Originally Posted by
goteed1
I'm planning my first trip to Thailand and need some advice. I'll probably spend 5 or 6 days in Bangkok and then I'd like to spend 3 or 4 days in either Phuket or Pattaya. Problem is I cannot make up my mind which to go to. I'd like a nice beach area to chill out during the day and some nightlife as well. I understand Pattaya has lousy beaches but better nightlife. Does anyone have any preferences? Care to share your perspective?
Appreciate your feedback!
Well I've never been to Phuket so bear this in mind for my comments:
Pattaya is a car ride from Bangkok while Phuket requires a flight. Actually BKK is in between Bangkok and Pattaya.
Not sure about the nightlife in Pattaya but my impressions are that its mostly the straight "bar girl" scene.
Some of the hotels in South Pattaya - Sheraton & neighboring Royal Cliff (disclosure - members of my family own/run this place) do have pretty nice private beaches. But the hotels in the city proper do not have much in terms of beach.
Phuket probably has better beaches on average.