The 10 Best Reasons For A Holiday In Pattaya, Thailand

Year-round sun: Pattaya bathes in a year-round hot and tropical climate. Like all of Thailand the wet season occurs in the middle of the year but temperatures rarely dip below 30C at any time. Even the wet season is not as soggy as it is in other parts of the country.

Beautiful sunsets: The golden colours of the nightly Pattaya sunsets are beautiful and romantic. Some say Jomtien beach offers the best views but all corners of Pattaya bask in changing colours at sunset and the mood of Pattaya changes at this time too as lazy, sunny days begin to turn into fun loving nights.

Close to Bangkok and transport links: Thailands main international airport lies halfway between Pattaya and Bangkok and there is a superhighway connecting Pattaya to the airport. Of course, most hotels run courtesy shuttles and taxis, to and from the terminal. The journey to the capital or the airport takes around an hour.

Fun for all ages: Everything from red light bars to Thai boxing arenas light up the Pattaya night. Of a day, the beach is king but after dark the nightlife here really swings into its own with the infamous Walking Street lit up like a decadent Christmas tree. Plus fishing in Pattaya is popular too.

Gigantic Buddha: Wat Khao Phra Bat is one of the religious spaces of Pattaya which is a surprisingly spiritual town. An 18m high alabaster Buddha image marks the location of this temple so it is pretty much impossible to miss.

Brilliant food: Foodies are in heaven in Pattaya with fresh fish and seafood pulled from the ocean daily. There is a good range of luxury restaurants here and all the major hotels have several dining options. The crayfish and abalone are real local specialities.

Grand Prix: Adventure sports do a roaring trade in Pattaya, literally so when the annual Grand Prix tears its way through the streets of town. Elsewhere, horse riding and sailing opportunities abound and there is even a bungee jumping tower right at Jomtien beach.

Cheap: Many smaller restaurants will happily boast that their green chicken curry is the best in Thailand. For a dollar or two a bowl, it would be hard to argue even if the food wasnt delicious. Street food is found on every other corner in Pattaya and even whole roast suckling pigs are on offer at certain times of the year.

History: The Sanctuary of Truth temple dedicates itself to serving world peace and furthering human enlightenment from inside its brown teak walls. This is one of the major temples in Pattaya, and also one of the newest and temple visits make a break from the incessant indulgences of Pattaya.

Spas: Take an hour or two away from the beach to have health and beauty treatments at any of Pattayas lovely spas and health resorts. The ubiquitous Thai foot massage is available from any street corner and even on the beach itself, though more opulent treatments take place inside air conditioned comfort.