If you are longing for a resort-style beachside holiday, and don’t want to travel far out of Bangkok Thailand, then Pattaya might just be what you are looking for.

Pattaya is changing. Once known for its nightlife, it now has another much more positive side.  New modern hotels, family resorts, and fabulous state of the art shopping centers are popping up on the horizon.

And this is attracting many once more to Pattaya.

How to get to Pattaya

A taxi can be arranged for about $40 Australian (or $30 U.S.) to take you down there in just less than 2 hours from Bangkok.

Make sure you use Grab, Lyft, or a company that you can trust.

Taxi prices need to be negotiated first, and it is quite common for the driver to want to add in the tolls (we agreed to pay these as extras) but they might also try to charge you for a tank of fuel, which we didn’t agree to. Rarely do meter taxis take you to Pattaya.

We have been staying in a residence / apartment-style hotel in Bangkok the past few days to catch up on our writing and planning, so they helped us to book the taxi.  It was out of the city center of Bangkok, and we felt one with the local Thai people as we headed out each day to shop and dine – it was fun!

If need be, write the price down for your taxi before you leave your accommodation in Bangkok, and check they will agree to use the air-conditioning too.

Once that taxi ride has you safely in the cab, your two-hour drive will fly by.

Arrival

Pattaya is made up of one-way streets, and your entry point will be on the main shopping street, not the beach street.

We arrived in the lobby, and straight away I loved the eclectic and modern art pieces that don the foyer.

The Bayview Hotel is part of the Sukosol Group, owned by a mega-star who travels the world and passionately decorates his hotels.  I adore his style.

Immediately I am photographing his groovy use of antiques and collectibles. Boats, work tables, and mixed wooden pieces all work together to form an interesting art style.

Because the foyer and lobby is a massive open expanse, as soon as we enter, we can feel the sea breeze, and the welcome drink and refreshing towels are perfectly accepted by Explorason and me.

Room with a View

Our room has two beds and a sea view – as well as a balcony.  Some rooms have pool views, and others have city views, but they all have views.

There are many choices here, and as the owner has a great eye for interior designs, some of the suites are huge and impeccably decorated with African, Asian, and even European circus themes.

If you are unsure, then maybe check out their website. If you book ahead there is even a discount offer too.

Cooling Off In the Pools

There is no need to fight for a sunbed, or a spot in the pool because there are two massive swimming pools in different locations. So much room to move and relax in the sun or shade.

They Love Kids Here

Kids are special here at The Bayview Pattaya.

Each child will have their hand/face towels shaped as an elephant awaiting them on their bed. We even managed to receive fruit and a jar of cookies, and Explorason was given a FREE ice cream voucher.

Hot chocolate can be served instead of coffee, but this cute cat appeared on the morning coffee that brought us both a smile.

My son felt important and loved his time here.

A new Kids Club is also coming soon with activities that will be suitable right up to pre-teens.

So the kids can stay in this resort style hotel all day long – perfect!

Professional Thai Cooking Class

Make sure you book the Thai Cooking Class called The Culinary Getaway with their resident Chef.

She is so happy and lovely and we had a ball.  We also received a printed cloth apron, a matching chef’s hat each, a DVD of photos to take home, the recipes, and a very professional certificate.

But the best bit…

We were given a time we could choose our lesson, and what dishes we wanted to make.

Then we were instructed in everything – from preparing the food, to cooking, and presenting our dishes.

It was fabulous and is open to guests or non-guests of the hotel.

Food Glorious Food

Whether it is the full buffet breakfast or the weekend BBQ dinner that specializes n the best seafood, the passion for excellence with culinary delights here at The Bayview is very evident.

For our weekend BBQ dinner, we were able to select our own seafood which was packed in ice, and Explorason was able to choose some lovely meats for BBQ.

This weekend event is really reasonably priced and I can thoroughly recommend it.

I also loved we could make our own caesar salad – plus much, much more!

Explorason loved the huge range of desserts.

Breakfast is a fabulous buffet. It seems to go on and on.

The tables are set by the pool under a verandah, or inside in the air-conditioning.

I enjoyed Indian food for breakfast -would you believe it?

Games And Relaxation

To finish your time off here, you need to spend some time unwinding.

In the evening we had a beautiful time listening to the talented pianist.  There is a lounge area outside and it is a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and to relax and talk.

Put down the cell phone, and actually, listen and talk! This is your time to get away from it all, unwind and relax!

I know some families headed out in the daytime to either Cartoon Network or Ramayana Water Parks, but the most we did was to venture out shopping.

We went across the road to the Night Market (which is open in the day too), and also to Royal Garden, and the new Harbour Mall.

Here is a list of more of the great things there are to do here.

But because The Bayview had so much for us to do, we didn’t really want to leave at all!