See and Do

The Most Famous Beach Resort on the East

Pattaya is 147 km. southeast of Bangkok and adjoins the Gulf of Thailand. It is Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors from all over the world.

Being close to the sea, the adjoining beaches of Pattaya City, from Naklua Bay to Wong Phrachan (Crescent Moon) and Wong Amat beaches in the north down to Jomtien beach in the south, cover a total length of about 15 km. But only the area of Pattaya Bay plays an important role in the tourism aspect, and this area is called "Pattaya Beach".

For the past centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But after its beauty was discovered by the first group of American servicemen from Nakhon Ratchasima in 1961, the sleepy Pattaya gradually became a famous beach resort. Fishermen's huts along the beach were replaced by a full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses. And the quiet powdery golden beaches are frequented by swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world.

Moreover, with the recent establishment of the industrial estates of Laem Chabang to the north and that of Map Ta Phut to the south, Pattaya has been developing to be a major business centre and pleasing residence for western expatriates.

The Place for All Tastes

For sun lovers and water-sports fans, Pattaya's sunny climate provides ideal conditions for swimming and all other imaginable water activities, including jet-skiing, boat sailing, speed-boating, water-scooter riding, water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and windsurfing.

For those who do not want to get drenched, Pattaya also has gyms and health clubs for exercise and many kinds of land sports and games to choose from, such as shooting, car racing, horse riding, archery, golf, bowling, tennis, go-kart, paintball, etc.

Shady footpath along Pattaya Beach

For shoppers, fashionable boutiques and shops of ready-made garments, silk, paintings, handicrafts, gemstones, jewellery and trinkets are centred in the main streets of Central and South Pattaya and also in the luxurious hotels. And the prices are fair.

For gourmets, Pattaya's cookeries offer at reasonable prices a wide range of superlative fresh seafood and various styles of cuisine -- Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, German, Scandinavian, Mexican, American, Indian, Russian, etc. And for night owls, Pattaya's lively nightlife caters for every taste. The most brightly colourful spot is South Pattaya where all kinds of nightly entertainment are offered.

In short, Pattaya is the place for all. No wonder it has remained popular among those who come to spend their holidays from far and near alike.

Pattaya Beach

Starting from Dusit Resort Hotel in the area called North Pattaya to the small hill in the South, Pattayabeach and its parallel beach road is about 3 kilometres long. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, the beach also offers excellent facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all kinds.

The northern part is a more quiet area of resorts while the southern part is a place of hustle and bustle, where both sides of the street are lined up with department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars and nightclubs and shops of all kinds.

● The Walking Street of South Pattaya	● A charming view of Pattaya Bay at night

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Jomtien Beach

The former paddy fields have turned into a thriving beach. Only 3 km. down Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is highly recommended to those who seek a quieter resort, where the golden sand, bright sun and blue clear sea are always pleased to welcome all vacationers.

It is a good place for relaxation with modern comforts and accommodation. Its long straight coastline of 6 kilometres with a fringe of coconut and palm trees offers vacationers pleasant atmosphere for relaxing and viewing the sun setting in the sea. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and playing all kinds of water sports for the whole year.Jomtien Beach is especially the best spot for windsurfing and instruction is widely available for beginners.

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Dong Tan Beach

Adjacent to Jomtien Beach (to the north), the quiet 1-km-long Dong Tan Beach is situated. The plants found here are tropical almonds.

Wong Amat beach

Wong Amat beach is recommended for those who are seeking for a nice place to relax and sunbathe, since it is one of the cleanest and most secluded beaches in Pattaya. The beach is adjoining to the north of

Pattaya beach.

Besides sandy beaches, shopping centres and night-time entertainments, Pattaya also offers a great number of interesting sports and other activities for visitors, especially those who plan to have a long stay in Pattaya. Here are some of them.

Diving

Pattaya is the nearest and most convenient diving location from Bangkok. Although it may not be interesting enough to most advanced divers, it is a very suitable place for beginners. There are many scuba diving shops in Pattaya that offer PADI or NAUI certificate courses with competitive prices. And the trips are centred around Ko Lan, Ko Sak and Ko Khrok. One-day and half-day excursions to these islands are also available at quite reasonable prices.

For accomplished divers, the outer islands of Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin which have better visibility are offered. Also worth visiting are the several wrecks off Pattaya's shore, especially the Hardeep and the Bremen. The Hardeep, a 420-metre long ship that sank in 1942, is considered the most interesting dive site in this area.

Windsurfing

Jomtien Beach is the chief centre for windsurfing. Board competitions are organized regularly by the Pattaya Windsurf Club. The best period for windsurfing is from October to June, when the water and wind conditions are very good.

Water skiing

The most popular spots are the northern and southern parts of Pattaya beach and Jomtien beach. Besides, water skiing on fresh water is also available.

Golfing

Pattaya and Chon Buri boast an abundance of Championship class golf courses, some of them are designed by renowned golfers. Golfing holidays in Pattaya have become more and more popular due to the low cost, good quality service and large choices of accommodation.

Horse riding

Located off the Siam Country Club Road at Km. 12, the Horseshoe Point Resort & Country Club offers several kinds of riding for all levels, including dressage, trail riding, jumping, polo and pony club riding for children.

Outdoor Riding Stables Pattaya is located at Km. 11 on Highway 36 in the mountainous area east of Pattaya. It provides excursions on horse back for experienced riders and beginners as well.

Bowling

Among several bowling alleys with international standard in Pattaya, Pattaya Bowl and PS Bowl are popular with both locals and foreign tourists. Pattaya Bowl is located on Pattaya 2 Road and PS Bowl is on the third floor of the PS Plaza at the corner of the Central Pattaya Road and Pattaya 2 Road.

Other sports

Other sports and activities which can be enjoyed in Pattaya include tennis, squash, badminton, bungee jump, shooting, archery, sailing, parasailing, gamefishing, etc.

Interested persons should contact the hotel information desk for details. Besides sports, fitness centres are available in many hotels and health clubs can be found easily in this city.

Other activities

Traditional Thai massage & foot massage

Thai massage

Thai massage is famous for its therapeutic efficacy in relieving muscular pain and stiffness. For foot massage, its benefit is curing backaches and stimulating the circulation of blood throughout the body. If you are tired or stressed, you are recommended to have a try to relieve your tension and pressure. Or you may even learn the beneficial massage techniques at numerous resorts and spas or teaching establishments.

Health spas

Like other major tourist cities in Thailand, Pattaya offers a good opportunity to enjoy a variety of spa treatments. There are many quality spas and hotel spas around the city and most of them also provide beauty treatments.

Learning Thai cooking

Thai food is not only delicious, it is also very healthy as its main ingredients are herbs and spices. You can learn this culinary art at cooking schools or Thai restaurants in any major hotel.

Learning the Thai language and culture

For long-stay travellers who are interested in Thai culture and ways of life, learning Thai language and culture is another inviting activity which will certainly make your stay more amusing and meaningful.