With more than 5 million visitors each year, Pattaya has built and continues to maintain its reputation as a popular vacation spot. There are no direct flights from the UK to Pattaya’s U-Tapao Airport, but you can get a connecting flight via Bangkok Airlines from Phuket. However, most flights into Phuket originate from Bangkok, only 150 km from Pattaya, so it is easiest to fly into Bangkok and get to Pattaya by road.
There are several options that you have to get in and out of Pattaya, some are easier and a little more convenient, some offer limited times and flights. You will find that if you want the quickest and most reliable way going door to door is your best option, and it will only take about 30 minutes. If you fly into U-Tapao, you will be in a place that serves as a military base.
In the last few years, Pattaya has tried to draw families of visitors with a new image. The beer bars and go-go joints have been de-emphasized, and now families from Thailand and from all over Asia visit Pattaya in large numbers. The beaches nearby are excellent, and many kinds of entertainment can be found, ranging from shooting to golf to bungee jumping.
If you wish to brave the erratic (by Western standards) traffic, you can hire a car, motorbike or scooter.Also called Baht Busses, are available throughout Pattaya,the songthaew, public passenger pick-up vehicles.You may also choose the local bus, motorbike taxi, or meter taxi.Getting around Pattaya offers its own options.
Pattatya’s has several beaches that fit the bill. Pattaya Beach, near the city’s center, is close to shopping, hotels and the night life area. Rented deckchairs are plentiful as are jet-skis and speedboats.High season in Pattaya occurs around Christmas and New Years as visitors seek a sunny, warm holiday spot.
Jomtein Beach is south of the city and a more popular spot for families. Away from the beach, you can visit the Pattaya Park entertainment complex offering a water park, roller coaster, monorail and children’s activities.
Both offer the primary scuba diving destinations for Pattaya.Is accessible by speedboat or ferry The Near Islands are close to Pattaya’s northern shores and the Far Islands lie directly to the west,Ko Lan, or Coral Island.Islands surrounding Pattaya also offer great beaches.
Fishing is a popular diversion. Deep sea fishing excursions often include breakfast, lunch and a stop at one of the island beaches for swimming. The North Pattaya Fishing Park provides rod and bait, serves refreshments and has live music after dark.
Another island specialty is golf. More than 20 courses are within an hour’s drive from Pattaya, and many are designed by golf’s most famous names. Laem Chabang International Country Club is ranked as one of Thailand’s top three courses and is considered the finest in this area.
Underwater World aquarium offers visitors an up-close chance to view the marine life in the Gulf of Thailand. The acrylic pedestrian tunnel gives a’0 degree view of rare angel fish, sharks, stingrays and turtles.
The Pattaya Elephant village offers daily one-hour shows featuring demonstrations of how to catch a wild elephant, elephants at work in the jungle and elephants playing football.
Tom Martens is the content coordinator for bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel to Thailand and Fights to Pattaya
