Pattaya has certainly reinvented itself in recent years and the reputation for sleaze and dirt is thankfully filed away in the past. Thailand welcomes more tourists than any other country in the Asia Pacific according to a poll by Mastercard. The majority of these certainly visit Bangkok, not least because in most cases, this is where they enter the country for the first time but increasing numbers are coming to Pattaya.
Why is Pattaya so popular?
Pattaya has so much to offer everyone from Asian tourists to Western tourists, from expats to business. It is also ideally located on the Gulf of Thailand, just two hours from the overcrowd metropolis of Bangkok and now within easy reach of Bangkok’s third airport, U-Tapao. Everyone is made to feel welcome and all nationalities and people from all walks of life are welcomed with open arms and live together in peace and harmony – not many places can offer this.
The reinvention
As we mentioned, Pattaya has managed to completely reinvent itself over the years and now appeals to families, Thais, guests from the rest of Asia as well as western tourists. The idea of couples coming would have been unheard of just over a decade ago in a city that was associated with dirty old men. This certainly adds to the attraction and makes it more appealing and therefore adds to the up and coming factor.
What’s available for tourists?
There is so much to offer tourists. The fantastic 5-star hotels, the boutique hotels and the budget hotels. Cuisine from around the world is readily available, of a high quality, and relatively cheap. There are literally hundreds of activities and sights to see and visit so there is a little something for everyone and you don’t have to look or travel too far to find it.
What’s available for expats?
For expats, the selection of accommodation is absolutely fantastic from small studios to upmarket villas. There is something to match everyone’s taste, needs and perhaps most importantly, budget. There are dozens of great golf courses, water sports and shopping available along with a large expat community that will help anyone fit in and feel at ease. The city really is a home-from-home whilst not losing all the natural Thai appeal.
What’s available for business?
Business is booming in the area thanks to the large industrial estates close by and the number of tourists that are coming visiting the smaller shops. Business services are freely available and fairly priced making doing business straightforward. This once again suggests that the city is thriving and a real up and coming place.
Conclusion
Few could argue that Pattaya isn’t up and coming and has this is evident by the large number of tourists that come each and every year. Investing is easy in the city and the prospect of casinos coming also adds to the appeal and the value of properties. Pattaya is thriving and long may that continue for expats, tourists and business. This is the place to come and little seems likely to change anytime soon.
