Pattaya is a city in Eastern Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. It was a fishing village until the 1960s, and tourism began during the Vietnam War when American servicemen began arriving on R&R. Today, Pattaya is known for its vibrant nightlife, which includes a growing sex industry. However, there is much more to Pattaya than just its nightlife. Here are some of the things that Pattaya is famous for:
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Nightlife: Pattaya is famous for its nightlife, which includes thousands of bars and many other activities that make it a dream destination for party lovers. Walking Street is a popular destination for nightlife in Pattaya.
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Family-friendly attractions: Pattaya has many family-friendly attractions, including the Pattaya Floating Market, which is divided into four portions that represent the four different parts of Thailand. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is another popular attraction that features beautiful gardens and cultural shows.
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Water parks: Pattaya is home to several outstanding water parks, including the largest in all of Thailand. Ramayana Water Park and Columbia Pictures Aquaverse are two of the biggest and best water parks in Pattaya.
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Viewpoints: Pattaya View Point, also known as Khao Pattaya View Point, is the best viewpoint in the region and offers a stunning view of Pattayas sweeping, crescent-shaped bay.
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Gay scene: Pattaya has Asias largest gay scene, which is based around Boyztown, the Jomtien Complex, and Sunee Plaza.
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Kathoey cabaret shows: Pattaya is famous for its flamboyant kathoey cabaret shows, where transgender entertainers perform to packed houses.
In 2018, Pattaya was the 18th most visited city in the world with 9.6 million tourists, and the third most visited city in Thailand, after Bangkok and Phuket.