On my first trip to Thailand many years ago I went to both places over 3 weeks. Times have changed since then but I would still say try both places rather than think of it as either or.
Bangkok is a major city and cosmopolitan in nature. There are lots of good places to eat and drink from basic street vendors to Michelin rated restaurants to trendy hangouts. There are museums (art, history, science and corporate). There is shopping from the mundane to the sublime. There are sites to see (Temples [Wats], Grand Palace, etc.). There are amusement parks. There is a zoo. There are several major Universities and Colleges. Not to mention various kinds and levels of adult entertainment some of which you will not find or have access to unless you have a Thai introduction. If you go to Thailand it would be a shame to not spend at least a week in Bangkok exploring all it has to offer. If you are of the mind you might even be able to explore it with a willing female tour guide or ten.
Pattaya has its own appeal. There is a beach there as it is seaside but, IMO, that isn't a reason to go there. There are better beaches if you are looking for a beach holiday. However, as has been said, Pattaya is only a couple of hours by bus, taxi or private car from Bangkok, so it is convenient to go there for a short break. Agogos, beer bars, a few discos, and plenty of party atmosphere. It still is an adult entertainment destination though I think its glory days have passed. There are some things to engage your time in the daytime but you may find it difficult to get up early after a night out on the town. While SCUBA diving is available I have never availed of the opportunity due to the negative reports I have read.
As you can tell from the tone of the above paragraphs I prefer BKK over PTY but I do recommend you try them both and see what is more your speed. Maybe something like 4 days in Bangkok followed by 2 days in Pattaya then decide if you want to go back to Bangkok or stay on in Pattaya a little longer.
[ Last edited by STFCQuark at 19-7-2023 21:48 ] | |
