Pattaya Travel Guide

If you have ever been to scenic Bangkok, Thailand, you could have not imagined that this country has more to offer. A hundred miles south-east of the capital city, in the east coast of  Thailand, lies the resort city of Pattaya.

Once a fishing village, Pattaya became famous during and after, as some reports claim, the Vietnamese War, when the American soldiers stationed in the country and discovered the hidden gem that is Pattaya.

Now, Pattaya is a bustling metropolis that many choose over Bangkok, with tourism being one of its largest forces in the economy. The city currently has 2,000 accommodation options as of 2015, with a busy nightlife, shopping streets galore, water sports activities and a colorful culture.

Best time to visit Pattaya :-

Pattaya is usually hot all year round.. with May, June, September and October as the rainiest months. There is no specific best month to visit Pattaya, as its main attractions, such as its busy streets and nightlife, are in operation all throughout the year.

How to get there :-

From India to Bangkok.. There are many airlines that offer flights to Bangkok (the closest point to Pattaya). The great alternative option is.. direct flight from Kolkata to the Thai capital will only take up to 4 hours at most. You can then get another ride to Pattaya for another 2 hours. This option drastically cuts travel time to just 6 hours.

(You can book Indigo/Spicejet which round trip cost around 12000-14000 INR)

From Bangkok to Pattaya. Bangkok is almost 130 km away from Pattaya, and a taxi can take you from the airport directly to your chosen accommodation in Pattaya (cost - 2000 - 3000 INR, If you want to hasslefree journey)

but it will cost more than buses. Buses are cheaper options. Buses from Bangkok airport depart five times a day and cost just about 150 baht or 300 INR and bus services starts from 7:00 am as thailand time at Exit gate no. 8. The best option is book 389 no. bus for best services, it will take only 3 hours. 

Getting around :-

There are many transportation options in Pattaya.

By bus -

 There is a local bus line that runs in the city, called Beach Bus. Ticket prices start at 30 baht. The local bus passes by major landmarks in the city, such as Pattaya floating market, Pattaya beach road, and Pattaya city hall.

By taxi - 

Taxis are also available within Pattaya, but most do not have a meter. As a passenger, be sure to get the fare price cleared out with the driver before accepting the ride. Otherwise, try to get a metered cab as much as possible.

By motorbike taxi -

 A rather unique mode of transportation in Pattaya is the motorbike taxi. It is exactly what it sounds like.. it’s a motorbike but it is essentially a taxi. Drivers accept only one passenger at a time, for 30 to 40 baht a trip.

Things to do in Pattaya

• Water Sports - Since Pattaya is a coastal city, there’s a lot of water sports activities to try and enjoy. Some of the water sports available in Pattaya are Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Jet skiing, windsurfing, banana boating, and yachting. 

Cost - 

Scuba diving - 7000 - 8000 INR

Snorkeling- 5000 - 6000 INR

Parasailing - 1500 - 2000 INR

• Jomtien Beach 

• Pattaya Beach  

• Koh Larn Beach 

• Cabaret Shows

 Opening hours:

Tiffany Cabaret Show :- Three shows; 6 pm, 7:30 pm, 9 pm

Alcazar Cabaret Show :- Four shows; 5 pm, 6:30 pm, 8 pm, 9:30 pm

Entry charges:

Tiffany Cabaret Show :- 1200 Baht per person

Alcazar Cabaret Show :- 500 Baht per person (normal seats) | 600 Baht per person (VIP seats)

• Walking Street (Nightlife & Shopping)
• Pattaya Floating Market  
• Pattaya View Point

Where to stay :-

We stayed in Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa . The rooms were exceptionally cozy, the food was good and the staff over here is incredible. 

If you wish to stay here on an average it would cost you INR 6000 to INR 8000 per night for two people. 

However, if you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to stay at budget rooms or home stays that would be of INR 1,000 to 1500 for two people.

Where to eat :-

If you are missing the spicy flavors of Indian cuisine then make sure to mark this best restaurants in Pattaya to relish the exotic flavors of your home..

