Wrong Day In Pattaya

Pattaya is a fine place to visit. It is unique in it's atmosphere. There are many things to keep you busy and occupied during the daylight hours but it's reputation is built on it's nightlife.

The beaches there are adequate but filled with umbrellas and beach chairs. The sand is rocky and the water could use a good clean up. Shopping is good in Pattaya and you can get almost any food you want to dine on.

For other daytime fun you can rent a jet ski or take a ride on a banana boat. Paragliding and bungy jumping are available for the brave too. Tourists also seem to enjoy the Crocodile Farm and Mini Siam. Back to your hotel for a shower and dinner and than the real Pattaya comes alive.

I decided to do a quick one night trip to Pattaya on March 3. I forgot to look at the calendar though and it just happened to be a Thai Buddhist holiday, Macha Bucha Day. That is all well and good but it does change the environment for a night. The usual bustling Walking Street had many lights out and fewer than normal visitors. Most of the visitors were either only dining or sitting at the few bars that were open sipping sodas or water. I did find a couple of bars open willing to sell cold beer, but the bottles couldn't be visible on the bar so it had to be poured in and drank from a glass.

The night in Pattaya was still enjoyed but it wasn't itself. It wouldn't have mattered much if spend a few days and nights there but this was strictly a one-nighter. A lesson learned by me to include calendar checks before planning trips. For sure I will go back again another time.