Nicest/Safest Place around Pattaya

[Mr T]

I am looking for some input into where to stay in Pattaya.
Living in HH is great but I need to spend a bit of time over Pattaya way. They have wakeboarding in Rayong just next to the Chonburi line. Last time I stayed in Rayong, thought the city was really run down and although some of the beaches are beautifull just across the road was awash with litter. Have to say the people were great, really helpfull and friendly.
So I was wondering where would be the safest/nicest/friendly place around the Pattaya area. I am travelling with my wife so prefer a place with less sleaze than central, a little nightlife would be nice, kind of like here would be perfect.
I just worry I hear a LOT of bad things about that area and have to say I cant mix with the general holidaymakers, they are the only people I have ever had trouble with in the LOS.

[PeteC]

I am looking for some input into where to stay in Pattaya.
Living in HH is great but I need to spend a bit of time over Pattaya way. They have wakeboarding in Rayong just next to the Chonburi line. Last time I stayed in Rayong, thought the city was really run down and although some of the beaches are beautifull just across the road was awash with litter. Have to say the people were great, really helpfull and friendly.
So I was wondering where would be the safest/nicest/friendly place around the Pattaya area. I am travelling with my wife so prefer a place with less sleaze than central, a little nightlife would be nice, kind of like here would be perfect.
I just worry I hear a LOT of bad things about that area and have to say I cant mix with the general holidaymakers, they are the only people I have ever had trouble with in the LOS.

A lot of stuff here Khun T. First off, the Chonburi/Rayong line runs right through the middle of U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airbase. If you were just over the line doing wake boarding, you were in Ban Chang , probably at Phala or Phayoon beaches. I've never seen anyone boarding there though which confuses me on the exact location you refer to. If you saw a big runway while boarding, you were in restricted military waters.

There is a hotel between the two aforementioned beaches, the Phala Cliff Hotel aka Phala Cliff Beach resort. Google them and you'll find many pages, but I can't find their direct web site. Rates reasonable and hotel in about *** shape. You're right on the beach and litter and the like not too bad in the area, except there are times when the tide/storms brings in debris from way further out.

The hotel is on the beach and you are about 6 km away from the town of Ban Chang. Nice little, quiet town with mostly dated Thai architecture, with a bar area about 1/4 the size of HH and a few good foreign restaurants. You won't run into any tourists, just expat locals and perhaps some oil rig crews in for a few days of R&R

Now to clarify, the above you are 40KM from Pattaya and about the same from Rayong City.

If you really want to stay in Pattaya though, I can give you some recommendations in quieter parts of Pattaya or Jomtien Beach. Pete

[Mr T]

Thanks for the info..
I was actually Boarding at Dok Krai Resevoir, its a little more inland quite close to East Pattaya.
Ban Chang sounds nice I will have a look on the net.
So is Jomtiem a quiet area? I have only ever spent a few days in Pattaya, it was central and a little too cray crazy for us.
Where would you say the quieter areas are in Pattaya? Just to look at our options, driving back and forward to the lake is no problem if it means we can find a location more suited to us.
Cheers James.

[barrys]

I go to Pattaya about twice a month (by car and not by boat Pete, by the way) on business and lately I've stayed in Soi Chayapruek at the south end of Jomtien.

There are some nice new guest houses down that road only about 1km from the beach and it's fairly quiet just there.

The guest house I regularly use there now is called Long Island - I get a good-sized, brand new air-con room there with TV and fridge for THB 500, not including breakfast. They also provide free wi-fi.

There are several other similar new guest houses very close to it.

Hope this helps.

[PeteC]

OK, below are a few places I'll describe. All are away from Pattaya proper. All listed rates can be negotiated now as the place is depressed, no tourists.

The first is on Pratamak hill soi 4 between Pattaya and Jomtien . Nice hotel, built 1972-74 era. Beautiful gardens, a 9 hole chip and putt, and a great little beach cove with beach bars and restaurants. Right outside the gate are a few restaurants and bars. Very quiet area.

http://www.asiahotel.co.th/asia_pattaya.htm

Directly across the street from the above is this one, if you're looking to go first class. A stunning place.

http://www.cabbagesandcondoms.co.th/

The next is in Jomtien. Quiet and restaurants in both directions. Few bars in that specific area. Right on beach road and I believe all rooms have a sea view. Jomtien FYI caters more to Thai's coming from Bangkok. Farangs there but tend to be expats.

http://www.jomtien-boathouse.com/

Last is a guesthouse similar to what Barry describes. I've heard of the 'Long Island' but have never been there. Jomtien is filled with guesthouses like this but few have web sites. Maybe try a google of 'jomtien guesthouses' to see more.

http://www.moonshineplace.com/

The following is about Ban Chang. The one about bars is a bit dated as some have closed. Tough times.

http://www.offshorebanchang.com/

http://www.banchangbars.com/

Pete

[kendo]

I would recommend the Double Dutch guest house in soi welcome off of Jomtien beach road, its only about 10 minuites from central Pattaya.

Kendo.

[Mr T]

Some great info there, thanks a lot guys.
I am off to work tomorrow so will browse the web once there in a couple of days. I will keep you updated on muy opinions and findindings.
I have to say I am very pleased with the response here thanks for all your input, especially yourself Pete.

[BaaBaa.]

I would recommend the Double Dutch guest house

Talking of the Double Dutch!

I will keep you updated on muy opinions and findindings.

Sorry but I couldn't let you edit out "findindings"

[mrh79]

I can vouch for Jomtien. Anywhere after the gay beach is not sleazy at all, and home to many ex pats and familys on package holidays. Aim for Soi White House (soi 5 i think?) onwards, and it's a whole new world, and a complete contrast to walking st and central Pattaya. All the hotels are 1 min walk cross the road from the beach... Good luck !!

[Mr T]

Okay okay, maybe I had a few last night