Food stalls @ Coral Island, Patayya, Thailand

There are a number of islands in the Patayya Bay.  These limestone islands are surrounded by corals and the main island among these is called Coral Island.

There are a number of adventure activities in and around this island.  These include para sailing, water scooters, banana boat rides, speed boat rides and under sea walk.

Undersea walk involves wearing a heavy glass helmet into which air is pumped and diving into the water.  The water does not seep in due to the air pressure.  You do not have any other gear.  I did this here after a gap of six years.  I did notice that the types of fishes that swam were far less than what I encountered during my first walk.  While the corals, the sea sponges and sea urchins were there, the clams were missing.  Only the empty shells were strategically placed for pleasant viewing.  I understand that the clams are considered a aphrodisiac.  Very sad - A result of man's greed and global warming.

In Coral Island, the largest of these group of islands, there are a number of food stalls selling mainly Thai food.  Guava or Raw mango with chilly and salt is available for a quick bite and to go with that chilled beer you can pick up from one of the many hawkers.  Tender coconut water and juices are available to quench the dry throat.  

Thai food is available aplenty.  I had a khao phad gai - Thai chicken fried rice topped with a sunny side up and a tom yum fish soup.  Tom yum soup is a spicy clear soup with a distinct lemon and lemongrass flavour.  The prawn variety is more popular and is one of my favourite soups.  The fish variant was just as tasty.   Food and drinks out here is quite expensive compared to the mainland.  A beer that costs THB 30 in the mainland costs between THB 50 - THB 60 here.  The food I had cost THB 150 - would have cost around THB 100 in the mainland.

Reco - No trip to Patayya is complete without a trip to Coral Island.

Siam Bay Shore, Patayya, Thailand

A four star resort and spa located at the best spot in Patayya.  The resort is located at the end of Walking street.  There is a private beach and a swimming pool and a restaurant adjoining the beach.  There is another fairly large pool in the resort which also has a slide for children and a jacuzzi to calm the muscles.

The rooms are scattered around landscaped gardens which have apart from the orchids and palm fronds, large tanks holding lots of colourful fishes.

The massage parlour which is part of the spa offers excellent Thai massage.  

The only meal I had here was the breakfast - which was a buffet.  A sumptuous spread with lots of bread, spreads, cheese and lots of cold cuts, sushi, a few varieties of cereals and muesli served along with dry fruits and marinated fruits, fresh native fruits and juices, some local varieties of noodles and rice and lots of sweet bakes to finish it off.  The restaurant has both airconditioned and open air seating and overlooks the road.

Full marks to the resort but there is a stream of backwaters that flows across the resort and this gives a foul smell when you walk across it.  A minor hindrance that can be tolerated.

Walking street - is the most happening place in Patayya.  As the name suggests, vehicles are prohibited from 6pm.  The place is abuzz with tourists and locals traders.  There are a number of restaurants and bars on this street and there is plenty of street food that is available here.  A couple of restaurants where you can have a sip of beer and watch Mauy Thai - kickboxing is also available.  Plenty of places where one can watch 'night' / 'live' shows line the street.  There are people hawking almost everything here, including themselves!!

Reco - if you go to Patayya - this is the place to stay.

Street Food @ Walking Steet, Patayya, Thailand

Anytime from when the sun is about to set till late into the night,  hawkers line Walking Street and the adjoining street that leads into the Patayya Bay selling a variety of things.

The sheer variety of food that is available is awesome.  You get Pizzas, Shawrma, kebabs and then a whole lot of native cuisine.  The native cuisine includes a whole lot of seafood including fish, prawns, shrimps, mussels and squids.  There is also pork and chicken cooked Thai style.  Meat is either served grilled or fried or cooked in a Thai gravy and served with rice or noodles.  I should not forget to mention that there is plenty of fresh juices, fruits and tender coconut water available to quench your thirst - which you will definitely have considering the tropical warm weather.

For around THB 100 - 150 you are more than full.  The only problem is that you are spoilt for choice and have not tasted it all.

There are also quite a few seafood restaurants wherein you can choose the live fish or lobster that you want cooked for you.  The street is lined with a number of bars and the street along the bay also has a McDonalds and a Pizza Hut - if you do not want to experiment.

Hat's off to Thai street food.