70+ Couple Want To Holiday In Pattaya. Would Like Some Advice.

[stardancer]

Hello,

I would like expats to give me their opinion on whether it’s a good idea that my mum 70 and dad 73 head to Pattaya for a holiday. Mum has been to Phuket twice and once to Lopburi for my wedding. She loves Phuket but did not enjoy Lopburi. She thinks if she heads back to Phuket she might start to get bored with the place. Mums the boss so it’s all about keeping her happy & if mums not happy the old man cops it..

Now mum is a cattle farmer from Victoria, Australia and never thought she would leave our shore until I married a Thai girl. Now she loves Thailand and Thai’s but she has her limits. Can’t really eat Thai food and can’t be too far from Mc Donald’s, Pizza /Pasta restaurants the beach and English speaking Thais & westerners. Mum also loves a beer at the bars and chatting to cheeky bar girls. She hates quiet nights and layed back atmospheres. The farm is quiet enough for her so that’s not the reason she goes on a holiday. She also loves lady boy shows and collecting facebook friends while she is away. It’s all a novelty for her.

I suggested Pattaya because I did not find it any different to Phuket just cheaper. When she went to enquire at two different travel agents they slagged the place of so bad she was embarrassed to go any further with her bookings. They suggested Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. Hua Hin I think would be way to quiet. Nice place to see but to quiet for mum. I said mix it up a bit with a few days in Chiang Mai and then heads south again.

So my question is, is it safe for an old couple to travel to Pattaya, given there not real seasoned travellers, or not? Mum has no fear in Phuket even with the bad press it has had lately, or should they just not listen to the travel agents and book there holiday to Pattaya? I would hate to send them there just because I found it safe enough and have them have problems.

I am not trying to make this a Phuket vs. Pattaya. This is simply what’s best for mum and dad all things considered.

If anyone has some activity advice for the 70+ at Pattaya I would love to hear about it. ie islands & tours.

Thanks.

[siamjimi]

Star,

May I suggest you remove them from the dirt and filth of Pattaya and think more towards Jomtien - a clean and family beach area.

Depending on the length of your stay or size of your party a larger long term rental could suffice as accomodations while there.

-OR- If you require the daily easily accessible breakfast at a proper hotel there are many in the area to choose from along the beach.

Contact Angel Heart Realty (they have a website) - a scandinavian man named Morten is quite helpful fellow and can find whatever accomodations you expect. There are also multitudes of hotels and resorts right on the beach.

Have you been reading the news of the rash of violent crime in Phuket and Pattaya ? - I would stay away from those god-forsaken areas at all costs.

These are desperate times in Thailand - the reduction of tourism over the last few years has cut into the pockets of many peoiple and desperation has set in - keep those family members close during their visit.

Take care of those OZ ranchers in Thailand - my family are ranchers from OZ as well - I know how they are - an open book with people when they travel and vert talkative - they are lambs to slaughter for scammers in Thailand - keep them close at hand.

[farang000999]

Your mom sounds like the female version of Kerryk.

[Smokin Joe]

Based on your description of your mom Pattaya (or Jomtien) sounds perfect. Plenty of western food choices and lots of attractions to keep as busy as they feel up to.

Both the big ladyboys shows, Tiffany and Alcazar, are huge productions and worth seeing. The Crocodile Farm, Elephant Village, Nong Nuch, Tiger Zoo, Mini Siam, Buddah on the hill. plus many other local attractions might interest them. Bangkok and Ayuttaya are also close enough for day trips if desired.

I would just avoid getting a hotel in the middle of the madness so they have a quiet place to relax when not out terrorizing the locals and other tourists.

[DP25]

I think the agent was right in recommending Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. Hua Hin does have bars you know, there is a little street filled with beer bars and bar girls for her to chat with if she enjoys that.

Maybe go someplace like Ko Chang too, not the most active bars but a great island. Or maybe Samui as they have a lot more bars.

[crazygreg44]

naa, methink Hua Hin would just be great for your Mom. Patters is filthy, Phuket is a rip-off, and the islands are far out and crowded with drugged-up youngsters.

From what you write your Mom likes, methink Hua Hin is top. Tell her not the forget the Jazz-Jam every thursday on the corner not far from the old bus station.

[LennyW]

Your mum sounds quite adventurous so i think she would be bored rigid in Hua Hin.

