Are these 2 different places? If so, what is the best place to vist for the day within proximity to Pattaya?

Depends what you're looking for. Bang Chang (BC) is a strip of girly bars similar to soi 6, where everyone goes after a game of golf!

Yes 2 completely different places in opposite directions from Pattaya.

Both are Ok for a day out but I prefer Bang Saen and it's proximity to Sri Racha.

Beach is probably better at Ban Chang I think.

Depends what you're looking for. Bang Chang (BC) is a strip of girly bars similar to soi 6, where everyone goes after a game of golf!

Well that's maybe the reason dogtim goes there but you'd miss the strip if you didn't go out to look for it.

Cheers guys.

I`ve not been to Bang Chang but did enjoy a day out at Bang Saen, reasonably pleasant beach promenade and there`s a Chinese/Buddhist temple to visit if of any interest.

and the seafood market,

and monkey "island" (if you want to replace your car mirrors/antenna).

If you like eating Hoy, you can get it at both locations.

Just to add to the mix, don’t miss out on Bang Saray. Great sea food, some nice beaches and closer to pattaya

It depends on what you are looking for. If it's a beach, then Ban Chang should be your choice. Great restaurants right on the beach. As said above, Bang Saray has a really nice beach also, and is much closer. We like going there and sitting under the trees and ordering some food. Weekdays are better as the weekends at all of these places can get pretty crowded.

Of course the Ban Chang "strip" holds some appeal also...