On the Gulf of Thailand, the resort of Pattaya was developed in 1968 and has evolved into a major tourist destination. Pattaya attracts more visitors than anywhere else in Thailand, save Bangkok. Those who haven't been there in the past 20 years will hardly recognize this 5-mi-/8-km-long beach. Though some of the newer properties are stunning, construction has gotten out of hand—too many new hotels and apartments line the shore now. Because of sewage runoff, the main beach along the strip is periodically unsuitable for swimming, but outlying beach areas are still OK for swimming and other watersports. What is euphemistically called bachelor nightlife—and more graphically acknowledged as sex tourism—is the main attraction for many visitors. We recommend avoiding the place—there are other beach areas that are much nicer than Pattaya.
If you decide to visit, take the glass-bottomed boat to see the coral off the nearby island of Ko Laan. Ko Lin and Ko Pai also offer good diving. Both islands are about an hour's boat ride away. Jomtien Beach, 4 mi/6 km away, is excellent, although it, too, has experienced some growing pains and has many, many condominiums. Mini Siam, on Pattaya's outskirts, has more than 100 miniatures of Thailand's major sights, and a nice excursion can be made to the Nong Nooch Orchid Wonderland, a 500-acre/200-hectare private garden full of beautiful orchids and rare palm trees. Cultural shows are also staged there. Pattaya can be reached by public bus and train; check to see if hydrofoil service has resumed. 100 mi/160 km south of Bangkok.
