Thailand is a country that has seen the transformation of Pattaya, a city of silence into one of the most popular tourist attraction sites in Southeast Asia. Pattaya has all to offer to everyone whether you are after beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, night life, or culture. Travelers who have never visited Pattaya before and intend to visit this unique place as their first time should always have the Pattaya Travel Tips, which can help to make their journey a good one or a memorable one. The best of this tropical paradise can be enjoyed with Go kite travel and their Customized Pattaya honeymoon packages, where you can be guided by professionals and have the right itinerary that suits your needs and preferences.
Best Time to Visit Pattaya
Among the Pattaya Travel Tips, there is also the selection of the time to visit. November through February is the best time to visit Pattaya because the weather is favourably cool and dry, but the temperature is between 20 o C and 30 o C. This is the most ideal time of the year to be in the beach, do island hopping and have an outdoor adventure. The hot season (March to May) may be rather hot (more than 35 C), but it is also the time when you will meet fewer people and even can get better hotel rates. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season during the month of June, October when it is likely to be a downpour and may spoil outdoor activities but it is possible that the occasional shower in the season will allow one to escape the heat.
Getting Around Pattaya
Pattaya has a wide range of transportation that is affordable, and thus the first-time travelers find it easy to move around in the city. The Songtaew is the most recognized form of transportation; a shared taxi-hack of a pickup truck that has been painted in blue and operates on fixed routes all over the city. These normally cost 10-20 baht per cap on the normal routes. To be even more flexible, motorcycle taxis in the orange vests can be found on the majority of street corners and are best suited to short distances. Hiring a scooter is a trend among tourists who are familiar with the riding as long as they wear a helmet and have a international driving license. Grab and Bolt ride-sharing applications are also very popular and have transparent prices. Day trips and excursions to the islands: to book a day trip or tour to the island, it is better to contact the services of the reputable tour operators who offer comfortable transport and English speaking guides.
Money Matters and Budgeting
Among Pattaya Travel Tips, it is important to know the currency and budgeting amongst first time visitors to the city. The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB) and one will find a lot of exchange counters in Pattaya and the rates would be better in the city or the airport. There is no shortage of ATMs, however, one should be aware of the withdrawal fees which may vary between 150-220 baht. Most hotels, restaurants and shopping malls accept credit cards, whereas smaller vendors and street food stalls only accept cash. Pattaya can fit all budgets, whereby, a budget traveller spends as little as 1,000-1,500 baht/day and a luxury traveller spends as high as 5,000 baht/day. Markets and negotiations with tuk-tuk drivers should be bargained, yet be polite and friendly.
Beach and Island Hopping Essentials
The beaches and neighboring islands are the key attractions in Pattaya and understanding the beaches to visit is one of the most useful Pattaya Travel Advice. Although Pattaya beach might be busy, Jomtien beach is more relaxed and the waters are cleaner and are suitable to families. To visit the perfect beaches, with crystal clear waters, pay a day trip to the nearby islands. The closest is the Koh Larn (Coral Island), which is only 45 minutes by ferry and is a beautiful island with beaches such as Tawaen and Samae. Smaller and less crowded alternatives ideal in snorkeling are Koh Sak and Koh Krok. It is always better to bring reef-safe sunscreen because Thailand is becoming very protective of its oceans. Tour the book islands with reputable operators, and look at taking group tours as a cheaper option. Do not forget to carry waterproof bags with electronics and other valuable items.
Cultural Etiquette and Respect
One of the greatest Pattaya Travel Tips to be considered in order to guarantee a positive experience is respecting the culture and the practices of Thailand. Thailand is highly Buddhist and visitors ought to wear moderately when visiting temples that is, covering shoulders and knees. Take off your shoes when entering temples and residential houses. The royal family in Thailand is highly respected and any form of disrespect to the members of the family is not only disrespectful, but also unlawful. Another traditional Thai gesture, the wai (placing your palms together at the chest and slightly bowing down), is welcome when meeting the locals. Do not show affection in public because the Thai culture is somewhat conservative regardless of the parties in Pattaya. Always avoid touching the head of anybody, because it is the most holy part of the body and do not indicate the feet of people or religious articles. Knowing some basic phrases in Thai such as Sawasdee (hello), Khop khun (thank you) will be highly valued by the locals.
Food and Dining Safety
The food atmosphere in Pattaya is amazing as there are street food booths and fancy restaurants. Begin your culinary journey at local markets where local Thai food will cost as low as 40-60 baht. Thepprasit Night Market and Walking Street have good experiences in street food. In consuming street food, make sure that the food stall has a good turnover and that you can see them preparing food in front of your eyes. Only take bottled water and never use ice in doubtful places. Majority of the tourists have no problems though it is prudent to carry anti-diarrheal medicine. You should not leave without having tried some of the local delicacies such as Som Tam (papaya salad), Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and fresh seafood in the beachfront restaurants. Such food delivery apps as Grab Food and Foodpanda are trustworthy and provide English menu, which is ideal in case a person is afraid of language barrier.
Safety and Scam Awareness
Though Pattaya is a very safe destination to tourists, it is important to be aware of the common scams so as to enjoy a hassle free holiday. Do not fall into the trap of jet ski rental frauds, in which the operators will tell you that you wrecked the equipment and are demanding too much money; always take pictures of the jet ski before renting. Watch out of strangers who are too friendly to take you to bars or gem shops because they are usually on commission. Agreement on taxi or tuk-tuk charges at the beginning of your trip to eliminate price wars. Lock up valuables and keep passports and huge sums of money in hotel safes. Watch your items especially on the crowded markets and beaches. During the legitimate massage parlor, the prices are well indicated and therefore avoid those that are not. Although the night life in Pattaya is known, it is advisable to drink responsibly and never leave drinks without supervision.
Accommodation Selection Tips
The accommodation is the key to your Pattaya experience. The North Pattaya has beaches that are relaxing and resorts that are friendly to families, whereas Central Pattaya has convenient access to shopping and eating. Walking street area and South Pattaya are good places to be when one wants to enjoy the night but can be loud. Jomtien is ideal to those who want to have a relaxed environment. Make a reservation long before the high season (November-February) to get better rates and choice of locations. Reviews on various sites before making a reservation. Hotels are generally provided with airport transfers, and this can be handy following a long flight. Take into account houses with pools because the sea is not always clear and it also depends on the time of the year.
Conclusion
Pattaya has a spectacular blend of beach leisure, culture and adventure, and exciting entertainment which makes it the ideal destination to first-time visitors to Thailand. With this Pattaya Travel Tips, you will be in a better position to explore the city like a traveler who has been in the city and not fall in the same trap as many individuals do. Whether it is learning the local culture and transport or finding out the secret beaches and local food, you will never leave Pattaya without the right planning to make your trip more than you had expected. Travelling alone, with friends or a couple in need of a romantic vacation, Go kite travel provides Customized Pattaya honeymoon packages that removes the hassle of having to plan your trip, but at the same time will guarantee you the best the tropical paradise has to offer. Begin your adventure to Pattaya now and make lifetime memories.
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