Imagine a place where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. A place where you can relax on the beach with a good book and a cocktail by day, and then let your inhibitions run wild while dancing the night away. Pattaya, Thailand provides all of this and so much more. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving, ride some elephants, visit Buddhist temples, see world class shows and entertainment, and so much more. The best part of it is that your relaxing hotel room will be waiting for you when you are ready to return for some quality ‘me’ time.

While American soldiers put this region of Thailand on the global map during the Vietnam War, it remains one of the most popular leisure and business travel destinations in Southeast Asia. With a gorgeous sea dotting its landscape, the area has plenty for each member of a traveling party to see and do. Pattaya Chonburi Airport (UTP) has recently undergone a renovation and re-opening project, so it is now the gateway to this seaside city. Those arriving in Bangkok will find that Pattaya is a short 90-minute drive away.

Things To Do In and Around Pattaya

With Pattaya being such a traveler’s paradise, one can be scuba diving or drinking at their favorite pub within a short distance of the hotel. Tours are plentiful, including the famous Flight of the Gibbon, which has guests going on a zip line adventure through a beautiful tropical rainforest. Whatever a visitor to the region desires, it is likely available in Pattaya. From a relaxing afternoon on the beach to an hour long Thai massage, this is a location that people come to unwind and forget the troubles of the world. Flights to Pattaya Chonburi Airport (UTP) make it affordable and easily accessible to experience world famous Thai hospitality in the comfort of thousands of visitors from around the globe. The best part is that it is possible to take a private shared taxi to almost anywhere in the city for roughly 50 cents. This makes a visit to the resort town even more enjoyable.

Travel Tips

As you are seriously considering a visit to Pattaya, you will want to consider the time of year that you are traveling. While the same friendly Thai smile can be experienced year-round, the temperature and rain make visiting difficult from May to October. If you do not mind getting a bit wet, however, the rain does stay around for long. You may even find the afternoon showers to be quite refreshing. The weather is absolutely gorgeous from December to February, making for some great water sport activities to be had. Do not forget to sample some great Thai Cuisine while you are in the city. A tasty meal including water can be had for under $3. Add a beer to that for just $2 more.

World Famous Thai Cuisine

There is a reason that Thai restaurants seem to be found in just about every city, big and small, around the globe. It has a tremendous and rich flavor that simply cannot be replicated in other ethnic dishes. The best part of eating Thai food in Pattaya is the variety that exists. You can find a formal seafood restaurant to take your significant other to for a memorable and romantic dinner nestled right beside a street side café offering up pad Thai for only a few bucks. What can be better than that? If you are a vegetarian, you will find more than enough options to please you here. Seafood lover? Get ready to be amazed. In short, there is something for everyone in Pattaya.

If you find yourself wishing that you could bottle up all of this good food to take home with you, you are in luck. You might want to try your hand at one of the many Thai cooking schools nestled throughout this resort area. Many classes last only a day, and you can learn so much. The day will begin with a van picking you up right at the hotel and taking you to the market. You will help buy all of the ingredients that you need for the tasty meal to come. Back at the school, you will learn how to prepare a Thai meal and then set out to do it on your own. The knowledge that you will gain is sure to impress friends and family upon your return home.

Outdoor Adventures Await You

Given the great weather you are sure to enjoy in Pattaya, you will not want to stay indoors for long. Right outside the confines of your hotel, a natural playground exists almost everywhere that you look. There are a variety of water sports, from fishing charters to snorkeling excursions, that are sure to be a highlight of your stay. As mentioned, you can also zipline through the rain forest, and you can take the family to ride some elephants. If you can dream up the activity, there is likely some variation of it here in Pattaya. You can always choose to spend a relaxing day on a lounger on the sand at one of the many beaches as well, or by the hotel swimming pool.

Massages Galore

Thai food is not only the part of this amazing country that is famous worldwide. Thai massages are not to be missed as well. No matter if you want an elaborate four-hour spa and massage, or you just want to work some kinks out of your neck, you will find more than enough places around to satisfy you. The prices cannot be beat as well. You can often get a full two-hour traditional Thai massage for less than a dinner costs in many Western countries. The best part is that you will not have to look very far to find a massage venue that suits you.

This should give you more than enough reasons to get excited about your trip to Pattaya. You are sure to enjoy yourself. Just remember to plan ahead and make sure that there is plenty of room on your digital camera to capture all of the special memories you are sure to make!