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Pattaya Travel Tips

Pattaya Travel Tips

Pattaya Chonburi Province, Thailand Travel Guide

Local SIMs & Mobile

AIS, TrueMove H, and DTAC all provide good coverage. Acquire SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, or official provider shops. Passport registration is needed.

Tourist SIMs

  • Pre-paid information ANDamp; calls
  • 7, 15, or 30 days
  • THB 200-1000 range

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is broadly available in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls. Mobile data with a local SIM is dependable and fast.

Connectivity

  • Free Wi-Fi in many places
  • Local SIM cards for data
  • Consider Airalo for eSIM

Postal Services

Thailand Post offices are available throughout Pattaya for sending postcards or packages.

Sending Mail

  • Postcards available
  • Package sending
  • Local post offices

Language Barriers

Thai is the official language. English is common in tourist areas. It is less common at local markets or remote areas.

Translation Help

Important Phrases

Basic Greetings

  • Hello/Goodbye (male): Sawadee krap
  • Hello/Goodbye (female): Sawadee ka
  • Thank you (male): Khop khun krap
  • Thank you (female): Khop khun ka

Useful Phrases

  • Yes: Chai
  • No: Mai
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Khor thot
  • How much?: Tao rai?

Local Interaction

Thais appreciate attempts to speak their language. Say "Khop khun krap" or "Khop khun ka".

Business Hours & Schedules

Know when businesses are open.

Shopping Malls

Typically open FROM 10:FROM 12 am TO 10:00 PM daily.

Supermarkets

Are often open 8:FROM 12 am TO 10:00 PM or later.

Convenience Stores

7-Eleven and FamilyMart operate 24/7.

Restaurants

Hours vary widely. Local eateries open early for breakfast plus near by evening. Tourist eateries are open from lunch until late evening.

Food Timings

  • Local spots: Early breakfast
  • Tourist spots: Lunch to late evening
  • Street food: Varies by market

Nightlife

Bars and nightspots generally open from late afternoon or evening until 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM, with some extending until 3:00 AM-4:00 AM in designated entertainment zones.

Evening Fun

  • Bars: Late afternoon onwards
  • Clubs: Until 1 AM - 4 AM
  • Specific zones

Banking & Holidays

Banking

  • Banks: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Mon-Fri
  • Mall branches: Longer hours, weekends
  • ATMs: Widely available 24/7

Public Holidays

  • New Year's Day
  • Songkran (Apr 13-15)
  • Royal birthdays

Holiday Travel

Transport is busy during big holidays. Alcoholic beverage sales may be restricted on certain Buddhist holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Show respect for local customs.

Greeting Customs

The "Wai" involves pressing palms together in a prayer-like gesture, with a small bow. Returning a Wai is polite. "Sawadee krap/ka" is common.

Wai Guidelines

  • Palms together, slight bow
  • Younger person initiates
  • Return when given

Attire Guidelines

Temples need shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes before entering the main prayer hall. Modest dress earns appreciation outside of beach or the areas around the pool.

Dress for Places

  • Temples: Shoulders, knees
  • General: Modest clothing
  • Swimwear off beach areas

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

The head is sacred; the feet are lowest. Do not touch anyone'the leader of or point your feet. The Thai monarchy receives high reverence.

Cultural Pointers

  • No head touching
  • Do not point feet
  • Respect monarchy

Public Behavior

Keep public displays of affection subtle. Losing your temper is frowned upon. Maintain a calm and polite demeanor.

Social Norms

  • Subtle affection
  • Calm attitude
  • Avoid "losing face"

Photography & Privacy

Photo Rules

  • Public places are generally fine
  • Ask before photographing individuals
  • Monks/tribal people always ask

Restrictions

  • No photos in some religious areas
  • No photos in private establishments
  • Respect privacy at all times

Gender & LGBTQ+

Acceptance

  • Generally tolerant
  • Particularly in areas with tourists
  • Pattaya is open

Public Displays

  • Subdued affection
  • No difference by gender
  • Cultural norm

Temple Respect

Ladies should not touch monks. Do not touch or climb on Buddha images. Show deference.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges can plan ahead.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is generally poor. Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, and obstructed. Curbs are high, and wheelchair ramps are rare. Older buildings lack accessibility features.

Mobility Challenges

  • Uneven sidewalks
  • High curbs
  • Limited ramps

Accessible Locations

Newer malls like Central Festival and Terminal 21 have elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms. Newer and upscale hotels may offer accessible rooms and facilities.

Accessible Spots

  • Newer shopping malls
  • Upscale hotels
  • Confirm details when booking

Transport

Public baht buses are not accessible. Pre-booking private vans with ramps, if available, or relying on Grab or taxis with assistance is necessary.

Getting Around

  • Baht buses not accessible
  • Private vans with ramps
  • Grab or taxi support

Impairment Services

Specific services for visual or hearing impairments are limited. Rely on companions or smartphone apps for assistance.

Support Available

  • Restricted particular services
  • Companions are useful
  • Apps may help

Resources

Dedicated Resources

Few dedicated resources for Pattaya.

Travel Blogs

Sites such as Wheelchair Accessible Travel Blog.

Specialized Agents

Agents specializing in accessible travel offer insights.

Plan Ahead

Contact hotels and tour operators directly to confirm accessibility features before your trip.