Hi All,

I have for about the last 4 years spent a couple of weeks in Phuket with my partner, generally on the way back from another major city somewhere, just a nice relaxing stop over. We are a gay couple and only into the shopping/food and relaxing * not the sleezy sex side of things*

Anyhow last year we kind felt the "been there dont that" feeling and didnt really get a whole lot out of the stay and thinking of trying somewhere new. A friend recommended Pattaya and I had always heard some things about the place that I didnt find appealing, however have been led to believe that it has become a bit more upmarket... Does anyone have any recent experience with both places or can offer some advice?

Cheers BM

I lived in Pattaya for twelve years and loved the place and still go back for my R&R's about every three months. But for anyone to say the place HAS become more up-market they must either work for TAT, have a business in Pattaya catering to tourists or have the biggest pair of rose tinted specs yet.

They are trying to improve Pattaya for ordinary tourists and have made some good starts but they've a way to go before anyone can claim any upward movement. I would suggest Jomtien as a good alternative in the same area but even there things are not great. If you are not into the nightlife why not try Hua Hin, I've not been there but there are quite a few on tV who live in and around the place.

Try a different spot on Phuket? or head up to Chiang Mai .... after a couple of days in Pattaya you will feel done to death I am sure

If you are looking for a place to relax I would definitely not recommend Pattaya, but it is quite good for the shopping part of it. Also plenty of restaurants offering all kinds of food.

I think you would like Hua Hin much more. Maybe not as many restaurants and shopping venues, but much more relaxing.

Having said that, why not try out Pattaya for a couple of days and then at least you'll know by experience.

however have been led to believe that it has become a bit more upmarket...

Pattaya maybe many things, but upmarket is certainly not one of those things.

however have been led to believe that it has become a bit more upmarket...

Pattaya maybe many things, but upmarket is certainly not one of those things.

Could be disputed considering some of the high end condo units being sold and the more exclusive communtity housing estates.

But then what do I know , I only live here.

however have been led to believe that it has become a bit more upmarket...

Pattaya maybe many things, but upmarket is certainly not one of those things.

Could be disputed considering some of the high end condo units being sold and the more exclusive communtity housing estates.

But then what do I know , I only live here.

Well ... it isn't Go6's Tokyo

however have been led to believe that it has become a bit more upmarket...

Pattaya maybe many things, but upmarket is certainly not one of those things.

Could be disputed considering some of the high end condo units being sold and the more exclusive communtity housing estates.

But then what do I know , I only live here.

I still have a place in Pattaya, but I would certainly not try to kid anybody that Pattaya was upmarket.

Edited May 21, 200719 yr by Maigo6

however have been led to believe that it has become a bit more upmarket...

Pattaya maybe many things, but upmarket is certainly not one of those things.

Could be disputed considering some of the high end condo units being sold and the more exclusive communtity housing estates.

But then what do I know , I only live here.

I still have a place in Pattaya, but I would certainly not try to kid anybody that Pattaya was upmarket.

Where in Thailand is ?

really there is always the odd slum / shanty village nearby.