Pattaya is a tourist destination visited by expats and foreigners. Located on the east coast, around 100 km from Bangkok, it's a city that doesn't seem to live up to its reputation.
My suggestion
If you have no friends in Pattaya or haven't specifically organised a trip there, I would basically advise you to give it a miss.
Romain Beuvart
Seasoned Traveller
2
Pattaya is the best known of the Thai beach resorts, famous for its buzzing nightlife and beaches, all less than 2hrs away from Bangkok.
My suggestion
Could be worth visiting once, for curiosity's sake, but there's nothing special to stay on for. There are much better beaches further east. And beware of jet-ski scams.
The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.
Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.
To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.