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Pattaya Thailand - events from 4th through 9th February 2008.
After arranging transport from our Bangkok hotel, we arrived in Pattaya around mid afternoon. After check in we walked to the beach area of Pattaya.
There are many beach chairs and sun umbrellas on the beach in the "Walking Street" area of Pattaya. We claimed a nice spot and ordered cold drinks. The temperature was much cooler than Bangkok and the reduced humidity was a pleasant change.
There is now a charge to use the beach chairs and umbrellas. The charge is called "sit" and appears to be 30 baht per person. This charge is to deter Russians and Indians (this is what the proprietor told us) from occupying chairs, tables and umbrellas all day and not ordering any food or drink.
I could not work out why we, as Australians, had to pay "sit". We ordered drinks and food was not available at this particular location anyway. I guess it was because we didn't order enough drinks or we ordered Coke instead of beers! Who knows? In typical Thai style this "sit" charge was not divulged before we sat down!This is just another odd aspect of Thai culture. I think they know no different!
Shortly after we sat down two ladies arrived and offered us pedicures and manicures! This is almost a standard feature of Thailand beach holidays and after some negotiations we agreed on a price of 200 baht ($7) for their complete feet and hands rejuvenation program. The ladies complained that business was not good (a common sales trick they use) and that people from certain nationalities never agree to buy their services. The good 'clients' are, in their words, "England, Holland, Germany, Korea, Australia…Russia and India no good!"
Now, the story continues because a new pedicure lady, who was well into her sixties and a real funny character, came by with her small basket of accoutrements and offered her nail programs.
She would not take no for an answer when she approached me offering a full pedicure treatment. You see, I resisted the previous two "beauty therapists" while Ron and John immediately agreed to their full "service and tune-up". It makes one wonder why they agreed so quickly and why they appeared, to me at least, to be very familiar with an extensive nail treatment service.
Anyway, I agreed to her service and price and she started "work" on my rough feet and toenails. We laughed and joked as best we could in broken English and, from us, very rudimentry Thai.
She explained that her husband had recently "pass" away (indicating such with an index finger pointed to the sky) and as a result she had not had "ticky ticky" for some time. (I'll yet you work out what ticky ticky is.)
She then made me an offer, which I must say, surprised me a little. She said she would pay me money to come back to her place with her and give her "ticky ticky"!! This brought huge howls of laughter from all the Thais within earshot and from us as well. I asked her how much she was willing to pay for such a service and she replied "200 baht ($7) good price"! This again resulted in fits of laughter from the Thais and us.
I replied that my minimum price for professional services of this nature would be 3000 baht ($105) - not a cent less. "Oh, you too much!" she replied. "Maybe I do your hand free price then we go ticky ticky hey?" I ignored her counter offer and said "Ok, special discount for you 2500 baht ($88) best price!" This brought more laughter from the now steadily growing audience but still my price was not within her reach!
As we could not agree on a final price that business deal collapsed and we headed on our way feeling so much better after a good old belly laugh. Some Thai people have a marvelous sense of humour and this little bit of harmless fun really made our day. However I note with some alacrity that she asked me and not John or Ron! Mmmm!
There is a mild push on in Thailand to educate local business people that it is not ok to rip tourists off and it is not ok to charge local people one price, or nothing, and tourists another. In the latter I am referring to things like entry to temples, national parks, historic sights and other national landmarks. It is very common to see signs saying "Foreigner 50 baht" (or whatever) for enter into say an important temple precinct. It will be tough for the authorities to stamp this out, for as in this example, the monks themselves are encouraging the practice!
Pattaya is really a place for drinking and partying. I don't think it's a place for families or kids even though the destination appears very popular with Korean families. This is not to say it is a dangerous place to holiday, which it clearly is not, but families would find better places in Thailand to vacation.
There is plenty of shopping in Pattaya. The main streets are crowded with very imaginable merchandise including fresh fruits and other fresh Thai cooking ingredients. If ever one was considering a holiday in Pattaya in a self contained apartment there is plenty of fresh food available.
For those wishing to let someone else do the cooking (and cleaning afterwards) there are countless local cafes and small restaurants offering outstanding local food at bargain basement prices. For example the three of us eat in small local restaurants, a different one each night, and we have never paid more than 450 baht ($15) including two beers or Cokes each!
We never went hungry either. You can eat very well in Pattaya for very little money as long as you're not scared to try the small local restaurants! If you want to eat 'western' food you'll pay for it…this includes the well known international burger chains and chicken places. Give the local eating houses a go - you'll be pleasantly surprised!
The other thing I have noticed about Pattaya, and Bangkok as well, is that the quality of the water from the tap has improved. I met up with an Aussie expatriate, an old friend, who confirmed that "advances" had been made in this area. He says it is still not wise to drink the water from the tap but, he says, this is more to do with the high mineral content than anything more dangerous or sinister. We went on to say that the tap water is fine for teeth brushing and other things but it is best to use bottled water for drinking. Food is generally cooked in tap water now I believe.
The Pattaya night life is quite something. As long as you're into eating and drinking there is plenty to do. Seriously thought the bars are plentiful and the drinks are reasonably priced. It's a matter of personal taste of course but the local beer is not the greatest drop around. It has certainly improved recently I think but the alcohol content is generally higher (5%) and I have never been able to buy 'light' beer. I am sure light beer is available; I have just never seen it. Perhaps I should look harder!
Wine can be obtained but it is expensive. Generally the 'house wine' comes from Chile and in any case wine is almost unheard of in the local cafes and restaurants I referred to earlier. I must say I miss the wine while I'm in Thailand.
Everyone knows about the Pattaya go-go bars but these are generally located in one particular part of town. They are a fun night out and my experience is they are relatively safe provided you take sensible precautions.
Pick pockets frequent the areas outside the clubs but I have never seen any violent behaviour inside, or outside the clubs or the club area. I think if you go along with an open mind and just relax you'll have a good time. Plenty of couples go to these places and you are assured of some interesting sights!
Pattaya is a hedonistic delight! If you have trouble finding a boyfriend or girlfriend at home you will have no trouble finding one in Pattaya! Believe me it doesn't matter what you look like or how you are built I can guarantee that you need not be lonely on your night out in Pattaya!
Girls, if the boys tend to stear clear of you at home they won't in Pattaya!! Likewise gents, if you like some attention from the ladies you won't miss out in Pattaya! Everyone is in party mode so you will always meet someone at any bar or night club you choose to visit.
If you prefer to have a quiet one by yourself or with your mates then that's fine as well. The point is that it does not matter what you look like here - there is always "someone" who will find you interesting! And the partying is very safe provided you are sensible. Remember the Thais will not let anything happen that will spoil business!
Just leave your inhibitions behind and enjoy your stay! If you are not comfortable in one particular establishment then just move on to the next. Pattaya is just full of bars and night clubs so just have fun!
ADDENDUM:
On the specific matter of Wednesday 6 February 2008. We don't know what happened to it. We know it was here at one time but it is disappeared. We believe we are missing this day completely. However, one of our party has a vague recollection of going deep sea fishing on this day but this is completely unconfirmed. If we find Wednesday we will let you know. Thank you.
Chris
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