Where To Go In Pattaya

[slippery when wet]

Hi All.

Perhaps some of you can help me.

I wish to go to pattaya because my wife who is pregnant can't travel to far and Pattaya is the closest seaside destination from her family home.

However, I have never been to Pattaya in my life and neither has my wife but she says that not all of pattaya is geared to wards the sex industry. As we have a little one already 3 years old we are seeking a family friendly area of pattaya where children can play safely and if there is a childrens playground there also this would be a bonus.

Would love to hear from anyone that could advise.

Thanks a million.

Kidzwheels...

[saraburioz]

You'll regret it. I went once with my family and it was a nightmare.

Got to Koh Samed, Hua Hin, anywhere but Pattaya.

[pokoal2000]

I don't think you would enjoy you holiday with children there.Try something else, Rayong is not far,Koh Samet, anything is better.

[chanchao]

Ah, my specialist topic!!

DO go to Pattaya for a famly holiday, it's EXCELLENT, IF you know where to go/stay. In fact I'll be going there myself again as soon as wel get some free time lined up, and bring the Mrs, the baby, the MiL, the maid.. SHould be awesome.

They key here is to avoid central/south Pattaya itself as a place to stay.

Everying always says 'Jomtien' but honestly I think the true gem (and value for money) is in the Wong Amat Beach area. Google it. Almost any budget, and a nice beach nearby for the kids to play at. As far as beaches go, another great option is Samae Beach on Ko Larn island, which means getting a taxi/truck to the other side of Ko Larn from where you arrive. And of course Ko Samet is close enough for a day trip as well. And then there's the Navy Base beach but you'd need some transportation to get there.

Pattaya has loads of things to also keep older kids entertained, i.e. the theme-parky things that would perhaps not be of prime interest to foreign tourists, but GREAT FUN if you live in Thailand and have a family to entertain. Then there's absolutely any cuisine in the world..

Pattaya: I LIKE!!

Some pics are here: http://sukstalker.fotopages.com (Search for 'pattaya' in the archive listing)

[uptou]

i was on ko chang a couple of months ago,& for me it was nothing special.a bit to many resorts for me.sterile,with no real life,& ive seen better beaches.i wished i'd tried ko samet instead.

i was last in pattaya in 1994,so cant comment really.i wouldnt expect tropical paradise though.

[torito]

Pattaya has loads of things to also keep older kids entertained, i.e. the theme-parky things that would perhaps not be of prime interest to foreign tourists, but GREAT FUN if you live in Thailand and have a family to entertain. Then there's absolutely any cuisine in the world..

Agree..

If you interested in going out by yourself and live your family alone...don't got to Pattaya. But if you are looking after your family (and you are not going specifically to look at the lovely girls in there), it is not a bad place at all..

The beach is quite nice and you can see many children playing all the times. You can choose the best place you like to sit. If you go to a resort or a hotel with swimming pool then better. They are great with kids.

In the evening most of the entertainment is for adults but some shopping centers are opened till later so window shopping is also fun for kids as there is so much to see.

It is all up to you in Pattaya. Jomtiem is too boring. Good luck.

[qwertz]

Wong Amat is okay and about the only place in Pattaya I'd recommend for a family. Phuket is better.

[chanchao]

Woops, I can't edit the link anymore. Pics are here:

http://sukstalker.fotopages.com/?entry=734409

and

http://sukstalker.fotopages.com/?entry=708906

[sbk]

Moved to the Pattaya forum where you'll get results from locals

[chanchao]

Wong Amat is okay and about the only place in Pattaya I'd recommend for a family. Phuket is better.

Phuket is a province that includes several beaches, many of them very nice, a few of them completely horrid, like Patong. So also in Phuket you'd need to do your research to pick a suitable beach, just like Pattaya.. [Yes the best beaches on Phuket are better than the best beaches in Chonburi/Rayong.]

I have to say though that part of why we holiday in Pattaya so much is because we're in Chiang Mai; if we lived in the South then we wouldn't go all the way to Pattaya, but from Chiang Mai (and Bangkok) it's very convenient especially with the new airport and the great Bell Travel / Roon Ruang bus service direct from there.

