147km (91 miles) E of Bangkok
The current incarnation of Pattaya claims its founders day as June 29, 1959, when a few truckloads of American troops stationed in nearby Isan arrived, rented houses along the beach, and had such a hoot that they told their friends. Word spread and, over time, the town became the R&R capital for war-weary American troops for the next many years. The legacy of those early visitors is today's adult playground: with hundreds of go-go clubs, beer bars, and massage parlors at beachside.
Tourism boomed in the 1980s, and unchecked resort development was not accompanied by infrastructure upgrades such that beaches became veritable toilets of raw sewage. Recent years have seen a few civil projects to clean up the bay with some success, but the beach is not at all pleasant.
Despite this, Pattaya now supports a collection of large, sophisticated international resorts, retreats set in sprawling, manicured seaside gardens. Pattaya would like to be a family destination, and, along with fine accommodations, there are some family activities, but Pattaya's mammoth sex tourism industry kind of puts the kibosh on any wholesome family fun (parents may not be able to field all of the questions the town raises in the little ones).
Neighboring Jomtien is a popular alternative to Pattaya. Less seedy activities and cleaner beaches (though just a long, thin stretch of coarse sand), Jomtien's best accommodations are private condominiums, but it's good for day visits.
