By Dave Besseling

Pattaya is a city with a certain reputation, and one that is not always flattering. Having grown from a tiny fishing village in the Gulf of Thailand, to a beach retreat for Bangkok residents, a notorious R&R outpost for American soldiers, and then the adult amusement park it is today - the city thrives under lax policies and a nightlife scene known worldwide for its lasciviousness.
Pattaya has plenty of family-friendly attractions
Pattaya has plenty of family-friendly attractions

Though many visitors to Pattaya are male, often seeking cheap thrills and debauchery, there is much more to do in this coastal city than trawl for streetwalkers. Even if you’re coming to Pattaya to live out a spring break Girls Gone Wild type holiday, there are plenty more wholesome distractions to keep you occupied during throughout the day, with loads of theme parks for the whole family.

Being situated on the coast, Pattaya has its share of beachfront; but if you’re looking for the idyllic environment of white sand and palms to shade you while you drink a cocktail from a coconut, you are courting disappointment. Depending on the previous night’s efforts, Pattaya Beach can be one of two things: sprawling in a rented chaise lounge for some solitary R&R of your own or, if you’re feeling a bit more perky, jet-skis are available for rent - a popular activity for cutting wakes in the blue waters.

Visitors looking for a more family friendly environment are advised to head farther south to Jomtien Beach. There is an equal amount of water sport options here and the beachfront is well developed with restaurants, bungalows and hotels. The most recognisable landmark in this area is the Pattaya Park Tower. Located in the complex of the same name, a host of family fun is on offer such as a water park, a roller coaster and many other rides and activities to keep young ones happy.

There are dozens of parks, museums and shows suitable for families like the Underwater World Pattaya Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Elephant Village, Pattaya Crocodile Farm and many more.
A day tip off-shore to Koh Larn offers the best beaches
A day trip off-shore to Koh Larn offers the best beaches

One advantage of Pattaya’s location is the easy access to groups of small islands just a few kilometres from the mainland. To escape the crowdedness of Pattaya Beach and experience clear blue waves, head to nearby Koh Larn, easily accessible by ferry. After the 45-minute ride, you’ll be padding across any one of the idyllic white sand beaches away from Pattaya’s bustle.

Thousands of westerners call Pattaya home, and as such there are plenty of western sport and leisure activities available. Golf is understandably popular with residents and visitors, and there are no less than 21 golf courses in and around the city.

As you would expect from a city that earns its keep predominantly with tourism, there is no shortage of dining options to satisfy you after you’ve worked up an appetite taking in the sights and sounds of the city, or after you’ve spent the day recovering from the previous night’s revelries. Virtually any type of international cuisine is available as well as all the local Thai specialties you could hope to find. Prices vary greatly depending on where you eat, so any palette or budget should have no trouble finding solace in gastronomy here.

When the sun sets, a trip up the hill of Khao Pratamnak affords great panoramic views which are all the more beautiful with the setting sun over the ocean. Depending on what you spent the day doing, you could call it an early night, or will curiosity get the best of you and lead you down ‘the strip’ to take in the neon clutter of pubs, clubs and go-go bars? Be warned that a taste of Pattaya’s naughty nightlife could turn you into one of Pattaya’s favourite statistics: two out of every three visitors extend their stay in this ‘sin city’.