I guess what I'm saying is that some of the bad rep on Pattaya doesn't have to apply to informed family holiday makers. I'd MUCH rather holiday in the Pattaya area than the Hua Hin area. (Though Ao Manao is nice of course, but that's much much further away)

[TopDogger]

Is this a trick question?

[britmaveric]

Water Park is fun - not mention the best beaches are in Jomtien, def not Pattaya. (Koh Samet/Koh Larn/Rayong - maybe even Koh Chang) Be honest if you are out/about during the day - won't find much of interest in regards to the naughty night life. Plenty of families roaming around while most are just waking up around 2-3pm.

Edited May 1, 2007 by britmaveric

[philliphn]

Pattaya is not the place that springs to mind in regards to a family vacation.

[Pattaya_Fox]

Don`t let the Pattaya bashers put you off.

You and the kids will have a great time in Pattaya. There is an excellent selection of hotels away from the hustle and bustle of South Pattaya and other areas.

Lots to do and see and many places of interest to explore in and near to Pattaya. I will list a few down here for you.

Mini Siam.

Mini Siam Park is home to miniature replicas of the word`s man-made wonders. Walk through the park and you will see Paris`s Eiffel Tower, New York`s Statue of Liberty, Sydney`s Opera House and the Temples of Thailand. This is a fabulous experience for the whole family.

Nong Nooch tropical Botanic Garden.

15 minutes from the centre of Pattaya near Bang Saray is this wonderful display of floral cultivated gardens covering 600 acres with a mini zoo and 2 man made lakes. Nong Nooch boasts the largest variety of orchids in Thailand.

Underwater World.

This is a modern aquarium showing the areas rich marine life and an underwater environment displaying dozens of sea life species.

Ripley`s Believe it or Not.

The only museum of it`s kind located in The Royal Garden Plaza shopping mall. The kids will love this one.

Elephant Village.

Daily elephant shows.

Pattaya Park.

Has a vast swimming pool area with great amusements and water slides and the largest tower in Pattaya with a revolving restaurant.

There are many many more attractions to see including lovely Idylic islands and a good Beach in Naklua.

There are many fabulous restaurants offering many different cuisines with sea view dining.

Add to this the boats and watersport facilities, excellent shopping and you will have a super time.

[begsaresponse]

Don`t let the Pattaya bashers put you off.

You and the kids will have a great time in Pattaya. There is an excellent selection of hotels away from the hustle and bustle of South Pattaya and other areas.

Lots to do and see and many places of interest to explore in and near to Pattaya. I will list a few down here for you.

Mini Siam.

Mini Siam Park is home to miniature replicas of the word`s man-made wonders. Walk through the park and you will see Paris`s Eiffel Tower, New York`s Statue of Liberty, Sydney`s Opera House and the Temples of Thailand. This is a fabulous experience for the whole family.

Nong Nooch tropical Botanic Garden.

15 minutes from the centre of Pattaya near Bang Saray is this wonderful display of floral cultivated gardens covering 600 acres with a mini zoo and 2 man made lakes. Nong Nooch boasts the largest variety of orchids in Thailand.

Underwater World.

This is a modern aquarium showing the areas rich marine life and an underwater environment displaying dozens of sea life species.

Ripley`s Believe it or Not.

The only museum of it`s kind located in The Royal Garden Plaza shopping mall. The kids will love this one.

Elephant Village.

Daily elephant shows.

Pattaya Park.

Has a vast swimming pool area with great amusements and water slides and the largest tower in Pattaya with a revolving restaurant.

There are many many more attractions to see including lovely Idylic islands and a good Beach in Naklua.

There are many fabulous restaurants offering many different cuisines with sea view dining.

Add to this the boats and watersport facilities, excellent shopping and you will have a super time.

In addition to the above...Tropical Berts is a family bar which offers meals and accommodation. You will find it off 2nd Road, The Discovery Park, Soi 6/1..opposite Bangkok Bank.

[cm-happy]

Don`t let the Pattaya bashers put you off.

