Pattaya

Pattaya is one of Southeast Asia's most famous resorts, a no-holds-barred party hub with something for everyone, from young travellers in search of a wild night out through to families. In Thailand this mainland resort town is also, of course, notorious for its extensive sex-for-sale scene, though there is far more to Pattaya than the nefarious nightlife options. The resort boasts its own sweeping beach, a variety of watersports, decent scuba diving options and myriad day trip opportunities. One of the slickest and most developed resorts in the country, Pattaya is well used to dealing with the needs of all holidaymakers.

Given its proximity to the capital, Bangkok, it is no surprise that a bustling resort has developed here. Bangkok's sex industry spilled over into Pattaya decades ago, though these days it is a fully-fledged resort that caters for all types of Western Europeans, ranging from 18-35 year-olds looking for a party holiday through to families.

The resort of Pattaya lies in the east of Thailand in Chonburi Province, just to the south of the Thai capital, Bangkok. Pattaya lies in the Gulf of Thailand, which is a branch of the Indian Ocean. The main resort beach rests on the Gulf of Pattaya. The nearest airport is Bangkok International (BKK).

The main beach of Hat Pattaya curves around the Bay of Pattaya. Along its sandy sweep are myriad things to see and do for holidaymakers with souvenir stalls, food stands, bars and a choice of watersports. Hat Jomtien just to the south is a relatively quieter option, while Hat Naklua to the north is the most family-friendly beach.

If you want to do more than swim there are a number of scuba dive options, including PADI diving courses for beginners. More experienced divers can enjoy wreck dives. On land the Pattaya Elephant Village (54/1 Moo 2, Tambol Nong Prue) (website: www.elephant-village-pattaya.com) offers the chance to take in an elephant show or enjoy a ride on one of the pachyderms.

Ripley's Believe it or Not (Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Moo, 10 Beach Road) (website: www.ripleysthailand.com) is a good distraction for adults looking to keep young ones at bay. This collection of oddities will set young minds ticking, at least for a little while. Of the beaches, Hat Naklua is the most family-friendly.

The most obvious retail activities in Pattaya are of the human variety, but the beaches and the streets that lead off the main beach at Hat Pattaya are also home to souvenir stands with all sorts of cheesy items such as plastic Buddhas and stylised images of the country. The Royal Garden Plaza has a number of more organised shops.

Pattaya's nightlife is legendary, but it is certainly not for the fainthearted. There are streets full of girlie bars and more formal establishments, catering for both men and women. Pattaya's nightlife, though, is not just based around sex and sleaze, with a string of bars and cafés offering tamer evenings. Many families choose just to spend their evenings with a meal at their hotels.

Most of the better hotels boast their own restaurants where a range of international cuisines are available. Many holidaymakers also choose to sample the local cuisine - the most interesting places to try this is at the street food stalls that are found around the main beach area. Here fresh seafood and various Thai treats are cooked in front of your eyes. There are more formal restaurants dotted around the resort where Thai food is also available.

Although there are regular inter-regional services, the local bus service in this resort is not extensive. The most popular ways of getting around are by using the atmospheric little tuk-tuks (the local motorbike taxis) or the rough and ready sawngthaew (the truck-like local minibuses used all over Thailand). It is also possible to hire motorbikes and cars.

A trio of islands, Ko Larn, Ko Krok and Ko Sak, tempt visitors just offshore. The options are to either take an organised day trip with an operator or to go it alone and arrange a transfer on one of the boats that regularly service the islands from Pattaya. Once on the islands there is little to do bar take it easy and enjoy a rest away from the bustling streets of Pattaya. The snorkelling can be good too for those wanting to do more than swim.

There are numerous places to try the local seafood in Pattaya, but few are as good as Aloha (Pattaya Road 2). Here you can savour the fresh catch of the day or some juicy local lobster served how you like it. A good place to head for a romantic night out or just a more special meal than those offered at the street stalls.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)