Why Is It Called 'the Dark Side'

[laura1c]

Hello All,

I am moving over to Pattaya for work with my husband and young child (15 months) in August. I have been looking at rental properties and there seem to be many at a decent price, with decent amenities in Eastern Pattaya. We are not interested in the infamous nightlife at all, and would like to live somewhere that is not in the middle of nowhere but is quiet and good for a family. I speak Thai (having lived in Thailand previously) and have no worries about not being able to be understood.

Can anyone tell me why East Pattaya is known as 'The Dark Side'? Are there problems in the area? It is not a good place to settle?

Many thanks for any responses!

Laura

[Spoonman]

I do beleive it was the owner of Noi's Bar on Soi khao Noi who first coined the phrase,The reason being as east Pattaya is well away from the bright lights of Pattaya and was always a bit mysterious way back when as people (tourists) rarely ventured across Sukhumvit road in fear of what may be lurking on the otherside.

EDIT: I have lived in East Pattaya (Soi Khao Noi) for the best part of 3 years, I have no complaints, Everything I need is within a short scoot ride, anything thats not is only 10 minutes away in the pick up, the gated village I live in nice and quiet and to date I have rarely seen any untoward violence, couple shootings and fatal car/scoot accidents and what not but meh, I see them at home as well.

Edited March 2, 2010 by Spoonman

[laura1c]

Thanks Spoonman,

Sounds perfect!

Laura

[somtampet]

Hi Laura,

Not sure why its called the darkside but you defo need a car and is more dangerous than central/north/south Pattaya.

I dont want to scare you as no doubt some expats will come on here and say i am telling porkies,these are the expats who live on the East/Dark side.I would never think of driving up there on a motorbike and would certainly live on a secure estate if i lived there.

As for the infamous nightlife,there are many short time bars on the Darkside and many minibus loads of farangs travel there for a raunchy day out.The new bypass road can be putting your life at risk,if you want to cross it,but has opened a much better infrastructure.If you like european food there are many decent restaraunts but all charge more than Pattaya.

good luck and dont forget Thailand is not dangerous but try central pattaya first

[rolypie]

Its called the dark side as everything closes at 12 simples!

[Spoonman]

The 12.00am thing has only been semi recent, it was called the darkside long before....for what its worth, grabbing a beer after 12 aint an issue.

[Phil Conners]

Hi Laura,

Not sure why its called the darkside but you defo need a car and is more dangerous than central/north/south Pattaya.

I dont want to scare you as no doubt some expats will come on here and say i am telling porkies,these are the expats who live on the East/Dark side.I would never think of driving up there on a motorbike and would certainly live on a secure estate if i lived there.

As for the infamous nightlife,there are many short time bars on the Darkside and many minibus loads of farangs travel there for a raunchy day out.The new bypass road can be putting your life at risk,if you want to cross it,but has opened a much better infrastructure.If you like european food there are many decent restaraunts but all charge more than Pattaya.

good luck and dont forget Thailand is not dangerous but try central pattaya first

You're telling porkies

Again, someone who don't live here knows everything about it.

It's no more dangerous than living in Pattaya city.

It goes without saying you want to live in a secure estate, in Pattaya City as on the dark side.

I have lived on the dark side for 7 years now, drive daily on my scooter, have never had an accident here.

Yes there are now also bars on the dark side, but they are not so in-your-face as in the city and generally not so noisy (there are of course exceptions).

There are quite a few restaurants for all price ranges. They don't all charge more than Pattaya but of course the complete price dumpers such as "all you can eat 99B" (which is apparently now closed), and the uneatable buffets of Apax and Lek are only in the city.

Edited March 2, 2010 by Phil Conners

[laura1c]

Hi,

Thanks for all your replies. You have certainly put my mind at ease about the area. Obviously when we arrive we will be looking closely (currently it is a toss up between East Pattaya and Naklua) but that is all in theory!

