Pattaya

baller4opca · August 18, 2018

Heading off to Pattaya where I will be playing all the Siam courses and the Laem Chabang course as part of a golf asian group. Please leave any advice for the courses as well as caddie etiquette there or which caddie to ask for in general. Also any tips on food and things to do/not do while there. Thanks.

garethw · August 18, 2018

When are you coming over? I live in Pattaya, we are just hitting rainy season now.

Caddies are compulsory and will all expect a tip regardless of their "quality". There are some great ones out there but at the same time there are some shockers, its just luck what you end up with. 400 Baht is about a average tip plus a cold drink at one of the kiosks dotted around the course. Just be polite some speak great English and some speak none. They will read greens for you (not plays correctly) if required and should point out distances to hazards etc, rake bunkers, repair divots and drive the buggy. If you do not want help on the greens just tell them. Worth taking a change of clothes and showering post round before heading back to you hotel, tips are payed at the end of the round.

I've played Siam Old Course, Plantation and Laem Chabang. Plantation is probably my favourite, Waterside I haven't played, from memory Old Course has some wicked greens. Despite it being low season the Japanese and Korean tour groups are here in force and rounds can be very long if you get stuck behind a group. All courses are cart only.

Just about every type of food imaginable is available in Pattaya, high end restaurants to 30 baht street food. The competition is fierce as everyone is struggling this time of year. If you are partial to a dodgy stomach just eat in proper restaurants. Never drink tap water.

Are you travelling alone or as a group? I assume you'll be staying in the centre of town. Plenty to do in the evenings, Walking street isn't what it used to be but worth a look if this is your first time here, LK Metro is a complex full of bars both outdoor and indoor with air-con, Soi's 7 and 8 plus Soi Made in Thailand all have a variety of beer bars. Beer should be around 80 baht a bottle in bars and double that in a ago-go, check your bill before paying as some place may "accidentally" over charge you. Lady drinks get expensive and never ring the bell.

There are some great courses around Pattaya, you are playing probably the 4 most expensive courses here.

baller4opca · August 18, 2018

When are you coming over? I live in Pattaya, we are just hitting rainy season now.

Caddies are compulsory and will all expect a tip regardless of their "quality". There are some great ones out there but at the same time there are some shockers, its just luck what you end up with. 400 Baht is about a average tip plus a cold drink at one of the kiosks dotted around the course. Just be polite some speak great English and some speak none. They will read greens for you (not plays correctly) if required and should point out distances to hazards etc, rake bunkers, repair divots and drive the buggy. If you do not want help on the greens just tell them. Worth taking a change of clothes and showering post round before heading back to you hotel, tips are payed at the end of the round.

I've played Siam Old Course, Plantation and Laem Chabang. Plantation is probably my favourite, Waterside I haven't played, from memory Old Course has some wicked greens. Despite it being low season the Japanese and Korean tour groups are here in force and rounds can be very long if you get stuck behind a group. All courses are cart only.

Just about every type of food imaginable is available in Pattaya, high end restaurants to 30 baht street food. The competition is fierce as everyone is struggling this time of year. If you are partial to a dodgy stomach just eat in proper restaurants. Never drink tap water.

Are you travelling alone or as a group? I assume you'll be staying in the centre of town. Plenty to do in the evenings, Walking street isn't what it used to be but worth a look if this is your first time here, LK Metro is a complex full of bars both outdoor and indoor with air-con, Soi's 7 and 8 plus Soi Made in Thailand all have a variety of beer bars. Beer should be around 80 baht a bottle in bars and double that in a ago-go, check your bill before paying as some place may "accidentally" over charge you. Lady drinks get expensive and never ring the bell.

There are some great courses around Pattaya, you are playing probably the 4 most expensive courses here.

Thanks. We are part of a large group. This is fantastic advice. Thanks. Hope we don't get too much rain. https://www.pattayasinglesgolfweek.com

garethw · August 19, 2018

I've seen that package advertised before, its a great price for the courses you will play. Both the hotels are in North Pattaya, the easiest way to get more into town is by baht bus which is 20 baht. Be careful with your wallet etc especially along Beach Road pick pockets do operate and prey on tourists.

Should be a excellent week.

baller4opca · August 19, 2018

Oh we are not close to walking street or good eats that you would recommend? Ant beaches that you recommend?

garethw · August 20, 2018

Oh we are not close to walking street or good eats that you would recommend? Ant beaches that you recommend?

Walking street is the other end of the beach, about 10 minutes on a baht bus, (Blue pickups with a roof and seats down the sides.). Beach, you'll be better off using the hotel pools than Pattaya beach. They are trying to clean it up but I wouldn't swim in it. Jomtein is about 20 minutes away further South and that is marginally better. This part of Thailand doesn't really have great beaches, you need to head over to Phuket and the Andaman sea.

There are restaurants everywhere and all pretty good value. Beefeater on Soi Diana is good as is Patricks. If you are on facebook have a look for Breakfast Club Pattaya, thats a large group providing reviews etc on restaurants and bars in town.