Pattaya, Once a sleepy fishing village, this coastal resort town now boasts international class hotels, restaurants and shopping, not to just about every sporting activity imaginable. The nightlife is famous for its variety and laid-back atmosphere. The recent development of family-oriented activities and venues means that most folks can enjoy the pleasures of Pattaya for a week or just a day.

The main beach strip is narrow and the water is not suitable for swimming, though the promenade is pleasant for strolling. The north end is quiet, the middle very lively and often crowded, while the southern tip gives way to open air beer bars (beer gardens). Boats to the outlying islands leave from the south pier.

Around the north headland lays Naklua, a fishing village that has an interesting market. South of Pattaya is Jomtien, best for water sports and quiet sunbathing. There are a few open cafes serving ersatz Western food and cheap Thai dishes. North Jomtien, past the police station, is where the gay community hangs out.

Pattaya’s vast selection of restaurants and open air food places should satisfy even the choosiest diner. Most restaurants accept major credit cards and 24 hours serving ATM’s of all Thai banks are never that far away.

Getting to Pattaya is easiest don by air-condition bus from Ekamai Bus Station in Bangkok (Sky train station E7), and leaves every 30 minutes, from 5 o’clock in the morning to 11 o’clock at night. The cost for this bus ticket is around 90 Baht what is roughly 2 US dollars.