Central Festival Pattaya Beach is one of the largest malls in Asia. Just opened in mid January of 2009, this sprawling complex has really put Pattaya on the map for grand scale shopping and dining. It is the best shopping mall in the region and now attracts customers from all over, adding to the traffic chaos of Beach Road. Fashion, electronics, health & beauty, kids activities and food are all here. Zara from Spain and Next from the U.K. are set to open in February 2009. With the obligatory cinema complex and bowling alley on the top floor, this mega-mall is styled on the big Bangkok destination shopping areas like Siam Paragon. The Food Loft has the best view of the bay and great variety at reasonable prices. The anchor store is Central Department Store itself, offering high-end designer labels from abroad and Thailand. A supermarket and budget food hall is in the basement. Enter from Soi 9, Pattaya Beach Road or on Second Road after the new View Talay complex. Easy to find, just look for the traffic jams.
