Phuket - Pattaya - A Premier Vacation Spot In South-East Asia

Pattaya is one of the most enchanting beach resorts in the world, located along a spectacular bay on the Gulf of Thailand's east coast, about 150 kilometers south-east of Bangkok, in Thailand. A fishing village turned South-East Asia's most favorite vacation spot - Pattaya is much popular among the westerners including Americans and Europeans and is regarded as a great alternative over taking a tour to swarming Spanish destination or a pricey Caribbean destination.

In fact, Pattaya has everything to spend an enjoyable vacation, from awe-inspiring natural beauty, warm climate throughout the year and beautiful beaches to ancient shrines, world-famous hospitality, and sumptuous cuisines. No matter you are beach bums, honeymooners, couples celebrating anniversaries, or family vacationers, Pattaya has superb choices to cater to every type of tourist.

Perhaps the prime attraction that draws visitors to Pattaya is undoubtedly its incredible long stretches of curvy beaches. Pattaya boasts of two picturesque beaches, the main beach being the Pattaya Beach, located along the Pattaya Beach Road. The Pattaya Beach's surroundings are action packed and contain a plenty of top-notch hotels, restaurants, and bars. Further, the Pattaya Beach is a paradise for enjoying a range of fun-filled as well as adventure activities, especially scuba diving.

Located just ten minutes drive from the Pattaya Beach is another popular beach in the destination, namely, Jomtien Beach, which is regarded as a mecca for enjoying activities such as wind surfing. As in the case of the main beach, this beach area is also packed with an array of upscale hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Other popular beaches in the vicinity are Naklua Beach, which is much favored for its tranquil atmosphere; Ko Lan, a lone island with a number of beautiful white sandy beaches; Bang Saen Beach, located about eight kilometers from the provincial capital of Chonburi; and Ko Si Chang bestowed with awesome beaches and magnificent limestone caves as well as ancient temples.

Aside beaches and water sport activities, Pattaya has a plenty of interesting things to see and do. Points of interest, among many others, in Pattaya are the Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm, featuring sights such as more than a million years aged fossil plants, 200-year-old bonsai, crocodile pools, and rare animals like albino bears; Khao Pattaya, a small hill offering breathtaking vistas of Pattaya City as well as Pattaya Bay; Suan Chaloemphrakiat, a fitness park with fitness facilities and jogging trails; the Bottle Art Museum, which has on display a large number of art works graced in glass bottles.

Elephant Village, where elephant shows are conducted; Sanctuary of Truth, noted for its intricate architectural designs; Monkey Training Center, where apart from monkey shows, snake shows and cock fighting are also conducted; Horseshoe Point Club, a great spot for all levels of people to enjoy horse riding; Suan Nong Nooch, a recreational park with beautiful tropical gardens; Romance of the Three Kingdoms Park, a park with a variety of Chinese style objects and buildings; Pattaya Amusement Park, whose tower houses a revolving restaurant; and Mini Siam.

A visit to Pattaya would be incomplete without taking a tour to interesting shrines in the region such as Wat Yansangwararam, a modern temple complex with buildings built in several architectural types reflecting Indian, Chinese, and Japanese styles; and Wat Khao Cheejan, where one can see a huge image of Buddha carved out in gold on a mountain.

When comes to activities, Pattaya provides opportunities for the visitors to indulge in an array of activities, with such facilities as state of the art bowling centers, international standard golf courses, and facilities for activities like bungee jumping. Superb facilities are also available for weary travelers in the form spa centers and fitness establishments.

With a plenty of things to see and do, it is not a wonder why people from across the world frequent here year-round and majority of the westerners choose this place to retire. Hence, Pattaya has a plethora of accommodation choices for every type of tourist. For short term tourists, hotels and resorts would be best choice. But for long stays and people vacationing with large family, one of the best accommodation options in villas. A variety of villas are available, from budget type to most sophisticated ones replete with top-end facilities and amenities.