So my plans might change depending on the virus, but I plan to head to Pattaya in early January. 

 

Will probably take the girlfriend.

 

I’m looking for recommendations on:

- what is the absolute best restaurant in Pattaya, higher end/fine dining (if possible)

- Best place for an English breakfast?

- Best place for selection of beers (I like imported/craft beers)

 

- Good day time activity to take the girlfriend and her niece

 

I'll be staying at the Dusit Thani but I have a car so transport is not a problem.

 

Thank you

Best of luck. Some good restaurants remain but in general the place is Dead. Just look at the many Vlogs on Y/Tube if you want some idea of how it is. I would say it's a ghost town but that's in insult to Ghosts. I have just come back from Pattaya went for a Birthday bash. We booked for 3 nights left after 36 hours. That'll give you some idea of how good/lively it is. 

2 minutes ago, fredob43 said:

Best of luck. Some good restaurants remain but in general the place is Dead. Just look at the many Vlogs on Y/Tube if you want some idea of how it is. I would say it's a ghost town but that's in insult to Ghosts. I have just come back from Pattaya went for a Birthday bash. We booked for 3 nights left after 36 hours. That'll give you some idea of how good/lively it is. 

 

oh no.

 

I was hoping it would be quiet but not 'dead'

21 minutes ago, 1fortheroad said:

Will probably take the girlfriend.

Bring the whole family and enjoy the endless world class family facilities!

1 minute ago, 1fortheroad said:

 

oh no.

 

I was hoping it would be quiet but not 'dead'

There maybe others that will say it's fine. But just to give you some idea we stayed in a 200 room hotel and we were the only ones staying. Supermarkets are still doing ok with the local Expats. But thousands of shops, bars, restaurants closed or empty for rent of for sale. What worried us was the lack of customers, and how fresh with little or no turnover was the goodies they were selling. Only good thing I can report was lots of places have had to reduce their prices just to encourage Peeps to come in. Sorry to say even that's not working. 

 

Tip stay out of north Pattaya. North of the Dolphin R/A as that's almost closed down. As usual lots of traffic belching out fumes. If it were me I would use the Hotel pool during the day, And find a place to eat that was open and had at least some customers. Best of luck. 

15 minutes ago, 1fortheroad said:

 

oh no.

 

I was hoping it would be quiet but not 'dead'

It's quiet, not dead, can still enjoy the bars, restaurants, massage shops, walking Street, whatever it is you want. In a year or so it will be full of Chinese again so enjoy it while you can. Even consider a day trip to koh Lan, 30 baht by ferry

This is NOT the Pattaya we use to know and love, many things have changed, come up with open minds and plans and be spontaneous is the best for now...

3 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

It's quiet, not dead, can still enjoy the bars, restaurants, massage shops, walking Street, whatever it is you want. In a year or so it will be full of Chinese again so enjoy it while you can. Even consider a day trip to koh Lan, 30 baht by ferry

It's high season and there's not a sole about. Walking street is as good a closed. M/Shops those that are open are empty. Bars yes, some open but again Not a customer about, fine if you want to sit in and empty bar watching the ladies playing connect 4.  Ko Lan might be ok, cant comment on that, as I said we left asap. So didn't do it, but if it's anything like the rest of Pattaya I would give it a miss.   

22 minutes ago, fredob43 said:

It's high season and there's not a sole about. Walking street is as good a closed. M/Shops those that are open are empty. Bars yes, some open but again Not a customer about, fine if you want to sit in and empty bar watching the ladies playing connect 4.  Ko Lan might be ok, cant comment on that, as I said we left asap. So didn't do it, but if it's anything like the rest of Pattaya I would give it a miss.   

You're not right, Walking St is good if you pick the right places, you seem to be just looking for closed places. Soi Buakhao at night is buzzing. High Season? you realise there's a pandemic? 

7 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

It's high season and there's not a sole about.

Sh.t, that's my favourite fish!

 

And I hate walking barefoot!

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

You're not right, Walking St is good if you pick the right places, you seem to be just looking for closed places. Soi Buakhao at night is buzzing

We stayed in Sutus court 1. So do know how things were in S/B. Sorry but other than some lights on it's as dead as a Doe Doe. Not a sole about. Might be though we didn't have our rose tinted glasses on. You'll be saying next that Soi Pot hole is Busy/Buzzing. Thanks for the laugh anyway. 

