With more than 5 million visitors each year, Pattaya has built and continues to maintain its reputation as a popular vacation spot. There are no direct flights from the UK to Pattaya’s U-Tapao Airport, but you can get a connecting flight via Bangkok Airlines from Phuket. However, most flights into Phuket originate from Bangkok, only 150 km from Pattaya, so it is easiest to fly into Bangkok and get to Pattaya by road.

When you decide to fly, you should make sure if there is room for you and anyone else that you are flying with. You need to decide if you want first class or coach. And when you arrive make sure that you have your rental car ready. That way you don’t have wait in any lines to get your car. Also make sure you can really get to Pattaya in 30 minutes or if there is going to be any problems getting there on time.

Pattaya has recently updated its image to become a more family-oriented holiday destination. Previously most famous for its go-go and beer bars, Pattaya now attracts large number of Thai, North and South Asian tourists vacationing with their families. Visitors not only find a selection of fine Thail beaches, but a selection of entertainment from golf and horseback, bungee jumping and shooting is also available.

Getting around Pattaya offers its own options. The songthaew, public passenger pick-up vehicles, also called Baht Busses, are available throughout Pattaya. You may also choose the local bus, motorbike taxi, or meter taxi. If you wish to brave the erratic (by Western standards) traffic, you can hire a car, motorbike or scooter.

Pattaya sees the most visitors around Christmas and New Year’s, when visitors want to go somewhere sunny and warm. Several of Pattaya’s beaches are very popular, such as Pattaya Beach near the city center. Pattaya Beach has many stores, hotels, and nightspots nearby. Many jetskis, powerboats, and deckchairs are available for rent in the area.

There is a popular place for families just south of the city called Jomtein Beach. If you don’t wish to go to the beach, there is an entertainment complex at Pattaya Park, which features a water park, monorail, roller coaster, and activities for the children.

Pattaya is home to wonderful islands and spectacular beaches. To the north of Pattaya are the Near Islands, whereas the western side is home to Far Islands. If you wish to visit Ko Lan or Coral Island, you will need a ferry service or a speedboat to reach them.

One of the most popular attractions at Pattaya is their Fishing excursions. You will get to experience much more than just fishing, included in the day is breakfast, lunch and a stop off at a local island for swimming. North Pattaya Fishing park will provide you with everything you need, from rods and bait to refreshments and even live music after dark. Now you can see why fishing has become such a popular diversion.

How could we overlook gold as being one of the islands specialties. With more than 20 courses within an hours drive of Pattaya all designed by some of golf’s most famous names it is no wonder so many golf lovers flock to the area. One of the finest golf courses in the area is the International Country club, it is in fact ranked third of Thailand’s top courses.

Underwater World aquarium offers visitors an up-close chance to view the marine life in the Gulf of Thailand. The acrylic pedestrian tunnel gives a 180 degree view of rare angel fish, sharks, stingrays and turtles.

The Underwater World Aquarium offers visitors a chance to view the marine life in the Gulf of Thailand. An acrylic pedestrian tunnel gives a 180 degree view of rare angel fish, sharks, stingrays and turtles.