So, you’ve finally decided to visit Pattaya and see what all the fuss is about. You are certainly in for a treat! From young children to the Senior Saints among us, there is literally something for everyone to do in this tropical paradise. Beginning with its close proximity to Bangkok, accessing this resort town could not be any easier. The airport has even recently been reopened right outside Pattaya if you just can’t wait to get there. In order to prepare you for your visit, and to help you maximize your time here, we have put together this short first-time visitor guide to Pattaya for you.

Prepare for all Types of Weather

Pattaya is a land of contrasts. It can be hot and sunny one moment, followed by cool winds and ferocious rain the next. Do not worry, as there are plenty of activities to take part in no matter what the weather may be outside. That being said, you will just want to make sure that you are prepared for all types of weather before you arrive in this resort city.

Aside from the months of December to February, Pattaya is going to be hot. You can pretty much count on that. You will want to pack lots of shorts and swimming suits. This will you allow to be prepared for whatever activity you wish to take part in. Aside from that, make sure that your clothes are loose fitting, and preferably cotton. Pattaya can be quite humid, and you will be doing your fair share of walking. Finally, travel umbrellas will come in handy. These are smaller umbrellas that you can put in your purse or bag. Even if you leave the hotel without a cloud in the sky, you may find yourself in a torrential rainstorm before the end of the afternoon. Remember to apply plenty of sunscreen as well because the sun can be rather intense year-round.

Get Ready for Water-Based Adventure

Even though this is your first trip to Pattaya, you have surely heard about the fantastic coastline that jets up and down the city. This naturally lends itself to a host of water-based activities that you will want to take part in. Gauge the interest level of your family and friends to determine what you think they might be interested in. There are times when you might want to pack your own equipment as opposed to relying on rental items once you arrive. An example would be snorkeling. There are daily snorkeling trips that you can take, many of them picking you up from your hotel in the morning and dropping you back off in the evening. Bringing your own equipment will likely enhance the experience. Such an adventure will only cost you the equivalent of about $50, including the boat ride and lunch.

There are plenty of other activities on the water to consider as well. You can parasail along the coastline, for example. This is a spectacular experience where you will soar into the air, while your family and friends can snap pictures for you to remember the occasion. This activity is only about $30, and the equipment that you will use is safe and regularly tested. Beyond that, relaxing on the ocean and soaking up the rays is always a great way for first time visitors to Pattaya to enjoy their surroundings and get to meet the locals.

Don’t Forget to Pack Your Walking Shoes

Many people mistakenly think that they will wear their sandals day and night when visiting a beach resort town. While you will certainly want to have your sandals nearby, don’t forget to pack your walking shoes as well. The entire city of Pattaya can be traversed by foot if you so desire. In fact, if the temperature is right, this is a great way to experience the city. You will not want to do that with sandals on your feet.

There will also be some off-the-beaten-path activities you might want to take part in, each requiring shoes. You can ride elephants, hike in the rain forest, and zip line through the trees. Each of these is best experienced when you have a comfortable pair of shoes on your feet. Don’t forget all the dancing you are sure to do at night!

Keeping the Children Entertained

There are plenty of activities for the kids. You can begin by looking for a hotel or resort that offers a host of programs for the children during the day. In addition, the local Thai people in Thailand are always ready to keep your children entertained. When dining out, your kids will be a highlight for the service staff. There are plenty of water-based activities for them to take part in as well, so make sure you pack all of their favorite flotation devices, sunscreen, and plenty of hats.

Night-time Adventures for the Adults

Since you have not been to Pattaya before, let us tell you about what takes place after the sun goes down. There are a host of entertainment venues where you can party the night away like it was 1980 all over again. Live music rules the night, so you can find any type of sound that jives with your soul. There are upscale venues where you will want to dress up just a bit, followed by host bars where shorts and sandals are the rule. Don’t forget all of the street shopping and food stalls that are erected at night, and adults are sure to have a blast.

While there is so much more that can be said about Pattaya as a holiday destination, this short guide should whet your appetite. The people of Thailand will welcome you with open arms. They want to help you have a trip of a lifetime, so embrace the culture and be prepared to do just that. However, a little preparation on the front end will go a long way towards helping you maximize the experience, so print this guide out and consider it as you plan your activities.