It seems odd that you have to live in secure housing. I know that it is the case - having read quite extensively about it, nonetheless I lived for years in Phet'buri which was a totally different kettle of fish (I can count on two hands all the falang that lived in the town). I loved totally immersing in the Thai culture and way of life (had to learn Thai very quickly just to survive!) and hope that although it is so 'foreign' in Pattaya there will still be a chnace for me to explore this once again.

My main love of Thailand is the Thai culture and people, not the 'western influences). As for western restaurants - I much prefer Thai (used to have western food once every three months or so in Bangkok as a treat!).

If anyone knows of anywhere within a manageable driving distance (no more than 30 mins) from Pattaya that has less Western influence then please shout out!

Many thanks once again, I appreciate you all taking your time to help me out with your advice.

Chok Dee Nah Kha!

Laura

[somtampet]

Laura,as i eat mainly thai food,one of my favourites is past Tesco on Sukhumvit and about 400-500 meteres up on the left there is a lovely restaraunt on a small lake,full of huge catfish.The prices are reasonable and the quality is top notch.Vientienne restaraunt on sukhumvit side of Pattaya Tai is good also,but many many brilliant thai places.

Khun Conners,

I have lived Pattaya for 7 years and have considerable experiences on the Darkside,and many people will agree that it is a little more dangerous than Central Pattaya,and i have a non secured house in Pattaya.

[Mobi]

I lived on the Dark side for three years and in Pattaya for about six months.

I loved the Darkside. It is great place to stay with a family. Loads of really nice houses, many in gated communities, and there are many pubs and restaurants with good economical food - farang and Thai. Out by Lake MabPrachan is very pleasant and the climate is little cooler than Pattaya - especially the mornings and evenings.

There are plenty of "bright Lights" in the Nern Plub Wan/Siam Country Club Road/Soi Kownoi side, but for families I would recommend the Pong side, or east of the lake. There is easy access to the Rayong Highway which will whisk you to the airport and Bangkok without traipsing through the Pattaya traffic, and the new by pass, which will open any day, should cut the journey to central Pattaya from the Pong side around 10 minutes. Right now it takes 20 -25 minutes.

My house is within walking distance of Wat pong and a very popular, local fresh food market and I loved living there. I never had a whisper of any crime, but it makes sense to have your house properly protected with alarms etc.

There is even a very large 7/11 just opened , not far from the lake, which also has an ATM machine, so just about everything you need is near at hand.

On the other hand, as a single man I love living in Pattaya. It is an exciting,. fun city, I have a condo with a sea view and I can get to almost anywhere within ten minutes. I can even walk into Jomtien.

The Bright side and the Dark side are both good places to live - it depends what you are looking for.

BTW I wouldn't swear to it, but I'm almost positive I was the first to coin the phrase "The Dark Side", but I can't be bothered researching my posts to verify my claim. It refers to the fact that there are very few street lights. At night it is pretty dark, but not so dark as it once was.

Edited March 2, 2010 by Mobi

[Thailaw]

I lived on the Dark side for three years and in Pattaya for about six months.

I loved the Darkside. It is great place to stay with a family. Loads of really nice houses, many in gated communities, and there are many pubs and restaurants with good economical food - farang and Thai. Out by Lake MabPrachan is very pleasant and the climate is little cooler than Pattaya - especially the mornings and evenings.

There are plenty of "bright Lights" in the Nern Plub Wan/Siam Country Club Road/Soi Kownoi side, but for families I would recommend the Pong side, or east of the lake. There is easy access to the Rayong Highway which will whisk you to the airport and Bangkok without traipsing through the Pattaya traffic, and the new by pass, which will open any day, should cut the journey to central Pattaya from the Pong side around 10 minutes. Right now it takes 20 -25 minutes.

My house is within walking distance of Wat pong and a very popular, local fresh food market and I loved living there. I never had a whisper of any crime, but it makes sense to have your house properly protected with alarms etc.

There is even a very large 7/11 just opened , not far from the lake, which also has an ATM machine, so just about everything you need is near at hand.

