Leaving Australia for the 1st time and taking a teaching job in Pattaya. Paniking and wondering if I've made the right decision! Have read a lot about Pattayas' reputation- and have recently read it's not a good place for single Western women- that's me! Silly question but I really would appreciate any advice on anyone with similar experience, etc..
2006-11-10 22:52:17 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Thailand
Well, stay away those nite life areas.
2006-11-11 06:28:45 · answer #1 · answered by curiousmode 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you don't have a reason to be scared.
The good:
Pattaya is the most convenient city in Thailand for westerners -- food, transportation, accommodation are easy and almost everyone speaks some English. It is also reasonably safe -- more so than most places in the U.S. (never been to Australia, so can't compare). Many touristy activities are available, from bungee jumping, to parasailing to nice beaches not far away (Koh Larn island).
The bad:
The city lacks culture -- it is like a Thai version of Las Vegas (i.e. plastic and fake). Almost no people you meet are actually from Pattaya -- most Thais came for the easy money, most Westerners for easy...
The ugly:
Seedy nightlife. You might witness things that are a bit upsetting, but as long as you mind your own business, you shouldn't have problems.
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After going over the initial shock, you'll probably find people to hang out with and places that suit you.
As someone already pointed out, it may be good to live outside of Pattaya proper, in Jomtien beach (which is 15 min and $0.50 away).
If were a female teacher, and had a choice, I'd rather go to, say, Chiang Mai, but Pattaya will certainly be an interesting experience.
2006-11-11 20:10:36 · answer #2 · answered by crocodilexp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if Pattaya holds its reputation to its night life and associated sexual markets, it can be a pleasant town to live in. It all depends what you are are interested in. I have lived here for 6 years. I reside very close to Pattaya, in Jomtien, where it is quieter and less polluted with the beach at the doorsteps. There are a lot of community and social activities of all kind conducted by Western people. It might be usefull for you, especially in the beginning, to stick with a group of trusted friends or colleagues. I am sure it is a worthy experience for an adventurous teacher abroad. Thai people are quite nice and respectfull of foreign teachers. Their culture is fascinating as well.
And should you not like it, you could always shorten your stay.
Have a good trip!
Cheers!
2006-11-10 23:32:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are fun-loving, it should be alright. Quite an experience if this is your first time. The Thai culture and way of life will surprise you.
The Thai do respect foreigners, and they will be very accommodating to you. Good if you can learn some Thai words to help you get around, ask for help, get food, etc. Try looking at www.learningthai.com or www.thai-language.com for some helpful words to pick up. If you know any Thai in your area, you can ask for some assistance as Thai language is tonal and a word has different meaning in different tone. Do not let this distress you, the locals will know what you mean even if you mis-pronounce it. I learn this way too, by making mistakes and having them corrected.
Pattaya is quite modern and you will be surprise how cheap stuffs are there. Shopping is quite good, and there is a nice big shopping centre there as well as factory outlet.
You will soon learn to move around the country and you can find many interesting holiday places, all over the country!
You can email me at tongbn@yahoo.co.uk if you like some more ground feel. And see if you can get Thailady40 to help you while you are there. She has quite sound advice anytime. Try and IM her.
You do not have to worry, relax and things will be alright. As in Thai, mai mi pen har - no worries, mate.
2006-11-14 01:12:13 · answer #4 · answered by peanutz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That place is full of trans-gender ppl...ladyboys...etc... ur sure to have heaps of fun, the seas are beautiful tho sand's a lil coarse.
If i were u i'd look into its spiritual history (history of spooks, ghosts, djinns, etc.). Never take a coastal town lightly...a lot of mysteries lie in the oceans that sometimes creep onto populated shores
2006-11-10 23:04:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