Pattaya is a beach area located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya is the party center of Thailand. Filled with overcrowded beaches, sex tourism, drunk travelers and overpriced stores, Pattaya definitely shows the worst of Thailand. Would I go back to Pattaya? No. Am I glad I went? Yes.

Where To Stay
To be within walking distance of the action in Pattaya, stay in the Jomtien Beach area. During my stay in this city, I stayed at several accommodations of varying prices. Lodging prices in Pattaya start at 300 THB.

Things To Do

• Khao Phra Tamnak
  Accessible from the southern tip of Walking Street, there is a huge golden Buddha that sits atop a hill overlooking Pattaya. Entry is free, and the site is open as long as the sun is out.

• Jomtien Beach
  Jomtien Beach is a small strip of sand lined with a busy street filled with shops, street vendors, bars and restaurants.
• Rent Scooters
  Renting a scooter is a great way to see the island, and to explore it on your own terms. Look for locals sitting on a group of scooters with a sign in front saying “Rent Me.” Show a passport and you’re good to go. Rentals are approximately 300 THB per 24 hours, and most scooter rentals require a 1000 THB deposit (which you will get back upon returning the scooter).
• Flight of the Gibbons
  24 platforms and 3km of zipline through the jungles of Thailand. The program offers various activities and packages starting at 1999 THB.
• Walking Street
  Pure chaos is the only way that I can describe Walking Street. Bars, strip clubs, sex shows, street food and some of the best people watching in the world. Not for children.