Govindam :- 

Specialties :- Veg thali.
Hours :- 10 am to midnight
Average cost for two :- INR 200 - 600

Indian By Nature :-

Specialties :- Fish curry, Blueberry Kulfi
Hours :- 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Average cost for two :- INR 400 - 6000

Karma Indian Restaurant :-

Specialties :- Paneer tikka, Prawn tikka and Fish curry
Hours :- 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Average cost for two :- INR 300 -1200

Madras Darbar :-

Specialties :- Dosa and Idli
Hours :- 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Average cost for two: INR 300 - 700 

Imli Grill :-

Specialties :- Kofta, kebab and Butter chicken
Hours :- 1 pm to 4 am
Average cost for two :- INR 350 - 600

Maharani :-

Specialties :- Prawn tikka, Garlic naan
Hours :- 11 am to 2:30 pm and 6 pm to 11 pm
Average cost for two :- INR 1200 - 1800

Important Pattaya Travel Tips

• Most taxis in Pattaya are not metered. Though they can be avoided, in the circumstances that you cannot, make sure to clarify your fare rate before riding the cab. This way you can avoid rip-offs.

• While there are many shops in Pattaya, and the prices can seem like a good deal, be sure to check the authenticity of your purchases. Fake or imitation products will be confiscated at the airport.

• Observe proper clothing when visiting sacred areas. Remember to take your shoes off when entering a temple with a Buddha image.

• Other unstated tourist attractions in Pattaya include Jomtien Beach, a 6-kilometer stretch of white sand; Pattaya Walking Street, which is open at night, has the most number of shops and stalls, and where haggling is the language; and the Pattaya Floating Market.

Feel free to mail me to hazraniladri1997@gmail.com for more information and sample itinerary.

Malana - An Ancient Village Blog

Malana village.. a tiny little village in Himachal that needs no introduction. Separated bypasses on all sides.. this mountain top village is known to be one of the oldest human settlements while being isolated.

The main source of income for the malanese folk is exporting of Malana Cream. An extremely orthodox community with a rich history, rituals – it is an experience to learn of a place so secluded. Malana is a magical place overlooking the Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani Peaks. 

Rules for Tourists :-

1. Don’t get in physical contact with the villagers in Malana. While people are friendly, outsiders are not allowed to touch people here, without permission. So much so, the shopkeepers will ask you to keep the money on the counter, so refrain from physical contact.

2. Keeping in line with the above – if you are photographing villagers – it is best to seek permission. Well, you should seek it anywhere in the world.

3. Visitors are not allowed to use the local dialect – Kanashi. Further, visiting temples is also strictly prohibited. This prohibition may be to maintain the secrecy around their practices.

4. Police Intervention is not allowed. If you seek the help of the police – you’ll be fined.

5. Hunting of wild animals is not allowed without permission from the village council. Wood burning is also prohibited. Fixing nails on trees is banned as well. In short – respect mother nature.

Best time to visit :-

The best time to visit Malana village is either the summer months (April to July) or the post-monsoon months (September to November). However, the village is gorgeous no matter when you visit in the year.

A word of caution that the connectivity will be minimal or even non-existent in the harsh winter months due to the presence of snow. 

How to reach Malana :-

The most efficient way to reach Malana from Delhi(Gateway For Malana) is from Jari Village (17 Km). You can hire a cab from Jari to reach the end of the road. Then walk for 4 km to trail to Malana village from the endpoint.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station, 140 km away. Cabs/Taxis are available at the station for private hire as well as shared option. The journey will take you approximately 4 to 5 hours.

By Road

The total driving distance from Delhi to Jari Village or Malana is 550 km. It will take you a driving time of 13 to 15 hours. After crossing Chandigarh and entering the hills, you’ll be driving next to Beas river for a dominant part of your journey. It is a sight to behold as it is the same journey you take for a Delhi – Manali trip for the most part.

While the roads are in decent conditions for the most part – there is extensive tunneling work going on and the roads near Sundernagar and Mandi are quite bad.

 By bus or public transport

Many public transport buses leave ISBT Delhi or Majnu-Ka-Tilla, for an overnight journey to Kullu. Volvo/Mercedes buses will be available starting INR 1500 and An HRTC bus from Chandigarh will take you around 8-9 hours to reach Bhuntar, from where you can catch the next bus to your destination.

