Pattaya

[sharon27]

I'm new to the forum and after opinions on Pattaya as a family destination.

I've heard differing thoughts from it's sleazy and the sex trade is rampant to yes it's there but they leave u alone.

Will be travelling with husband and 3 kids all girls, (13, 9,4)

Thanks

SHaron

[Spit the Dog]

Pattaya is one of those places that people either love or hate.

As a family destination I personally wouldn't recommend Pattaya. That's just my opinion. I think there are more suitable destinations for families elsewhere in Thailand. As you said in your post, there is alot of sleaze in Pattaya which is probably not the sort of thing that you would like your daughters to observe.

On the plus side there are several good hotels offering entertainment and there are plenty of places to go with the kids during the daytime.

[snoophound]

Yep

Unless you book one of the four or five star resorts,with full facilities.

The beaches are not nice.

Prob Samui or Phuket more suitable.

Pattaya is one of those places that people either love or hate.

As a family destination I personally wouldn't recommend Pattaya. That's just my opinion. I think there are more suitable destinations for families elsewhere in Thailand. As you said in your post, there is alot of sleaze in Pattaya which is probably not the sort of thing that you would like your daughters to observe.

On the plus side there are several good hotels offering entertainment and there are plenty of places to go with the kids during the daytime.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[wilko]

I'm new to the forum and after opinions on Pattaya as a family destination.

I've heard differing thoughts from it's sleazy and the sex trade is rampant to yes it's there but they leave u alone.

Will be travelling with husband and 3 kids all girls, (13, 9,4)

Thanks

SHaron

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm of the latter school....The sex trade is here but they don't go chasing families.

I think there's actually quite a lot of stuff for kids in Pattaya.Parks, zoos, watersports etc. The sea leaves much to be desired but there are beaches nearby that are OK. Some hotel resorts have their own beach.

Pattaya is good for shopping, eating and hotels - all cheap! It's also a good place if you want to travel on to the islands of Koh Samet and Koh Chang for a few days. It's only a 2 hour drive Max from Bkk and the airport. You an fly to Samui friom the local airport, U-tapao.

As far as the sex trade is concernned, you won't be confronted with lude acts or sreaming brawling women. It is mostly centred round small open clusters of bars where men go to chat up the girls and drink beer. The Go-Go bars may have suggestive dancing etc, but that is behind closed doors. Thais are in general quite modest and hanky-panky is kept behind closed doors. the girls themselves are in general very well behaved, you will notice them leaving the hotels in the morning. They often keep a customer for the duration of his holiday, staying at his hotel and accompanying him on trips.

If you decide to have a massage, be sure to go to the right kind of establishment.!

[snoophound]

Took my kiwi 13 year old niece a year back.

She couldnt work out why so many white guys had thai daughters.

I wanted to BS and say it was the vietnam war.

Anyway she thought it was disgusting.

I'm new to the forum and after opinions on Pattaya as a family destination.

I've heard differing thoughts from it's sleazy and the sex trade is rampant to yes it's there but they leave u alone.

Will be travelling with husband and 3 kids all girls, (13, 9,4)

Thanks

SHaron

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm of the latter school....The sex trade is here but they don't go chasing families.

I think there's actually quite a lot of stuff for kids in Pattaya.Parks, zoos, watersports etc. The sea leaves much to be desired but there are beaches nearby that are OK. Some hotel resorts have their own beach.

Pattaya is good for shopping, eating and hotels - all cheap! It's also a good place if you want to travel on to the islands of Koh Samet and Koh Chang for a few days. It's only a 2 hour drive Max from Bkk and the airport. You an fly to Samui friom the local airport, U-tapao.

As far as the sex trade is concernned, you won't be confronted with lude acts or sreaming brawling women. It is mostly centred round small open clusters of bars where men go to chat up the girls and drink beer. The Go-Go bars may have suggestive dancing etc, but that is behind closed doors. Thais are in general quite modest and hanky-panky is kept behind closed doors. the girls themselves are in general very well behaved, you will notice them leaving the hotels in the morning. They often keep a customer for the duration of his holiday, staying at his hotel and accompanying him on trips.

If you decide to have a massage, be sure to go to the right kind of establishment.!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[craigt3365]

I don't think Pattaya is good for families. Especially considering all the other places you can go. The beaches are not that good and the beer bars are everywhere. Almost impossible to escape them, unless you are quiet a ways from the beach.

