Pattaya
Located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok or only about two hour drive, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure seeking tourists from all over the world.
Dubbed "Queen of Asia's Resorts", it has the rare distinction of being both a beach destination and a full- fledged city. This near paradoxical status ensures the comforts and entertainment facilities of a major metropolis plus all the delights of sun, sea and sand.
Visitors can windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands (where bungalows allow overnight stays) by ferry, hydrofoil or hired boat.
They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighboring beaches such as the increasingly popular Hat Chom Thian just south of Pattaya, where accommodation is also available.
Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy themselves at leading hotel's courts, and golfers can visit the beautifully-landscaped and challenging Siam Country Club and Bangphra Golf International Courses, both within 30 minutes off Pattaya
Bowling alleys, snooker halls, shooting galleries and archery offer further entertainment; while Tiffany and Alcazar Cabarets offer fascinating night shows with broad popular appeal. Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from air-conditioned opulence to basic simplicity. Essentially, the visitor has the choice of luxury hotels with private-beaches; bayside hotels and bungalows; and "inland" economy-class hotels and guest houses.
Pattaya offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood in several specialty restaurants. Steak houses and fast-food outlets provide attractive alternatives and gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction in restaurants featuring French, Italian, Swiss, German, Hungarian, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Muslim, Japanese, Chinese and Thai Cuisines.
From families to individual visitors, Pattaya offers something for everyone and all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.
Sights, Scenes & Sports
As a beach resort, Pattaya misses no opportunity for taking full advantage of sandy beaches, a warm sparkling sea and year-round sunshine. There are ample provisions for all kinds of water sports ,sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and more. Not only is all the necessary equipment available, there is also expert instruction.
Pattaya Beach is today a hive of activity, but four kilometres to the south lies Chomthian Beach. Here is a beautiful stretch of sand, less crowded than Pattaya though still have all the water sport options. To the north there are smaller beaches which offer a more tranquil retreat.
If the beaches are not enough, then you can enjoy idyllic cruises to various offshore islands. Nearest to Pattaya are Koh Lan and Koh Sak, just a 45-minute boat ride away, where there are full facilities .