Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach is just 100 mi/160 km south of Bangkok. 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. Those who haven't been there in the last 20 years will hardly recognize this 5-mi long beach. What is euphemistically called bachelor nightlife -- and more graphically acknowledged as sex tourism -- is the main attraction for some visitors. We recommend avoiding the place -- there are many other beach areas that are much nicer than Pattaya. If you do decide to go there, 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. Jomtien Beach, 4 mi/6 km away, is excellent, although it, too, has experienced some growing pains.