Pattaya is another large city nestled on the shores of the Bay of Bangkok, approximately 165km southeast of the capital. There is a wide variety of things to do here and excellent beaches—a great destination for all ages. It boasts many hotels and other forms of accommodation and excellent tour facilities. It has 21 golf courses, various day trips and island cruises, amusement parks, shopping, scuba diving and legendary nightlife.

There’s an excellent day trip, 170km to the north, offered by The Flight of the Gibbon adventure tours, where you can experience a 3-kilometer ride through the longest stretch of forest canopy in Thailand. At Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens 18km away, there’s a great attraction that allows you to get up close to elephants and other animals. It also features traditional Thai culture and dance shows, a mini zoo, sports car collection and botanical gardens.

The Khan Kheow Open Zoo is devoted to animal conservation and research, and the zoo itself provides plenty of space for animals to roam freely. Also worth a visit is the Prasat Sut Ja Tum, or Sanctuary of Truth. A billionaire established this on-going project to illustrate the four major influences on Thai culture. In addition to offering cultural displays, the centrepiece of this site has to be the extraordinary temple, which is being intricately carved by 250 craftsmen and is not expected to be completed until 2025.

Pattaya itself also offers excellent shopping at The Avenue and Royal Garden Plaza. There is a vibrant nightlife with venues like Tiffany’s and Alcazar. If you fancy something a little spicier, then there’s the Walking Street in Pattaya with its loud music, clubs and bars.