Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach, a renowned tourist beach on Thailand's Gulf coast, is about an hour south of all the attractions in Bangkok. The most prominent feature is the hillside temple perched above the sand. The once-fishing community has been transformed with resorts and commerce. Among them are large establishments such as the creative Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa and the fashionable Royal Wing Suites & Spa.

This is an excellent beach for water sports such as parasailing and Jet Skiing, which are not available on smaller beaches. Pattaya Beach, like other beaches near Bangkok, can get busy at times but is still great if you prefer wandering along the crescent coastline or promenade area. Pattaya Beach is best visited between March and May, when the weather is usually pleasant but there are fewer people.