We arrived in Pattaya, perhaps the most famous Thai city for Russian tourists after Phuket, almost at nightfall. Located on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is about 165 km southeast of Bangkok.
Still reeling from our encounter with some unsavory characters in Bangkok, we viewed the scenes through the car window with wide-eyed amazement. Our thoughts oscillated between “Oh God, where have we landed?” and “Mom, take me home!”
We witnessed packs of stray dogs roaming the sidewalks and lounging near roads. Swarms of young (and not-so-young) people on motorbikes (or “bikes”) zipped around us, gathering in large numbers at red lights.
We saw fearless passengers hanging off the sides of local shuttles (called tuk-tuks). Service workers with almost fully covered faces caught our attention. The streets resembled massive open-air markets more than the shop-lined avenues we were used to.
Most alarmingly, we saw tangles of wires hanging over pedestrians’ heads along the roads, a stark reminder of our dependence on modern infrastructure.
The emotions and sights were overwhelming. Now, after living in Thailand for months, we’re used to it all and hardly notice. Everything has its logical explanation, and there’s still plenty in Thailand to amaze us.
At the Paramita Hotel, which we’d booked in advance from Russia, we were greeted by the hospitable Marina, kind and caring in true Russian style, and Oleg, a Russian security guard. They were wonderful people who made us feel at home, leading us to extend our planned week-long stay to a full month.
This last point (Wonderful people!) is crucial for my husband and me during our travels. Meeting new people in different countries is always the main goal of our journeys. When an acquaintance blossoms into friendship, we tend to stay in that place for an extended period.
As night fell, hunger drove us out onto Pattaya’s lively, neon-lit streets to find a bite to eat. Marina and Oleg recommended a cafe at the local market, promising fresh food and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
It was there, at the local market, that we made our first Thai friends, which ultimately led to our decision to stay in Thailand for another six months. We were eager to better understand Thai life and culture, to uncover the secret behind the Thais’ kindness, sensitivity, and carefree lifestyle.
Returning to the hotel, we fell asleep brimming with impressions. Outside, music blared, and the Russian song “Vladimir Central” by the famous Mikhail Krug echoed through the city. It was coming from the nearby “Russian street,” well-known to every tourist in Pattaya, where Russians were partying heartily. We realized – we were home again! 
In the next post, you’ll learn about Pattaya’s markets. Please share your own impressions of Pattaya if you’ve been there personally or are there right now.
Traveler’s Tip: Cost of staying at Paramita Hotel: 6000 rubles per month for a double room with Wi-Fi. More detailed information here: https://www.paramitahotel.com/
Please share your own useful information for travelers who haven’t been here yet. Many will be very grateful to you.
Remember, fellow digital nomads, culture shock is just the first step towards cultural understanding. Embrace the differences, make local friends, and you’ll unlock the true secrets of your destination!
Еще бы разок на тук туке погонять. Оригинальное средство передвижения)