A common complaint voiced by tourists and expats alike is that Pattaya is not “real Thailand” in the sense that there is a lack of Thai tradition, custom and culture in Pattaya. Admittedly Pattaya is very westernized, but I have to disagree with the claims that Thai customs and culture are not evident or in effect. Pattaya might not be what everybody perceives to be “the real Thailand,” but whatever you believe that to be, you will find more than a trace of it in Pattaya.
Visitors who wish to see traditional Thai customs and culture in Pattaya only need a little awareness of their surroundings to identify the subtle characteristics of Thai custom, culture, tradition, and spirituality. If you peek behind Pattaya’s western front there is a rich tapestry of culture woven into the fabric, rooted in the foundations and coursing through the veins of the city.
A Tour of Thai Culture in Pattaya
Allow me to take you on a little culture tour and point out some little titbits of cultural significance around Pattaya.
Thai Spirit Houses
The most common and obvious symbol of Thai tradition, custom and spirituality in Pattaya is the Thai spirit houses positioned outside most households, businesses, and hotels in the city. The erection of a spirit house bears witness to the Thais respect for the spirits. Animism (spirit worship) is one of the most deep rooted influences of Thai culture and lifestyle.
Sacred Fig Trees
There are two prominent sacred fig trees in the Pattaya area, one on Soi Rompho in Jomtien, and one known simply as “the tree” in Naklua (see photo below). Some noteworthy points about the sacred fig trees: Buddha found enlightenment while sitting under a sacred fig tree, Thais believe spirits reside in the tree, broken Buddhist, Hindu and Royal artifacts are placed underneath them for safe-keeping. Spend a few minutes regarding these trees, especially the one in Jomtien you will witness the bizarre act of motorists beeping their horn to acknowledge and pay respect to the spirits as they approach the tree.
Temples and Buddhas
There are many Buddhist temples in and around Pattaya, all of which tourists can freely visit. Wat Yansangwararam (photo below), Buddha Hill (second photo below) and Buddha Mountain are among the most noteworthy.
Monks Alms
Rise early in the morning and take to the streets of Pattaya and you will see a stark contrast to the bustling night time scenes. You will also witness the traditional act of giving alms to the monks, a scene you could witness anywhere in Thailand, yep, even in Pattaya
Thai tradition and culture is on display all around you, have you ever noticed a Thai give you the traditional Thai wai greeting, surely you noticed all the shoes on the doorsteps of houses and even some shops.
You can’t have missed the lucky charms on counter tops, and those swinging phallus’s are not there simply to shock you. What about the first time you noticed a little cart selling fried grasshoppers and beetles, was that a culture shock? These are all traditional Thai behavior traits, from Chiang Rai to Songkla, from Soi 6 to Pattaya Town Hall. It doesn’t matter where you are in Thailand, the basic traditions and culture are the same.
Cultural Pattaya Tourist Attractions
The Floating Market: like most tourist attractions in Pattaya it is a business venture, it is actually a bona fide trading market focused on the tourist industry. It also portrays lifestyle, architecture and tradition from every corner of Thailand.
Nong Nooch Gardens: besides the beautiful gardens they have a “Thai culture show” featuring traditional Thai dancing, re-enactments of historical battles fought with the elephant artillery, and displays of the traditional Thai martial art of Muay Thai.
The Sanctuary of Truth: a truly unique building, and a work still in progress, the Sanctuary of Truth (photo below) is devoted to Brahmanism and the creation of earth. Brahmanism (Hinduism) has historical and religious significance in Thailand as it was the most commonly practiced religion before Buddhism became popular, and it still plays a very large part in Thailand’s day to day culture. The Sanctuary of Truth was, and is still being built using traditional Thai carpentry methods.
Ladyboys
Believe it or not, Ladyboys are a rather unique product of Thai culture, not because Thai culture somehow results in a high number of transgenders, but because Thai culture accepts most people for who they are, therefore ladyboys are just being who they are, because they can, even in Pattaya.
Real Thailand at Work
You may think the staff at Pattaya’s numerous bars, restaurants, hotels and other tourist establishments are not real people doing real jobs, you want to see something more down to earth, right?
I’m afraid you won’t see many paddy fields around Pattaya, but there’s more to Thailand than rice fields and temples. There’s a busy little fishing port at Bang Saray (photo above) where you can see the catch of the day coming in, and it’s brought in by real Thai fishing boats.
One of the best places to capture a few photos of authentic Thailand is actually on the beach, Krating Lai beach is probably one of the best, it’s quiet, laid back and often frequented by fishermen preparing their nets just like you see in the photo (above).