Pattaya Thailand

[rockyracoon]

We are thinking of going here this summer, but it will be with a 10 and 12 year old. I know the reputation of Pat is somewhat lewd but I keep reading that there is a lot for families to do and that you can bypass the seediness. Anyone been there and can advise on the suitability of this resort for families. Hua Hin is the next suggestion but I'm worried there won't be enough there to keep the kids occupied.

Ta for any answers. xx

[Hymie]

Personally I would advise anyone against holidaying in Pattaya. Having been there once (as a male), the women pester you like flies. Although you can avoid this by staying within your hotel complex; much better to get out and explore the neighbourhood.

My first visit to Thailand was to Hua Hin and enjoyed it, good hotel, good uncrowded (very long) sandy beach, lively night market and lots of cheap eating out.

But if you are taking kids to Thailand, I would make sure that the hotel has lots of child friendly activities and take along all their electronic games.

If at 12 years of age, my parents had taken me to Thailand, the whole experience of such an exotic location would have kept me captivated throughout the holiday. Kids these days would be jaded without suitable entertainment during their stay. Check the cable TV offering of your chosen hotel as a potential source of entertainment on rainy days.

Don’t forget, our summer is their rainy season – when you get there, you will find out why they call it the rainy season.

[ummmm]

They do not pester you if you're a couple or have children.

I've been.....There isn't much to do for children.

[rockyracoon]

Thanks for the replies, we've been to Phuket twice before, the kids love it and want to go back to Thailand (if I'd had such a childhood....) I just can't bear the thought of 2 flights.

[ummmm]

It's much the same a Phuket if I remember correctly. That's the only draw back is the flights.

[AlBags]

I have lived and worked in Thailand for 4 years previously (in fact I speak Thai) and I would not entertain taking my kids to Pattaya .. although I mainly know the north very well.
Hua Hin .. yes ...
Krabi .. yes.
Goh Samui .. yes.
But not so pleasant being surrounded in Isaan ladies and market folk trying to get ones cash is not particularly fun with kids to look after.

[ummmm]

I like Krabi...my Aunty lives there.

[AlBags]

Really?
Been around the Phang Nga by boat?
Love Thailand me.

[ummmm]

Yeah...Moved there about 3 years ago. They usually come back here for summer though. They're arriving back tomorrow as my Nan and Grandad are poorly.

I'd love to go back again...I think I'd enjoy it more next time.

[ummmm]

By boat...no, can't actually remember what we did where.

[AlBags]

I spent 4 years in Chiang Mai teaching at Uni Hospital, and teaching a band in a big nightclub up there : )

[ummmm]

I got stranded on a little island off Koh Samui (sp) with 4 Thai men and a rake of chickens. Only wearing a bikini....that was interesting...lol

[Canary42]

Chickens in bikinis - that's novel :)

[ummmm]

I should have said 'I' was only wearing a bikini..

[AlBags]

So your kids are half Thai .. half Chicken? : )

[downthehatch]

there actually is quite a lot for families to do in Pattaya, however Pattaya beach is not great and the sea is not for swimming in!! Go to Viatour site to see whats on offer, but there are quite a number of trips, local zoo, gardens, elephant hikes,

dont hire jet skis though due to possibility of a scam.

several cinemas in the shopping malls,

the ladies wont 'harrass' you at all as you are obviously not sex tourists!! in fact if you sat in a bar on the beach road with the kids they would love them to bits

pattaya is not as bad as the tabloids say, those who find trouble there are usually looking for it anyway.

hunt on the net for more info there is tons there, trip advisor is another good source

[DTCwordfan]

My ex and I used the Phuket Yacht Club for R and R from mainland China and it was a brilliant getaway - only time we ventured out was to the Blu Canyon Golf Club (up towards the airport) and that was a hell of a golf course, beautifully manicured and with all the Thai attention to service.......plus a (genuine) massage afterwards before further drinks and a meal. Tended to stay clear of Pattaya but there are family hotels on the west coast (Andaman Sea) and in various price brackets down from Anam Puri....my youngest sister and mother stayed in one and thoroughly enjoyed themselves

[AlBags]

Golf Clubs are the place to be in Thailand ... Nothing is spared.
There is the Gymkhana Club in Chiang Mai .. (Golf Club!)
Great place.

[rockyracoon]

Many thanks for all advice, it was much appreciated. We plumped for 8 nights Hua Hin and 2 nights Bangkok, can't wait...................Tom Yum here I come.

[rockyracoon]

O'er, that last bit sounded a bit pervy didn't it?

[ChocolatChip]

Hua Hin is a beautiful place, I was at the six sense and evason hotel in june for my honeymoon. And I really loved it! Although I do agree that it is quite quiet. My husband and I never left the resort.

What about Bangkok?