HUAHIN HOTEL REVIEWS

Ko Larn or Coral Island, 45 minutes offshore by tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya’s offshore islands. Major attractions include sightseeing tours along coral reefs viewed from a glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, skiing, and parasailing. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the island’s main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to Ko Larn’s neighboring islands such as Ko Phai and Ko Sak. Good for a day out.

Around 13 kilometers from the city of Chonburi. Very local Thai style with drinks and seafood snacks such as dried squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale from the street vendors along the sea front. Deck chairs and rubber rings can be rented. The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly. Bang Saen offers several hotels and bungalows.

Around the headland about 2 kilometres south of Pattaya, Jomtien is quieter and less congested but has good accommodation and restaurants. More toned down than Pattaya, it’s becoming more popular, especially for water sports (Thailand’s No.1 windsurfing spot) and activities because of its long straight coastline and fewer boats anchored in the area.

Immediately north of Pattaya, is much quieter with a fishing harbour and local population making a living from fishing. It doesn’t have as many restaurants or expensive resort hotels as it’s neighbour to the south, nor the rowdy nightlife, but all these are available for the a 10 Baht ride into Pattaya beach. (About 20 minutes by Songtaew - the local style taxi)

A curving 4 kilometre beach on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya can be split into three main areas. South Pattaya is the hub of Pattaya’s nightlife with shops, department stores, boutiques, beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and nightclubs and general action.

As you progress northwards, the tree-lined promenade lined by hotels, shops, department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars and nightclubs, gradually gives way to a less developed more tranquil area. Accommodation can be found along all areas of the beach.

Around Pattaya are small offshore islands which have beautiful beaches, clear water, and coral. You can reach the islands either by taking a tour which includes snorkelling, or hire a boat from the promenade or pier at South Pattaya. Costs vary according to your bargaining skills, destination and the type of boat.

If you feeling like splashing out, charter a boat. A beautifully restored Dutch colonial teak boat can be chartered for half day cruise including lunch. Contact Gulf Charters

Koh Larn
Ko Larn or Coral Island, 45 minutes offshore by tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya’s offshore islands. Major attractions include sightseeing tours along coral reefs viewed from a glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, skiing, and parasailing. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the island’s main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to Ko Larn’s neighboring islands such as Ko Phai and Ko Sak. Good for a day out.

Koh Phai
Beyond Ko Lan another 40 minutes sail is an island currently under the care of the Royal Navy. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight here, but it has fine deserted beaches that are open during the day.

Koh Sak
Only 600 metres from Koh Larn. Koh Sak is a tiny island shaped like a horseshoe. Its two beaches, are a usual stop for tourists to swim. There’s also a coral reef in front of the beach.

Ang Sila Or Ang Hin
Is a fishing village about 5 kilometers away from Chonburi. Ang Sila was formerly one of the oldest seaside resorts. The village is famous for its cottage industry, producing stone mortars and animal sculptures, like elephants, horses and tigers. Ang Sila also boasts a number of restaurants. Local handicrafts are also available for sale to tourists.

Koh Krok
A small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilometers, approximately 8 kilometres from the shore. The island is mainly visited for for coral viewing.

Pattaya Beach
A curving 4 kilometre beach on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya can be split into three main areas. South Pattaya is the hub of Pattaya’s nightlife with shops, department stores, boutiques, beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and nightclubs and general action.

As you progress northwards, the tree-lined promenade lined by hotels, shops, department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars and nightclubs, gradually gives way to a less developed more tranquil area. Accommodation can be found along all areas of the beach.

Naklua beach
Immediately north of Pattaya, is much quieter with a fishing harbour and local population making a living from fishing. It doesn’t have as many restaurants or expensive resort hotels as it’s neighbour to the south, nor the rowdy nightlife, but all these are available for the a 10 Baht ride into Pattaya beach. (About 20 minutes by Songtaew - the local style taxi)

Jomtien Beach
Around the headland about 2 kilometres south of Pattaya, Jomtien is quieter and less congested but has good accommodation and restaurants. More toned down than Pattaya, it’s becoming more popular, especially for water sports (Thailand’s No.1 windsurfing spot) and activities because of its long straight coastline and fewer boats anchored in the area.

Bang Saen Beach
Around 13 kilometers from the city of Chonburi. Very local Thai style with drinks and seafood snacks such as dried squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale from the street vendors along the sea front. Deck chairs and rubber rings can be rented. The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly. Bang Saen offers several hotels and bungalows.

While Pattaya’s 4 kilometre beach road is one long entertainment zone, South Pattaya is where you can still find Pattaya’s legendary afterdark reputation. Fairy lights and neon- lit go-go bars, Beer bars and massage parlours provide party animals with an non-stop playground.

Thankfully, Pattaya isn’t just go-go bars and loud music, there are other alternatives! Trendy restaurants, piano bars, karaoke and the famed flamboyant transvestite cabaret shows.

Discotheques, nightclubs, coffee shops, karaoke bars, open air bars and restaurants with live music and entertainment compete for attention in the night time mayhem.

Bars and Pubs
South Pattaya. Discos, go-gos, Bar Beers, Massage Parlours around the small alleys and streets (sois) which are packed with bars.

