No hesitation, I prefer Pattaya over Phuket

There's a difference between vacationing and traveling. When I'm on an island, I don't want to be a special forces soldier🙅 Just came back from Thailand🇹🇭 leaving all work stress behind in Pattaya. A relaxing 4-day, 3-night getaway was truly so chill.

Day1️⃣ Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok → Pattaya
Don't foolishly book private cars🙅 Take the 190฿ bus🚌 directly to Pattaya North Bus Station.

Check in🏨 Holiday Inn Pattaya🏨
- Arrived just in time for afternoon tea, rewarding myself after the journey. The hotel's terrace afternoon tea with ocean views was perfect for lounging.
- Booked a twin-bedroom bay view suite with my girlfriends - high floor, quiet and bright, directly facing the Gulf of Thailand, absolutely chill.
- Right outside the hotel is Pattaya Beach, perfect for evening walks and parasailing at sunset!🏄‍♀️
- Evening shopping at Terminal 21, the mango sticky rice and tom yum soup at Pier21 on the top floor were authentic and cheap🍛

Day2️⃣ Sanctuary of Truth → Floating Market → Show
- Morning at Sanctuary of Truth, conveniently close to Holiday Inn Pattaya (walking distance). The entirely wooden hand-carved temple was breathtaking! Note: Too revealing clothes aren't allowed, bring a shawl. Tickets 95¥ online, super photogenic📿
- Lanpo Seafood Market: Lobsters🦞 and arm-sized mantis shrimp until stuffed. Remember to bargain starting from half price💰
- Evening shows (ask hotel for discounted tickets). The performances were spectacular - don't forget photos afterward.

Day3️⃣ Island Hopping
- 50฿ songthaew to pier, then 20-min boat to Koh Larn🏖️
- Alternatively, less crowded Samae San Island (1.5hr) for Nemo fish photos!
- Evening cocktails at the hotel's 4th floor bar watching sunset over pool - perfect ending🍹

Day4️⃣
- Morning sleep-in, afternoon shopping at Terminal 21 (cheap sunscreen & underwear!)🛍️ Plus custom passport covers/hats
- Hotel provides free shuttle to Pattaya Airport. For Bangkok departures, take 2hr bus from North Station.

💡Tips:
🌟 Songthaews: 10฿ beach route, 20-30฿ elsewhere🚐
🌟 Hotel pool & kids' club free - bring extra swimsuits!👙
🌟 Avoid red💡 districts at night
🌟 Current Thai massage prices ~200฿/hr
⭐ Bolt app (economy option) is cheapest for taxis

The biggest surprise was Holiday Inn Pattaya's perfect location - convenient for everything, spacious clean rooms, and thoughtful service❤️ Will definitely stay here again!💕