Pattaya misses no opportunity for taking full advantage of its sandy beaches, a warm sparkling sea and year-round sunshine. There are ample provisions for all kinds of water-sports - sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, water cable skiing, para-sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. On shore activities are equally extensive and the choice includes tennis, badminton. Motor racing, go-karting, shooting, ten pin bowling and snooker.

Not only are the facilities available, there is also expert instruction for some sports. Complete beginners can, for example, take a course in scuba diving and gain a proficiency certificate during a week's stay. Experts are also on hand to teach the skills of windsurfing.

True to its city status, Pattaya, unlike other beach resorts, show no slackening of pace after sundown. Evenings are as full of fun as the day, with a wide selection of fine dining, entertainment and shopping.

Excellent restaurants abound throughout Pattaya, and as varied as the venues are the menus. Fresh succulent seafood is of course a favorite, although visitors can relish an international array of culinary delights. After dinner options include open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows and disco. The nightlife center is South Pattaya, popularly known as "The Strip", but if this is a trifle brash and noisy for some taste, there are alternative, quieter spots for a more relaxed evening.

Golfer's Paradise

Thailand is fast gaining a well-deserved reputation as a golfer's paradise. Some of the kingdom's finest course are to be found near Pattaya. A short drive from the beach leads into some wonderful golfing country. Bang Phra International Golf Club, Panya Resort, Siam Country Club, Royal Thai Navy Golf Club and Bang Pa Kong Riverside Country Club all offer excellent 18-hole, par-72 courses, as do the more recently opened Rayong Green Valley Country Club, Phoenix Golf & Country Club and Eastern Star Golf & Country Club. Visiting golfers can take great delight in any and all of these international-standard courses, where they will find a challenging game amid the most picturesque natural scenery. Matching the quality of play are attentive caddies and deluxe clubhouse facilities.