnabhumi Airport Suvarnabhumi Airport > Pattaya Private car Minibus (10 seater)
1200 baht 2500 baht
Call 082 216 2408 to book
The Links Hotel and Restaurant is based on the belief that our customers needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire staff is committed to meeting those needs
Our room rates start from 400 baht to 650 baht depending on size room and daily or monthly rate. The golf group will depart The Links Hotel at 0930 every Tuesday and Thursday for golf. You can sign up before hand or arrive the day of golf. Contact Russell at 0847824582. We can also book and run private party trips for visitors and hotel guests. Price will include, room, transportation pick up from and to the airport, transportation to and from the golf course each day, and golf green, caddy and cart fees. Email us at INFO@thelinks.biz for more information. Our restaurant is brand new and spotlessly clean.With seating for more than 40 diners, it is perfect for pre-golf breakfast and a few cold beers after the game. Our menu has been specially made to try to cater for everyone. With a large breakfast menu, great burgers and sandwiches and some of the favorite western main courses including BBQ Ribs, Norwegian Cod & Chips and a selection of mouth watering steaks. Visit our website for full menu listings..www.thelinks.biz The Links Hotel 316/145-146 Soi Buakhow Pattaya Chonburi Thailand 20260 Email us at INFO@thelinks.biz for any questions. Call Russell at 0847824582 locally for reservations or golf Website: www.thelinks.biz
Lake Mabprachan Resort
When you arrive to Lake Mabprachan Resort you will be welcomed by the warm weather, warm people and the promise that you will experience some of the most exciting and colourful adventures that Thailand could possibly throw at you. The stunning courtyard style Resort is Nestled in the countryside 600 meters from the shores of Lake Mabprachan. 10 minutes from Pattaya City and has something to offer for everyone. Families and couples who enjoy Island day trips, shopping and the endless amount of affordable entertainment and ammusements. Or those who simply want to relax and forget there everyday pressures with massages and cool tropical cocktails by the pool.
For More Information Call: Phone: 085 093 1826 (international: +66 85 093 1826) Fax: 038 734 178 (international: +66 38 734 178) Phone Australia: (08) 9467 5701 or 041 786 5148
HEALTH AND FITNESS A healthy lifestyle can be achieved anywhere in the world and Pattaya is certainly one of the most popular places people choose. Thailand has a tropical climate and is therefore ideal for the pursuit of outdoor activities: volleyball, soccer, sailing plus many more. However, for and in indoor healthy lifestyle, Pattaya is also among the best and the vast number of 5 star health massage organisations, beauty parlours, plastic surgery clinics, spas and fitness centre mean that Pattaya really is the place to improve your overall health and look. Many people now choose to partake of the various treatments from facials, to waxing and detox to botox in order to gain that healthier looking body and due to the current price of treatments in many western countries, Thailand has found itself an entire new market in patients arriving for plastic surgery treatment and general medical operations which in their own country would cost much more than locally in Thailand. 56
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Health & Fitness
German Dental co., Ltd The dental clinic you can trust Professional team & high quality materials Artificial teeth will be made within one week Our dental clinic includes a dental laboratory Complete sterilization system Free of charge oral examination We speak English, German & Thai 5 years guarantee on our products
Save Up To 70% compared to European Prices
Welcome to your holiday dentist! German Dental Co., Ltd Lab Technology International Co., Ltd & Inter Dental Clinic
Michael Schlatter (Board of Director)
162/197, Moo 10, Soi 9 Thappraya Road, Pattaya City, 20150, Chomburi (close to 7-Eleven, Jomtien Nivate Village) Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 6pm
Tel: (0066) 038 251 289 or 038 365 020 Mobile: (0066) 081 861 5181 - Fax (0066) 038 251 2232 Email: gdental@loxinfo.co.th, info@german-dental.net
SERVICES GUIDE You will find during your visit to Pattaya that a vast network of businesses now operate within the city, everything from dentists and doctors to air conditioning companies and lawyers. There are thousands of companies offering a whole range of diverse services for both expats and visitors. Many tourists during their brief stay in Pattaya “Fall in Love with the City” and are determined to make the move to Thailand more permanent. They typically choose to invest in either a condominium or purchase land and house. Once they have purchased their dream home in Pattaya or jomtien, they then find themselves in need of a number of services; cleaners, accountants, electricians, builders and schools among others. We have decided to devote a small section of this publication to promoting a number of these services to help those who are in need. A little piece of advice for those “new arrivals” in town check out your own Chamber of Commerce and expat clubs, they are able to offer lots of help and information. 58
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Services Guide
For Rent
MAZDA BT-50
* Fully Insured Rent this truck for as little as 600 Baht per day
For information call: 087 137 6138 (Afternoon/เวลาบ่าย)
Handcrafts created by Thai artisans are displayed nearby in our dedicated shop where you can browse for gifts OUR SHOWROOM
QTOP
For more information and free pick up please call 082 216 2408
LATEX
WORKSHOP
JIM International
JIM International style is a place where fashion, design, good intentions and cheek meet the people of the world: everyone is free to re-design his/her image, including by combining styles, periods and traditions. At Jim International we provide clothing of top-notch quality at very reasonable prices and excellent customer service. We strive on excellent quality, efficient service, superb workmanship and great value! With a wide range of the latest styles, from the classics to the ultra modern; and a wide choice of excellent fabrics, we are a one-stop shop for custom tailored men, women's and children's wear for all occasions.