If you do want to go, try Jomtien. It is a lot better, and still can get to Pattaya easily. Avoid walking street, and most of 2nd road, at all costs during the night. I am not sure how you would explain that to kids...

[wilko]

I don't think Pattaya is good for families.  Especially considering all the other places you can go.  The beaches are not that good and the beer bars are everywhere.  Almost impossible to escape them, unless you are quiet a ways from the beach.

If you do want to go, try Jomtien.  It is a lot better, and still can get to Pattaya easily.  Avoid walking street, and most of 2nd road, at all costs during the night.  I am not sure how you would explain that to kids...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not quite so many girls in Jomtien - because it has a GAY beach!

There are a few nice beaches between Pattaya and Jomtien - try Sugar beach...

Pattay and Jomtien are only either side of a headland really they are almost one town...

[galt67]

Pattaya, actually, has A LOT of for families--

First, I'd recommend staying at one of resorts outside the downtown area. Asia Pattaya Resort, for example.

Regarding activities, not only is their the beach, but mini-golf, bowling, movies, zoo, and Nong Nooch.

And the Beach Rd area can be pleasant during DAYTIME for families interested in shopping.

[craigt3365]

Pattaya, actually, has A LOT of for families--

First, I'd recommend staying at one of resorts outside the downtown area. Asia Pattaya Resort, for example.

Regarding activities, not only is their the beach, but mini-golf, bowling, movies, zoo, and Nong Nooch.

And the Beach Rd area can be pleasant during DAYTIME for families interested in shopping.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Absolutely correct. Pattaya has a lot to offer...especially during the daytime. I just don't understand why parents take their kids down walking street at 11PM. Amazing how many I have seen...

Wilko: I remember my first trip to Patong. Got in late and went to a hotel recommended by the van driver. New and nice hotel. Walked to the beach the next day, after being harrassed by the ladyboy's on my hotel's soi...first hint...and then figured out there were no girls on the beach...second hint...I ended up in the gay section! Not that I care, but I do tend to prefer looking at bikini clad women rather than bikini clad old men.

[skylar]

Like all places in Thailand and in other countries, it depends on what you want to do, where you want to go and what time of day.

I went to Pattaya when I was 13 and again when I was 14 with my sister and her friend's family and we all had a ball. We spent most of our time at the water park, however I heard it's been closed for years... is this true? We did see prostitutes and their customers on occasion but as we were living in Bangkok, none of us batted an eyelid.

There's lots of daytime activities for kids - what about Mini Siam and the Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum?

[Dragonman]

I'm new to the forum and after opinions on Pattaya as a family destination.

I've heard differing thoughts from it's sleazy and the sex trade is rampant to yes it's there but they leave u alone.

Will be travelling with husband and 3 kids all girls, (13, 9,4)

Thanks

SHaron

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I personally would not see Pattaya as being an ideal resort for a child as young as 4 years. However, if you stay in one of the large resort hotels on the main Sukhumvit road, Na Jomtien to Sattahip, you will have a good location for all the local amenities.Taxis and buses are cheap, 15 minutes from Pattaya, and need never see any of the less attractive side of Pattaya, other than the odd visit with or without the kids. Beaches out towards Sattahip all family orientated and sea blue/green unlike Pattaya. Restaurants cheap and cater for kids with play areas, etc.

[britmaveric]

Patters is a great place for families. Heaps to see/do. Of course you will be left alone more chance getting hassled by a tailor or a beggar than any lady/lad involved in the sex industry. The nightlife doesnt really get started til late at any rate when most of you will be in bed. Unless you go into a GoGo I seriously doubt you will notice anything worth mentioning, apart from ladies/lads sitting in open bars playing connect 4, jingle or smth other boring game.

[Blackandwhite]

Pattaya

it is what you want it to be, I met the most amazing woman in the world there. She is now my wife. We have daughter she is three years old and as dlelightfull as her mother. We have been all over Thailand and i must say there are nicer palces than Pattaya but Pattaya is so fun for all, loads to do loads of fun for all. Cheap as chips and 1.5 hours from Bangers.

Where else can you get a hotel for £10 with a pool and resturant and bar and load of nice happy staff. Oh thats right nowhere.

PTY is massive

[COBBER]

Yep

Unless you book one of the four or five star resorts,with full facilities.

The beaches are not nice.

Prob Samui or Phuket more suitable.

Pattaya is one of those places that people either love or hate.

As a family destination I personally wouldn't recommend Pattaya. That's just my opinion. I think there are more suitable destinations for families elsewhere in Thailand. As you said in your post, there is alot of sleaze in Pattaya which is probably not the sort of thing that you would like your daughters to observe.

