The islands closest to Pattaya, Ko Lan and Ko Sak are just 45 minutes away by boat (most travel agents, and even some hotels, will be able to help organise a boat for an excursion). Both isles are beautifully green, with picturesque fishing villages and clear seas, ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving- you’ll come across some great coral formations, and lots of marine life.

Another East Coast beach resort slightly inland and set amongst the hills is Bang Saen,older than Pattaya but still extremely popular with Bangkok residents. It’s a day’s outing from Pattaya, and has a number of attractions to recommend it- it has a water amusement theme park, the Marine Science Centre aquarium, and the Khao Keo Open Zoo. If you’ve got children along, this is the perfect place to bring them.

Rayong, also on the mainland, lies further south of Pattaya, and is much quieter and smaller than Pattaya. It’s best known for the nearby Ban Phe fishing village, and the offshore Ko Samet Island, which has some of the loveliest coral reefs and clear waters around- excellent for scuba diving and snorkelling. Rayong itself is a very pretty place and great for a quiet, relaxed holiday.

Other nearby destinations offer good getaways from Pattaya, such as the islands of Ko Kai, Ko Man Wichai and Ko Man Nok, all of which are in Rayong province and very suitable for anyone who’s looking for something different.