Some Sights in Pattaya

As night life in Pattaya is so crazy, I never wanted to risk my camera at night. As such, these pictures were mostly taken during day trips.

Save for this one:



Imagine me entering my room after a night on the town, inebriated, only to find this thing flying around and acting all creepy-like... it was scary. I stifled a scream as the 3" beast flew by my head and ended up smothering it in "Bug Off" to kill it once it landed. I've found that "Bug Off" is also a great way to deter ants!




Look closely at this guy. He is sweeping water, and toward his establishment no less. Lots of people sweep random stuff here, and I have no idea why. They'll spend a good time doing it too...




I took this picture after missing a boat to an off-shore island by about a minute. I saw it leaving as I was speed-walking down the pier. A very sad me decided to make the 2 mile walk worth something...




A close-up of their city sign. At night, it illuminates in pretty fgt colours.




A lot of the buildings here are public access. A friend and I decided to go to the top of one of the hotels for a better view of the city.



If you look closely at the shore, you'll notice a long strip of beach. This is "Beach Road" (many streets here have English names as there was such a heavy influence of U.S. troops during the Vietnam War when the town was gaining popularity and becoming what it is today). If you follow it south to where the beach ends, that is where the famous "Walking Street" begins where you can find hundreds of "Go-Go" bars.

Also notice (if you look closely) that the beach is clustered with umbrellas. Thai people (and supposedly Asian people in general) strive for white skin, just as we strive for tan skin. As such, they don't like getting much sun. If they go to the beach, they'll sit under umbrellas, or go in the water with clothes on. Additionally, adds for moisturizing lotion here boast being able to make your skin more white.




Taken from that same pier where I missed my boat.




From this boat launch they're constantly putting in and taking out boats of rather large size. As you can see, they have to use tractors to pull them... and even the tractors have trouble sometimes...



...and clearly they're quite good at parking these boats...




This is a "firework" station not far from a monument to a famous Thai soldier. People may purchase those small chains of "machine-gun" fireworks and set them off here.




You'd think that this wouldn't be necessary...



This is the biggest Buddha I've seen yet. Quite impressive, really, and this walkway up to him was the first of it's kind I've seen.




Before you walk up to the Buddha, you may purchase small cages with 3 birds in it. The purpose is to say a prayer and then release the birds to bring you good luck. A gentleman did this, but when the birds flew out of the cage, one of them met an unsuspecting death as this cat leaped into the air and snatched it.

It's a pity to be caged for your whole life, only to be eaten when freed :( Poor birdie.

I wonder what kind of luck that guy will have now...