On the plus side there are several good hotels offering entertainment and there are plenty of places to go with the kids during the daytime.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Amazing Thailand ! No sleaze or flesh trade in Samui or Phuket .

[craigt3365]

Pattaya

it is what you want it to be, I met the most amazing woman in the world there. She is now my wife. We have daughter she is three years old and as dlelightfull as her mother. We have been all over Thailand and i must say there are nicer palces than Pattaya but Pattaya is so fun for all, loads to do loads of fun for all. Cheap as chips and 1.5 hours from Bangers.

Where else can you get a hotel for £10 with a pool and resturant and bar and load of nice happy staff. Oh thats right nowhere.

PTY is massive

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Congrats on meeting your woman there! I agree with you...I stay at the Nova Lodge. Right across from the beach, great pool, free breakfast (that is awesome), nice/clean/quiet rooms, and great staff. All for 1000 Baht! Tough to beat...

[STEALTH K3]

Don't do it its full of sleaze your daughters wont like it but if you had sons I am sure they would love it.

[wilko]

Amazing Thailand ! No sleaze or flesh trade in Samui or Phuket .

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're joking. ..right?!?!?!?!?!?!

Original poster...as you can see there are 2 camps on this subject and "ne'er the twain shall meet"....

BTW....if you are looking for a resort with family bungalows pool and beach, good restaurant set in landscaped gardens...check out "Cabbages and Condoms"!

You may have a problem explaining the name but it's a top class resort run by a charity dealing with the problems of the poorer rural areas in the North. Have a look at the web site and all will be explained.

Some interesting comment from our resident child psychologists...

[Mighty Mouse]

Pattaya has always been regarded as a night life location, whereas Phuket is more for daytime activities.

In Pattaya itself, there are not many places a family can go. The beaches are not a patch on Phuket.

The Royal Garden has some interesting things to see for the young, but you can't go there every night of a holiday, and what family wants to spend every day sitting around their resort?

Outside of Pattaya City there are attractions that would keep any family happy. Some have already been mentioned in this thread.

Pattaya is great for shopping, eating out and accommodation is cheap, but for a family, I would recommend Phuket.

[ZZZ]

I think the kids will tire very quickly of Phuket, all you have is the beach and last time I was there (Patong) the water was not very clean. There is also just as much sex trade there as in Pattaya.

At least in Pattaya you have hundreds of things for the kids; tiger zoo, open zoo, aquarium, dolphin show (used to have swimming with dolphins, not sure now), croc farm, elephant riding, submarine ride, island trips and most kids never tire of Pattaya Park with all the water slides for all ages.

Would also suggest 3-4 days on Koh Samet, beautiful island with white powder beaches, no waves or currents and shallow at the beach, perfect for kids. Leave Pattaya about 7 in the morning and be on the beach before lunch.

The sex trade is mostly good fun and the girls in the beer bars are great with kids.

[wilko]

I think the kids will tire very quickly of Phuket, all you have is the beach and last time I was there (Patong) the water was not very clean. There is also just as much sex trade there as in Pattaya.

At least in Pattaya you have hundreds of things for the kids; tiger zoo, open zoo, aquarium, dolphin show (used to have swimming with dolphins, not sure now), croc farm, elephant riding, submarine ride, island trips and most kids never tire of Pattaya Park with all the water slides for all ages.

Would also suggest 3-4 days on Koh Samet, beautiful island with white powder beaches, no waves or currents and shallow at the beach, perfect for kids. Leave Pattaya about 7 in the morning and be on the beach before lunch.

The sex trade is mostly good fun and the girls in the beer bars are great with kids.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah! - Wot he said!!!!!

[townville]

Snoophound

Why on earth would you take your 13 year old niece to Pattaya in the first place,surely her reaction was not surprising to you. I take it for granted that that was not your 1st trip!

IMHO Pattaya is not a holiday destination for any 13 year old Western girl.

[britmaveric]

Snoophound

                  Why on earth would you take your 13 year old niece to Pattaya in the first place,surely her reaction was not surprising to you. I take it for granted that that was not your 1st trip!

    IMHO Pattaya is not a holiday destination for any 13 year old Western girl.    

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why not??? What should a 13yr Western girl holiday be like?

[barryofthailand]

The sex trade is rampid through out Southeast asia. Bangkok, or Phuket would be more suitable for families with children. Pattaya is OK for people that live here because most people live outside the city. Inside the city, especially around the hotels the sex trade is in full view, and not suitable for young children.