 

And know we didn't look for closed/shuttered places they popped up everywhere. Hard to miss as there were lot's more of those than the ones that were open.  

15 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Sh.t, that's my favourite fish!

 

Well, if there isn't a sole around try another plaice. 

8 minutes ago, fredob43 said:

We stayed in Sutus court 1. So do know how things were in S/B. Sorry but other than some lights on it's as dead as a Doe Doe. Not a sole about. Might be though we didn't have our rose tinted glasses on. You'll be saying next that Soi Pot hole is Busy/Buzzing. Thanks for the laugh anyway. 

 

And know we didn't look for closed/shuttered places they popped up everywhere. Hard to miss as there were lot's more of those than the ones that were open.  

seriously you may be depressed, always seeing things negatively. All the guys i know think it's been the best time in years, but everyone's looking for different things i guess

Well if you do get here I'd very much like to read a brief trip report and your honest thoughts, a very nice restaurant that I use fairly frequently is Casa Pascal on 2nd road, the set menu ( Schlemmer menu) with free flow, good quality wine is excellent value for money at 690 Baht, or go Ala Carte, high end quality dining. Google it ????

 

Nong Nuch gardens on the Suchamvit road towards Sattahip is worth a visit, I've never been to Koh Larn island but people have said it's quite nice.

 

Then there's also the water park, and the Aquarium, never been to either, and then there's also the indoor Iceland or whatever it's called if your G/F & her daughter have never seen snow and ice ????

 

Enjoy your trip and please report back here ????????

There are a number of "English" pubs around that service English breakfasts and more than a few other restaurants do as well.

Someone had a thread a few days ago about some night time places to go, where you basically just sit at a table and do nothing (which apparently is exciting for some people). I think the main attraction was the variety of beers available.
Actually, it was a repost of a "Dan about Thailand" article. In it he lists some places to go that he thinks are great. However, your preferences (and mine) may vary from what he thinks. 
https://danaboutthailand.com/2020/12/07/why-hold-on-to-the-old-pattaya-nightlife-scene-when-the-new-emerging-one-looks-so-good/

Day time activities ? Depends on what you want to do really. Nong Nooch Gardens/Silver Lake Winery Khao Chi Chan (Big Buddha etched into a "mountain") are all in the same general vicinity and would make a nice afternoon outing.

The teakwood temple (Sanctuary of Truth) (North Pattaya) might be a worth a visit as well. Another place maybe the the "Frost Magical Ice of Siam" place which apparently is open, as is the Dolphinarium. I've never been to either but they maybe be OK for a visit.
https://www.facebook.com/frostpattaya

https://pattayadolphinarium.com/

Plenty of other activities as well. Plus the malls, though I doubt they have much to offer that you can't already get in Bangkok (for less money no doubt). 

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

seriously you may be depressed, always seeing things negatively. All the guys i know think it's been the best time in years, but everyone's looking for different things i guess

We went to try and enjoy ourselves for a Birthday bash. And it was a complete disaster. 

 

I don't know if anyone has seen the latest news, but many roads have been shut and they are putting a hold on anyone that wants to travel and stay out of province. Just been announced on the TV in Thai??? I haven't got the full details as of yet, but that's what my wife has just told me. As you all know it does take some time to get the full info translated. Suggest you all look to see the full details. 

Whenever I have friends visit Pattaya for the first time, I always take them to Tiffany's. I just drove by today and it's dead, closed, finished. I drove through Walking Street a month ago Friday night and was attacked by tumble weeds. 9:00 p.m. and the only people on the street were the security guards. Sure, you can find bars/restaurants still open, and if you like sushi I highly recommend Tsunami Sushi. Pattaya's not quite dead, but in a near coma.

2 hours ago, 1fortheroad said:

Will probably take the girlfriend.

Probably?

So, if you have not comitted to this, I would come alone.

There's still plenty to do in Pataya but I have to honestly say some of the restaurants have not lost customers only due to C-19, they just offer bad value for money  and bad food.  I'd suggest driving up the coast one day to Jomtien and try Pupen restaurant. Then a few of the bars on the same  beach road are still buzzing. 

