Pattaya – meaning South West Monsoon Wind

The city of Pattaya is located along the Gulf of Thailand, on its East Coast. This tourist city plays host to more than 5.4 million visitors, with many high rise skyscrapers and a reputation as a city that never sleeps. It was during the 1960s that Pattaya began to focus on tourism as opposed to fishing for its inhabitants’ livelihood. There is also a large expat community in Pattaya, many from the UK and from Russia. Thai people from Bangkok escaped the worst of the heat and pollution in their capital city by recognising the benefits of the sea air and began holidaying here. Pattaya became a recognised beach resort for many of the servicemen stationed at U-Tapao, the US base in Rayong province, during the Vietnam War with the result that Pattaya acquired a rather suspect reputation. As the Vietnam War came to a conclusion and the servicemen were shipped home, Pattaya lost its identity, resurrected later when it came to be put on the tourist map during the era of mass tourism.

Pattaya remained a haunt for single men seeking out local girls, a reputation that has remained until quite recently when the Thai Government began to legislate against the lucrative sex tourism industry, attempting to make Pattaya a respectable place for families to bring their children on holiday. Petty crime and pollution remained rife, despite the Pattaya City Act which appointed a local Council-Manager to oversee the self-administrating municipality – an act which did not particularly find favour with the local residents of Pattaya. In 2008 the Thai Government imposed a restriction on alcohol sales designed to stop the 24-hour image portrayed abroad, with the intention of greatly limiting the continuing sex industry that continued to grow.

Family tourism has, however, developed despite its suspect reputation, with 35,000 hotel rooms being available for tourism during 2005 and families from the Eastern European countries and from Scandinavia finding Pattaya a place they enjoyed holidaying in.

Apart from the famous sweep of Pattaya Beach, there is a huge range very beautiful scenery. A visit to Mae Hong Son mountains is absolutely delightful, with its breathtaking scenery. If you fancy a change of beachfront there is always a trip to the Andaman Islands, limestone islands thrust up from the Andaman Sea. With Thai music and dance, the food, the best diet pills, and the architecture you will be really spoiled for choice and find you will want to return to Pattaya again and again.

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Read some facts about Pattaya, Pattaya Travel Guide at pattayahotelbooking.com, Booking Pattaya Hotels Online at www.mrmachotel.com

So what exactly is the difference between an apartment and condominium here in Thailand? I get asked this question so many times, I thought it’s best to settle it here once and for all. The difference is simple. An apartment is owned by an single entity or individual where all units are for rent only, whereas a condo comprises of many units that are owned by different individuals. Condo units may be for rent or sale.

I find that Hua Hin apartments units also tend to be larger and more spacious than condo units, simply because condominiums are sold for a profit, thus it is only natural that the developer tries to squeeze as many units into one building. I suppose this is the case anywhere on the world and condo units can only get smaller with the rising construction costs.

However, there is a utility surcharge for all Hua Hin apartments that can be quite significant when you total that all up at the end of each month. Electricity charges direct from the M.E.A. is 3.75 baht per unit and apartments tend to charge between 4 – 7 baht per unit depending on the grade of the apartment and the facilities it offers. Water is usually charged a flat rate of 1,000 – 1,500 bht per month in apartments, when really it rarely costs a family more than 500 bht per month for water.

For apartments, all repair and maintenance costs are included in the rent, however with condos, depending on your landlord, most private contracts stipulate that the tenant is responsible for day to day, minor repairs not exceeding 2000 baht each time.

The other thing many tenants are concerned about is getting high speed internet connected at home. ADSL in Thailand comes through the telephone line. Thus, as long as there is a land line at home, you have a chance to be connected to the ADSL world. However, if your rental unit is an older property, chances are your phone lines will be in analog which makes getting ADSL impossible. The only way around that would be install a new, digital line yourself which is a pretty painless process and takes a week or so to be installed.

