- Rest cost
- Pattaya or Phuket - where are the best beaches
- Diving in the resorts of Thailand
- Entertainment and attractions
Thailand is almost like a home for Russian tourists, each of the travelers tries to find a resort here according to their interests and financial capabilities. Therefore, so often on the Internet at various tourist forums you can find the question, which is better - Pattaya or Phuket. Let's try to compare these two most popular holiday destinations in modern Siam. The focus is on beaches, entertainment, attractions, and leisure features.
Rest cost
Pattaya is one of the most democratic resorts in Thailand, which is why many Russian tourists love it, who would like to relax on the sea coast, not counting every penny. Here you can find relatively inexpensive hotels, restaurants with quite decent service.
Phuket is much more expensive in this regard. Of course, there are also different resorts here, but in general, rest on this Thai island is chosen by wealthier tourists who are looking for a calm respectable pastime, comfortable living conditions and well-trained staff.
Pattaya or Phuket - where are the best beaches
Tour operators immediately warn travelers going to Pattaya that the beaches here are "so-so", this is not why tourists come here. Most of the beaches are located in the resort area, which means that they are quite crowded, not too clean. Many people advise to take boats to the coral islands in order to find a quieter place to relax. Beach attractions are present in large numbers, the most popular: riding on "bananas"; water skiing; windsurfing; parachuting.
Phuket, especially its western coast, delights tourists with white sand and azure waters of the Andaman Sea. It is in the resorts of this island that the most luxurious beaches are located, for example, Bang Tao, Patong or Karon Beach. Beach entertainment is presented in a large number, since rich tourists choose rest, then you can do not only water sports, but even golf. The most famous attraction in Thailand, Phuket Fanta Sea, is located on Kamala Beach. And on the Nai Yang beach, they care so much about the cleanliness of the coastal area that they even banned motorized modes of transport, that is, you will not be able to ride scooters or parachutes here.
Diving in the resorts of Thailand
As for Pattaya, at first glance it seems that diving in the not very clear waters of the coastal strip is impossible. This is true, but there are dive centers at this resort, however, in order to immerse yourself in the world of the underwater kingdom to observe corals and a variety of fish, you will have to go further into the sea. Pattaya has two large diving training centers with experienced instructors and certification for beginners who have completed the course. In addition to acquaintance with marine life, here they can offer to inspect several vessels that have served their time and were sunk, as well as a steamer that went down during the Second World War.
Phuket is known as the stronghold of diving in Thailand and is home to many dive centers designed to educate beginners or serve experienced divers. There are also specialized shops and equipment rental points on the island. There are training schools with Russian-speaking specialists, so you can get a diving certificate or level up. The coolest diving in the Similan Islands, but experienced divers can get permission. If the tourist's goal is only diving, then you need to look for hotels located near the dive points, then you will not have to waste time on the road to the dive site.
Entertainment and attractions
Both Pattaya and Phuket are ready to offer their guests various sightseeing excursion tours, present natural and man-made attractions, entertainment for children and adults.
Among the religious attractions of Pattaya, the Big Buddha Hill and the Temple of Truth stand out, where a complex of religious buildings, religious and historical monuments is located. The Temple of Truth is located at Cape Rachvat, its peculiarity is that it was built of wood. In this place, tourists can spend the whole day exploring the cult building, walking in the park, riding ATVs and admiring the seascapes.
The most famous adult entertainment is the Tiffany Show, a colorful, musical performance featuring transvestites. It is one of the ten best shows in the world. Fun for children and adults in Pattaya is Mini Siam, the park consists of two parts, in one you can get acquainted with the architectural masterpieces of the world, of course, in miniature. In the second half of the park, there are the same miniature copies of the main Thai attractions.
Phuket does not lag behind in this regard; it has its own religious monuments, such as the Big Buddha and the Wat Chalong temple complex. You can get acquainted with local traditions and folklore in the "Thai Village", excursions to the islands with access to the sea and sports games are popular.
Summing up, I would like to note the following: Pattaya is suitable for those tourists who like to be in the company, in the center of resort life, to get acquainted with different sides of the city and at the same time to save on vacation. Phuket is suitable for respectable wealthy people who dream of a relaxing holiday on the cleanest beaches, highly cultured entertainment, fashionable sports games and beautiful seascapes.