Loads to see and do and EAT in Pattaya, maybe look at one of the resorts up at the north end/Nakluea end of the town or as others have suggested - Jomtien.

Despite what some posters may have you believe, most of us that have stayed here for many years, have done so without incident.

[cdnmatt]

I brought my mom to Pattaya before, and she actually loved it. Thought it was a great place. Even took her down Walking Street, and she was fine.

She liked Chiang Mai more though, for obvious reasons. More "normal", little quieter, but still loads to do and lots of excitement to be had. If anything, I'd recommend Chiang Mai for her.

[guzzi850m2]

Based on your description of your mom Pattaya (or Jomtien) sounds perfect. Plenty of western food choices and lots of attractions to keep as busy as they feel up to.

Both the big ladyboys shows, Tiffany and Alcazar, are huge productions and worth seeing. The Crocodile Farm, Elephant Village, Nong Nuch, Tiger Zoo, Mini Siam, Buddah on the hill. plus many other local attractions might interest them. Bangkok and Ayuttaya are also close enough for day trips if desired.

I would just avoid getting a hotel in the middle of the madness so they have a quiet place to relax when not out terrorizing the locals and other tourists.

Yes I agree with that, many things to do here for a "full power on" couple like that. Siamjimi post#2, you should stay home with your mother or maybe hire 2 bodyguards next time you come to Pattaya.

I been living in Pattaya for a long time now and been all over Thailand and I fell perfectly safe here , Hua Hin = boring, Phuket = expensive, ChangMai= very nice, perfect place for a quiet person, not OP's mother he-he .

[GreenSnapper]

You talk only about your mum.

What about your dad? Does he have no rights to decide where to go?

[meatboy]

your mum would love patts as long as she's not offendid by what she see's,but taking your father there might be a diff.kettle of fish easy for him to stray and might end up losing his marbles,make sure he has plenty of viagra .

[poanoi]

This scare mongering is pathetic, i know an american couple 70+ that had a good time here,

and another lady probably around 65 too that will come back, they all come from US, probably Kentucky.

Edited July 5, 2012 by poanoi

[WebBangkok]

Why anyone would want to go to Pattaya for a holiday is beyond me.

Its got a great nightlife for single guys or even married guys who want an adventure. But really its a hole. But thats my opinion.

[phl]

Star,

May I suggest you remove them from the dirt and filth of Pattaya and think more towards Jomtien - a clean and family beach area.

Depending on the length of your stay or size of your party a larger long term rental could suffice as accomodations while there.

-OR- If you require the daily easily accessible breakfast at a proper hotel there are many in the area to choose from along the beach.

Contact Angel Heart Realty (they have a website) - a scandinavian man named Morten is quite helpful fellow and can find whatever accomodations you expect. There are also multitudes of hotels and resorts right on the beach.

Have you been reading the news of the rash of violent crime in Phuket and Pattaya ? - I would stay away from those god-forsaken areas at all costs.

These are desperate times in Thailand - the reduction of tourism over the last few years has cut into the pockets of many peoiple and desperation has set in - keep those family members close during their visit.

Take care of those OZ ranchers in Thailand - my family are ranchers from OZ as well - I know how they are - an open book with people when they travel and vert talkative - they are lambs to slaughter for scammers in Thailand - keep them close at hand.

For some crazy reason i always thought Jomtien WAS and still IS in Pattaya

[phl]

OP, your parents will have a blast.

They can do so many things

I am sure your mom will love Nonugh Garden, Crocodile Farm and Century of Truth, thats whole 3 days filled.

They then also have the open tiger zoo to name a few and plenty of bars to have a drink.

Huge amount of western food restaurants, pizza's, burger kings, kfc, etc.

Cheap and friendly taxi's

[lopburi3]

I would say Pattaya would fit better than Jomtien (mostly Thai or Russian visitors and second class hotels and spread out rather than easy access). Pattaya has some decent hotels and food would be much better than Jomtien in my view (although we always go to Jomtien as with grandchildren). As they do not abhor the nightlife of Pattaya see no reason to avoid being in the center. Agree Hua Hin and Cha Am are probably not to there liking. If they do not need the beach Chiang Mai would be a good option as much to do and good food available - but not a 'bar strip' location like Pattaya so more travel required.

