On Jul 31, Pattaya will welcome the Cartoon Network Amazone (038-237-707, www.cartoonnetworkamazone.com) themed waterpark in relatively unspoiled Bang Saray, opposite Suan Nong Nooch. It will feature numerous water rollercoasters, slides, rafting adventures and a large wave pool. There’ll also be live shows and meet and greet sessions with Cartoon Network’s popular characters such as Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and The Amazing World of Gumball. Day passes are B1,290 for Thai nationals and residents and B890 for children and seniors over 65 years old. Annual passes are now available online at special rates. Membership includes privileges like birthday perks and discounts at the F&B outlets. 

 

If you fancy a more intense water park adventure, check out Splash Down water park (092-228-6065, www.splashdownwaterparkpattaya.com), which opened last year and is known as the location where the popular TV game show Wipeout is filmed. Sat on eight rai of land near Bira International Circuit, the waterpark offers nine stations of water-obstacle games like the world’s tallest inflatable waterslide (50ft high) and those infamous big red balls to try and bounce across. Though the main area is for adults and teenagers only, there is a kids zone for kids smaller than 120cm. The park has a restaurant, a mini-mart and a bar. Tickets are B650 per person for Thai residents, B1,500 for tourists and B200 for people who enter the park without playing any games. Helmets, life vests and safety shoes are provided. Open daily from 9am-6pm. 

 

 

Though Pattaya is not famous for its beaches, it does have quite a few beautiful islands close by. The most popular is Koh Larn, set 30 minutes by boat from Pattaya’s Bali Hai pier. The ferry service runs every 1.5 to two hours starting from 7am to 6.30pm daily and the fare is B30 per person. A speedboat service is also available at about B1,500-B2,000 per trip. The island is not just popular because it’s convenient to get to, though, but is also home to a few long stretches of beaches with clean white sand and clear seas. Among the island’s most beautiful beaches are Ta Waen and Samae. Activities include para sailing, banana boat riding, jet skiing or just exploring the island on a motorbike. As there are a number of resorts on the island, you can spend a night here or just enjoy a day out and take the last ferry which leaves at 6pm back to Pattaya.

 

Another island near Pattaya is Koh Kham in Sattahip district. Under the management of the Royal Thai Navy (tinyurl.com/kr5fmzh, 038-422-170), the island is well preserved and only open for ecotourism from November to April, 9am-4pm on Sat-Sun and public holidays. Visitors are not allowed to stay on the island so you can only spend a day out there and catch the boat back at either 1pm or 4pm. Though it’s close to Pattaya, Koh Kham has nice white sandy beaches, clear water, abundant coral reefs and numerous marine creatures. Activities include snorkeling, coral reef viewing from a glass-bottom boat, swimming in the sea off the island’s northern beach and exploring the island’s untouched environment.

 

 

There are many fun water sports to enjoy in Pattaya like para sailing, banana boat riding and jet skiing. In addition, its gentle seas and many secluded bays make it a popular destination for sailing all year round. In fact, the coastal city has attracted a large number of local and international sailors and is home to a vibrant yachting community and several yacht clubs. The best-known ones are Ocean Marina Yacht Club (038-237-310, www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com) and Royal Varuna Yacht Club (038-250-116, www.varuna.org). Every year Pattaya hosts one of Asia’s largest sailing events, the Top of The Gulf Regatta (www.topoftheulfregatta.com), held in May, drawing more than 250 boats and 700 sailors from more than 20 countries to the event. Another big annual event in Pattaya is the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, held in November, featuring over 100 national and international exhibitors representing many of the world’s leading yacht and luxury brands.

 

 

One of the best spots to enjoy the sunset views has to be the Horizon restaurant and bar at the Hilton Pattaya (038-253-000, www.pattaya.hilton.com). Set on the 34th floor above CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, the stylish rooftop bar has a striking design and décor, offering panoramic views of Pattaya Bay. From 5-7pm daily, it offers a one-for-one deal on beers and signature cocktails (starting from B380), including classics like mojito, cosmopolitan and Singapore sling. For a Sunday brunch, drop by Mantra restaurant and bar (038-429-591, www.mantra-pattaya.com), which has an eclectic décor over two floors. Every Sunday from 11am-3pm, the restaurant offers an extensive international buffet where you’ll find dishes like foie gras, sirloin steaks, prime roasts, cold cuts and seafood such as Alaskan king crabs and oysters. B1,690 per person (and additional B1,490 for the wine buffet).