You and the kids will have a great time in Pattaya. There is an excellent selection of hotels away from the hustle and bustle of South Pattaya and other areas.

Lots to do and see and many places of interest to explore in and near to Pattaya. I will list a few down here for you.

Mini Siam.

Mini Siam Park is home to miniature replicas of the word`s man-made wonders. Walk through the park and you will see Paris`s Eiffel Tower, New York`s Statue of Liberty, Sydney`s Opera House and the Temples of Thailand. This is a fabulous experience for the whole family.

Nong Nooch tropical Botanic Garden.

15 minutes from the centre of Pattaya near Bang Saray is this wonderful display of floral cultivated gardens covering 600 acres with a mini zoo and 2 man made lakes. Nong Nooch boasts the largest variety of orchids in Thailand.

Underwater World.

This is a modern aquarium showing the areas rich marine life and an underwater environment displaying dozens of sea life species.

Ripley`s Believe it or Not.

The only museum of it`s kind located in The Royal Garden Plaza shopping mall. The kids will love this one.

Elephant Village.

Daily elephant shows.

Pattaya Park.

Has a vast swimming pool area with great amusements and water slides and the largest tower in Pattaya with a revolving restaurant.

There are many many more attractions to see including lovely Idylic islands and a good Beach in Naklua.

There are many fabulous restaurants offering many different cuisines with sea view dining.

Add to this the boats and watersport facilities, excellent shopping and you will have a super time.

All tourist traps is what you are recommending?? Figures, and laughable, since the city is its self nothing but a tourist trap.

Mini Siam, yeah right. The word's (SP) man made wonders. Gosh maude isnt this wonderful. Now we dont have to go to Paris, New York, or Sydney.

Ripleys? should include an exhibit about Pattaya. No one would believe it BELIEVE IT OR NOT

[Pattaya_Fox]

Don`t let the Pattaya bashers put you off.

You and the kids will have a great time in Pattaya. There is an excellent selection of hotels away from the hustle and bustle of South Pattaya and other areas.

Lots to do and see and many places of interest to explore in and near to Pattaya. I will list a few down here for you.

Mini Siam.

Mini Siam Park is home to miniature replicas of the word`s man-made wonders. Walk through the park and you will see Paris`s Eiffel Tower, New York`s Statue of Liberty, Sydney`s Opera House and the Temples of Thailand. This is a fabulous experience for the whole family.

Nong Nooch tropical Botanic Garden.

15 minutes from the centre of Pattaya near Bang Saray is this wonderful display of floral cultivated gardens covering 600 acres with a mini zoo and 2 man made lakes. Nong Nooch boasts the largest variety of orchids in Thailand.

Underwater World.

This is a modern aquarium showing the areas rich marine life and an underwater environment displaying dozens of sea life species.

Ripley`s Believe it or Not.

The only museum of it`s kind located in The Royal Garden Plaza shopping mall. The kids will love this one.

Elephant Village.

Daily elephant shows.

Pattaya Park.

Has a vast swimming pool area with great amusements and water slides and the largest tower in Pattaya with a revolving restaurant.

There are many many more attractions to see including lovely Idylic islands and a good Beach in Naklua.

There are many fabulous restaurants offering many different cuisines with sea view dining.

Add to this the boats and watersport facilities, excellent shopping and you will have a super time.

All tourist traps is what you are recommending?? Figures, and laughable, since the city is its self nothing but a tourist trap.

Mini Siam, yeah right. The word's (SP) man made wonders. Gosh maude isnt this wonderful. Now we dont have to go to Paris, New York, or Sydney.

Ripleys? should include an exhibit about Pattaya. No one would believe it BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Tourist traps?

I`m having a good day how about you?

[johnh101]

I wish some of these people would just go away.

[chanchao]

Yup.. People who've either never been, or have been without even a modicum of research as to where to go, saw South Pattaya / Walking Street, rightly thought it was horrible, and then keep bashing the place where really the main problem was with themselves.

Same for Chiang Mai... you could go there expecting an idyllic Northern town, but end up at the horrific Night Bazar and think it total crap.

All tourist traps is what you are recommending?? Figures, and laughable, since the city is its self nothing but a tourist trap.

