Unlike Bangkok, Pattaya has no magical mystery hidden in aesthetic corners, and it makes no pretence of being anything more than what it is: – an unbeatable combination of essential, thoroughly satisfying holiday ingredients.

Looking closer, it is not hard to see why. Pattaya is comfortably accessible from Bangkok in just over 2 hours on an excellent highway, thus avoiding the added expense of air connections, as is the case with Phuket and Samui.

Even so, it has its own airport at Utapao, formerly built to handle B52’s during the Vietnam War, can accept wide-bodied long haul charter aircraft such as 747’s with ease.

It enjoys year-round sunshine, and suffers few of the extreme weather conditions that can ruin holidays elsewhere. The cost of comparable accommodation in Pattaya is generally less expensive than Phuket and Samui, which makes it excellent value for money.

Furthermore, it features almost every water and land-based sporting activity you can think of, boasts excellent restaurants, good entertainment, and countless leisure pursuits.

The bottom line is that nobody can possibly be bored in Pattaya. One last aspect perfects the appeal – numerous offshore islands with deserted beaches.

This makes it possible to combine ’Robinson Crusoe’ activities with all the fun of Asia’s premiere beach resort. Similarly, a short drive takes you into all the pleasures of the Thai countryside, and there are many worthwhile excursions to places of interest, including trips to Bangkok, which can be done comfortably in a day.