Barry

[Dragonman]

Snoophound

                  Why on earth would you take your 13 year old niece to Pattaya in the first place,surely her reaction was not surprising to you. I take it for granted that that was not your 1st trip!

     IMHO Pattaya is not a holiday destination for any 13 year old Western girl.    

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why not??? What should a 13yr Western girl holiday be like?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't think it's the sex trade that makes it unsuitable as this is not really in your face, and the girls are great with kids. Took my 11 year old nephew in last week, and only thing that really was a bit off was him stopping every few metres on beach road to look at the porn movies for sale It's just that the place is a mess for walking anywhere. Electrical wire avoidance, pavement disappearence, motorbike avoidance. I love it, but feel there's an accident waiting to happen for unsuspecting kids.

[expatgaz]

My family visit me every year in Jomtien/Pattaya, more often than not there are 10 kids ranging from 1 year through to 17, they all LOVE IT, they've been all over on holiday, Disney etc etc and they say best of all is the time they spend in THailand.There's loads for the kids, Tiger zoo, go karting, mini golf, royal garden, elephant trek, sanctuary of trueth, Koh Larn, Pattaya park, I could go on and on.......

[britmaveric]

The sex trade is rampid through out Southeast asia. Bangkok, or Phuket would be more suitable for families with children. Pattaya is OK for people that live here because most people live outside the city. Inside the city, especially around the hotels the sex trade is in full view, and not suitable for young children.

Barry

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What's in full view? Are you mad? All children will see are people sitting in bars.

One of the attractions to Patters is simply has everything a family would need or want compared to Phuket or BKK.

[Paul3456]

I'm new to the forum and after opinions on Pattaya as a family destination.

I've heard differing thoughts from it's sleazy and the sex trade is rampant to yes it's there but they leave u alone.

Will be travelling with husband and 3 kids all girls, (13, 9,4)

Thanks

SHaron

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd opt for Phuket or Hua Hin if I was in your situation. Pattaya is not the best spot for a family vacation.

[sriracha john]

Just the fact that there are such widely varied opinions on Pattaya from it being a vile place for kids to being as "good as Disneyland" should indicate Sharon has probably decided not to come. There are certainly no consistently positive notes regarding Pattaya as a family vacation spot for children.

Lastly, I please wish everyone could stop mentioning my town's despised Tiger Zoo as a place to bring guests, kids especially. It's criminal history and deplorable practices are well documented on thaivisa and elsewhere. Best to steer clear of it.

[snoophound]

Had niece and 17 yr old neph for a few days on route to a holiday in europe.

At the time I was living there with a business at the time.

17 yr old nephew was VERY popular literally girls were leaping out from the bars just wanting to touch him.

It was a bit same for my Niece as she is tall with curly blonde hair,more curiosity from the girls as they dont see many young falang girls.

It was a memorable weekend for both of them.

But not appropriate in retrospect.

I think the kids will tire very quickly of Phuket, all you have is the beach and last time I was there (Patong) the water was not very clean. There is also just as much sex trade there as in Pattaya.

At least in Pattaya you have hundreds of things for the kids; tiger zoo, open zoo, aquarium, dolphin show (used to have swimming with dolphins, not sure now), croc farm, elephant riding, submarine ride, island trips and most kids never tire of Pattaya Park with all the water slides for all ages.

Would also suggest 3-4 days on Koh Samet, beautiful island with white powder beaches, no waves or currents and shallow at the beach, perfect for kids. Leave Pattaya about 7 in the morning and be on the beach before lunch.

The sex trade is mostly good fun and the girls in the beer bars are great with kids.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah! - Wot he said!!!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[britmaveric]

Just the fact that there are such widely varied opinions on Pattaya from it being a vile place for kids to being as "good as Disneyland" should indicate Sharon has probably decided not to come. There are certainly no consistently positive notes regarding Pattaya as a family vacation spot for children.

Lastly, I please wish everyone could stop mentioning my town's despised Tiger Zoo as a place to bring guests, kids especially. It's criminal history and deplorable practices are well documented on thaivisa and elsewhere. Best to steer clear of it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

John - fess up you just want to keep Sriracha off the travel itinerary. Come on half day at the Tiger Zoo isnt going to kill you. Besides BKK Tiger Zoo prob is still out of action because of feeding those poor tigers chicken. Open your arms up to the tourist they wont hurt you.