Pattaya, 70 plus and 70 min
We have been on it for more than 16 years in Pattaya. At least almost. Enjoy for a few more months now. And I can tell you, it was not a "long sit". On the contrary, we have really enjoyed Pattaya all these years.
We started with a tour. The well known tour, Bangkok, Bridge on the river Kwai, Kamphaeng Phet, Chang Mai with rafting and elephant riding etc and then Pattaya beach. Our first introduction to Pattaya. Quite different from Pattaya now. But then there is no other way (was in 1998). Then another tour and that was more extensive, but towards Northern Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
After this we got the hang of it and then chose Pattaya as a base, after which we have seen a lot of Thailand. A great country which I also regularly informed the Thailandblog. I often had to defend it too. Are you going to Thailand???? Yes, but my wife is coming too. Ohhhhhhh.
All those stories that I saw passing by here on the blog. Sometimes annoyed myself to death. All comments from people who had done five more days of Pattaya during the tour and knew exactly what it was like here, as they went from their bed to the Walking Street and back to bed. And then wrote (back in Holland) Pattaya is full of whores, sex, drugs and rock and roll.
Of course there are hookers here too. Would be weird if it wasn't. But all the girls in short skirts are not whores. They are (almost) all like this here. All cafes with red lamps are not hookers, but cafes with mood lighting (hihi). Well. !! You can see it any way you want, but I wrote sometimes PATTAYA HAS MORE. And a lot of people write that too.
There was just a very good piece written about this by KHUN PETER on the blog. So I don't have to repeat that. Exactly as I mean: www.thailandblog.nl/stelling-van-de-week/zeur-niet-over-pattaya/. In it I read a reaction from someone who said: I always have to explain why I'm going, but I think it's wonderful.
They'll be back in January I added. Maybe I'll still see them. That's right, you have to explain it often. Are you going to Pattaya? (with a dirty face)
Pattaya in 2004This piece is more or less a goodbye to Thailand and an ode to Thailand, Pattaya and much more, and also a bit, a bit, farewell to the Thailand blog. I will still read it, but perhaps comment less. You must have been there, is my claim. So I have 16 years of experience. So may say something.
A piece of goodbye, because it looks like we may never come here again, but never say "never". My wife is 70 and I'm going to be, so that's why 70 minus and plus. Apart from the minor inconveniences you get when you get older, the heat is now also an adversary and so is traveling. You used to be able to do everything, now you have to surrender. And when we are here, we also want to do something almost every day, even if it was just flat on our bed on the beach.
We are also retired and the money is also less than in previous years. And Pattaya is getting more and more expensive. So there are a number of plausible reasons (for us at least). And it is important that we also want to spend a few years with our granddaughter, who has emigrated to Spain (Tenerife). We want to go there a few more times. Also a good temperature in winter. A shorter trip and probably not a three month stay like Thailand so we have the church back in the middle.
Enjoying things within your reach and that's what we did in Thailand. I have already put several of our experiences in Thailand on paper for the blog. Trips to Koh Larn, to Koh Si-Chang and to Koh Chang. Also experiences in and around Pattaya, etc. You should read the piece "Overwintering in Pattaya our way". Can be found on the blog. www.thailandblog.nl/overwinteren/overwinteren-in-pattaya/
That is one point of mine. You can really enjoy in and around Pattaya, even at our age. We are staying on the Naklua Road. We still ride our bicycles through the city. Go to the beach (Dong Tarn Beach, we like it there) on the motorbike. We've been doing that for years. If you adjust to the driving here, you'll be fine (knock on wood). Often also make trips outside Pattaya up to about 50/60 km in the circumference.
The problem of the accidents etc. are often the people who start riding motorcycles and never did this before, and the young people. Not because I don't like the young people, on the contrary. It is the future of the world, the youth, but they are (sometimes) still rash. Like to drink a nice drink or beer, go after the girls and act tough. Yes, something can sometimes go wrong.
I think maybe I could make the same mistakes at that age. Would definitely go after the girls too. The difference is that the young people see a lot of the nightlife in Pattaya and little of the rest. And we see a lot of the rest, but little of the nightlife. We are and were not wimps. Have also enjoyed the nightlife themselves, but that's over the way it goes here. But I'm not going to say it's wrong.
Pattaya owes a large part of its existence to this nightlife. From a small fishing town to one of the largest cities in Thailand. Certainly the largest seaside resort. Partly thanks to this nightlife. People come here from all over the world.
Also something that is so nicely grumbled about on the blog. All those Russians, all those Chinese, all those Germans (I'm right in the middle of it in Naklua Road) – no problem. Yes, really Dutch. Why should we grumble about it? Those people have just as much right as we do to come here. Yes. we do not always agree with their way of life, I sometimes get annoyed, but will they think we are such a nice people?
And then we are also talking about “DIE THAI“. Yes, maybe I should say to some people that those Thai were born here and that they live here and that this is their country. We want the Netherlands to ourselves and when we go abroad, the others should not come.
