Situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya receives millions of visitors annually. Family-friendly Jomtien Beach makes a pleasant contrast to crowded, polluted Pattaya Beach, with its jetskis and beach bars. Daytrips to nearby island groups are popular diversions, as are days spent at Pattaya's 21 golf courses and slew of amusement parks. Although more families are now visiting the city, most tourists flock for Pattaya's legendary nightlife.

Getting There: A common choice is to take a first class bus from Bangkok to the North Pattaya Road bus station. Departures from the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal and Northern (Moh Chit) Terminal are frequent (every 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day; more frequent still at public holiday weekends) and usually take 2-2.5 hours; those from the Southern (Sai Tai Taling Chan) Bus Terminal are less frequent and take a little longer.