by Kathleen Pokrud, President of Hong Kong Ladies’ Group in Thailand Photographs by Teresa Biesty
Pattaya on the East of the Gulf of Thailand remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. I have lost count how many times I have visited the beach resort since my arrival of Thailand 30 years ago. Be it a short weekend family getaway, attending a corporate convention held, or a day trip to visit the new Pattaya tourist destination, the city has evolved over the years. With the completion of the Chonburi motorway and underpass throughout the city from South to North, travel to and from Bangkok to Pattaya is seamless.
Covid has strongly hit Pattaya like all tourist places around Thailand. Overnight there were disappearance of large Chinese tours and Russian families crowded the beach. I recently found myself in Pattaya again after Covid over three years. First reason was to attend the Rotary District Conference, which was postponed from last year. It was fortunate to be held as the Thai government relaxed the large gathering restrictions.
When traveling through the city, it is sad to see closures of many hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and spas. On the other hand, optimism remains as new properties sprung into life such as the opening of new Courtyard by Marriott in North Pattaya.
Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya
Courtyard by Marriott, the trailblazing brand with the largest global footprint of hotels within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands recently added its newest hotel in the popular leisure destination, Pattaya in Thailand. Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya is set to welcome guests in comfort and style with inviting spaces, thoughtful amenities and technology catering to the needs of the next generation of business and leisure travellers.
Located a few minutes away from the Wongamat Beach in Naklua, North Pattaya, the new hotel is only two hours’ drive from Bangkok and 1.5 hours from Suvarnabhumi Airport, making it easily accessible for local and international guests alike. Visitors continue enjoy many of the local attractions in the city, from world class waterparks and retail malls, including Terminal 21 and Central Festival, to cultural sites such as the Sanctuary of Truth, the floating market, championship golf courses, beautiful beaches and Pattaya’s famous but now somewhat battered Walking Street.
Dining options at the hotel include Café 22, the all day dining venue that serves a wide selection of local and seasonal cuisine along with international favourites in a vibrant ambiance with open kitchens. This is the perfect place to kickstart the day with an energising buffet breakfast, grab light bites and healthy snacks throughout the day, or to enjoy memorable evening meals. The poolside Surf Bar is a great spot to enjoy refreshing drinks whilst gazing out over Pattaya’s skyline. The Spart’s Bar where guests can relax and unwind over crafted cocktails, cold brew coffee, and more by an expert mixologist and barista.
When visitors are not working or exploring the area’s many local attractions, they can work out at the 24/7 Fitness Centre, with its state-of-the-art equipment, changing rooms and showers, or soak up the sun at the inviting rooftop pool, while children are kept fully engaged and entertained at the Kid’s Club, with its indoor and outdoor play zones.
For business travellers and meeting planners, Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya’s Grand Ballroom can host exceptional events. This impressive 230 square metre, pillar free function room can host mid-sized meetings or social occasions, or be divided into two smaller spaces for more intimate events. The foyer also provides a great option for coffee breaks and cocktail receptions.
“Pattaya is a great destinations and has a lot to offer to all kinds of visitors, from business travellers visiting the vibrant business parks of the Eastern seaboard to couples seeking a spot of beachfront relaxation, and families or friends planning an energising break with plenty of activities.
We look forward to welcoming travellers to Pattaya and extending to them the same amazing levels of service excellence and great hospitality that our guests have come to expect from Courtyard hotels across the world,” said Shashank Singha, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya. The new property upholds the highest health and safety standards under Marriott International’s global“Commitment to clean”, and also has been certified by the Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration Extra Plus (SHA++) programme.
The Sanctuary of Truth
My trip to Pattaya this time has taken me to visit The Sanctuary of Truth for the first time. As many visitors alike, I am in awe of the one-of-a-kind teak structure. According to TAT, the monument is one of the tourist attractions that received a Thailand best travel industrial reward in 2008. Located in North Pattaya, it is presented as a magnificent wooden castle by the sea with beautiful sculptures and carvings that reflect the worldview of wisdom. Lek Viriyaphan, the founder of ancient city and Erawan elephant museum, built the wood sanctuary.
Only wood was used with ancient Thai carpenter style. Inside the museum, there are wood statues and carving pieces that tell the philosophy of life. It tells of the importance of philosophy, religion and art have played in human development. In the pursuit of materialism, humans often neglect morality and spiritual contentment. None of the wood used has been treated or chemically protected. As one section is completed, another has often succumbed to the tropical conditions and must be replaced. The complex is a beautiful and humbling demonstration of human endeavour and skill.
As Thailand is seeing the gradual reopening of the country, the relentlessly combination of calm and crazy as Pattaya shall one day spring back to life!
Kathleen Pokrud was born in Hong Kong. After graduating with the Master Degree in the U.K., she worked for Hong Kong Trade Development Council, before moving to Thailand in 1991. She has over 20 years experience in project management. For the past decade, she volunteered in education and women empowerment programs. She is Past President of the International Women’s Club of Thailand and Hong Kong Ladies’ Group. She chartered the new Rotary Club of Wang Mai as Charter President in 2020. Director & ex-Vice Chairperson of Baat Woh Cantonese Opera Association of Thailand and a life member of YWCA Bangkok. In the business community, she serves on the Board of Directors with the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association. Kathy is on the Thailand Tatler Magazine Expat Society The 200 List. She is the Honorary Columnist and contributing writer to a few leading English magazines. She and her husband, RADM Dr Boonyarit Pokrud have one son who is currently based in Boston, USA.
