Sunset in Pattaya
sunset-in-pattaya
This post was sent to us by Nigel Kenney, a retiree now living in Pattaya, Thailand.

Pattaya, in Chonburi province of Thailand, is one of the most well-known destination in Thailand for foreigners and Thai people alike and is a favorite destination for foreign retirees looking for a change in climate – and lifestyle. Pattaya with it’s 3 beaches – Pattaya, Jomtien, and Naklua – is about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya city developed rapidly during and after the Vietnam War, when the Americans built a naval base and American GIs swarmed the town for “Rest and Recreation”.

Today Pattaya boasts dozens of Five-star hotels, luxurious resorts, and a vibrant nightlife with hundreds of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Pattaya has a large foreigner expat community, with Americans and Brits topping the list. There’s a sizeable population of assorted Europeans and Australians, as well. Two foreigners’ Clubs organize a host of activities for expats and there’s a variety of activities going on in Pattaya city every day. There are two daily English-language newspapers-The Pattaya Mail and Pattaya Today-and one free bi-weekly Pattaya Expat magazine.

Pattaya is a prime tourist destination for the pleasure-lover, and lies along the gulf of Thailand about 2.5 hours outside of Bangkok. Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi airport (pronounced Suwanabpoom) is built along the Chon Buri highway with excellent access to Pattaya. U-tapao airport in Rayong is also nearby. A taxi to bangkok is about 1,500 – 2,000 Thai baht (50 – 60 USD). Buses and trains are much cheaper and service is virtually continual.

Outside of Pattaya, a drive down the gulf coast brings a person back into contact with Thailand. Sattaheep, Chantaburi and Trat are much more traditional areas and there are many sights to see that are a relaxing escape from the pace of Pattaya.

Here are a few points regarding benefits and drawbacks of retiring in Pattaya:

10 Benefits of Retiring in Pattaya, Thailand

1. Pattaya has several foreigners’ clubs that meet regularly (Rotary Clubs, Lions Club, Sportsman’s club and yacht clubs). These provide an extensive support network and each club has a host of special interest activities.
2. Easy access to Bangkok and all its attractions.
3. Three beaches offer a host of water sports for the active resident.
4. The city is one of the entertainment capitals of Thailand, with hundreds of beer bars and Go-Go bars that are open to the small hours.
5. A haven for foreigners seeking companionship.
6. Amazing array of restaurants, especially for sea-food and international cuisine; five-star hotels for comfortable dining and more conventional night-life entertainment.
7. Some of the best sailing and yachting in the country; Over 20 golf courses in the nearly area; also a big-game fisherman’s paradise.
8. World class health care available at the local private hospitals and world renowned hospitals in Bangkok.
9. Many business centers to take care of financial and property needs.
10. Importantly, it is in Thailand and full of wonderful Thai people.

10 Drawback of Retiring in Pattaya, Thailand

1. Up to a million tourists during the November to March. There can be lots of people around here.
2. Overcrowding of beaches during the tourist seasons.
3. Inflated prices for foreigners but still some good values compared to most countries.
4. Pattaya residents usually get mistaken for tourists until the locals get to know you better and see you frequently.
5. Rush-hour traffic can suck as other metropolis, especially during holidays and festivals.
6. Although there has been an improvement of environment, the beaches are still littered with trash. These beaches are not the pristine beaches associated with southern Thailand.
7. Booming tourism has created overdevelopment and some environmental degradation of the area.
8. High crime rate relative to the rest of Thailand.
9. Pattaya continues to have the image of being a City of sin and sex.
10. More stories of love gone bad than could be used to fill 100 novels.




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