Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [187]
Sea Lodge Hotel (Map; 0 3842 5128; 170/1 Moo 5 Soi 18/2, Th Naklua; r from 1000B; ) If Garden Lodge is full, pop over to the Sea Lodge, which offers a similar (though toned-down) setting and clean bungalows.
Hat Jomtien
Head to the southern end of the beach for a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere. It’s popular with Thai tourists, who come for fresh seafood on weekends.
Nicky House (Map; 0 3823 2000; 75/2-3 Moo 12, Th Hat Jomtien; r 650-950B; ) A new hotel with friendly staff and a good internet cafe downstairs. Make sure to get a room with a window; some have only peepholes.
Summer Beach Inn (Map; 0 3823 1777; Th Hat Jomtien; r 650-1500B; ) A brand-new building with floor-to-ceiling windows makes this hotel good value. The cheapest rooms are in the old building, and some have a lingering cigarette smell. Do a sniff test before deciding.
Jomtien Twelve (Map; 0 3875 6865; 240/13 Soi 12, Th Hat Jomtien; r 1100-1500B; ) The lobby promises urbane designer delights, but the rooms are slightly less impressive (though they come with breakfast). It’s popular with weekending Bangkok professionals.
Jomtien Boathouse (Map; 0 3875 6143; www.jomtien-boathouse.com; 380/5-6 Th Hat Jomtien; r 1200-1400B; ) Rooms are shipshape if not super-exciting. Sea-view rooms have balconies and a surprisingly low amount of road noise. The restaurant downstairs is nautically themed and quite popular.
TOP END
Pattaya is popular with package tourists and convention goers, so there are plenty of top-end options. Rooms are often cheaper when booked through a Bangkok travel agency or via the internet. There are plenty of standard high-rise resorts, but the following three offer something different.
Naklua
Woodlands Resort (Map; 0 3842 1707; www.woodland-resort.com; 164/1 Th Naklua; r incl breakfast 2900-7600B; ) Low key but sophisticated, Woodlands Resort is set around tropical gardens with two swimming pools, and is good for families. The rooms are light and airy with teak furniture, and include high-speed internet, along with CD and DVD players. Several restaurants cater to your cravings.
Hat Jomtien
Rabbit Resort (Map; 0 3830 3303; www.rabbitresort.com; Dongtan Beach, Hat Jomtien; r 6900-7500B, villas up to 4 people 13,500-15,000B; ) Rabbit Resort has stunning bungalows and villas set in beachfront forest at the northern end of Jomtien. Furnishings showcase Thai design and art, and the sign in reception advertises ‘soft mattress available’. Bathrooms are especially stylish with accents of river stone and granite.
Eating
Western food rules the roost in Pattaya, and while there are plenty of Thai restaurants, the taste of authentic Thailand is sometimes lacking. Whether you want schnitzel, samosas or smorgasbord, you’ll find it amid the many eateries.
In between sois 6 and 7 along Th Hat Jomtien are some good seafood restaurants; you can also head to south Pattaya around Walking St for more of these.
Carrefour Food Court (Map; Th Pattaya Klang; 11am-10pm) In the absence of a decent night market, head to the food court under the Carrefour supermarket. The Thai food is authentically spicy and dishes start from just 30B.
Surf Kitchen (Map; 0 3823 1710; Th Hat Jomtien; dishes 80-180B; breakfast, lunch & dinner) This lively restaurant is at the top of relaxed dining options on Jomtien Beach. The Thai food is authentic in all the right places and the talented kitchen staff are skilled at Western food as well.
Cafe Sunshine (Map; Th Hat Jomtien; dishes 100-300B; breakfast, lunch & dinner) In a shady garden, Cafe Sunshine is especially recommended for breakfast, and if you time it right you’ll still be there when happy hour kicks off at a ridiculously early 10am.
PIC Kitchen (Map; 0 3842 8374; 10 Soi 5, Th Pattaya 2; dishes 110-290B; lunch & dinner) This teak-lined place is polished and atmospheric, with cushions and low wooden tables, and an extensive wine and cocktail list. Excellent Thai food is the main draw, and live jazz bubbles away downstairs every night from 8pm at the Jazz Pit.