Pattaya Thailand

Pattaya is a popular destination for both Thai people and visitors to Thailand.  It is famous for its beautiful beaches, water sports and vast outdoor activities.  There are several close islands that people make day trips to also.  The city is filled with culture, nightlife, amusement parks, night markets, and temples. 

Our trip to Pattaya just happened to be at the final end of Covid.  There was a significant difference during this time compared to non-pandemic periods.  There were very few people and many businesses were closed.  Although there were still many open.  The biggest difference was the lack of visitors.  Which for me, who does not like crowds enjoyed it very much. 

Pattaya has multiple beaches.  It is located near a point, so it’s like an L shape.  Beaches, beaches everywhere.  Below are some views from our hotel. 

Generally, these beaches are packed with visitors.  We were lucky enough to come during a pandemic so that we had the city to ourselves.  I loved it. 

This is a photo of the food station of a night market. 

It was time for our mandatory day 5 Covid Test.  Our hotel arranged a taxi ride to the hospital for our appointment.  The photos show how busy they were.  Made us feel like we were the only tourists in Thailand.  They obviously were preparing for more people. 

After quickly getting our Covid test, which was scheduled for later in the evening we were chauffered back to our hotel and were now on the “honor system” of locking ourself in our room until the results came back.  By this time It was close to 9:00pm.  We were honest and just sat in our room enjoying the room. 

Our results came back the next morning soon after we woke up.  Negative!  Who would have guessed? 

So back out to the play yard we went!  Again, the city felt deserted almost, which I really enjoyed.  We didn’t do much as Covid protocols were in place, and I find there are some places, situations, etc, that wearing a mask is just not comfortable.  So we ate, enjoyed the beach, walked the town, went to the malls, enjoyed the pool and ate again. 

This photo has a purpose.  If you notice the store close up in the photo as being 7-Eleven, and then just to the left of that kitty corner of the intersection, you will see another 7-Eleven.  And not in the photo 1 block down was another 7-Eleven.  7-Elevens are everywhere and very different than here in the USA.  7-Eleven in Asia is life…