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!💕