IF you’ve been in Pattaya more than ten minutes, you’ll know where the Dolphin Fountain is.
Situated at the tip of North Pattaya, it’s one of the first landmarks tourists see. Most cars turn left into North Pattaya, but if you head right then you get to see Naklua.
Naklua hosts some of the best real estate in the area, and several luxury apartments and hotels.
Book the Central Wong Amat Beach Resort now!
Among them is Central Wong Amat, a 25-acre site that includes a snooker hall, swimming pool, and plenty of sea views.
Staying here isn’t cheap – prices start at around 3,800 baht a night – but the rewards are immense. You get to stay literally feet from the beach, and not just any old farang-infested bit of sand, this one is private so you only get a select crowd wandering past.
Evenings bring glorious, fire-red sunsets, and there’s the chance to walk along the sand and marvel at some of the other hotels which have recently arrived, notably Asiawan.
The rooms are a touch basic for the money, but include TV, well-stocked mini-bar and a large bathroom. Being Pattaya, they naturally include in a packet of condoms as well on top of the TV, but be warned, they’re not complementary.
The hotel has 86 rooms and 91 private chalets, many of which look out over either the pool or the sea. Towards the front of the Central is a decent-size pool, and by its side is a well-stocked bar with waiters that know their Irish from their Scotch.
In the evening is the time the place comes alive. Down a few steps is an open-air restaurant that features a live band after dark. The food comes courtesy of a 450-baht buffet, which is worth every satang.
You can choose from sushi, salad, spaghetti, beef, or a collection of seafood that is the best for miles. Lobster, giant prawns, crab and squid queue up to land on your plate.
Oh, and when you’ve wolfed down your last piece of ocean life, there’s two tables of desserts waiting.
