Pattaya has been in a construction frenzy the past two years, on all fronts and much more development is planned. Pattaya and its sister resort of Jomtien are seeing a flurry of new hotels, luxury condominiums and top quality housing estates.

Hotel development is always a good indicator of economic progression and many major hotels have now opened their doors with their first entry into this town. Many beachside towers have been built in Wongamat (North Pattaya), on Jomtien Beach and further south in Najomtien, with just a couple erected in Pattaya City itself.

Although Chonburi city is the formal administrative centre of the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya remains the logical hub for the region. It contains the major shopping and entertainment venues, service businesses, many international schools and several international hospitals, and beautiful beaches.

Pattaya has a 3 kilometer curved shaped beach with refreshing tropical greenery. The northern area is more tranquil and used mostly by the locals.

Jomtien beach with its six kilometers of palm-lined golden sands and warm turquoise seas, gives you the impression of being in paradise. The beaches here have everything for the perfect Thailand holiday, from water sports to sunbathing, sampling the delicious locally caught seafood or treating yourself to a relaxing Thai massage.

Most establishments close late, and the dedicated bargain hunter can find all of Thailand's best buys, gems and jewelry, tailor-made clothing, handicrafts and more.

There are several large westernized stores. Lotus, Big C and Carrefour are the superstores. While Foodland and Tops are well stocked supermarkets. Royal Garden Plaza, Mike Shopping Mall, Central Festival Center, Outlet Mall are for higher fashion shopping, and places for daytime socialising.

Pattaya probably has more beer bars per square kilometre than any other city in Thailand. The nightlife centre is South Pattaya, with its long promenade facing the bay plus the famous Walking Street. By night, Pattaya comes into its own. World-class shows, all the latest films and enough bars and night clubs to keep you entertained into the wee hours!

For the golfer, it is heaven. You have no other place in Thailand where you can find such a density of golf courses. Pattaya has more than 20 fine golf courses within an hours drive. Most of them have been designed by great names like Nick Faldo, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus... Most of golf courses provide trained caddies, foot massage and spa treatments, at rates unmatched by any in Europe, the US and most Asian countries.

Over 1,540,000 visitors stayed in 4-5 star hotels in 2005, representing a 28% increase over the previous year. The tourism Authority of Thailand reports 4,500,000 visitors coming to Pattaya in 2005 and 2006, an increase of 25% from 2003.

There is plenty to keep the children happily occupied. There is also everything for the sports enthusiast, for couples of all ages seeking rest and relaxation and for those who are simply looking for warm sunshine. There are currently 3 international hospitals with a capacity of 430 beds and it will soon increase by 200 extra beds. International Regent's School has a branch in Pattaya with a capacity of 750 students.