The famed international playground in the sun where the action is non stop. Enjoy yourself to the full in a dazzling kaleidoscope of sports and entertainment.

Pattaya is a phenomenon. Once a tiny fishing village, it has developed into a renowned international playground. Colourful and alive with activity, it is unrivalled as a beach resort, offering more attractions in greater profusion than any other single destination in Southeast Asia. Located just 147 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and facing a wide bay and a long majestic sweep of beach, Pattaya has been groomed for the international visitor over more than three decades, and today it boasts the unique distinction of a beach resort with city status.

This near paradoxical situation holds the key to Pattaya's rare attraction - it has something for everyone. Whereas most other beach resorts rely simply on natural surroundings for their charm, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything in an exhaustive mix of facilities.

To the basic ingredient of a superb coastal location it adds just about every other amenity you can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing and simply fun.

Pattaya Beach

The main beach at Pattaya is a majestic 3-kilometer curve fronted by a road shaded with refreshing tropical greenery. The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil and is the favoured spot with tourists for swimming, relaxation, and various water sports. The central and southern parts of the beach are packed with hotels, restaurants, department stores, gift shops, nightclubs and various amusement centres.

Jomtien Beach

The 6-kilometre long, largely straight beach, located around the headland from Pattaya, is popular with windsurfers and watersports enthusiasts. It is also quieter and more relaxing than Pattaya Beach. Hotels and other accommodation facilities are available along the road that runs parallel to the shore.

Wong Phrachan Beach

Situated on the northern side of Pattaya Bay, this 1 kilometre beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amat Hotel. It is a quiet spot, good for swimming and relaxation.

Ko Lan

Lying about 7.5 kilometres off Pattaya ? a 45-minute ferry ride or 15 minutes by speed boat ? the island measures 2 kilometres by 5 kilometres and offers several white sandy beaches, notably Hat Ta Waen, Hat Laem Thian and Hat Thong Long, the latter facing coral reefs. Visitors can choose either snorkelling or viewing the coral from glass bottom boats. Ferries to the island leave South Pattaya pier daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Cruises by sailing junks, with lunch provided are also available.

Ko Sak

Located 600 metres from Ko Lan, some 10 kilometres west of Pattaya Strait, Ko Sak is a small island with two sandy beaches. Overnight stays on the island are possible.

Major Hotel operates gourmet restaurant, cocktail lounges, discotheques and nightclubs, and such establishments are well suited to family entertainment. Nightlife beyond Pattaya's hotels is more liberated, with discotheques, transvestite cabarets, nightclubs, karaoke bars, go-go bars and open-air bars. Most of these attractions are located along Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya 2 Road, and in South Pattaya. Pattaya's famed transvestite cabarets are Alcazar and Tiffany.

Khao Pattaya (or Khao Phra Bat)

This small hill, its peak accessed by an asphalt road, affords panoramic views of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay. Khao Pattaya has been developed and is currently the site of the Naval Sor Tor Ror radio station, where there is a monument to Kromluangchumphon, known as the Father of the Royal Thai Navy. A Buddha image is enshrined on the hilltop.

Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park)

Located on Phra Tamnak Road at the foot of Khao Pattaya and covering an area of 6 acres, the small park is dedicated to the commemoration of His Majesty the King's sixtieth birthday on 5 December 1988. The gardens boast a wide variety of flowering plants, while the park also includes jogging trails and exercise facilities.

The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm

This place is a popular attraction with Thai and foreigner tourists. Covering an area of close to 40 acres, the compound comprises rock gardens and a botanical garden of rare plants and beautifully landscapes. Top sights include fossilized plants over a million years in age and a 200-year-old Thai style bonsai, plus dwarf horses, ostrich, crocodile pools and a collection of rare animals such as albino bears. Crocodile round-ups, magic and animal performances are also major attractions. Open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m., with six crocodile shows from 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. .

Mini Siam

This miniature city is on the left-hand side at KM143 on Sukhumvit Highway before reaching down town Pattaya. The models, made to a scale of 1 to 25, cover places of worship, ancient remains and famous sights in Thailand and abroad. Open daily from 7.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.

Monkey Training Centre

Located in Soi Chaiyaphruk, off Highway III at Km 151, the centre displays how monkeys are trained to pick coconuts and perform other tasks. There is also cockfighting and a snake show. Five shows daily at 9.00 a.m., 11.00 a.m., 12.00 noon, 2.00 p.m., and 5.00 p.m.

Sireporn Orchid Farm

Located at 235/14 Mu 5, Tambon Nong Prue, the farm has a wide array of different orchids. Visitors may purchase plants or cut flowers. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Horseshoe Point Club

Some 10 kilometres off Sukhumvit Road, Horseshoe Point Club offers horse riding at all levels of proficiency, as well as dressage, crosscountry jumping and polo.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms Park

Situated close by Horseshoe Point, the park contains several beautiful Chinese style buildings and art objects. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Wat Yansagwararam

Located 15 kilometres south of Pattaya, off to the left of Sukhumvit Road at KM 160, Wat Yansangwararam was dedicated to the Supreme Patriach in 1976 and was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the King. It is a superb example of modern Thai religious architecture, while the parklike grounds also contain pavilions designed in different national styles.

Suan Nong Nooch

About 18 kilometres south of Pattaya, off to the left of Sukhumvit Road at KM 163, Suan Nong Nooch is a recreation park in a typical Thai setting, with tropical gardens, elephants and cultural shows. Show times are 9.45 a.m. 10.30 a.m. 13.00 p.m. 15.45 p.m.

Wan Lai Fair

This is the Eastern Seaboard's version of Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, and is organized simultaneously with the Pattaya Festival in mid-April. Events include a floral float parade, water sports contests and a sand-castle building competition.

Pattaya Marathon

Held in July each year, this is a fun activity that attracts hundreds of local and international runners.

Windsurfing

Best at Jomtien Beach, where tuition is available for beginners. October through June are the best months, with ideal water and wind conditions for windsurfing.

Sailing

Sailing is a year-round sport in Pattaya's waters, and the most popular craft to rent are Lasers, Prindles and Hobie Cats. For more information, visitors should contact their hotel travel desk, or the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

Water Skiing

The most popular venues are the northern and southern parts of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and Ko Lan, while freshwater skiing is available at Lakeland Cable Water Ski at KM 150.5 on Sukhumvit Highway.

Game Fishing

Expeditions are organized by many operators, with the waters around Manwichai, Rin and Khram islands popular for the pursuit of marlin, king mackerel and barracuda.

Parasailing

This sport is widely available throughout the resort.

Scuba & Snorkelling

Both sports are popular around Pattaya's offshore islands. The resort has several dive shops, and beginners can take PADI open water certification courses.