JIM International
at 2 convenient locations 352/322, Moo 12, 213/2, Soi 7, Pratamnak Soi 4, Pattaya Beach Road, (Opposite New Nordic) (Inside Flipper House Hotel) Pattaya Hill Pattaya City See Pattaya Guide Map For Locations
Business Service Company Set Up 1 Million Capital - 15,000 / 2 Million Capital - 20,000 3 Million Capital - 25,000 / 4 Million Capital - 30,000
Company Changes
Change Director Change Share Holder Change Address Change Business Objective
5,000 - 5,500 5,000 - 5,500 5,000 - 5,500 5,000 - 5,500
Annual Audit & Balance Sheet
(Non Trading Company) Annual Audit (Trading Company) Balance Sheet (Trading Company)
18,000 Call For Price Call For Price
Work Permit & Visa Services Work Permit & Business Visa First Year Work Permit & Business Visa Renewal Retirement Visa Marriage Visa
Land Office
Transfer Land / House / Condo
21,000 16,000 10,000 15,000 10,000
Please contact Khun Aey on 080 285 0881 email: ratchada111@yahoo.com
Low Cost Car Hire
Hatchback, Saloons, Trucks and Mini Buses Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Long Term Hire First Class Rental Insurance Delivery and Collection Service
Hotline: 0859 459 689 or visit us online at RENTING A CAR MADE EASY
www.pattayarentacar.com
Advertise here for only 4500 baht per month, discounts available with 3, 6, 9 or 12 month contracts For more information call 085 945 9689 or e:mail: thepattayaguide@gmail.com
VISA INFORMATION SPONSORED BY FIVE STAR VISA RUNS | PHONE 038 416 088 A visa is fundamentally a document affixed into the passport issued to a foreigner by the Thai government allowing a foreigner to travel to the Kingdom and a granted permission to stay for a certain period of time. Visas can only be obtained outside of the Kingdom from a Royal Thai Embassy consulate. A visa has a validity period which denotes the period within which the visa may be used to apply for entry. The validity period is NOT the length of time you will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom. A’ permission to stay’ stamp is entered into your passport upon arrival into the Kingdom. Whatever visa you hold, you will always receive this stamp. It will include the date of entry and date when you MUST leave the Kingdom or make alternative arrangements. The ‘length of stay’ will be dependent on what type of visa you hold. The majority of Foreigners that enter the Kingdom without a visa will be granted a ‘permission to stay 30 day’ stamp only, which is free of charge. At the discretion of the immigration officer this permission to stay 30 day stamp may be extended for up to 7-15 days (THB 1900) at an immigration office after which time the holder must leave the Kingdom. This stamp is NOT a visa. WARNING: YOU ONLY GET 15 DAYS AT LAND BORDERS DIFFERENT TYPES OF VISAS Single entry tourist visa will permit the holder a 60 day’ permission to stay’ stamp upon entry. If required, this type of visa may be extended by 30 days (THB 1900) at an immigration office, but after that time the holder must leave the country. After one entry, the visa is used. Multiple entry tourist visa will permit the holder a 60 day ‘permission to stay’ stamp upon entry (only visa exempt countries listed overleaf ) or 30 days if not listed below. If required, this type of visa may normally be extended by 30 days at an immigration office, but after that time the holder must leave the Visa Information | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
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country. The holder may then return to the Kingdom and will obtain a second 60 day ‘permission to stay‘ stamp which can also be extended and then the holder must leave. After the stipulated number of entries the visa is ‘used’. Single entry non-immigrant visa will permit the holder a 90 day ‘permission to stay’ stamp. This visa can be extended up to one year for specific reasons and with the required documentation. Multi-entry non-immigrant visa will permit the holder a 90 day ‘permission to stay’ stamp upon entry. Each time the holder enters the Kingdom whilst the visa is valid, he/she will obtain a further 90 day ‘permission to stay stamp’. Such visas can be issued for students/work/family etc., but normally require supporting documentation. This visa can also be extended up to one year for specific reasons and with the required documentation. Although most multi-entry non-immigrant visas are obtained in your home country they may also be obtained from some Royal Thai embassies outside your home country, if you can provide evidence of your marriage to a Thai citizen (marriage certificate) or support of a Thai citizen. 12 month extension to a non-immigrant visa: If you are holding a nonimmigrant visa, you have the option of extending this by 12 months based on either retirement (50 years old or over) or support to a Thai citizen, work, education and the like. This may only be accomplished at an immigration office inside the Kingdom and certain criteria has to be met. If you are residing in the Kingdom under and extension to a non-immigrant visa and wish to leave the Kingdom at any time, then you will need to obtain a re-entry permit to avoid losing the extension and having to re-apply. If you are residing in the Kingdom under an extension to a non-immigrant visa it is a legal requirement that the holder reports current address to an immigration office using form TM.47 (in person or by registered mail) every 90 days. Re-entering the Kingdom is the equivalent of a 90 day report. If you are in possession of a valid tourist visa or a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp and qualify for an extension of stay and plan on doing so you may be
