Pattaya Hotels for Family Vacations

Nestling on the eastern seaboard of Thailand, the city of Pattaya earned worldwide fame for its picture-perfect beaches, offshore islands, vibrant nightlife, beachfront Pattaya hotels, exciting activities and attractions. The appeal of Pattaya lies in the fact that it has something interesting in store for each of its visitors, irrespective of their preference and age. Unique mix of urban convenience, natural beauty and traditional charm makes Pattaya an ideal getaway for families.

Pattaya’s reputation as the region’s sex capital is discouraging families to visit this picturesque beach town. Not all of Pattaya is seedy and sleazy. All that you need to know are the areas to keep off, to enjoy a memorable family vacation in Pattaya. Local administration is trying hard to change the city’s dirty image and rebrand it as a family destination. This has led to more family-friendly Pattaya hotels and activities and attractions for kids. Walking Street is the main entertainment hub in South Pattaya filled with discos, massage parlors, go-go bars and strip clubs. If you are uncomfortable by the sight of tawdrily-dressed girls, it is better to avoid Walking Street.

Pattaya hotels are plentiful in a wide range of budgets based on their location, facilities and access to public transportation. The best of Pattaya hotels are by the seaside along the main beach road. Most of city’s attractions, modern shopping malls, nightlife venues and entertainment arcades are nearby. Holiday Inn, Sheraton Pattaya Resort, Amari Orchid, Dusit Thani and Siam Bay View Hotel are some of the hi-end hotels in this area. Even though located bang in the middle of the wild big party, that is Pattaya, these luxury hotels are completely shielded from blaring music and glaring bars. They offer hordes of entertainment and activities on-site in addition to family-friendly facilities and services such as kid’s club, kid’s pool, play area and babysitting. Though expensive, these hotels offer advantages of prime beachfront location, easy accessibility to Pattaya’s attractions and excellent amenities.

However, most families prefer quieter and uncrowded beaches such as Jomtien, Naklua or Wong Amat. Jomtien Beach is barely three kilometers from Pattaya Beach and is cleaner and more peaceful. This 6-km long beach is ideal for relaxing and water activities like wind surfing. Beach road has hordes of sea-facing hotels, condos, bungalows and restaurants. Compared to Pattaya Beach hotels, those at Jomtien are less expensive. Rabbit Resort with its villa-style accommodation, Pattaya Park Hotel having its own water park and large family suites and Royal Cliff Beach Resort offering world-class facilities and services are among the best in Jomtien. More options are Ocean Marina Yacht Club Hotel, Dor Shada Hotel, Jasmina Pool Villa at Na Jomtien and Aiyaree Place Hotel.

Naklua is a small beach among the giants and this has been helpful in escaping the greedy eyes of developers. With crystal-clear water and pristine beach, Naklua is a favorite base for visiting families. Beach activities available include swimming, bathing and windsurfing. Centara Grand Pattaya is one of the newly opened hotels in Naklua. Built around a family-friendly theme of ‘the lost world’, Centara Grand Pattaya has all luxuries and comforts extended by hi-end hotels including kids club. Other accommodation choices in Naklua are The Zign Premium Villa, Z through by the Zign Hotel, Garden Cliff Resort & Spa and Tsix5 Hotel.

Wong Amat is a 3-km beach curving smoothly at the far northern tip of Pattaya Bay headland. Accessible only from Naklua, Wong Amat Beach is devoid of water sports activities and pestering hawkers as in other more popular beaches. However, it is ideal for lazing around, enjoying the warmth of the tropical sun and soaking up beautiful ocean vistas. Deck chairs are easily available for hire and the beach has some open-air local restaurants. Pullman Pattaya Aisawan Resort is one of the few offering private beach facilities in Pattaya. A perfect choice for tourists seeking luxury, comfort and privacy, this resort extends lavishly-appointed guestrooms with modern amenities and excellent services. Family-friendly features here include wading pool for kids, kid’s club and babysitting services. Wongamat Privacy Residence is a hotel-cum-serviced apartment complex offering large living spaces and facilities such as tennis courts, theme garden, swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Long Beach Garden Hotel & Spa, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort and Long Beach Pavilion are the other choices available at Wong Amat for visiting families.

Tourists seeking budget accommodation without compromising on luxury, comfort and quality of service can opt to stay away from beaches. There are many Pattaya hotels offering clean and comfortable accommodation with family-friendly features, a short drive away from Pattaya’s beach road. Besides being affordable, these hotels are situated in quieter neighborhood and have facilities like swimming pool and gym to lure guests. Serene Sands Health Resort, Mike Garden Resort Hotel, Cholchan Pattaya Resort, The Chase & Foxlea Executive Villas and Bella Villa Cabana are a few good choices in the affordable range.

Pattaya Hill is another excellent location for tourists willing to stay away from beaches. This small hill to the south of Pattaya Beach is easily accessible by an asphalt road. It has a naval radio station, a Buddha statue and a monument to commemorate the Father of Thai navy. The hilltop presents panoramic views of the bay and the city. Royal Wing & Spa, an ultra-luxury all-suites hotel atop the hill offers highly personalized service and over-the-top facilities such as private free-form swimming pool set amid landscaped garden. Emerald Palace, Royal Cliff Terrace, The Grand Heritage Beach Resort & Spa and Baan Souy Resort are the mid-range accommodation choices at Pattaya Hill.

There are more choices in Pattaya hotels for tourists keen on trying out-of-the-way places. The Twin Palms Resort located on the beautiful beach of Pattaya Klang, X2 Rayong Resort on the secluded beach of Laem Mae Phim and Banito Beach Resort on Baan-Krud Beach are ideal for those looking forward to enjoying a peaceful tropical beach vacation away from crowded touristy beaches.