Hops Brew House on Beach Road is worth a visit. They brew a very nice Bavarian-style weissbier and a pilsener on the premises. I'd imagine it'll be quiet but the place has a nice atmosphere and the menu is pretty good too.

3 hours ago, fredob43 said:

It's high season and there's not a sole about

Sounds fishy to me......

Wizard Brewery might be worth a look. It's just off 2nd Road and was reviewed recently by the U.S. youtuber Rides4Kickz.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFBxXdE0JFw&t=318s

What should I do in Pattaya?

 

Pack up and move to Bangkok.

3 hours ago, 1fortheroad said:

So my plans might change depending on the virus, but I plan to head to Pattaya in early January. 

 

Will probably take the girlfriend.

 

I’m looking for recommendations on:

- what is the absolute best restaurant in Pattaya, higher end/fine dining (if possible)

- Best place for an English breakfast?

- Best place for selection of beers (I like imported/craft beers)

 

- Good day time activity to take the girlfriend and her niece

 

I'll be staying at the Dusit Thani but I have a car so transport is not a problem.

 

Thank you

Alcazar is an interesting show

also I don't know the name of it but there is a look out point that the navy has a sop at that is a great place to go to not sure if shops are open but if they are it is a nice place to stop and have a coffee.

 

I am going for New Years if they do not close the place with lockdown and will let you know.

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

It's quiet, not dead, can still enjoy the bars, restaurants, massage shops, walking Street, whatever it is you want. In a year or so it will be full of Chinese again so enjoy it while you can. Even consider a day trip to koh Lan, 30 baht by ferry

totally agree with scubascuba3. At least a positive answer. All the negative comments; makes me wonder if these people think Pattaya is only fun for parties, nightlife and getting drunk. There is so much more you can do, Koh Lan, Koh Chang, Koh Samet etc.

whilst true that many establishments are closed (temporary or for good), I never have a problem finding a bar or a restaurant that is still open . And I can tell you, wherever you go, the service is much better and the employees are much friendlier than what they used to be during "high season". Besides that you can get some real good deals everywhere these days.

 

Summary: Do not hesitate to come here. I am having a good time.

 

Thaisabai

 

 

 

4 hours ago, 1fortheroad said:

- what is the absolute best restaurant in Pattaya, higher end/fine dining (if possible)

You could try Cafe des Amis. I have not been for a while but I believe it to still be very good.

 

Something a little different if it is still going - AE Cooking Atelier - next to Papagoyos, only open in the week and menu changes weekly. This was a menu from a year ago -

 

 

2 hours ago, fredob43 said:

We went to try and enjoy ourselves for a Birthday bash. And it was a complete disaster. 

 

I don't know if anyone has seen the latest news, but many roads have been shut and they are putting a hold on anyone that wants to travel and stay out of province. Just been announced on the TV in Thai??? I haven't got the full details as of yet, but that's what my wife has just told me. As you all know it does take some time to get the full info translated. Suggest you all look to see the full details. 

 

that is a lot of BS

Don't know what you are talking about. The closed roads is a thing of the past  (couple of months ago). Everything is open with the exception of some bars/restaurants that had to close unfortunately.

Yes it is not the party town it used to be, but there are still plenty places to have a good time.

 

Thaisabai

4 hours ago, 1fortheroad said:

So my plans might change depending on the virus, but I plan to head to Pattaya in early January. 

You planning all this for after quarantine?

19 minutes ago, topt said:

You could try Cafe des Amis. I have not been for a while but I believe it to still be very good.

 

Something a little different if it is still going - AE Cooking Atelier - next to Papagoyos, only open in the week and menu changes weekly. This was a menu from a year ago -

 

 

Good suggestion.

Pricey yes, but the best fine dining place I have been in the area. 

40 minutes ago, thaisabai said:

There is so much more you can do, Koh Lan, Koh Chang, Koh Samet etc.

 

Kerryd's suggestions are good.  Add Siracha Tiger Zoo, but if you are a member of PETA probably don't go.

 

thaisabai where is Koh Lan?  Assume you mean Koh Larn.

Also, Koh Chang is 5 hours away and Samet about 3 with driving and ferry.