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 Introduction |
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Pattaya
is 147 kilometers southeast of
Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. It is
Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families,
couples and single visitors. Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is
synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays. Accommodation
ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention
facilities to simple guesthouses. Sporting opportunities abound both on
land and water, and include some of the finest golfing, game fishing,
 and
scuba-diving anywhere in Asia. Theme and amusement parks, offbeat
museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure
activities and cultural entertainment for all family members. And after
dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant
nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars,
discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets. Pattaya can be brash, bold,
beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic international
beach resort can. |
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Pattaya
History |
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Fifty years ago Pattaya
was a sleepy little fishing village, dwarfed by her neighbors to the
North, Na Klua, to the South, Rayong. Its only claim to fame being that
it had, in the 13th century, been a resting place for the battle forces
of the great King Narai during his campaign to oust the Burmese
invaders. From that overnight bivouac, Pattaya derives its name. Then
came the Vietnam war and incursion of more benign foreign troops.
Thailand supported the American efforts in the area! providing bases,
manned by thousands of young America requiring rest and recreation.
How is it possible to fix
the date of an historical trend? Whilst Pattaya had achieved some
popularity with a few adventurous souls who braved the rough road from
Bangkok to take advantage of the crystal waters, great diving and soon
following them, beach bars and restaurants, let us take the time when,
on the 29th June 1959, four or five transport trucks loaded with
American G.I.'s arrived in the village of Pattaya on leave from their
base at Nakhon Ratchasima. On arrival in Pattaya they rented houses
belonging to Phraya Sunthorn which were along the southern end of
Pattaya Beach, now know as the "Strip". The marines stayed for about a
week and returned to base. Having had a great time in Pattaya With the
friendly residents, they spread the word. A new group of marines kept
arriving periodically and the village geared up to cater to their every
need. This can be considered as the birth of Pattaya as a tourist
resort.
Pattaya continued to grow
in popularity at such a rate with both Thai and foreign tourists, that
the local government could not cope with the administration.
Administrative and infrastructure combination with Na Klua, took place
in 1976 and the government promulgated the Pattaya City Act in 1978,
there by joining Na Klua and Pattaya to form the fifth local government
municipality. Thus was Pattaya City born, and thus, with an ever -
increasing influx of visitors and residents from the burgeoning
surrounding industrial estates, has she developed into what she is
today.
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Major Events |
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 Wan Lai Festival
The heat in Thailand intensifies once the month of April comes.
People of old were wise enough to initiate the Songkran festival to cool
themselves off from the heat and celebrate it as the Thai New Year. In
the central region, the festival is usually held on the 13th, l4th and
15th of April while in the East there is a difference as the water
throwing activities commence on the l6th or 17th, 18th or 19th known as
"Wan Lai" (Flowing Day).
 Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with
activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun
of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and foreigners
alike.
Pattaya
Festival
usually held at the middle of April to promote tourism and Pattaya's
reputation. Floral floats are paraded along the streets. The Miss
Pattaya Beauty contest is held as well as traditional aquatic sports
competitions and construction of sand castles. A spectacular fireworks
display takes place on the beach and fire crackers are also set off.
Simultaneously, there are arts and cultural performances, exhibitions
and souvenirs for sale,
Chonburi
Buffalo Races
is held in Chon Buri during October every year. The water buffalo is one
of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer, but in this annual event
it is put to more amusing uses than ploughing the local fields, such as
buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man. Beauty contests add
to the fun a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.
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Provided by
Tourism Authority of
Thailand
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