No public buses ply from Jari to Malana. However.. you can hire a private cab at Jari for the 23 km journey to the point where the road ends. Malana Power House is about 1.5 KMs from the journey, and foreign tourists have to register here at the police checkpost (Naka) before proceeding further.

The overall journey takes about 1.5 hours from Jari to the end of the road at the base of Malana village. After that, you will need to hike about 4 km. The hike is one of the easier treks of Himachal Pradesh, with laid out steps and should not be a concern at all.

Stay :-

 Most travelers tend to return to Jari or Kasol on the same day – there are a few basic Guest Houses available at Malana. Among all Malana hotels, Dragon House Cafe and Eagle Cafe & Guest House are a couple of options worthy of exploring.

Another great option is camping near the village and overlooking some crazy beautiful night skies. Many campsites are available. However, the rules for this keep fluctuating. So it is best to check with the locals, in Jari village, preferably, before making any concrete plans for camping.

Food :-

Fundamental food is available at Malana. You should keep in mind that these are extremely isolated locations, deep in the hills, and any expectation to have is too much. Whatever you get, you should happily consume as food is not a leisure item here, but sustenance.

You will find about half a dozen shacks splattered across the region, and the guesthouses also provide food. Near Jari, Hotel Negi’s Nest serves a widespread.

Sightseeing :-

• The Chanderkhani 
• The Deo Tibba Mountain 
• The Hampta Pass  
• The Great Himalayan National Park
•  Renuka Devi Shrine Temple 
• Jamadagni Temple

Few more things to know about Malana :-

• You can purchase Hashish.. But it illegal substances in India  and is not advisable. Also, you should not carry anything from the village as there are Police Nakas shortly after exiting the village.

• Malana is famous for its hashish known as Malana cream, a unique cultural heritage, and isolation from the world.

• There is a taxi union in Jari. For a small car, charges are Rs 800 (one way) and for SUVs, the charges are Rs 1300. (Approximate rate)

• Ideally.. 2-3 days sufficient to cover the village and nearby areas.

Feel free to mail me to hazraniladri1997@gmail.com for more information and sample itinerary.

Interesting facts about Andaman - Port Blair, Havelock & Neil

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are so silently tucked away from the eyes of the world..

it is difficult to spot them on a map so easily.

Even though there are 572 islands in total here, however..
every island is not accessible to the general public. Some of them are in fact inhabited. 

Over here you will find intensive check posts and presence of the Indian army. The islands are heavily guarded but despite all of this, these islands are a perfect place to spend your holidays. 
The oceans are crystal clear, the color of the water is deep blue and the place has a magic of its own.

• How to go :-

There are many direct flights to Port Blair from Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai.

But.. I would suggest you to book Indigo or Vistara.

Cost - 9000 - 12000 INR (Round Trip) - 

• How to travel island to island :-

Port Blair to Havelock - 

The distance between Havelock and Port Blair is 60 km approx and takes about 2 hours to reach. There are many privately owned ferries that run between these ports. You can book the tickets online or tickets are also available on the port as well.

We took Makruzz, whose services are very nice and the cruise was comfortable as well. Some of the other ferries/cruise operating between the two islands are – Sea Link Cruise, Green Ocean, Express Bhagya, ITT Majestic.

The ferry starts to operate from 6 AM, 6:30 AM, 8 AM, 10AM.

Cost - 900 to 1400 INR

Havelock to Neil -

Neil Island is located 20 Km approx from Havelock Island and takes about an hour to reach. You can book the tickets online or tickets are also available on the port as well. When we traveled from Havelock to Neil, the ferry was mostly empty.

We took Makruzz just like from Port Blair to Havelock. 

The ferry operates between 11 AM to 1 PM.

Cost - 900 to 1400 INR

Neil to Port Blair -

Neil Island is located 40 Km approx from Port Blair by sea route and takes about one to one and a half hours to reach. You can book the tickets online or tickets are also available on the port as well.

We took Makruzz as usual. Some of the other ferries/cruise operating between the two islands are – Sea Link Cruise, Green Ocean, Express Bhagya, ITT Majestic.

The ferry operates post 12 PM.

Cost - 900 to 1400 INR

The total cost for all the ferry rides, that is, from Port Blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil and Neil to Port Blair would be about INR 3,000 to INR 4,000.

