LaudJohn wrote:From BKK to Pattaya there are buses every half hour from Mo Chit or Ekamai (this is often the easiest to get to via the BTS) bus stations for about 108 bht. Takes around 3 hours. The buses drop you at the bus terminal on Pattaya Nua (North) road. Then hop on a bhat bus for about 30 bhat to take you to your destination, or a motodop taxi which costs more but is faster.
A good central place to stay is Sawasadee Siam on Soi Bhakaow ont he corner of Soi Honey. Right in the heart of the action and very reasonably priced right now with a pool. Just down the road (less than 100m) from soi LK Metro with 2nd rate gogo bars but cheap beer. Lots of beer bars, some BJ bars and Massage parlours in the area and quite a few Ladyboys if you are interested. This area is less touristy and cheaper than Walking Street area.
Getting around, Bhat buses cost 10 bhat a ride.
As for the Dark side, it is East Pattaya, that is the area on the opposite side of Shumkvit road. You need your own transport to explore this area and I would not recommend it without a guide as you will probably get lost.
IMHO Pattaya is way more fun than BKK and well cheaper.
I will probably be there on Tuesday night, for some golf on my way back from watching the Rugby in Sydney and time in Melbourne, until I have to fly to PP for the Lonestar Fantasy football draft on Sunday.
Now, LaudJohn, the guy is a bit nervous about even entering Pattaya and you recommend Siam Sawasdee? It opened in the 90's but has since gone downhill and is now a dump for Indians and Pakistani. They also advertise on banners monthly rates which is a sure sign of a low-life hotel. Correct me if I'm wrong since last time I went was last year.
Or book at Sutus Court 1 a bit more south on Soi Bua Khao. Sutus 1 is a nice hotel with a more family clientele but You can bring a girl in. Tip in Pattaya - book doubles, then they shouldn't charge extra for company. Always book on Booking.com and check reviews if hotel is guest friendly. You can also try Adelphi on Bua Khao a bit north which has a SPA opposite. BlueSky on Soi 5 is a bit off but nice hotel and close to the cabarets and the Tiffany shooting range. KTK Suites is nice but very off but good value for money. And of course You have the LK's - Metropole, Reneaissance, Suites and Wing, all not new by now but decent hotel if You get a good price on Booking.
Soi Bua Khao is all You need for a soft core sex holiday. Soi LK Metro has nice bars and some OK go-go:s, for more of the stuff hit Soi 8. Sailor Bar on Soi 8 is a staple. The Go-go:s on Walking street are hit or miss, try a beer in several until You find Your favourite. And never hook up with a girl in a go-go, they's over the top expensive. For wilder shows, the Windmill had reportedly closed down but I heard Annabelle is a solid replacement. Be prepared for something out of a Fassbinder movie. Oh, and before entering any indoor aircon place, check that they advertise the prices on dricks and not the happy hour prices, otherwise it can be expensive. If a dancer asks for a tip then THB100 is plenty enough. Someone mentioned the freelancers on Beach Rd late in the night but I recommend You avoid that for a first visit.
Eating: corner of Bua Khao and Diana Inn has good kebab stands, 60THB or so. Also Curries for 100. Otherwise the BigC on Central Rd has an excellent food court on ground floor (You buy coupons to pay with) and upstairs BigC has ready made food that is usually marked down after 8pm. The BigC up north if it's reopened now has a great selection of restaurants, quite good value. After dark there are noodle carts that serve chicken noodle soup for 30-40 baht. The dark blobs in the soup is boiled chicken blood, good for Your health.
Like LaudJohn says, bus from Mor Chit or Ekamai is quick and convenient. If You take a shared pickup check the price. If You tell a pickup Your destination he will drive in taxi mode and ask You like THB300 for any destination, just hop on and hop off and pay THB10.