Thailand is one of the world’s top travel destinations and a country that is constantly changing. It is important to have the most up-to-date travel information when you plan your trip. Although Pattaya is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, there is little information in traditional sources about the city. PattayaSanook.com was built to be an exhaustive resource for travel to Pattaya, however, there are additional resources you will want to investigate before you go. Guidebooks, maps, websites, and travel apps will be some of the places you’ll want to begin your research.
While many people will spend their entire time in Pattaya, there is a whole lot more to see and do around Thailand. If this is going to be your first trip to Thailand, you should try and visit some of the more significant areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ko Samui. Unless you lucky enough to have a month for your visit, you won’t be able to fit in all the sights and activities. Pick one or two places you’d like to see other than Pattaya. You’ll be happy you did, and have plenty of touristy photos to show off to your friends and family when you get home.
Thailand Guidebooks
Getting a good guidebook to Thailand is essential, whether Pattaya is going to be your only destination or one of several on a wider trip through the country. It will give you a good overview of the country, culture and customs, and some of the do’s and don’ts of the nation. They are filled with valuable information for travel, things to do, maps, and much more. If this is your first trip, it is well worth the investment.
Some of the popular Guidebooks to Thailand are:
Lonely Planet Thailand
The backpacker’s bible and one of the best guidebooks in my opinion (and I’m not a backpacker.)
Fodor’s Thailand
A guidebook for the travelers who want a little more frills and fewer hostels.
Thailand’s Islands and Beaches
Also from Lonely Planet, great addendum if you are looking at hitting some of the most amazing beaches in Thailand.
Traveler Reviews
Almost everyone is aware of Trip Advisor these days. It is a great way to get ideas about hotels and activities. I use it as a starting point when exploring somewhere new. However, I have my doubts about it and the quality of the reviews there. One person loves a place and gives it a top rating, the next pans it and wish the ratings went into the negative. There is no standard, and the results can be really hit or miss. But it is a resource that can give you some good ideas and a place to start.
Websites
There aren’t many websites dedicated to Pattaya travel that cover more than it’s world famous nightlife. If there were, I wouldn’t be spending time developing this one. Even the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website is spartan with information.
PattayaSanook.com has lots of specific trip planning advice to help you get started, find hotels, things to do, places to eat, and a whole lot of other information to make your trip to Pattaya an amazing one.
Here are a few additional websites you will want to check out in researching your trip.
CDC – Find the Vaccinations you need and any health advisories before your trip.
Your State Department Travel Website – For any Travel warnings, visa issues, etc.
Your Airline / TSA – Check baggage requirements as they are always changing.