Pattaya

Walking Street — the city's main party street with dozens of bars and clubs. It feels like some foreigners come to Pattaya just for this. It's worth popping in even if you don't plan to drink until you pass out or go to an erotic show — simply to get a sense of the atmosphere.

Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) — the main attraction is a gilded statue of Buddha. For donations of 20–100 baht you can have a monk tie a sacred string around your wrist or release a bird from a cage to 'cleanse' your karma. Half an hour is enough to see the whole area. Opening hours: the temple is open until 19:00, but the complex is accessible 24/7 because there is a viewpoint. Entrance is free.

A small hotel in Jomtien; its café on Jomtien road serves waffles with whipped cream, berries and fruit.

A cozy graffiti-covered bar that hosts film screenings and rap nights on weekdays, and DJs on weekends.

For budget, hearty breakfasts go to Cheap Charlie next to the Chonburi immigration office. An American or English breakfast costs 150 baht.

Sanctuary of Truth — a wooden temple that, according to the Thais, was built without a single nail. Construction began in 1981 and is still ongoing. The site was originally planned as a tourist complex, but Buddhist monks persuaded the millionaire owner to build a temple instead. All the decoration is handmade and craftsmen are still working, so every visitor is given a hard hat at the entrance for safety. The Sanctuary of Truth brings together the religions of the East, reflecting their cultures and customs. Inside the complex is divided into four sections dedicated to Thailand, India, China and Cambodia. It's hard to understand the meaning of the frescoes, images and installations on your own, so you can hire a guide, although there are English signs by each zone. Opening hours: 08:00–20:30. Entrance from 08:00 to 18:00 — 500 baht, but you can buy a ticket on Klook for 400. Entrance after 18:00 costs 700 baht.

Mini Siam — a park-museum of Thailand's and the world's landmarks in miniature, at a 1:25 scale. One part of the museum is dedicated to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos; the other to world architecture. The ideal time for a walk is around 17:00: the sun isn't as strong, you can catch the sunset and then watch the lighting — it's very nicely done. Opening hours: 08:00–18:00. Entrance — 300 baht, on Klook — 233.

Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint — located on another part of the hill that houses the Big Buddha temple. The viewpoint offers the best view of Pattaya and the sea with hundreds of yachts and boats. On a hot day you can shelter under the roof of the Coffee Break Pattaya café next to the viewpoint and cool off with an iced coffee or a fruit smoothie.

Jomtien Big Market — a recently opened night market on Jomtien.

A cluster of small eateries serving Thai dishes.

Stop for Roong Reuang Coach buses from Suvarnabhumi Airport on North Pattaya Road.