Pattaya is the ideal destination for this months green issue as it is the perfect case study of the environmental effects of mass tourism.
Where is it?
Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Once a sleepy fishing village, Pattaya became a vibrant seaside resort swamped by millions of tourists annually. As a result, the city suffered a severe decline in environmental standards and a surge of uncontrolled developments which lead to the damage of Pattaya’s natural habitat. In 1997 the government took hold of the situation and invested large amounts of money into a Rehabilitation Project.
Over the last 10 years the city has seen a dramatic transformation and is now actively promoting sustainable eco-tourism, something other destinations can follow by example.
How to get there?
By Car: Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.
By Bus from Bangkok: Regular air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2) daily. By Bus from Airport: The number 389 travels between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Pattaya. In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya.
By Train: The most eco-friendly way to travel is of course by train and The State Railway of Thailand operates an Eastern service to Pattaya. Bangkok to Pattaya is 155kms and fares start from 31 Baht per person.
Where to stay?
There is an assortment of over 300 hotels in Pattaya, so plenty to suit all tastes and budgets. For the more eco-conscious tourist there are now 8 certified Green Leaf hotels to choose from including Dusit Resort, Central Wong Amat Beach Resort and Marriott Resort and Spa. Green Leaf hotels are recognised for their commitment to environmental conservation through the implementation of strict programmes and practices. For more information please visit www.greenleafthai.org
What to do?
Unlike other beach resorts in Thailand, where the natural environment serves as the tourist magnet (beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and idyllic islands) Pattaya has made a huge attempt to go beyond this and provide something for everyone. Whether visitors to the city wish to fill their day with endless activities such as water sports, hiring a bicycle, taking a boat cruise, elephant trekking, playing tennis/golf, shopping or just simply relax and sunbathe, Pattaya has it all! And the fun doesn’t stop there, Pattaya also has a very colourful nightlife with plenty of restaurants, bars, theatres, cabaret shows and night clubs to chose from.
What to look out for?
Why not extend your stay in Pattaya to a two centre holiday and visit a nearby island. Ko Samet, situated 6.5 km offshore, is far less developed than its popularity might suggest and it remains a picturesque island with many attractive coves, bays and some excellent beaches. Or why not try an island slightly further a field - Ko Chang, referred to as 'the last paradise island in South- East Asia', remains untouched by modernisation yet is only four hours by road east of Bangkok! Largely due to its isolated position, only now is the island being discovered by international travellers, and although accommodation options and other tourism facilities are increasing, there is a compelling sense of discovery when staying on the island.
Green?
Pattaya is home to the first hotel resort to achieve the honourable environmental certification – ISO 14001. The Royal Cliff Beach Resort first received the certification in 2000 for a period of three years. Following a successful reassessment by the Management System Certification Institute of Thailand (MASCI), the resort recently received a three-year extension to its ISO 14001 certification.
ISO 14001 is an environmental management certification given to organisations that implement, as well as comply, to a strict environmental policy. The Royal Cliff Beach Resort has long been at the forefront of environmental issues in Pattaya, dating back to 1973 when it became the first hotel in the city to construct its very own wastewater treatment plant.
More info?
See our Destination Guide