Mini Siam, yeah right. The word's (SP) man made wonders. Gosh maude isnt this wonderful. Now we dont have to go to Paris, New York, or Sydney. Ripleys? should include an exhibit about Pattaya. No one would believe it BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Ok, pause for a second and imagine you have a family with 1-2-3 kids aged between 2 and 15 or so. They're Thai kids (or at least grown up in Thailand) so there's most certainly a limit to their excitement about a temple or a market or a beach. Let me tell you that makes for an uphill time going to Ko Samet or Ko Chang. Enter Pattaya where the youngest can play on the nice & small Wong Amat beach, and you can promise the older kids to go Go-Karting or Parasailing... Guess what kids will choose? Pattaya is one big theme park, for every age.

[wilko]

Why would you not take your family to Pattaya?

What is wrong with these people?

If it's within your budget, stay at Cabbages and Condoms.

Beautiful tropical gardens, pool, modern bungalow/chalets or hotel style rooms good eating clean beach and the sea on the headland between Jomtien and Pattaya is about as clean as it gets.

Wong Amat has a sewerage outlet although some seem to think it's not there! They also refuse to serve "unaccompanied Thais on the beach....something to dio with the German tourists tyhere.

[begsaresponse]

Don`t let the Pattaya bashers put you off.

You and the kids will have a great time in Pattaya. There is an excellent selection of hotels away from the hustle and bustle of South Pattaya and other areas.

Lots to do and see and many places of interest to explore in and near to Pattaya. I will list a few down here for you.

Mini Siam.

Mini Siam Park is home to miniature replicas of the word`s man-made wonders. Walk through the park and you will see Paris`s Eiffel Tower, New York`s Statue of Liberty, Sydney`s Opera House and the Temples of Thailand. This is a fabulous experience for the whole family.

Nong Nooch tropical Botanic Garden.

15 minutes from the centre of Pattaya near Bang Saray is this wonderful display of floral cultivated gardens covering 600 acres with a mini zoo and 2 man made lakes. Nong Nooch boasts the largest variety of orchids in Thailand.

Underwater World.

This is a modern aquarium showing the areas rich marine life and an underwater environment displaying dozens of sea life species.

Ripley`s Believe it or Not.

The only museum of it`s kind located in The Royal Garden Plaza shopping mall. The kids will love this one.

Elephant Village.

Daily elephant shows.

Pattaya Park.

Has a vast swimming pool area with great amusements and water slides and the largest tower in Pattaya with a revolving restaurant.

There are many many more attractions to see including lovely Idylic islands and a good Beach in Naklua.

There are many fabulous restaurants offering many different cuisines with sea view dining.

Add to this the boats and watersport facilities, excellent shopping and you will have a super time.

All tourist traps is what you are recommending?? Figures, and laughable, since the city is its self nothing but a tourist trap.

Mini Siam, yeah right. The word's (SP) man made wonders. Gosh maude isnt this wonderful. Now we dont have to go to Paris, New York, or Sydney.

Ripleys? should include an exhibit about Pattaya. No one would believe it BELIEVE IT OR NOT

I wish some of these people would just go away.

I am guessing that someone had a bad day in Pattaya 'once upon a time'? Poor soul ...life must have been hard.

But hey for the bulk of us we are kicking back enjoying the good life here in Patters. There will always be the moaners and groaners.. but for me I just ignore them. And in my mind I asign them to my 'bashers bin'

My kids were here last November with grandchildren and really enjoyed their holiday.. recommend it to anyone.

[Bredbury Blue]

We go often to Pattaya for a weekend or 3 to 4 nights. Kids are 2 and 4 and its always been an easy place to entertain them. Example, recently spent in May four nights in Hua Hin and 4 nights in Rayong, it rained pretty much the whole time (HH was flooded), what can you do there - we ended up driving to Big C and Lotus as somewhere to entertain them. Now imagine the same rainy problem in Pattaya - Toys R us, Ripleys, shopping centres, Aquarium, etc. We went last week for a night and will be going this weekend for 3 nights - why, because Pattaya has a little bit of something for everyone (not to mention the passing freak show sitting outside au Bon Pain in the Marriot shopping centre - its so good they could charge for it!).

