When you think of Pattaya comes to mind the verse of the song Paradise City by Guns & Roses that says "Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and the girls are pretty .... Take me home …" The reason is very simple. The city is perhaps the biggest Luna Park for single men and not that Thailand can offer. But let's go step by step and start with the hints of history (I know that you are in a hurry to know where to go to get drunk and have fun ... we can get there). Located to the southeast, about 130 km from the capital Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with its nearly 6 million visitors per year. The locality is purely seaside as the industrial development took place outside the municipal boundaries to give way to the tourism industry to be able to expand on the whole territory facing the coast. The city occupies almost the entire coast of the Banglamung district and is between the beaches of Naklua and Central Pattaya and the Buddha Hill area; moving eastwards are the beaches of Jomtien and Dongtan which are slightly better than that of Pattaya and it is possible to find a tourism dedicated to families. But old Pattaya was at first a small fishing village that underwent an economic boom in the 1960s; the period when Bangkok residents rediscover it as a weekend bathing destination. Also in that period the US military stationed at the military base of U-Tapao began to frequent the area during the period of leave during the Vietnam War. This led to a wide spread of prostitution in the area. This rapid interest in the place began to move large interests including those of construction companies, those of crime, a major pollution and as said just a vertiginous increase in prostitution. Despite all the administration is doing everything possible to try to clean up the name of the city and make the city a holiday destination for families too. The main beaches are: Pattaya Beach: the city's main beach with various opportunities for water activities. The beach stretches for several kilometers and is very lively. Also ideal for running and skating on the promenade. It is here that you will find all the night owls surprised by the first rays of the sun. Jomtien Beach: this beach has a different past. First, in fact, it was a huge rice field; then transformed into the beach that we all know. Located 3 Km from Pattaya, this beach has a calm blue sea and a beach with soft golden sand. Ideal for families Na Jomtien Beach: almost 6 km long beach just south of Jomtien beach, this is a very quiet beach where you will also find many Thais who choose this place because of their privacy and calm. Ideal for families and for those who want to stay away from the confusion. Dong Tan Beach: a beach located a short distance from Jomtien in the north it is a very quiet beach adorned with tropical almond trees. Ideal for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. Bang Saen Beach: This beach is located 30km from Pattaya and is actually a small town. This beach is always crowded with Thai families fleeing the noise and chaos of the city. Here the sea and the sunsets are truly spectacular. Close to the beach you will find bungalows and restaurants where you can eat something on the fly. As for the islands, off Pattaya we find both large and small, some of which can be reached by motorboats or boats. The main ones are: Koh Larn: also known as Coral Island is about 7.5 km from the city and can be reached by motorboat or by boat. The beach is famous for the cleaning of the sand, the relaxing atmosphere, the soft white sand and the crystal clear sea. The main beach is very busy so I suggest you, if you are looking for a bit of peace, to move a little further in the nearby coves. Other islets near Koh Larn are Koh Sak and Koh Krok, while slightly further afield are the islands of Koh Rin, Koh Man Wichai, Koh Hua Chang and Koh Badan which are great places to dive.