Pattaya Travel Spot
Certainly! Pattaya, a vibrant coastal city in Thailand, offers a mix of cultural, natural, and entertainment attractions.
The Sanctuary Of Truth: A stunning wooden temple intricately carved with mythological figures.
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Walking Street Pattaya: A lively nightlife hub with bars, clubs, and street performances.
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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: Explore lush gardens, cultural shows, and elephant rides.
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Pattaya Beach: The main beach area with water activities and beachfront restaurants.
https://www.viator.com/blog/Top-Beaches-in-Pattaya/l11519
Pattaya Floating Market: Experience local culture, food, and shopping on boats.
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Art in Paradise: An interactive 3D art museum for fun photo ops.
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Underwater World Pattaya: Discover marine life through underwater tunnels.
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Pattaya View Point: Enjoy panoramic views of the city and coastline.
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Mini Siam: A miniature park featuring replicas of famous landmarks worldwide.
https://files.thailandtourismdirectory.go.th/assets/upload/2018/01/24/201801240ee489e0c96bdddc7cc6bbb7a3ec953c142106.jpg
Other Pattaya Spot References:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293919-Activities-Pattaya_Chonburi_Province.html
https://www.thrillophilia.com/places-to-visit-in-pattaya
https://www.bucketlistly.blog/posts/pattaya-city-best-things-to-do
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g293919-Activities-Pattaya_Chonburi_Province.html
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/pattaya-tha-ch-chp.htm
Currency and Banks
The basic currency of Thailand is the Baht (THB). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at airports, banks, and authorized money exchange centers. Most stores in Thailand only accept the Thai Baht, so it is advisable for visitors to exchange their currency upon arrival. Major credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, particularly in tourist-oriented shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Banks in Thailand typically operate from 08:30 to 15:30 on weekdays (Mon-Fri) and are closed on weekends and public holidays.
In Thailand, the currency is available in various notes and coins:
Banknotes: 20 Baht, 50 Baht, 100 Baht, 500 Baht, and 1,000 Baht denominations.
Coins: 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht, and 10 Baht denominations, along with smaller satang coins (25 satang, 50 satang, and 100 satang is equal 1 Baht.)
Picture source: https://www.bot.or.th/en/our-roles/banknotes/History-and-Series-of-Banknote-And-Commemorative/banknotes-series/banknote-series17.html
Picture source: https://travel.kapook.com/view75126.html
Credit Card and ATM (Automated Teller Machines)
Participants who carry internationally recognized credit cards can obtain cash advances in Thai Baht (THB) from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) located at airports, major hotels, shopping malls, subway stations, and popular tourist attractions. ATMs are generally available 24 hours a day. Most large stores, hotels, and restaurants in Thailand accept major international credit cards. Restaurants and stores usually display signs indicating which cards are accepted.
Time Zone & Business Hours
Time Zone: Thailand operates on Indochina Time (ICT), which is 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+7). Thailand does not observe daylight saving time.
Business Hours:
- Government Offices: Typically open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and are closed on weekends.
- Banks: Generally open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Major Stores: Most large stores, shopping malls, and supermarkets are open daily, including Sundays, from around 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate, characterized by three distinct seasons: the hot season, the rainy season, and the cool season.
Hot Season: The hot season typically lasts from March to June, with temperatures often soaring above 35°C (95°F), especially in April, which is usually the hottest month of the year.
Rainy Season: The rainy season begins in July and continues until October. This period is marked by frequent, heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. The rains are usually intense but short-lived, leaving the rest of the day warm and humid.
Cool Season: The cool season lasts from November to February. During this time, the weather is more pleasant, with cooler temperatures, particularly in the northern regions.
At the end of August, Pattaya experiences warm and humid weather, as it is still within the rainy season.
Temperature: The average daytime temperature typically ranges between 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), with nighttime temperatures dropping slightly to around 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F).
Humidity: The humidity level is quite high, which can make it feel warmer than the actual temperature.
Rainfall: You can expect occasional heavy rainfall, especially in the late afternoon or evening, though the rain usually doesn't last long.
This period still offers warm temperatures, but it's wise to be prepared for sudden rain showers.
International Call
The international dialing code for Thailand is +66. When dialing a number in Thailand from overseas, omit the leading (0) from the area code. For example, to call a number in Bangkok, you would dial +66-2 followed by the local number.
Tip & Tax
Tip: Tipping is not a common practice in Thailand, but it is appreciated for good service. In more upscale restaurants and hotels, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill. However, if the service charge is not included, leaving a small tip, such as rounding up the bill or leaving 20-100 Baht, is a kind gesture.
Tax: Participants can receive a VAT refund for goods purchased at designated stores in Thailand. To qualify for a refund, a minimum purchase of 2,000 Baht (approximately US$60) is required per store on the same day. To claim your VAT refund, present the VAT Refund Application Form, receipts, and purchased goods to the customs desk at the airport before departure. The refund can be collected at the VAT Refund Office located in the departure hall after clearing customs.
More information: https://vrtweb.rd.go.th/77.html
Electricity
The standard electricity supply in Thailand is 220 volts AC at 50 Hz. Most hotels provide outlets that accommodate both 220 volts and 110 volts. However, it's recommended that participants check with their hotel in advance to ensure that the appropriate outlet converters or adapters are available, especially if they are bringing devices that require a different voltage.
Picture source: https://gotravelthailand.com/power-plugs
Sim Card and Cell Phone Rental
Participants can easily purchase SIM cards from major retail stores, convenience stores, or directly at the airport. Using a local SIM card is often more cost-effective than international roaming, making it the preferred communication option for many business travelers. Major providers such as AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove offer various packages tailored to both short-term and long-term stays.
Emergency Phone number
In case of an emergency, the following numbers are available nationwide:
Police: 191
Ambulance and Medical Emergency: 1669
Fire Department: 199
Tourist Police: 1155 (English-speaking assistance available)
These numbers are accessible 24/7 and can be dialed from any phone in Thailand.