On the other hand, as a single man I love living in Pattaya. It is an exciting,. fun city, I have a condo with a sea view and I can get to almost anywhere within ten minutes. I can even walk into Jomtien.

The Bright side and the Dark side are both good places to live - it depends what you are looking for.

BTW I wouldn't swear to it, but I'm almost positive I was the first to coin the phrase "The Dark Side", but I can't be bothered researching my posts to verify my claim. It refers to the fact that there are very few street lights. At night it is pretty dark, but not so dark as it once was.

Mobi's post is infinitely more accurate than the utter foolishness in Somtampet's post. The Dark Side is absolutely no more dangerous than Pattaya city. I have never heard of a crime more serious than someone coming into a house in the afternoon through an unlocked door and rummaging around. You need good locks and good neighbors, nothing more, to feel safe and secure here on the "Right Side". And my 2 year old daughter feels the same, having just returned from the new, nearby 7/11 with her mom, having gotten a "cream". But I would keep away from the congested areas, such as Soi Khow Noi, Soi Khow Talow, and Soi Neun Pleub Wan, too much traffic and probably too close to younger Thais looking for an easy pickin'. The Lake Mabprachan area is surely the best choice for all around living. And I coined the phrase "the Right Side", but I am not sure it will stick or that it is universally agreed to. Cheers,

[syd barrett]

I think I had been in Pattaya for around six months (circa 2001) when I first heard someone say 'The Dark Side'. The guy who said it explained it to me. I lived on the 'Dark Side' for nearly a year, but was happy to move back to Central Pattaya for a while then on to Naklua.

It depends on what you want. But I say that there is no difference when it comes to crime or problems. But transport is a must and that includes being sober enough to drive a car/motorcycle.

Edited March 2, 2010 by syd barrett

[LennyW]

Iv'e always found the term "darkside" a bit ironic when applied to what is basically the countryside of Pattaya, if you think about all the "dark" forces at work on the beach side?? Strange!!

To the OP, you will find life just fine over here, whatever it's called, you will root out your local supplier for most everything, and the fresh air will suit you fine.

Getting to the major supermarkets, Tesco, BigC, and Makro are far easier than if you were stuck in the middle of town, i have included Makro in there but they have pissed me off lately, a case of Leo is cheaper at my local shop than there, things like that you will find out??

You will enjoy!

[Spoonman]

Taken from the Darkside Pattaya website:-

"For those that have wondered, the name 'Darkside' derived from a couple of guys called Lee and Ben back in 2005, who based their comments on the lack of street lighting and nothing to do with the seedier side of life"

Although that counld be utter rubbish for all I know....

Refer to post #2, Lee also owns Nois Bar.

Edited March 2, 2010 by Spoonman

[William Osborne]

i think its an utterly stupid name.....I always refer to it as East Pattaya.

Edited March 2, 2010 by William Osborne

[Lancelot]

I've been in Pattaya for a couple of years. When I first moved here from Bangkok I lived on Soi LK Metro. I loved being in the center of the night life - for awhile. Then I moved to a quiet Soi (OK, its relative) off 3 Rd Road. Now I've been living on Soi Khao Noi for a year and I enjoy the quiet and lack of traffic. I think many long term Pattaya expats gradually move away from the "action areas" to the more quiet ones. The Dark Side fits the bill for me

PS-I've been out at 1 or 2 am in East Pattayta and not had a problem. Touch wood maybe

[Gary A]

Years ago we always called it the wrong side. There wasn't much there and property values were MUCH less than the beach side. Since then it has built up quickly and someone decided to call it the dark side rather than the wrong side.

[PhilHarries]

When I moved out there in '97 some Thai friends were concerned for my safety as, according to them, it had a bad reputation. I lived there from '97 to '04 and never experienced anything more threatening than the odd snake or centipede I found it the ideal place to live, far enough away from the nightlife to make it an effort to go out (rather than the norm) but near enough to get in and out of town fairly easy.

The only thing is the creeping growth of the nightlife entertainment business is threatening the peace and quiet.