Yes, a bit poorly written, but a "number" of us can grumble so nicely. Let's certainly enjoy this beautiful country when we go to live here, or spend the winter and have a holiday. The eternal smile is sometimes gone, but it is there. Beautiful women, good Thai cuisine. Beautiful beaches, beautiful islands, entertainment for young and old. Good nightlife. Very nice to shop, especially for the women. In the big cities that is.
But if you have time, get out of that very big city and go somewhere else. Travel is very cheap in Thailand. Go and see the "other" Thailand. Go north to the hill tribes, to Chang Mai, Chang Rai, to the Isaan. I was in Petchabun, also very beautiful, sometimes with snow on the mountains. Go to the islands. Also take a look at least three kilometers outside of Pattaya, how beautiful it is here. Check out the little towns. Enjoy the small markets and nice idyllic places.
My story goes a bit off track, but that's because when you write and you think back to all those years, you want to write everything down and you can't, then it becomes a book.
This was the view from our “base” in Pattaya for years (very huh).Our starting point was. When you are young, you can really enjoy it here, but when you get older like us, you also enjoy it here for the full 100 percent. Pattaya is not Sodom and Gomorra, but a very large city where there is plenty to do and where you have a lot of entertainment, entertainment and shops, but where you can also have a nice holiday. You should only use your eyes and not just chase your pi (no, I'm not allowed to say that, sorry).
We will say goodbye with melancholy, but 16 years is not a cat's piss either. It was very nice and we don't regret all that time. I advise everyone: if you want to hate Pattaya, you first have to stay there for a long time and have been everywhere; then judge. Maybe you think like us: Gee, how versatile Pattaya is. Pattaya is buzzing!
I have to say that Pattaya has changed a lot. Indeed, how you have changed in those years, my beautiful Pattaya. It will have to be. Pattaya is also moving with the times. And every change is not always an improvement. Good. that's nostalgic posturing, I know. The bath and the guilder were also very attractive at the time. The prices are much lower and the people friendlier. But flying again more expensive. But that applies to every city and to every person who gets older.
I wish everyone, young and old, a nice holiday in Pattaya and experience it the way you want to do it yourself and let others do their own thing. In retrospect you can say: I was disappointed, but don't tear down a city if it wasn't quite what you thought. Pattaya and its residents do not deserve that.
Many Dutch people live here (I was sometimes jealous, but my wife didn't want to live here forever). I also wish them a very good life here. Some of them (who also write regularly on the blog) I certainly pass by almost daily now, or are eating at a table next to me, in the Naklua Road or surroundings, without knowing. That's how it goes.
We will stay for a while (until 2014 ….) haha.
Play the song for me one more time pattaya pattaya of Sabai Sabai.
Greetings to all, also on behalf of my wife.
Ruud
A few pieces that I found on my pen's blog. (Maybe) nice to read back:
- www.thailandblog.nl/overwinteren/overwinteren-in-pattaya/ – WINTER
- www.thailandblog.nl/eilanden/koh-si-chang/ —KOH SI CHANG
- www.thailandblog.nl/maatschappij/honden-pattaya/ – DOGS IN PATTAYA
- www.thailandblog.nl/eilanden/koh-larn/ — COUPLE DAYS KOH LARN
- www.thailandblog.nl/reishistories/10-dagen-koh-chang/ – 10 DAYS KOH CHANG
- www.thailandblog.nl/ingezonden/na-een-week-pattaya/ – AFTER A WEEK OF PATTAYA
- www.thailandblog.nl/BACKGROUND/pattaya-heeft-meer-vinyard-silverlake/ PATTAYE HAS MORE
- www.thailandblog.nl/shoppen/naklua-weekend-markt/ – NAKLUA WEEKEND MARKET
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2W1p0oSlG4 – CYCLING IN BANGKOK
- youtu.be/gVia8Pkma5Q – KOH CHANG EASTSIDE
- youtu.be/0j9nhRQHwcE - FLOATING MARKET PATTAYA
- youtu.be/0j9nhRQHwcE -PETCHABUN
- youtu.be/eV8EwxywGS4 – BANGKOK ON THE STEP
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Nice piece about Pattaya. My wife and I have already been to Pattaya twice for a fairly short period of time. We are now going to Pattaya again from 3 to 22 February. We will also rent bicycles there. Now I read that you write about cycling inland behind Pattaya. Do you have a special map for that or are you going on spec, so to speak. Maybe you can let me know about that.
Thanks for the effort.
greetings cor and wilna duran
with a map of Pattaya you can get by pretty well. A little card and a little finger in the air. Good luck. If there are any questions, I'd love to hear it
Well Ruud it has become quite a story. People always ask us that question. You have explained it well and extensively. That is why we have been coming to Thailand for so long. Let all people enjoy each in their own way. Greetings
Ruud ::I can only agree with what you write, it is indeed also the idea I have about Pattaya and the rest of Thailand.
First of all, you let everyone in their own way about the way of thinking about Pattaya and the millions of tourists who come here every year to enjoy a pleasant holiday in their own way.
