Pattaya

There are many benefits to living in Pattaya and with the increase in tourism and the improvements planned all over the region it will only get better. Pattaya is located 147 kilometres south east of Bangkok and about a two hour drive from the capital. It is regarded by some as the premier beach resort in Thailand receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. 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 kilometre long arc. The southern beach is well renowned for its night-time activities. The streets are alive to the hustle and bustle of the entertainment halls, crowded bars and restaurants. The northern beaches of Naklua are more sedate, and have easy access from 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 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 go-go bars. 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.