Pattaya

Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure seeking tourists from all over the world. Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is perfect for a memorial holiday experience for families, couples and single visitors.

Up until about thirty years ago, Pattaya was little more than a fishing village. American GI's from bases in Nakhon Ratchasima 'discovered' the beach, resulting in it becoming an R 'n' R spot during the Indo-Chinese wars. Over the years it has developed into the full scale international resort that it is today.

Pattaya beach touches the shoreline in a 4 km long arc. The southern beach is well renowned for its night-time activities. The streets alive to the hustle and bustle of the entertainment halls, crowded bars and restaurants. The northern beach is more sedate, well for Pattaya. A few kilometres south of Pattaya is the beach of Jomtien, with a cleaner beach and a cleaner reputation. A full range of water sports, along with equipment to hire can be arranged at many places both at Pattaya and Jomtien resorts.

For those of a more sporting nature, indoor or outdoor, Pattaya has the facilities for a whole range of sports that cater for all ages, and all levels of physical exertion. There are bowling alleys, snooker halls, archery and several of the leading hotels have tennis courts. For those wanting to tone their bodies for the beach, there are several gyms and fitness centres around the town. More fun sports are also available; go-karting, parasailing and paintballing skirmishes.

Golfing enthusiasts can challenge the greens at nearby international courses. Of course there are also the usual water-borne activities to enjoy as well. Although it is more associated with its debauched patrons, it is more than fast food restaurants and A go-go bars. It is not just a Patpong-sur-le-mer: it has amenities for the whole family to enjoy. With theme parks, water parks, amusement arcades and many of the leading hotels having 'childrens clubs' to keep the kids entertained, the whole family can find something to enjoy in Pattaya.

Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment all help to make Pattaya one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.

Pattaya is 140 Kilometres by road from Bangkok. There is a motorwaythat runs from Bangkok to Chonburi and a new dual carriage way road from Chonburi to Pattaya. Unfortunately it can take an hour or more to get from the airport to the start of the motorway so many drivers will choose to use the Bang Na Expressway which passes by the airport and now goes all the way to Chonburi. The fastest way by road is to take theBang Na Expressway, turnoff at the Bangkok - Chonburi Motorway exit.Turn right on to the Motorway and then follow the signs to Pattaya. Following this route I've completed the journey in less than 1 hour 30 minutes.

Climate

Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons:

Hot (March-June), Rainy (August-October) and Cool (November- February).

It is hot all year round, there is little difference between the hottest and coolest months, and average temperatures are around 27? C. Pattaya's coastal location means more breezes than say Bangkok and the rain tends to come in short and heavy bursts rather than prolonged over days, but no matter when you come, you'll have a good time.