[chrisinth]

@ stardancer

Is Pattaya safe for 70+ visitors? Yes, of course it is; no more dangerous than any other part of Thailand! Believe it or not, it is an actual holiday location and not just a sexpat adventure as much of the worlds media (and travel agents as you mentioned) would like us all to think. Stacks for them to do. Search for "Pattaya holiday destination" and that will give you a list of all the touristy things you can do..

Are you still living in Lopburi? If so, why don't you go to Pattaya for a weekend and see what it is like for yourself; after all you should know your parents likes and dislikes better than anyone on this forum.

Stay flexible and maybe break their holiday by taking them up to Chiang Mai for a few days as you suggested; it is not expensive by any means of travel. That would also depend on how long they were planning to visit.

[LennyW]

Why anyone would want to go to Pattaya for a holiday is beyond me.

Its got a great nightlife for single guys or even married guys who want an adventure. But really its a hole. But thats my opinion.

Around 8 million visitors a year would disagree with you!

[LennyW]

This might give some good ideas....... http://www.pattayaconcierge.com/pattaya-attractions/all-zone-in-pattaya/?gclid=CMeomN7XgbECFQp66wodNl6yrA

[kerryk]

In Patts for lunch Wednesday at the Hilton Buffet. Hilton is attached to the new Central Mall. A lot of restaurants including MacDonalds but most a bit pricey. I didn't pay but I think the Hilton buffet was 350 baht per person all you can eat, at least 50 different items. Tea was in a interesting pot with it's own cozy. Desserts 20 or 30 different kinds, all good.

My GF/Wife is building us a new house and I was in town to shop for a recliner. Pattaya has an abundance of great restaurants; German, French and so on. Check out the food threads in the Pattaya forum. I like Cherry's the best for the price. Wed and Sat big buffet with a lot of grilled steaks and roasted meats if I remember correctly. Good blues at the Blues Factory and opera and German food at the Hof. If my parents were coming I would get them one of my girlfriends for an escort.

[Daewoo]

I probably wouldn't want to take mums to Pattaya, for the same reason I wouldn't want to take my wife... it might make her question my motives for spending time in Thailand, after seeing so much drunken debauchery... that is your call... there will be no hiding that most of the visitors she will see (other than Thai's) will be older guys with young girls, on a sex tour....

Use a hire car or find a car and driver... getting around is usually the hassle and the biggest problem, other than that, you can avoid anything that you don't want to be involved in...

I took my mum to Krabi, and thought that was really nice... a lot less touristy than Phuket (Kata)...

I would definitely think about Chiang Mai, but no beaches...

Cheers,

Daewoo

Edited July 5, 2012 by Daewoo

[phl]

I probably wouldn't want to take mums to Pattaya, for the same reason I wouldn't want to take my wife... it might make her question my motives for spending time in Thailand, after seeing so much drunken debauchery... that is your call... there will be no hiding that most of the visitors she will see (other than Thai's) will be older guys with young girls, on a sex tour....

Use a hire car or find a car and driver... getting around is usually the hassle and the biggest problem, other than that, you can avoid anything that you don't want to be involved in...

I took my mum to Krabi, and thought that was really nice... a lot less touristy than Phuket (Kata)...

I would definitely think about Chiang Mai, but no beaches...

Cheers,

Daewoo

Did you miss OP's comments?

Mum also loves a beer at the bars and chatting to cheeky bar girls. She hates quiet nights and layed back atmospheres.

Getting around is a hassle and biggest problem? Have you been to Pattaya at all?

It is NOT a problem and definitely NOT a hassle

There are plenty of motorcycle taxi and all cheap and 10 baht baht buses

So how exactly is it a problem or a hassle?

Edited July 5, 2012 by phl

[NanLaew]

You talk only about your mum.

What about your dad? Does he have no rights to decide where to go?

Maybe you missed this in the OP.

Mums the boss so it’s all about keeping her happy & if mums not happy the old man cops it.

Anyway, I don't see where the OP has said how long the holiday will be for. Maybe Hua Hin will be a perfect fit... before they get bored. Chiang Mai and certainly Pattaya will need a bit longer before it's a case of 'Been there - Done that.'

