I decided to go on a trek to see where the coast would end. I walked from the "Pattaya City" sign and ended up somewhere in a high-class Russian coastal beach resort somewhere. It was probably at least 5 miles of walking. Lots of cranes all over the place putting up more high-rise condos. Here is a sign for one of the projects.



I should have put more sunblock on because I was beet red.

I decided to take it easy today and hit the "Smiles Avenue" which was just up the street. In this area of Pattaya, barfines are 300 baht and the women very negotiable on the rest of the fee. I did not find any stunner quality women in any of these bars, but they were all acceptable and, in some instances, above average. I noticed the Australians staying in LK Metro area loved these smaller beer bar type.




As a general rule, I believe its prudent to say no to the first two "asks". If you buy anything from the stores or vendors, always say no to see if they will bring down the price. Always say no to the women's first ask. Walking away is an important negotiating tactic. When you walk away, it sometimes causes the price to come down quickly.

Carry around a small pocket calculator. When negotiating a price, use the calculator to type the price or have them type the price.

I am finding the majority of Thai people know very little English and misunderstandings are common. If the Thais misunderstand what you are saying, they will simply keep smiling and not acknowledge they did not understand. For example, I sat down at a sub-place and ordered a steak/cheese. I specifically said to the waiter a few times "no onions, no vegatables". I thought I was clear, but then it came with onions. I should have used the picture of the steak and cheese pointing to the onions or asked if he understood what I was saying.

A portable translator device, pocket dictionary or a list of phrases might be helpful. I don't believe its highly neccasary, but if you really want to be understood then it might be the only way.

Not all of the women seem like they want to go back with you or take your money. At Heaven Above, as noted in another thread, there were quite a few guys sitting around watching the action, but none of the women seemed interested in any of the guys (including myself). In Angeles City, you walk into any bar and there are always a few women smiling or even grabbing your package. However, the women at some of these go-gos do not seem quite as enthusiastic which makes me wonder what would happen if I "forced" a barfine on one of them. Would they try to bolt out of my room early? Would the service not be as good?

(Message edited by Portege on November 29, 2009)

I wanted to add a quick note.

The Vendors...There are no shortage of vendors in Pattaya. Just like Angeles, when you step outside the door of the hotel they are there pestering you. The Baht busses and motor-bike guys constantly honking at you. If you go the beach, you will be approached not less then 10 times by someone with something.

Some of the vendors actually have some things you need. When I was on the beach, I really wanted a bottle of water, a pair of sunglasses and some suntan lotion. The vendors did not disappoint me, although, it took quite a bit of negotiation time to reach the price point of the 7-11. I was well aware of the true price of each of these items having been in the 7-11. I also liked learning about "Rock Island". However, after being told about the island the first ten times, I felt like I was an expert and did not need any additional vendor support. There were also some nice paintings I liked.

The clear disadvantage of the vendors is the annoying experience of it all. I don't like to be approached each time I step out of the hotel. In Pattaya, there is more room to escape. In Angeles City, there is simply no escape.

I sure wish both of these cities had vendor zones where they can and can't congregate. A 50-feet around the hotel buffer zone would be nice.

"no onions, no vegetables".

Next time tell him "mai ow hua hom le pak"

You are totally right in your statement that even if they do understand what you are saying many Thais will just nod and smile and act like they know exactly what you are talking about.

I would call it a character flaw except I catch myself doing it all the time if the conversation speeds up and I get lost in translation. Kind of embarrassing to be found out when you're nodding and that is not the appropriate response.


Vendors seem to be the plague of SEA.

On the beach however as you said some of them actually perform a service. You can get some decent food from the old ladies who struggle up and down the beach at reasonable prices.

I would say that carrying around a calculator and negotiating a price for ST or LT is a recipe for disaster. You need to have fun in the process of negotiating and not be so anal about it.

I can tell by your posts that you are a nice guy but a definite TYPE A personality. You need to relax...you are on vacation. Keep in mind your finances but make sure to understand that Thais to not take kindly to people who are so stern and uptight.

You don't know me from a hole in the wall. Why would you sit there and make a prejudgement of my character based upon writing skills? I am not an English teacher or a professional writer so how I write might not come off the right way all the time.

Prejudice of any kind simply is not right. Im sorry. This gets under my skin. If I might ask, if you met a person of another color on one of these trips, what would your prejudgement be of them?

I dont know you, but my observation is that you have a lot of pre-formed opinions and I bet you would not have the courage to voice those opinions to people in real life. Maybe you need to voice your opinions so you can get your ass beat a couple times. Then maybe your thinking might start to change.

(Message edited by Portege on November 30, 2009)

Trust me, ask anyone who knows me, I would make those assertions in real life.

I said you were uptight and needed to relax by your actions. Don't take my advice and keep having a miserable time in Thailand ...could care less.

(Message edited by blazers on December 01, 2009)