Majority of rental properties come internet ready. Meaning, there is a digital phone line installed where you can easily apply for an ADSL account with any local ISP. Yes, most private landlords prefer the tenant to apply for the internet connection under their own name. Internet charges are rarely included in the rent unless indicated specifically on our website or during final negotiations.

This is the same case for long-term stay apartments. Internet line is connected when you move in and disconnected when you move out, until someone else takes over the unit. However, serviced apartments are a difference case. Since they operate like hotels, wireless internet is usually readily available when you check in and included in the rental rates.

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Maddy Barber co-owns Hua Hin Finder, a professional residential leasing and property sales agency that has been selling homes in this beautiful sea side town for over 5 years now. Search properties for sale and rent in Hua Hin at huahinfinder.com

What to expect from Thailand hotels

Looking for a relaxing yet adventure-filled vacation? Even before the Leonardo DiCaprio starrer, The Beach, brought controversy – and media mileage to this mystical yet modern country in the east, Thailand has long been a favorite among tourists – especially backpackers who want to experience a holiday to remember.

For first-timers in Thailand, it is highly recommended to stay in the country’s capital, Bangkok for at least three days. In spite of the many high-rise buildings and posh malls, Bangkok has certainly not lost its Eastern charm as you are reminded of the Thais rich culture every place you go – through the many temples, the delectable food, and the people’s warm hospitality. It is also good to note that holidaying in Thailand – no matter which Thai city you choose to stay in, is actually very cheap.

So let’s start with the basics of planning the ultimate Thailand holiday. First things first, you will need to find a clean, reputable – and affordable Thailand hotel. If you’re a first timer at this country, you will be surprised by how many Thailand hotels there are. From the super posh to the dirt cheap hotels frequented by backpackers, there certainly are a lot of choices when it comes to a suitable Thailand hotel for all your needs and preferences.

For those who want budget-friendly Thailand hotels that are right smack in the center of Bangkok city, the Pratunam or the Pathumwan area is the place to go. A lot of vacationing families and Asian tourists abound in this area so expect everything to be very touristy. The good thing about the Thailand hotels available in this area though is that majority of the major shopping destinations are easily within reach here. Some of the must-sees are: the popular MBK mall, the uber posh Siam Paragon and the trendy Platinum mall, which is just a few steps away from the very crowded, Pratunam market. The Platinum mall and the Pratunam market are both highly recommended by those who frequent Bangkok, you can get trendy and fashionable items for a much cheaper price compared to tourist traps like the Suan Lum Market. Just don’t forget to haggle and if you can, buy in bulk.

But back to the hotels, if you have a budget for just a 3-star hotel, expect most of Thailand hotels under this category to be fairly decent. Usually with outdated furnishings and fairly clean rooms with maxim lighting, 3-star Thailand hotels are still able to make up for these through the great prices that they are offering as well as for the free hotel breakfast for each day of your stay. So load up on the yummy treats that will be on offer and you will surely be able to save a bit since you won’t be go around Thailand on an empty stomach.

Of course, as an added service – and a great way to earn extra, Thailand hotels also offer great sightseeing tours for their guests. If you’re not that stingy, you will find the prices for these tours to be fairly decent. Expect these tour packages to include a visit to the Grand Palace; the nearby Wat Pho where you will find the world famous, Temple of Reclining Buddha; a tour of the Floating Market where you can sample cheap and yummy Thai delicacies; and a chance to ride an elephant at the nature trek.

Other things that are pretty common services and facilities with Thailand hotels are a decent internet connection – usually available at the hotel lobby, a laundry service, and hotel pick up service. If you are interested to find out more about places to stay whether in Bangkok or other cities in Thailand, just check out the Internet for more.

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http://www.bestthailandhotels.com For All Activity in Thailand Information Guide. Destination Review, Hotels Promotion, Golf Courses, Festivals & Events, Travel Videos And More Attraction Of Thailand.