Enjoyed reading your piece and wish you a beautiful and healthy life with your wife, but I still have the impression that you will miss Pattaya and that you will come back to that beautiful city sometime !!
just maybe another holiday ?????? !!!!!!! could well. Never say never.
Ruud, what a wonderful article, beautifully written, with respect for everything and everyone,… As it should be! Big compliment.
I myself have been coming to Pattaya since 1976, now almost 40 years ago, then still a small village, a small seaside resort. I've watched it grow and change… Since 2008 I've been living permanently in Jomtien with my Thai partner, and I still enjoy every day here, when the sun rises again.
We go on holiday to the Netherlands once a year for 1 weeks, and then we are happy when we are back here, in our apartment with a view of the sea, the wonderful temperatures, the lovely people and the delicious food.
I too often get annoyed by all those negative messages about Pattaya, while there is so much beauty and fun to see and experience. How some have the guts to berate the Thai people or the country. They are only tourists who come here for two or three weeks.
You and I know better… You have put it beautifully!
I also have my permanent place on Dong Tan beach, maybe we know each other, maybe not... In any case, I wish you all the best in the future, and for now enjoy all the beauty that Thailand and Pattaya has to offer!
nice story what you have experienced in pattaya ...... i have also been more than 25 times i also know a lot to tell about the people and the women ... now i have been living in korat for 1 year with my german girlfriend. we have a beautiful house on the water…. no, the netherlands became too expensive for me, that's why I went to live here, I like it in the countryside….every 4 months I'm away on holiday, so to speak, in phuket. but if nor do I wish you the beautiful writer of this blog for the further future a healthy life together with your wife gr bilko
Very nicely worded, and I get homesick spontaneously, that says enough. Recognize a lot in it.. Also the baseless defamation of Pattaya, as if all the bad things in Thailand come together there. Which is nonsense.
My first holiday (93′) in Thailand was also in Pattaya, and it was certainly not a nightmare stay in a den of robbers, annex whorehouse, certainly not.
Met my current wife there, happily together for 15 years now, and still come to Pattaya every year, and enjoy it. Of course there is also a lot wrong in the city, but where isn't that?
Even my own brother managed to bring up those unfounded comments on Pattaya, after a 3-week (always call it the Temple-rug tour, because it is about the well-beaten tourist paths) holiday with a few days left in pattatya as finish, you know it.
“That Pattaya, I don't like that at all” he said, and listed all kinds of reasons, too many women behind the bar (why, were they ugly?) too busy, too expensive, too many Germans,, narrow beach, swimming water not crystal clear, sellers on the beach, his brand of cigarettes are not, etc.etc. Yes, the Thai people were nice, that was about the only positive thing about his story.
It gave me a headache.
Especially because I have pledged my heart to Thailand, this kind of criticism always hits extra hard. Because it is brought by people who don't look beyond their pampered Dutch nose.
Anyway, don't try to convert them, because I actually just love that Thailand remains free from this complaining mob.
We discovered Thailand and Pattaya in 2001. It was love at first sight for my husband and I.
Unfortunately, you often have to defend that you are going to Thailand / Pattaya, but it is our holiday destination and who knows, we can spend the winter here one day.
For all those Thailand / Pattaya goers: just let the rest complain. Imagine all those people also discovering the delights of Thailand. Get completely busy with nagging / complaining Dutch people.
Ruud thanks for this piece, I will definitely read the other links again. But now we will first continue with our holiday in our beloved holiday country. I'm glad you enjoyed Thailand so much with just the two of you.
Greetings,
Ingrid
I have been living in Thailand for over 9 years now and I never want to go to the Netherlands again. I am married to a 49 year old girl beaut, living in the north. We go 'on holiday' to Pattaya every year. A real pleasure for us but we are also happy when we are home. I drive there myself by car in a ride. Take it easy, about 14 hours on the road.
For me, Thailand is the country where I want to grow old, I'm 64 now. I can't get the attention and care I get here anywhere else and certainly not in a Western country.
I also have a very moderate pension from next year. We then have about 30.000 Baht to spend per month, MORE than enough to live like a king here in Chiangrai province.
The people who complain about Thailand are mostly tourists. Thailand is really different if you live there and if you are part of the Thai community. Thailand has become my home country for several reasons.
What a nice and pleasant response. Get a lump in my throat. It's nice that an article evokes such pleasant reactions. How good we have it here. Nice. Thanks everyone so far for the nice comments
Ruud
Ruud, this is the best story I've read about Pattaya. I was there last year and so had my opinion, which was not only formed by me, but also peppered and salted by the opinions of others. So not a good opinion. Rejecting, so you're fine, because everyone does that, right?
Your story made me realize that I had quite a good time during the week I stayed in Jomtien. That I only disliked some aspects, but that I liked it enough to stay for a whole week.
I will go there again. An acquaintance of mine has an apartment there and is coming back in January… so I can look them up then..
Fun.