For those who think Pattaya is a nightlife center and only comes alive at night, check out the extreme sports available to add excitement to your days.
If water sports are your interest, there's wind surfing, and kite surfing. You can windsurf all year round, but the ideal time of the year is January to end of March, when there are moderate west to south west winds around 8 to 12 knots. For kitesurfing (or kiteboarding) enthusiasts, the best time is March to June when there's moderate south westerly winds and low tides making wide beaches, which are ideal conditions for novices.
Windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons are held at the Blue Lagoon Watersports Club, on Jomtien south beach. The area is reserved for wind powered sports only, so there's no annoying jetskis to contend with! The waters in the Pattaya area are safe. During the wind season there are no jellyfish or sea urchins and there has never been a shark attack recorded in Thailand!
Windsurfing lessons are given by Amara Watersports, owned by Ex World Champion Windsurfer Amara Wichithong. If kiteboarding is your sport, there are several courses, from a 4 hour introduction to a which will prepare you for your first ride on the water, to a 3 day course that will make you a separate kite boarder.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, Pattaya offers a host of diving activities and good diving conditions all year round. Diving trips to Pattaya's Islands are available every day. Pattaya is Thailand's wreck diving capital, you can choose from several wreck diving courses. If you're an experienced diver, then consider a specialized course like underwater photography or a technical diving course like a rebreather course (no bubbles so you do not frighten the fish!) Or a cave diving course.
Adventures in the air abound in Pattaya, learn to fly an ultralight, or a paraglider, or if jumping out of plane appeals to you, there are several skydiving courses available. A great way to start is with a tandem skydive. There's all the thrill and sensation of free fall, as you enjoy a panoramic view of the world below you. As you travel through the air, an expert skydiver is in control, managing the parachute and bringing you safely to earth.
Paragliding allows you to float on thermals and soar like a bird across the countryside, in a silent and effortless fashion. Courses from beginner to advanced pilots are available. Paramotoring courses are also available.
For the adrenaline junkies, Pattaya has two bungee jump locations. Take a ride to the top of a 50 meter tower and leap towards the earth in the knowledge a bungy cord will stop you before you reach the lake below!
If you're a speed freak, you'll love the bike track days at Bira International Raceway. Your bike is a powerful but controllable, race bred Suzuki GSXR-750. On site specialists help you set up the bike to suit your style of racing, and ensure you have a fun filled day!