
When families are tossing around ideas for a great summer family holiday destination or a long weekend family getaway, some places naturally appear at the top of the list. These places provide everything the family needs to stay engaged and happy throughout their holiday.
Popular family holiday destinations often come to mind when planning summer vacations or weekend getaways.
Right at the top of these family vacation ideas is the beachside resort town of Pattaya, and a stay at a family hotel in Pattaya.
What Makes Pattaya Special?
Pattaya is a sunny resort town along the Gulf Coast of Thailand, about a two-hour drive southeast from Bangkok. Its prime location near two international airports—Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya—makes it a top summer family holiday destination; U-Tapao is less than an hour from Pattaya.
Popular Family Vacation Idea
Pattaya is a growing favourite among visitors with children searching for affordable, family-friendly beach resorts with nearby attractions and comfortable accommodations.
Pattaya ticks all the boxes for a fun, convenient, and affordable holiday along the sunny shores of the Gulf of Thailand.
The town is increasingly popular as a family destination, with the ongoing growth and establishment of family-friendly activities and attractions in and around central Pattaya. The attractions can all be reached in under an hour's drive or less. These attractions include:
Day Trip to Koh Larn
Take the family on an island adventure trip to the beautiful tropical island of Koh Larn, just off the coast of Pattaya. A convenient ferry runs between the Bali Hai Pier at the south end of Pattaya Beach and the island all day long. Enjoy beautiful beaches and jungle hikes for your family exploring this island.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Your kids will be thrilled to learn they can meet the world-famous Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo. Moo Deng lives at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya. The zoo features over 8,000 animals from 300 species in an open, sustainable environment that encompasses almost 2,000 acres.
Underwater World Pattaya
Underwater World is a kid-friendly aquarium in Pattaya. It offers the younger family members different exhibits where they can see marine life up close and even touch docile sea creatures. The aquarium is divided into six zones, each offering a different educational experience for visitors.
Golf Courses in Pattaya
Pattaya and the surrounding area are also home to over 25 golf courses, including the championship courses at Siam Country Club. The area is also often the site of the Thailand leg of the LPGA Tour. Pattaya is the ideal destination for a couple’s getaway golf weekend or a family's introduction to the sport of golf for their kids.
The Beaches of Pattaya

The greater Pattaya area has three beaches, which together provide almost endless stretches of white sand and plenty of watersports. Wong Amat Beach is in Northern Pattaya and offers a quieter beach experience, ideal for basking. Pattaya Beach is the central beach of the city. It offers parasailing adventures, jet-skis, and speedboat charters to local islands like Koh Larn or Koh Sak.
Jomtien Beach offers sailing and windsurfing lessons, stand-up paddleboard lessons, banana boat rides, parasailing, jet-skis and plenty of roped-off swimming areas watched over by vigilant lifeguards.
Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches can also be the scene of sandcastle-building contests, volleyball and beach games, and an annual jet-ski racing competition. Both beaches also feature hundreds of restaurants and food stalls for hungry families. For your comfort, there are also shaded beach chairs you can rent along the beaches.
Tip for an Easy Family Holiday in Pattaya
The number one tip to make your family's life easier and access all the beaches is to use Pattaya's convenient public transportation system, commonly referred to as the "Baht Bus."
These converted pick-up trucks with seating in the back have regular routes that travel along Pattaya and Jomtien beaches and around the city of Pattaya. Depending on the distance travelled, they cost only 10 to 20 baht per person. They make it fast and easy to travel to many popular Pattaya destinations.
Book an Exciting Family Holiday in Pattaya

Holiday Inn Pattaya is the ideal destination for a fun and exciting family holiday. We have five spacious room types, including a spacious family room and 2-bedroom suites with sea views. Many of our rooms offer access to the privileges of our Executive Club. Guests of the Executive Club will enjoy a free breakfast daily, drinks and refreshments served all day long, unique cocktails and canapes served every evening, and free high-speed internet.
Holiday Inn Pattaya is designed for family comfort and enjoyment. We feature a dedicated Kids’ Club with supervised activities, a family swimming pool, and a mini water park.
With our range of excellent deals, like our Pattaya Family Getaway Package, and the “Kids Stay and Eat Free” programme, booking a family holiday at Holiday Inn Pattaya can also save money on your holiday. Plan your next family escape with us—book your beachfront stay at Holiday Inn Pattaya today!