Go where you will and do what you do, only stay away from drugs, people who do drugs. I don't care what you do in your own country, I don't wanna read how it was just a joint and now your in big trouble. It's illegal, I don't care what your friends have told you, or any misconceptions you have about it'd only take a few baht to pay your way outta trouble. Stay away from them.

Other than that relax enjoy yourself, its a great destination.

Avoid or Go?? i was told to stay clear of pattaya

I was told the same by a few people back in 2001, and then I decided to visit......wow!......couldn't believe my eyes......by far the best place in thailand for me.

The other side of the coin:

I've traveled nearly everywhere in Thailand, and Pattaya was by far the worst place I've been to. It all depends on what TYPE of night life and activities you're looking for. IMHO Pattaya is a window to the out-of-control expat sub-culture of Thailand surrounded by the same lights and glitz you'd find in seedy districts of Tokyo or New York, (albeit cheaper and lower quality). But same rip-offs, crime and tourist traps.

If you want to see the real Thailand (exotic, genuine culture of Thailand and its people), stay away from Bangkok, Pattaya, and Koh Phangan's full moon party. In resort areas (like the south islands), stay away from the western-style resorts; find something a little more authentic and the bonus is that it'll be cheaper.

But consider the source: I'm in my late 50's, not into drugs, booze or womanizing, and have already done the Tokyo, New York, Rio, Full-Moon Party, Pattaya thing. Maybe everyone has to do it at least once to get their fill.

observations here must be noted, username5.

but, note his conclusion .

that's where the real gem of the advise is, especially the advise "to do it at least once to get their fill"

of course if you guys are mormons, go elsewhere and remember the "sodom and gomorah" advise here, otherwise you need Gabriel to guide and protect you from the Fallen One.

Pattaya , patong or Patpong are not for the faint-hearted.

these places are for the die-hards and full of punches type - in and out of bed and breakfasts.

anyone of you a chuck norris?

if not visit the temples, waterfalls, rivers, the mountains and the war museums and avoid most commercialised beaches and islands

thailand for a three weeks holidays???

great choice and a once-in-a-lifetime destination?

you'll never regret it if you stay clear of troubled spots.

you may even come back for more like most advisers here, who knows?

I came to Pattaya for a 2 1/2 week vacation. That was in 2001 and while I left Pattaya 4 years later I have been calling Thailand my home ever since.

Now is the time for you guys to hit Pattaya with everything you got, enjoy. I would do 2 weeks there, see how ya feel, if ya want, hit Phuket for a few days and BKK for 2 on the way back for all your shopping and souvenirs.

I guess it all comes down to personal taste and preference. We have not vacationed much since we had the little one 15 months ago, and spend most of our time close to home in the sticks or Bangkok, but Hua Hin, Koh Chang, and Koh Samet have always been a GO for me and the misses. I hear that Cha am is really nice too. Chiang Mai and many northern provinces are nice. Did not enjoy Samui the last time i was there about a year ago, as it has turned into a major tourist trap, but hey it is great to be in your 20's, so you should explore as much as possible.

The first time I came to Thailand, (many moons ago) I covered Samui to Chiang Mai in 3 weeks, so you have plenty of time.

Avoid: Girly bars in major tourist areas. Sure it may be like an adult Disneyland but it is a rip off all the same, and same same for sure, but hey to each his own. Girls and bars go hand in hand here in LOS, therefore hedonism can be found anywhere in all corners of the kingdom.

Enjoy!

Some good advice and suggestions,thank you all!,and thank you to those who sent PM's!

I think this is a great site to be able to post a question and get good info!

Cheers everyone and thank you!

Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket (Kata, Patong, Phuket Town) Chiang Mai (Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep). Grand Palace. Reclining Buddha and Wat Po. Wat Intrawhin. National Museum. Jim Thiompson's house. Vientianne Restaurant. Baan Khanita. Gullivers. Any Thai "coffee" shop. Those parking places with the blue curtains that aren't really parking spaces, and only seem used at nights. QBar. Bed Club. CM2. Any beer bar. Excite. Ministry of Sound. Street Vendor. Somtom lady. Anywhere in a tuk tuk. Motorcycle tax ride. Nana Plaza. Soi Cowboy. Patpong. Sutthisan Road. MBK. Anywhere in a taxi where you bargain and don't use a meter. Queen Sirikit Park. Major Cineplex. Boat ride on the kholngs. Marble temple. Chattuchak. Toliets where people massage your back. RCA. Bicycle tour. Ricksaw tour. Hiking. Lumpinin Park by day. Lumpini Park by Night. Suan Lum Bazaar. Silom Soi 2. Silom Soi4. Snake farm. Crocodile farm. Buffalo hospital.

That's my first couple of minutes of thoughts. No particualr order, and not speciying which are which, as people will likely disagree anyway...

Try Pattaya for sure for the booze and birds. Koh Chang is only a few hours away if you want an island break for a few days.

I would go to Phuket too, from Pattaya to the airport is cheap and so is a flight to Phuket.