Pattaya was a sleepy little fishing village until about 1960, when it was ‘discovered’ by a group of American servicemen on R&R (rest & recreation) break from their army base in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The allure of the pristine waters and beaches, complemented by the gentle and genuine service that give Thailand the moniker ‘Land of Smiles’, provided such a great experience that the GIs spread the word when they returned to camp. Subsequent groups of servicemen who had headed for Pattaya also raved about it. Their enthusiastic descriptions and recommendations helped fuel the steady increase in visitor numbers over the decades.

Facilities like modern accommodation, restaurants and bars, and tourist agencies may have sprung up in recent years, but Pattaya retains much of its easy-going, laid-back charm – a charm continues to attract hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seekers every year.

Pattaya comprises three must-visit areas for holiday-makers seeking the perfect beach – Pattaya Beach (central Pattaya), where Fraser Resort Pattaya is located, Jomtien Beach (to the south), and Naklua Beach (to the north).

Among the favourite activities in Pattaya are island exploration, snorkelling and diving; many local travel agencies offer guided day trips out to sea. For coral viewing, don’t miss Ko Lan, the small islets of Ko Krok and Ko Sak, as well as the Ko Phai group of islands.

Golfers have a choice of over 10 well-maintained courses, including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Laem Chabang International, Khao Kheow Golf Club, and Siam Golf Club; the last club is often said to have the finest and most difficult courses in Thailand with its mature trees, narrow fairways, multiple bunkers, water hazards and dramatic holes.