DAY 42 - 21 February 2023
DEPARTS HO CHI MINH (PHU MY) 1900 Local Time
Queen Mary 2 World Centenary Voyage
102 days, 31 ports, 18 countries.
Ellen Frazer-Jameson reporting live from Queen Mary 2
Pattaya Beach, Chon Buri, Thailand
Pattaya is a city on Thailand’s Eastern Gulf coast some 150 kms from Bangkok (about 2 hours driving time) and known for its beaches.
Still fondly remembered by many visitors as a quiet fishing village, the horseshoe beach area is lined with resort hotels, high rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.
Alongside a busy retail and restaurant area, with global brands Starbucks, McDonalds and KFC, and known high street stores H&M and Boots, the wide, yellow sandy beach stretches for three kilometres and is overflowing with recreations and facilities.
One endearing feature of any location in Thailand is the ever-present Buddhist shrines. Shrines large and small are placed mid-pavement and adorned with flowers and offerings.
The super-clean beach is well maintained by the city and it is a family friendly location despite close proximity to the more adult entertainment which is also readily available and an officially recognised feature of Thailand’s tourist economy including medical tourism.
A full range of water sports are on offer at Pattaya beach and the pleasantly warm, wave-washed beachfront and shallow sea shelf is packed with boats, craft and kites at a price which offer good value for money.
Umbrellas, sun loungers and beach-side food and drink service are all close to hand as well as Thai massage and smiling balloon sellers re-enforcing the fact that the beaches are child friendly. While there is no obvious security, police are highly visible.
A relaxing day on the beach comes with balmy weather, a cooling breeze and everything catered for; come night time the town and beach comes alive with a party city atmosphere.
The good-natured Thai people appear to willingly accept the realities of an international economy that has seen their standard of living rise significantly and which is gradually returning following the devastating closed down years of the covid pandemic.
With the natural resources of this beautiful country and a welcoming community ready to serve the needs of the tourist trade, Thailand looks all set to maintain its popularity as a holiday destination to appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and attract ever more international tourism.
Life is a beach.
Pattaya is certainly worth a visit.
Happy Sailing. Ellen...
ONWARD
* * * * *
Current position of Queen Mary 2: Phu My/Vietnam
Time since arrival 10 hrs 43 min from Laem Chabang/Thailand (at 06:00 h local time)
Time until departure 2 hrs 17 min to Singapore/Singapore (at 19:00 h local time)
Traveled distance since Singapore: 1,612.06 nm (2,985.54 km)
Happy Sailing ... The Journey continues... Ellen
NEXT PORT - SINGAPORE
23 February 2023
Photo of the day (from the archives of JD Schwartz)
"STERN SUNRISE"
Further updates will be posted as soon as we get them from Ellen onboard Queen Mary 2.
Are the shore excursions, on your return, different or the same as your first visit to Singapore?