[Meg_2003]

Also a good place to visit - Million Year stone park & crocodile farm..

[TheAceFace]

We go often to Pattaya for a weekend or 3 to 4 nights. Kids are 2 and 4 and its always been an easy place to entertain them. Example, recently spent in May four nights in Hua Hin and 4 nights in Rayong, it rained pretty much the whole time (HH was flooded), what can you do there - we ended up driving to Big C and Lotus as somewhere to entertain them. Now imagine the same rainy problem in Pattaya - Toys R us, Ripleys, shopping centres, Aquarium, etc. We went last week for a night and will be going this weekend for 3 nights - why, because Pattaya has a little bit of something for everyone (not to mention the passing freak show sitting outside au Bon Pain in the Marriot shopping centre - its so good they could charge for it!).

BB, where is Toys R Us in Pattaya...is this new?

Cheers

Ace

[Meg_2003]

We go often to Pattaya for a weekend or 3 to 4 nights. Kids are 2 and 4 and its always been an easy place to entertain them. Example, recently spent in May four nights in Hua Hin and 4 nights in Rayong, it rained pretty much the whole time (HH was flooded), what can you do there - we ended up driving to Big C and Lotus as somewhere to entertain them. Now imagine the same rainy problem in Pattaya - Toys R us, Ripleys, shopping centres, Aquarium, etc. We went last week for a night and will be going this weekend for 3 nights - why, because Pattaya has a little bit of something for everyone (not to mention the passing freak show sitting outside au Bon Pain in the Marriot shopping centre - its so good they could charge for it!).

BB, where is Toys R Us in Pattaya...is this new?

Cheers

Ace

Big C Pattaya Nua.. Outside Near the KFC ect... It opened 1-2 months ago.. It used to be a furnature shop..

Edited June 18, 2007 by Meg_ken2003

[Meg_2003]

Ive also heard of a Bowling Place on 2nd Road..

[TheAceFace]

We go often to Pattaya for a weekend or 3 to 4 nights. Kids are 2 and 4 and its always been an easy place to entertain them. Example, recently spent in May four nights in Hua Hin and 4 nights in Rayong, it rained pretty much the whole time (HH was flooded), what can you do there - we ended up driving to Big C and Lotus as somewhere to entertain them. Now imagine the same rainy problem in Pattaya - Toys R us, Ripleys, shopping centres, Aquarium, etc. We went last week for a night and will be going this weekend for 3 nights - why, because Pattaya has a little bit of something for everyone (not to mention the passing freak show sitting outside au Bon Pain in the Marriot shopping centre - its so good they could charge for it!).

BB, where is Toys R Us in Pattaya...is this new?

Cheers

Ace

Big C Pattaya Nua.. Outside Near the KFC ect... It opened 1-2 months ago.. It used to be a furnature shop..

Nice one Meg.

About time a decent store opened for kids.

Ace

[Meg_2003]

We go often to Pattaya for a weekend or 3 to 4 nights. Kids are 2 and 4 and its always been an easy place to entertain them. Example, recently spent in May four nights in Hua Hin and 4 nights in Rayong, it rained pretty much the whole time (HH was flooded), what can you do there - we ended up driving to Big C and Lotus as somewhere to entertain them. Now imagine the same rainy problem in Pattaya - Toys R us, Ripleys, shopping centres, Aquarium, etc. We went last week for a night and will be going this weekend for 3 nights - why, because Pattaya has a little bit of something for everyone (not to mention the passing freak show sitting outside au Bon Pain in the Marriot shopping centre - its so good they could charge for it!).

BB, where is Toys R Us in Pattaya...is this new?

Cheers

Ace

Big C Pattaya Nua.. Outside Near the KFC ect... It opened 1-2 months ago.. It used to be a furnature shop..

Nice one Meg.

About time a decent store opened for kids.

Ace

Yes, Im no longer a kid and I still enjoyed having a look around there... The shop is a little small, though, but theres something for everyone in there.. It isn't as expensive as I thought it would be either...