Pattaya

Located 147 kilometres southeast of Bangkok or only about two hour drive, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure seeking tourists from all over the world.

Dubbed " Queen of Asia's Resorts ", it has the rare distinction of being both a beach destination and a full- fledged city. This near paradoxical status ensures the comforts and entertainment facilities of a major metropolis plus all the delights of sun, sea and sand.

Visitors can windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands (where bungalows allow overnight stays) by ferry, hydrofoil or hired boat.

They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring beaches such as the increasingly popular Hat Chom Thian just south of Pattaya, where accommodation is also available.

Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy themselves at leadings hotel's courts, and golfers can visit the beautifully-landscaped and challenging Siam Country Club and Bangphra Golf International Courses, both within 30 minutes off Pattaya

Bowling alleys, snooker halls, shooting galleries and archery offer further entertainment; while Tiffany and Alcazar Cabarets offer fascinating night shows with broad popular appeal. Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from airconditioned opulence to basic simplicity. Essentially, the visitor has the choice of luxury hotels with private-beaches; bayside hotels and bungalows; and "inland" economy-class hotels and guest houses.

Pattaya offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood in several specialty restaurants. Steak houses and fast-food outlets provide attractives alternatives and gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction in restaurants featuring French, Italian, Swiss, German, Hungarian, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Moslem, Japanese, Chinese and Thai Cuisines.

From families to individual visitors, Pattaya offers something for everyone and all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.

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Restaurants

From curbside cuisine and greasy burgers to five-star gourmet, Pattaya has it all. The range of food available here is as diverse as the people who flock here. As easily as you can mingle with Europeans, Russians, Middle Eastern people, Americans, Asians and of course Thais in Pattaya, you can enjoy food originating from their homelands. Everything from schnitzel, falafels and kebabs, to British pub grub, homely Italian pasta and fresh seafood can be found in the city's eclectic restaurants, many of which are run by expats who've set up shop here and brought their culinary know-how with them.

There's a lot of competition for your business so prices are generally very competitive. Fast food, like every corner of the modern world these days, is also widely available. McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut and Subway are all in attendance. Try the Royal City Garden shopping mall (Beach Road) for your processed food fix.

At surprising considering the numbers living in shorts and vests here is that there are many excellent upscale restaurants featuring starched table cloths and immaculate service alongside superb cuisine. Expect to pay acco rdingly though.

Pattaya's many five-star hotels are a great choice. Try the Cantonese cuisine at the 'The Peak'in the Dusit Resort Pattaya. It's on the top floor of the hotel and has a breathtaking view across the bay. The Royal Cliff Beach Hotel is also a great choice. The doyenne of Pattaya's luxury hotels has no less than ten unique restaurants, including The Maharani (mouthwatering Indian cuisine), Larn Thong (authentic Thai) and Rossini (superior Italian). In fact, you'll find that pretty much every hotel worth its salt has a restaurant serving decent cuisine in an affable setting.

Another great, as well as educational option in Pattaya is street food. Choose carefully (ideally somewhere busy where the food is cooked freshly in front of you), and you can enjoy exotic cuisine in a no-frills al fresco setting 'and usually for less than 50 baht! Roaming vendors and temporary stalls sell noodles, grilled meats, seafood, fresh fruit and other oddities all across town.

Hotels

Bars and night clubs

Music and Alternatives