Travel

PATTAYA

History- The name Pattaya evolved from the march of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin) and his army from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi, which took place before the fall of the former capital to Burmese invaders in 1767. When his army arrived in the vicinity of what is now Pattaya, Phraya Tak encountered the troops of a local leader named Nai Klom, who tried to intercept him. When the two met face to face, Nai Klom was impressed by Phraya Tak's dignified manner and his army's strict discipline. He surrendered without a fight and joined his forces. The place the armies confronted each other was thereafter known as "Thap Phraya", which means the "army of the Phraya". This later became Pattaya, the name of the wind blowing from the south-west to the north-east at the beginning of the rainy season.

Pattaya was a fishing village until the 1960s. Tourism began during the Vietnam War, when American servicemen began arriving on R&R (rest and relaxation). 

Present Day- This vibrant coastal city often referred to as 'Sin City' with euthanisms such as 'Good boys go to heaven-Bad boys go to Pattaya' shot to fame in early 1980s, and stayed there. From sunrise to sunset, Pattaya’s beaches are constantly brimming with life, as water sports lovers and sun worshippers take to the waters. After dark, the action shifts to the streets, as revellers explore its electrified nightlife scene, where drinking and partying continue until dawn.

Walking Street is the undisputed number one nightlife location in Pattaya. With over 400 bars, agogo bars and nightclubs it is also Pattaya’s biggest tourist attraction, arguably Thailand's biggest tourist attraction. Tens of thousands of people visit Walking Street every night.

Apart from water sports and nightlife, the Pattaya area of Thailand’s eastern seaboard is host to an enticing range of attractions. The range includes anything from ancient Thai traditions to modern adventures. You can find the simple pleasures of the nation’s most lively party streets and exotic women or be humbled by unique religious treasures, history and culture.

Pattaya City has it all, agogo bars, beaches, modern shopping centers, affordable beach front hotels, massage parlors, Walking Street, history, culture and beyond. 

Only 147km from Bangkok, Pattaya is the closest of Thailand's major beach resorts to the capital city and has something for everyone.