• How to travel inside the island :-

The best way to travel inside the islands is by renting a Bike/Scooty. You will find many rental shops everywhere. In fact.. as soon as you will get down at the jetty you will be swamped with locals who would give you all these rental options. If not, then ask your hotel staff and they will guide you through.

Usually the cost of renting a scooter per day is INR 400 – 1000, petrol excluded. 

Requirements - INR 2000 for security deposit (refundable) and Indian/International Driving License.

 and.. If you wish to book cab the approximate rates are here :- 

Place	Tickets (Per Person)	A/c	Non A/c
Airport pick & Drop (City)	Nil	₹1200	₹1000
Sound & light show	₹150	₹800	₹600
Corbyn's cove beach	Nil	₹1400	₹1200
Ross island pick & Drop(City)	₹350	₹1200	₹1000
North Bay Island Pick & Drop	₹550	₹1200	₹1000
Wandoor Beach	Nil	₹2500	₹2000
Jolly Buoy Island	₹1100	₹2500	₹2000
Chidiyatapu	Nil	₹2500	₹2000
Chatham Island & Sawmill	₹20	₹300	₹200
Samudrika Marine Museum	₹50	₹400	₹200
Anthropological Museum	₹20	₹400	₹200
The Cellular Jail	₹30	₹400	₹200
Fisheries Museum	₹10	₹400	₹200
Science centre	₹10	₹00	₹200
Baratang (limestone cave)	₹700 (+ 20 ferry tickets)	₹9000	₹8000
Diglipur Island	₹800	₹22,000	₹16,000
Havelock Jetty Drop & Pick	₹1600 (Govt. ferry) ₹2700 (Private ferry)	₹1200	₹1000

• Stay :-

Port Blair -

We stayed in Ripple Resort  that was very close to the market,Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cave, making it a perfect place to stay in. The rooms were exceptionally cozy, the food was good and the staff over here is incredible. 
If you wish to stay here on an average it would cost you INR 3500 to INR 3800 per night for two people. However, if you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to stay at budget rooms or home stays that would be of INR 1,000 to 1500 for two people.

Havelock -

From Port Blair, we moved to Havelock and stayed in The Ocean Blue Resort. The best part about The Ocean Blue Resort was its location. Just a few minutes distance from Kalapathar beach. Also, they had a bar, and a restaurant and beachfront which made our stay very memorable and lively.

If you wish to stay here on an average it would cost you INR 3800 to INR 4500 per night for two people. However, if you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to stay at budget rooms or home stays that would be of INR 1200 to 2000 for two people.

• Food :-

Port Blair, Neil and Havelock have many food stalls,restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal. I'm a non-vegetarian so for me the cost was about INR 600 per day (100+250+250 maximum). 

• Sightseeing :-

Port Blair :-

• Cellular Jail - 

Entry Fee: INR 30 (adults), INR 100 (permits video recording), INR 50 for Light & Sound Show. There are two shows every day at 6pm and 7pm in Hindi & English.

Timings - 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4pm (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)

• Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex - 

Timings - 10am to 6pm

• Corbyn's Cove -

• Butler Bay Islands - 

• Chidiya Tapu - 

• Sagarika Emporium (Shopping) 

Havelock & Neil :-

• 
  

Elephant Beach

Radhanagar Beach

Vijaynagar Beach

Laxmanpur Beach

Kalapathar Beach

• Water Sports Activities :-

1. Scuba Diving (Best at Havelock, Cost :- INR 3000 - 5000 gears, training, photos & videos included. 15 minutes training session + 45 minutes activity)
2. Sea Walk (Best at Neil, Cost :- INR 3000 - 5000 gears, training, photos & videos included. 15 to 30 minutes activity)
3. Snorkeling (Cost :- INR 800 - 1500 with gears)
4. Jet Ski Ride (Cost :- INR 500. 10 to 15 minutes activity)

• Best time to visit :-

Andaman is considered an evergreen destination.

The islands weather do not fluctuate much and it remains pleasant always. Usually the footfall of tourists increase multiple folds during the months of November to March. Further, monsoons are usually avoided due to high tidal waves.

Feel free to mail me to hazraniladri1997@gmail.com for more information and sample itinerary.