Pattaya

Pattaya is a city in the province of Chonburi in Eastern Thailand. The population is estimated (2007)  at 101,378. This number does not include the workers from elsewhere in the country who are still registered in their hometown and lots of long-term residents from abroad.

Pattaya is a seaside resort and is in the Gulf of Thailand which is part of the South China Sea. Several other cities are close by, including Bang Lamung. Pattaya is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Thailand, with 5 million visitors in 2004.

Originally, Pattaya was a small fishing village until the rich city of Bangkok “discovered” the place in 1960 and began using it as a vacation spot. Not long after, American soldiers associated the airbase “U Ta Pao” in Rayong, began to use it as the “Rest and Recreation” (R & R) base during the Vietnam war. The town grew rapidly, not least because of it’s night life and go-go bars. When the Americans left the area after the Vietnam War, the town was thrown into an economic crisis. . But then it was discovered by the European mass tourism culture.  Although sex tourism is still quite visible, Pattaya is now trying to present itself as a more suitable place for family tourism. Besides the activities suitable for the tourists who are looking for the go-go nightlife, now attractions can be found such as the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, over 20 world class golf courses, Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, and several family farms.

Beaches

Pattaya Beach is located along Beach Road and goes all the way from North to South Pattaya. Jomtien Beach is located further south from Pattaya city center. This beach stretches several kilometers.

In Pattaya there is a Norwegian consulate that serves the ever-increasing tourist flow and not insignificant number of Norwegian residents in this part of Thailand. Also the Norwegian Seamen’s Church is represented in Pattaya.