Located just 165 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, Thailand is a hot little spot called Pattaya.  Though it is a small city, Pattaya is full of activities for locals and tourists to take part in such as sumptuous beaches, stylish shopping districts and an exciting nightlife. 

The beach in Pattaya is said to attract about 5.4 million people a year.  Most people who visit come back again and again. The proper pronunciation of Pattaya is Patti-yah.  Prior to being discovered by Bangkok in the 1960’s, Pattaya was a small fishing village.

The climate is wet and dry.  Pattaya has two seasons: warm and dry and hot and rainy.  The dry season runs from November through February and the wet season lasts from June to October.  Most tourists come to visit the small city around the Christmas holiday.

Pattaya Beach is one of the city’s biggest attractions.  The beach is centrally located near shopping facilities, hotels and bars.  This beach is primarily an adult beach.  Jomtien Beach is a family oriented beach.  The area surrounding the beach is designed for residential living.

There are a host of motels, bungalows, condominiums, and restaurants.  The beach offers families a wide array of water activities such as jet skiing and boating.  On Jomtien Beach you will find the Pattaya Park tower landmark.  This building stands fifty-six stories high and is home to an entertainment complex which includes a water park, amusement rides and activities for children.

Just seven and-a-half kilometers west of Pattaya is Ko Lan/Coral Island.  Visitors can access the island by ferries or speedboats.  There are hourly trips via ferry to the island for a roundtrip cost of forty baht.  Speedboats get you to the island quicker than the ferries but they are more expensive.  The attraction of Ko Lan Island is its many small, clean beaches and laidback environment.

Pattaya is a community of small islands such as Ko Sak and Ko Krok.  Because of their proximity to the city of Pattaya these groups of islands are known as the Near Islands.  They link Ko Lan Island to the Far Islands which are comprised of Ko Rim, Ko Man Wichai, Ko Hua Chang, and Ko Bada.

Aside from the beaches of Pattaya, visitors can enjoy rounds of golf, the ancient temples and many theme parks and zoos.  Some of the top themes parks and zoos are Mini Siam and Elephant Village.  Travel the depths of the see in the Vimantaitalay submarine.  Pattaya is also home to beautiful, lush botanical gardens such as the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.  This botanical garden is home to a remarkable orchid nursery.

Accommodations in Pattaya are very reasonably priced.  You can stay for as little as ten U.S. dollars.  There is also a list of luxury hotels that visitors can stay at.