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What to Do 
 Pattaya,
a former fishing village and favourite haunt of American GI's
during the 1960's, has come a long way in the last few years.
While still retaining an element of unrestrained hedonism, the
old and outdated image of girly-bars and raucous nightlife, is
changing. Families, groups and business travellers are being lured
with with extensive sports facilities, daytrips, island tours,
wildlife and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical
gardens, providing a variety of leisure attractions and entertainment
for everyone.
Sports & Recreation
 Definitely
a haven for watersports lovers. Scuba diving, parasailing, fishing,
sailing, windsurfing, banana boat riding, jet skiing, they're
all here. You can learn to sail, hire snorkelling equipment or
take a scuba course and go diving around some of Pattaya's offshore
islands. Jomtien beach close by, is Thailand's No. 1 windsurfing
spot.
If you prefer to be on land, facilities for other indoor sports
such as snooker and bowling are all within easy reach. Almost
all the large hotels (Amari, Dusit, Montien, Siam Bayshore, etc.)
have immaculate tennis courts and fitness centres which will allow
visitors to use them.
Not content? Then there's horse-riding, cable skiing, bungee
jumping, paintball and even motor racing! Test your skills at
the Bira International Racing track, ideal for formula 3 racing.
For golfing enthusiasts, world-class golf courses are within
easy reach. The Siam Country Club, one of the best golf courses
in the Kingdom, is just 10 kilometres from the Beach Road.
Day trips and Excursions
 For
a day away from the beach, a trip to the orchid farm, an elephant
kraal, a visit to Ripley's and the Bottle Museum, are all interesting
trips. Take a day out and go snorkelling around one of the offshore
islands like Koh Larn. Numerous tour operators on the Beach Road
area (main road and the inner streets) offer packages. (See attractions)
Nightlife
 Most
of Pattaya's 4 kilometre beach road contains one long entertainment
district, but it is in South Pattaya where you can still find
a glimmer of Pattaya's legendary afterdark reputation. Stalls
and vendors, bars, loud music, go-go clubs and one of the biggest
entertainment venues in town, Tony’s Entertainment Complex,
is located here.
Pattaya however, isn't just go go bars and loud music, there
are trendy restaurants, piano bars, karaoke and the famed flamboyant
transvestite cabaret shows. For more information check out our
Pattaya nightlife.
Shopping
Pattaya has some surprisingly fashionable boutiques and shops
selling clothes, silk, coral and shells, paintings, handicrafts,
gemstones, jewellry and souvenirs. These shops are located mostly
around the main street of South Pattaya and inside the upmarket
hotels. Prices are fair and all visitors are eagerly welcome.
Traditional Thai massage, cabaret shows, shopping (many shops
specializes in exporting Oriental style furniture and home decor
items) on the attractions list.
Where to Stay
A number of very elegant hotels have been built in the last few
years. Recently, a Hard Rock Hotel opened, joining the new Marriott
near the town centre. Pattaya offers 5 star treatment at many
of the superior and first class hotels. For more info, please
click here
How to get there
- Hire a car and drive from Bangkok (it takes around two and half
hours.)
- Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Bangkok.
Getting around
Travelling around Pattaya is easy. Lots of minibuses run around
the Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road in a circuit. Fares are 5
Baht per person per ride. These cabs stop quickly at the wave
of a hand. One hops on and may often share the cab with other
riders. It costs only about a dollar to get from one end of town
to the other.
If you want to explore Pattaya’s surrounding countryside
and beaches you can hire motorcycles, jeeps or cars. Shop around
for the best deals and make sure you have insurance. Please
note, despite advice to the contrary, there is no insurance
when riding a motorcycle in Thailand.
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