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.
Pattaya recently updated its image to be more family oriented. It had been most famous for its go-go and beer bars. Now it attracts a large number of Thai, North and South Asian tourist that are vacationing with their families. Visitors will find a selection of Beaches, golf, horseback, bungee jumping and shooting.
Getting around Pattaya offers its own options. The songthaew, public passenger pick-up vehicles, also called Baht Busses, are available throughout Pattaya. You may also choose the local bus, motorbike taxi, or meter taxi. If you wish to brave the erratic (by Western standards) traffic, you can hire a car, motorbike or scooter.
Pattaya sees the most visitors around Christmas and New Year’s, when visitors want to go somewhere sunny and warm. Several of Pattaya’s beaches are very popular, such as Pattaya Beach near the city center. Pattaya Beach has many stores, hotels, and nightspots nearby. Many jetskis, powerboats, and deckchairs are available for rent in the area.
There is a popular place for families just south of the city called Jomtein Beach. If you don’t wish to go to the beach, there is an entertainment complex at Pattaya Park, which features a water park, monorail, roller coaster, and activities for the children.
Islands surrounding Pattaya also offer great beaches. Ko Lan, or Coral Island, 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. Both offer the primary scuba diving destinations for Pattaya.
The North Pattaya Fishing Park provides rod and bait, serves refreshments and has live music after dark.Fishing is a popular diversion. Deep sea fishing excursions often include breakfast, lunch and a stop at one of the island beaches for swimming.
Laem Chabang International Country Club is ranked as one of Thailand’s top three courses and is considered the finest in this area.Many are designed by golf’s most famous names,and more than 20 courses are within an hour’s drive from Pattaya.Another island specialty is golf.
The Underwater World aquarium gives visitors an opportunity to get close up views of the marine life that is indigenous to the Gulf of Thailand. A pedestrian tunnel made of acrylic gives a visitor a’0 degree view of sharks, stingrays, turtles, and uncommon angel fish.
The elephant village in Pattaya has hour long shows each day, which show methods of catching, working with, and playing with elephants.
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
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