At night, part of the south end of the beach road is blocked off and made into a pedestrian “Walking Street”. Small shops and good restaurants as well as pubs, clubs and bars compete for the attention of passers-by.

Central Pattaya, from Soi 7 and Soi 8, is slightly quieter - populated by Bar Beers in the small sois. For complete bedlam head for North Pattaya on Soi 2 where a complex of 40 + bars compete for the loudest rock music. (Soi 2-6)

If South Pattaya’s girlie scene bores you to tears, don’t worry. Just a few steps from the “Walking Street” are a number of alternatives from dimly-lit karaoke lounges to trendy club-restaurants. Don’t forget the legendary cabaret shows at Alcazar. These transvestite shows offer flamboyant, extravagant and fun entertainment with a great sound system.

Music Venues
Hard Rock Cafe at the front of the Hard Rock Hotel - Beach Rd
Hopf Brew House with a three story atrium and live music. - Beach Rd
Kilkenny’s Irish Pub - respite from the mayhem of Walking street - Walking Street
Shenanigans - live music 5 nights a week and an excellent carvery at weekends. - Pattaya 2nd Road
Choc Dee - Mellow and out of town in Jomtien Beach.
Bamboo Bar - Bamboo tables, cold beers and bands belting out old favs.
Green Bottle Pub - Music and low prices
Moon River Pub - Live band every evening, a local expat hangout
PIC Kitchen Jazz/Jazz Pit - Floor cushions and live music 8pm every evening.

Clubbing & Dancing
Party! party! party! Many clubs are packed on weekends and get hot, sweaty and crammed. Here’s a selection:

Hollywood Disco - South Pattaya Road - Locals and tourists
Marine Disco - Walking Street - Well established disco heats up about 1am
Palladium Disco - Large flashy, techno club which double charges foreigners.
Tonys - Expensive drinks, eclectic clientele
X Zyte - Thai clubbing

Cabaret
Undoubtedly, Pattaya is the capital of cabaret shows, famous throughout the country and beyond. Flamboyant, great fun and fabulous costumes darling. A must for all visitors.

Alcazar,
Colourful and beautiful transexuals in a lip synching extravaganza. Brings tourists in by the busload.
Second Road North Pattaya. Price 500 Baht

Tiffanys.
Fluttering eyelashes, swiveling hips, the works.
464 Moo 9, Second Road. Price 500 Baht

Malibu - Not quite as extravagant but about the price of a beer.
Corner of Soi 13.

Go-Gos
Where to start? There are hundreds and hundreds of go-go bars with as many as 40 bars concentrated in certain areas. A few with names like Classroom A Go-Go (plaits, ponytails, white socks) Lipstick A Go-Go - (tequila shots, Jacuzzi room) and Tahitian Queen (thigh high boots, rock & roll) aim to please, but most look exactly the same. Plenty of girls, shows and bar games…. It has to be seen to be believed.

Gay Pattaya
Naturally Pattaya caters to its rainbow culture. Muscle boys, bikers, boy toys, lady boys strut their stuff at gay only bars and go-go joints centred around Boyz Town and the small sois close to the strip by Sunee Plaza. There are also local gay bars and and transvestite shows that welcome all and provide a lot of entertainment

Star-Tref Travestie (Jomtien Complex)
Boyz Town - (Soi Pattayaland 1 & 3 ) has masses of Gay go-gos and bars. Noisy.
Sunee Plaza - quieter and more private (Just off the strip)

Alternatives

Massage
Traditional Massage
Perfect for tired muscles, aching backs, etc., but not necessarily relaxing!
Make sure the sign says “raksaa tong nuad” or “Traditional Physical Massage” for the real thing. Generally, traditional places will give you pyjama type clothes to wear and recommend a 2 hour masage.

Non-traditional Massage - Recognised by the numbers pinned on the girls’ outfits. Body massage involves a lot of soapy mistress!

Foot Massage - Can be exquisite or utter torture depending on the practitioner and, apparently your state of health (the latter meaning you have problems.) Available all over town.

Muay Thai - Difficult not to be mesmerised by the skill and dexterity of these guys. Traditional music, rituals and the roar of the crowd make it an experience worth doing at least once.

Ride a Harley
There’s nothing quite like it! Get your pedal to the metal.
Daily, weekly or monthly rental. Prices from 2,500 per day to 7,000 for the weekend.
Harley Rental 316 Thappraya Road.

While Pattaya’s 4 kilometre beach road is one long entertainment zone, South Pattaya is where you can still find Pattaya’s legendary afterdark reputation. Fairy lights and neon- lit go-go bars, Beer bars and massage parlours provide party animals with an non-stop playground.

Thankfully, Pattaya isn’t just go-go bars and loud music, there are other alternatives! Trendy restaurants, piano bars, karaoke and the famed flamboyant transvestite cabaret shows.

Discotheques, nightclubs, coffee shops, karaoke bars, open air bars and restaurants with live music and entertainment compete for attention in the night time mayhem.

Motor Racing
The Bhira international Circuit periodically stages international motor and motorcycle racing. The 2.4 kilometre track is ideal for Formula 3 racing and you can drive your own two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles around the challenging track for a nominal fee. Located Highway 36 (Pattaya - Rayong) about 15 kilometers from Pattaya City. . More Info (01) 2181616 or in Bangkok at (02)5877448, 2533970.