[NanLaew]

I probably wouldn't want to take mums to Pattaya, for the same reason I wouldn't want to take my wife... it might make her question my motives for spending time in Thailand, after seeing so much drunken debauchery... that is your call... there will be no hiding that most of the visitors she will see (other than Thai's) will be older guys with young girls, on a sex tour....

But Pattaya is so much more than old sexpats and hookers. If the seedy parts are too tempting for you, that's your problem and nothing to do with the place at all.

[crazykopite]

Why not suggest to your mum to go Island hoping starting at Koh Samui on to Koh Phangan and then to Koh Tao and then back to Koh Samui. Phangan,Koh Tao is only a short ferry ride 45 minutes to phangan and 60 minutes to Koh Tao they are all beautiful areas and you gat a lot of aussies this way I would suggest the Hansa resort Koh Samui my nephew from Sydney stayed there ealier this year he and his mrs said it was amazing it is bang on the beach and is 100 mtrs from good bars and resteraunts. from there I would suggest she then goes to Phangan for a couple of days the area of Haad Yao some great hotels on the beach and good food after a couple of days go onto koh Tao amazing place for diving however I have never stayed over night as I just go as a day trip but I hear the place is buzzing at night time after that back to koh Samui. a trip to Angthong national marine park is a must I think they would really have a good time and if she wants the nightlife there is plenty on Samui with fantastic ladyboy shows !!!!!!! We are retired from the UK came over and never went back and that was over 6 years ago !!!!! We have friends in Melbourne who wanted to do a house swap for a month with us but it was to short notice as we had family coming out !!!

[cdnmatt]

But Pattaya is so much more than old sexpats and hookers. If the seedy parts are too tempting for you, that's your problem and nothing to do with the place at all.

What? You can't walk anywhere within the city without hearing "hey handsome man!", or "hey dtat-ling!".

[phl]

But Pattaya is so much more than old sexpats and hookers. If the seedy parts are too tempting for you, that's your problem and nothing to do with the place at all.

What? You can't walk anywhere within the city without hearing "hey handsome man!", or "hey dtat-ling!".

where do you walk around? i never heard "handsome man"

"sexy man"-yes

"blue shirt"-yes

"white shirt"-yes

"red boxer" yes

"handsome man"-never

[kerryk]

But Pattaya is so much more than old sexpats and hookers. If the seedy parts are too tempting for you, that's your problem and nothing to do with the place at all.

What? You can't walk anywhere within the city without hearing "hey handsome man!", or "hey dtat-ling!".

I was there yesterday from 9 AM till 5 PM. I walked all over town and on beach road to Central mall and Central road to Sukhumvit. No one said hey handsome man or hey dtatling. Although I must admit I was not dressed like a football hooligan.

[phl]

Why not suggest to your mum to go Island hoping starting at Koh Samui on to Koh Phangan and then to Koh Tao and then back to Koh Samui. Phangan,Koh Tao is only a short ferry ride 45 minutes to phangan and 60 minutes to Koh Tao they are all beautiful areas and you gat a lot of aussies this way I would suggest the Hansa resort Koh Samui my nephew from Sydney stayed there ealier this year he and his mrs said it was amazing it is bang on the beach and is 100 mtrs from good bars and resteraunts. from there I would suggest she then goes to Phangan for a couple of days the area of Haad Yao some great hotels on the beach and good food after a couple of days go onto koh Tao amazing place for diving however I have never stayed over night as I just go as a day trip but I hear the place is buzzing at night time after that back to koh Samui. a trip to Angthong national marine park is a must I think they would really have a good time and if she wants the nightlife there is plenty on Samui with fantastic ladyboy shows !!!!!!! We are retired from the UK came over and never went back and that was over 6 years ago !!!!! We have friends in Melbourne who wanted to do a house swap for a month with us but it was to short notice as we had family coming out !!!

May be because she is 70 years old and hopping might be little harder to do at this age

[phl]

But Pattaya is so much more than old sexpats and hookers. If the seedy parts are too tempting for you, that's your problem and nothing to do with the place at all.

What? You can't walk anywhere within the city without hearing "hey handsome man!", or "hey dtat-ling!".

I was there yesterday from 9 AM till 5 PM. I walked all over town and on beach road to Central mall and Central road to Sukhumvit. No one said hey handsome man or hey dtatling. Although I must admit I was not dressed like a football hooligan.

There must be something wrong with you then , because apparently Pattaya is just a brothel all over.