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Visa Information
Pattaya’s most efficient and comfortable visa service has just got better... Beat the traffic jams and parking problems
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permitted to change to a non-immigrant visa at an immigration office inside Thailand. This change of ‘status’ has certain restrictions depending on your particular circumstances therefore you should check with an officer first. LIST OF VISA EXEMPT COUNTRIES (SEPTEMBER 2009): Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brunei, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom. IMPORTANT NOTES 1. Always check the stamp that the immigration officer gives you. If the officer gets your stamp wrong you may have to return to your port of entry 2. Check your passport and make sure you know when you need to leave Thailand. You can contact 5 star Visa Runs and we will log you into our computer and remind you 7 days before your visa expires as part of our service. 3. Never work in Thailand without a work permit. Even if you are not getting paid, you still need a work permit because you are taking a job from a Thai national. 4. You can convert your 30-day visa exempt stamp to a Non-immigrant Visa by going to Immigration with the proper documents and 21 day stay remaining, meaning you have up to 9 days after your entry. Application fee THB 2000.-Please note that your passport needs to remain valid for at least another six months for any visa applications. 5. Overstay charges are currently THB 500 per day to a maximum of THB 20,000. 6. The information given above is for guideline purposes only. Each individuals circumstances may differ greatly depending on your age, financial position, what port of entry you use, what country you are from, what embassy you are visiting, what you are doing here and of course how long you have been here and, remember the final decision on visa application/issue or entry into the Kingdom will always be at the discretion of the immigration officer. 7. For full information please read the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Visa Information
IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS
Visas to UK & Europe, retirement visas, fiancee & marriage visas visa non immigrant O & B visas, visa extension & overstay problems
WE UNLOCK YOUR VISA PROBLEMS
33/11, Moo 10, Soi LK Metro off Soi Diana, Central Pattaya Tel: 038 422 131 - Fax: 038 412 277 - E-mail: keyvisa2@gmail.com
SHOPPING GUIDE Pattaya has numerous large malls, small malls, supermarkets, bazaar-style markets, and thousands of other shops. Expect to find plenty of clothes shops and coffee shops but do not expect to find variety as most shops are selling the same things. Pattaya actually has a long way to go to catch up with Bangkok for variety and volume of shops but it is trying with several new shopping centres opening in recent years, and there is a lot more to come. Bargaining is a way of life here but don’t worry if you don’t know your Thai numbers as most shop keepers will carry a calculator to show the price. As a general rule what ever their first price is, half it and you will be closer to what they are actually willing to sell the item for. If you are not happy then simply walk away as the shop keeper down the street will be selling the same thing. Try to have some fun when bargaining because if the shop keeper likes you they may give you a better price and never get aggressive, it doesn’t pay.
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Shopping Guide
Open: Mon - Sat 10.00am - 05.30pm www.thaidecorpattaya.com
315/53 Thepprasit Rd, Jomtien, Tel/Fax: (66) 038 267 197 Email: thai_decor@hotmail.com
World Wide Door 2 Door Shipping Service Available
REAL ESTATE GUIDE More than one hundred new housing or condominium development projects are currently underway in the Pattaya and Jomtien districts. Many of these projects are aimed at the “higher end� market. Properties offering large spacious accommodation some with private swimming pools, top end air conditioning units, Jacuzzis etc. These properties are typically around the 8-25 million price range and many represent very good value for money. One of the more up and coming development areas is just south of Jomtien, where several developers are now constructing projects near to the beach at Bang Sare and Baan Amphur. Because of the local laws in Thailand with regard to property ownership by foreigners, condominiums are still as popular as ever with something in the region of 5,000 condominium units currently in construction. Some of the better quality condos are La Royale, Northshore and North Point. However, it is possible to find cheaper units especially in South Pattaya and Jomtien. If you are thinking of a permanent move to Thailand remember to do your homework and seek a reputable real Estate Agent. 80
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Real Estate Guide