[skate44]

I made the move last year, sold my condo in central Pattaya and moved into a house on the "Dark Side". I've not had any problems so far. There is actually quite a lot to do out there and I am a lot more active since moving from the city. As my ex-wife says.......Once you go Black, you never go back!

[elcent]

Its called the dark side as everything closes at 12 simples!

So you're away from the blinding lights of closing time? Lol, and they call it dark side.

[mickjn]

Nothing wrong with the Darkside I enjoy it over there

[Mobi]

i think its an utterly stupid name.....I always refer to it as East Pattaya.

I think its a great name.

East Pattaya - how boring!

Where's your spirit of mystery and adventure?

You sound far too civilized to live on the Dark Side

[Beardog]

I lived in soi Kaoh Talo for a couple of years from 06-end of 07 & found it to be alright. soi kaoh talo is quite a bit busier now but in general I consider it no different than inner Pattaya except for more baht buses. Get a scooter & watch out for other drivers. nothing exceptionally scary or that different than living in the city. & it was quieter (till they built a mosque a 1/2 a block from our house) We moved to Bang Saray & love the peace & quiet. Rent (if you rent 6000-7000 baht 2 bdr. houses) Lots of baht buses & motorbike taxis if you want to get out of town by 20 minutes. The darkside- I always just considered it east Pattaya -is definitely inhabitable.

[anothertorres]

I would never think of driving up there on a motorbike and would certainly live on a secure estate if i lived there.

hahaha. like Ice Cube says... "if you've never been the ghetto, don't come to the ghetto, because you wouldn't understand the ghetto".

anyway, thanks for staying away and please, do NOT drive your motorbike up here as we have lost over 10,000 good expats who dared to do the same. people are dying left and right over here! save yourself!!!

[NALAK]

i love it over here, regularly out after 2 am no problems yet. samui phuket all have same problems as in farangs getting robbed killed etc. i have read a few articals about darkside term, most said it was because this side of sukumavit never used to have street lighting, but many differnt versions none down to it being trouble. and of course we have black pearl bar. can be a real pain if you need to travel to town every day though. i always use the bypass as quicker but the junctions are a free for all.

Edited March 2, 2010 by NALAK

[xen]

I also believe ithe name 'darkside' refered to the lack of street lighting .

My ex-wife and i bought a house in Eakmongkol village 1 and have seen the area expand since then. Soi KaoTalow has got busier but is still just a soi carrying far too much traffic and needs to be upgraded which is impossible now. Definately need yr own transport if you live there as the baht buses will attempt to hit u up for a small fortune once u cross Sukhumvit .

[Chaimai]

I spent a year on the Darkside renting a 2 bed air-con detached bungalow for 6,000 Baht a month.

As PH says you were far enough out to make a trip into Pattaya seem like an outing - even though it was only 20 mins (on a motorcy). Easy to get to Naklua, Thepprasit and even Bukhao markets + all the shopping malls. Having said that, you could buy most things on the soi.

There was also plenty of entertainment and the City Boys would would often to 'come over' for discreet visits to Dau bar, Black Pearl etc. I think the last time I was there Soi Nern Plub Wan had 9 7/11's, 7 Family Mart and 6 Oasis bars.

Driving a car was not so comfortable and the relief roads are certainly NOT a relief. Basically, the infrastructure is inadequate to cope with the population on the Darkside.

[barryofthailand]

I lived on the Dark side for five years on soi Siam Country Club Porn Papa 2, not in a secure housing area, but on a regular soi, and had never had a problem. You can easily find a rental for 6000 Baht a month in that area off of Siam Country Club one kilometer east of Sukhumvit.

Barry

[Jonathanpattaya]

I thought it was called "the dark side" because of the daytime S.T. goings-on in the past.

Edited March 3, 2010 by Jonathanpattaya

[DisainaM]

as we all know - Dark side of the moon - Pink Floyd,

when it comes in terms of pattaya,

we are thinking of slow internet and low infrastructure.

the dark side of the black planet

http://www.blackplanetcitizen.com