Pattaya, located on the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand, is a city known for its beaches, entertainment, and vibrant nightlife. Once a quiet fishing village, Pattaya transformed into a bustling resort city in the 1960s after the arrival of American servicemen from nearby U-Tapao Airbase. The city encompasses several beachfront areas including Pattaya Beach, fringed by palm trees and lined with bustling hotels, shopping malls, night markets, bars, and restaurants. A little to the south, Jomtien Beach is favored for water sports and a more relaxed atmosphere. Beyond the sand, Pattaya offers attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, a large wooden temple intricately carved with religious iconography, and the Walking Street packed with clubs and bars. For family fun, Pattaya has water parks and the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden which features themed gardens and elephant shows. Aside from tourism, the city has a growing expatriate community and has developed into a regional business hub, with the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate contributing to its economy.
