Golf
The hills around Pattaya are known for their great courses, with many international-class greens in a short 40km (25-mile) radius of the city. Caddy fees are reasonable, around 250B (US$7/£3.85), and golf carts are usually compulsory, but rationally priced. Among the recommended are:
Burapha Golf Club, 281 Moo 4, Tambon Bung, Sri Racha (tel. 03837-2700), is the home of numerous tournaments. Greens fees are 2,000B (US$57/£31) on weekdays; weekends 2,500B (US$71/£38); 600B (US$24/£9.25) 2-person golf cart.
Laem Chabang International Country Club, 106/8 Moo 4 Tambon Bung, Sri Racha (tel. 03837-2273, dial 0), has three 18-hole courses (A, B, and C) designed by Jack Nicklaus and very dramatic scenery. Greens fees are 2,500B (US$71/£38) weekdays; weekends 3,000B (US$86/£46).
Siam Country Club, 50 Tambol Pong, Banglamung (tel. 03824-9381; fax 03824-9387), is a short hop from Pattaya and is said to be one of the country's most challenging courses. Greens fees are 2,500B (US$71/£38) weekdays; 3,000B (US$87/£46) weekends.
Watersports
For those who come to Pattaya to do more than party, there is plenty on offer, particularly when it comes to watersports. Pattaya's less than pristine beaches are a good excuse to head to outlying areas where the conditions are more inviting. Day trips to nearby islands such as Koh Khrok, Koh Lan, and Koh Sok start at 1,000B (US$28/£15) per head on a full boat (more for a private charter). To go to far-out Bamboo Island, it will cost you a bit more -- about 2,800B (US$80/£43). Paragliding around the bay behind a motorboat is a popular beachfront activity and a 5-minute flight costs from 300B (US$8.50/£4.60).
Jomtien Beach hosts windsurfing and sea kayaking; boards and boats are rented along the beach for 800B (US$23/£12) per hour.
Pattaya is a good place to learn to scuba dive. It has a number of reputable dive companies with PADI- and NAUI-certified instructors. The underwater visibility is consistently good, so the sport can be done year-round. There are a few dive sites near the islands, just offshore in Pattaya Bay, as well as Koh Si Chang to the north -- once famous as the summer playground of foreign ambassadors to Siam during the 19th century -- and Sattahip to the south, with diving to a depth of 40m (131 ft.). Adventure Divers, 391/77 78 Moo 10 Tappraya Rd. (tel. 03836-4453; www.pattayadivers.com), is one of many PADI-certified companies offering daily trips and courses for all levels.
