Chon Buri

If you want beach without Walking Street noise — stay Jomtien or Na Jomtien. Baht bus along Beach Road is 10 baht, runs all day. Central Pattaya for malls and nightlife is 15–20 min. Took my niece here last month, she actually swam (Pattaya Beach near the pier is rougher and crowded).

Walking Street Friday night — exactly what people warn you about. Loud, packed, neon everywhere. Glad we stayed near Beach Road (5 min walk) instead of on the soi itself. Pro tip: walk the full length once then escape to a rooftop bar on Second Road for air.

Koh Larn day trip from Balihai Pier — ferry 30 baht each way, 45 min. Took the morning boat (less packed). Tawaen Beach is busy but fine; walked to a quieter cove on the east side. Rent scooter on the island 300 baht, worth it.

Pratumnak viewpoint at sunset — underrated. Between Jomtien and central, quieter hotels, still 10 min baht bus to Beach Road. Cozy Beach area feels less party-town than Soi Buakhao.

Terminal 21 Pattaya food court saved us with kids — air con, cheap, everyone picks their own dish. Jomtien morning beach, mall lunch, nap, evening at Thepprasit Night Market. Slow pace but actually relaxing.