Pattaya

12º56'N 100º51'E

Pattaya, 150 km SE of Bangkok, less than two hours by road, stretches for some 15km along the Eastern coast of the Siam Gulf. Thailand's largest resort, it shares the coast with traditional fishing villages, other resorts such as Bang Saen and Rayong, new industrial centres, the towns of Chonburi and Sriracha, and the port and naval base of Satahip. Pattaya beach is a palm-fringed, sandy bay with a view of coral islands on the horizon. Nearby are other cliffs and other bays, while inland the region is rich in agricultural products including sugar cane, tapioca, rubber, and fruit trees.

Pattaya in the 1960s was just a little fishing village, until a few Bangkok residents began to take their weekends here and generated a modest local tourist industry. Even so, the only hotel of any size was the Nipa Lodge: the other accommodation tended towards holiday bungalows and beach huts. The Vietnam War saw the start of Pattaya's international reputation, for the fledgling resort was used as an official R&R centre for the US forces. They were flown into U-Tapao Airport which was built for American use at the time, and shops, services, bars and hotel accommodation grew to meet the demand. 


Pattaya is now a city in its own right, with its own mayor and its own  administration. This is not all due to tourism. The government development programme for the Eastern Seaboard has transformed the region, and this rapid industrial and commercial expansion has led to many expatriates coming to live in the area. There is a new deep-sea port at Laem Chabang, 20 km north of Pattaya with a vast industrial estate, and another development zone at Map Ta Phut near Rayong to the south. Pattaya City is well located to be a major business centre serving these two giant industrial communities. There are five international schools, and four international hospitals in the area.

Read more about Pattaya

 

Anchorages

read about more anchorages south of Pattaya on Pattaya To Satahip
 

Pattaya and Koh Larn Map
 
A. South Pattaya Bay

This anchorage is secure only in the southwest season. Although good golding can be found in 4-5 metres anywhere in the bay, we recommend the southern end, away from the many fishing and tour vessels.

The sand beach is accessible by dinghy, and there is plenty of action ashore, particularly at night, with countless bars, restaurants and tourist facilities all along the colourful and noisy strip.
 
B. Royal Varuna Yacht Club

Anchor in settled weather only near the two mooring buoys at the southern end, staying well clear of the rock awash in the middle of the bay. This anchorage is not recommended for overnight stays. There is often a shore break, which can upset a small tender and, during the northeast season, the beach can be depleted of sand.

The Varuna Yacht Club offers good facilities, including a bar, a restaurant and a swimming pool. Visiting yachtsmen are warmly welcomed, but be sure to register with a committee member.
 
C. West Koh Larn (Haad Tein)

This pretty anchorage in 5-8 metres on sand is recommended only as a day stopover a place for lunch ashore at the restaurants on Haad Tein. Good snorkelling can be found along the outer edge of the reef that fringes the beach.
 
D. North Koh Larn (Haad Samwan)

Good holding can be found in 5-10 metres on a sandy bottom, lending protection in the southwest season. The sand beach makes for convenient dinghy access to the many restaurants ashore.
 
E. Koh Sak

This is an extremely well-sheltered bay in the southerly season. Anchor in about 4-6 metres on sandy bottom in clear water off the fringing coral reef.

Note; On the passage from this group of islands to Pattaya, avoid the area around Hin Koh Larn, about 1.5 miles east of Koh Krok. Do not rely on the marker buoy, which is frequently washed away or which drags during rough weather. Swim ashore on Koh Sak to a rather basic seafood restaurant. In the past, the island was an exclusive resort for Thailand's rich and famous, though it is now rather rundown. On the footpath leading south from the beach you'll see the foot and hand prints of many famous visitors.