Travel to Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya was a small fishing village until the riches from Bangkok discovered it as a beach resort in the 60'. Soon, American soldiers from the U. S. Air Forces based in Utapao began using the area for "rest and recreation". The city grew quickly, mostly due to the bars and other nightlife amenities. When the Americans left Thailand following the end of war from Vietnam the city fell into crisis. The rise of mass tourism from Europe brought new life to Pattaya.
In 2005 in Pattaya more than 35,000 hotel rooms were available. Despite its reputation to be a travel destination for sex tourism, this resort has seen a large increase of family tourism in recent years. Pattaya is now a popular family vacation destination of Thailand for peoples from Russia, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavia. The city has also a large international expatriate population, due to the low cost of living as well to the modern infrastructure, which includes hospitals, shopping malls, supermarkets, and fast food restaurants.

Best beaches & family vacation attractions

Pattaya's main attractions are its beaches. Pattaya Beach is situated along the center of the city, in close proximity to shopping malls, hotels, and bars. The over-abundance of jet-ski and speedboats has contributed to the severe pollution of the water along this beach. The section of beach from Central Road to the harbor is adjacent to the core of Pattaya's abundant nightlife area. So, this zone is less family-oriented than North Pattaya, Na Klua or Jomtien Beach.
Jomtien Beach
Jomtien Beach is separated from the main part of Pattaya by Buddha Hill, located in the south of the city. In contrast to Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach is a popular destination for family vacationers and water sports enthusiasts. Here is essentially a residential area with beach hotels, bungalow complexes, condos, and restaurants. A wide array of water sport amenities can be found there, including jet-skiing, parasailing, sea-fishing, and scuba diving.
The Jomtien district is already home to one of the largest vacation resort from Thailand and even from Asia.
Ko Lan
Ko Lan is a small island situated 7.5 km west to Pattaya. If you want to travel to Ko Lan you should be advised that this island is accessible only by speedboat and ferry. The ferry departs hourly and it makes a 45 minute ride from the mainland. The speedboats are more expensive but can reach the island in less than 15 minutes. Ko Lan has several excellent beaches, known for their clean surroundings, relaxing atmosphere, soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. It's really a perfect destination if you want to spend in Thailand a peaceful family vacation.