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Pattaya does not have the most pristine beaches in Thailand, but its beaches are among the most vibrant and active for tourists. There is no shortage of things to do and see when you spend time on the beaches of Pattaya. You can scuba dive, kitesurf, windsurf, water ski, and just plain enjoy the warm waters at hand. Be cautious, however, about unknown and dirty objects that are sometimes found in the water and on the beach itself. There are local beach cleaners who generally pick up garbage and other objects each morning, but it is still a good idea to keep your eyes open in case they miss something.
The range of attractions and activities in Pattaya are not limited to the water, however. Holiday travellers can spend the day playing golf, racing go-karts, target shooting, or take a scenic horseback ride into the surrounding areas. While Pattaya is not generally thought of as a "family" type of holiday destination, this is not the case. There are of course some attractions intended for adults, but there are plenty of things for families to do as well. For instance, there is Underwater World Aquarium that features a variety of fish and other marine animals from throughout the Gulf of Thailand. There is also the Pattaya Elephant Village that demonstrates how elephants are used for both work and play by the people of the region.
It is at night, however, that Pattaya really comes to life. All along the beaches, people gather at night and well into the early morning hours to enjoy music, dancing, and all sorts of other nightlife activities. There are literally hundreds of local go-go bars, beer bars, dance clubs, and the like. It is not unusual for the streets to be filled with people going from one bar or club to another in a steady progression of trying to experience as much night time fun as possible.
One of the seedier sides of Pattaya is the plentiful assortment of prostitutes, both male and female, who can be quite assertive about offering their services. Beware of accepting drinks from unknown people and don't stray off the main streets at night. With some basic caution and safety practices, it is easy to have a great time in Pattaya at night without risking your safety or security.
Massage parlours and shops are plentiful in Pattaya as well. The services offered can vary widely, with some offering sexual activities and others keeping everything professional and non-sexual. Most of the nicer hotels in Pattaya have in-house massage and spa therapy facilities, and it is well worth the time and money to enjoy a little pampering in one of these reputable spas. You will emerge relaxed, refreshed, and feeling better than you ever thought possible.
There are no commercial airlines serving Pattaya locally, so to get there you will first need to fly into Bangkok via Suvarnabhumi International Airport. From there you can rent a car and drive to Pattaya (which takes about two hours or so), take a 1st class bus from the airport to North Pattaya Road bus centre, or use one of the minibus shuttle services. Check with your hotel before you arrive in Pattaya, because many of the larger ones offer discounted or even complimentary shuttle service from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to their facilities.
Wiki:- Pattaya
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