If you’re after a sleepy beach resort with coconut trees tilting in the breeze and a hammock slung up by the beach you’d best do a sharp U-turn before getting to Pattaya.

If you’re after a resort with one of the liveliest night scene in Asia and a plethora of activities, then you’re in luck. A big sign greets visitors with the words ‘Welcome to the city of extremes’ – and they’re not kidding.

Clubbing, massages, spas, mega shopping malls, international cuisine and numerous sporting activities are all here.

Pattaya also has a reputation as being the sex capital of Southeast Asia. And it’s true; some say there are up to 30,000 girls working in bars and go-go clubs in the city. This is a city where testosterone, short skirts and high heels are in permanent residence.

Whether you’re here for the bars or not, Pattaya is constantly offering new things to experience. Pick from go-karting, diving, ladyboy cabarets, a floating market, an elephant village, great islands and world-class golf courses.

So forget everything you’ve been told about Pattaya and make your own mind up. Maybe nowhere else in Thailand has packed so much in to provide visitors with such dynamic and diverse options.

Orientation

Getting around Pattaya is simple as the main roads are laid out in a grid-like formation.

Beach Road runs, you guessed it, along the beach. Behind this and parallel to it are Second Road and Third Road (Soi Sarm). And at right angles to these you’ve Pattaya’s North Road, Central Road and South Road.

The northern end of the resort has more high-end names like the Dusit and a quieter beach. If you still want some evening entertainment, head to Soi 2, where several bars can be found.

As you work your way south things get busier. At the southern section of Beach Road is the world-famous Walking Street. During the day traffic come through here but at night it’s pedestrianised and home to dozens of bars and go-gos. See our nightlife section for more details.

Outside Pattaya

Two other beaches are to the north and south of Pattaya. Northwards, there is Naklua, a thriving area with plenty of guesthouses, bars and a good beach (called Wong Amat). The area is popular with Germans and Scandinavians; so head here for a decent bratwurst.

To the south and over Pratumnak Hill sits Jomtien, a laid-back resort with a long beach that never seems too crowded. This isn’t the Blue Lagoon though; there are still many cafes and hotels all along the strip, but with only a handful of bars in a single area it can be a whole lot calmer than in Pattaya.