PATTAYA - THE XXX FACTOR

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Pattaya is sex. And the first thing that pops up when you Google it, is sex. And it’s true. Back in the day, this resort city was the entertainment hub to American servicemen. A hot alternative to Bangkok, as some might say. So when we planning our second trip to Thailand, we chose Pattaya. We were curious to find out what the fuss was all about. And honestly, we didn’t mind the kink the city oozed with. In fact, this raunchy, come-hither vibe is what makes Pattaya the sexy mistress, clad in a see-through bikini.

OH! THAT FAMILIAR FRAGRANCE

Tired after a red eye flight, and the 2-hour drive from Bangkok, we finally arrived at our hotel, Amari Ocean Pattaya. Lined with fresh green trees and a heady ocean breeze, we gave in to this rather relaxed pace. As we waited in the lobby, we couldn’t help but smile as a familiar fragrance filled us with pleasant memories of our last trip to Bangkok. Yes, the Amari lobbies smell wonderful. And yes, they smell exactly the same, whichever Amari hotel you stay at. We finally checked into the Executive Room and we loved it. It was exactly what we had in mind. Overlooking the swanky pool on one side and the swishy ocean on the other, our room seemed to be filled with every shade of sun and fun.

A NOOCH ABOVE THE REST

After reading extensively, we realized that the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Cultural Centre, was touted to be a must-see. So, after an hour’s drive from our hotel, we arrived at this beautifully landscaped park that housed more than 670 native species and hybrids, all in one place. It was so extensive, we wondered how we’d see it all in a matter of hours. But with the help of a map, common sense and a plan that flowed logistically well, we managed.  You can easily spend half a day exploring this gigantic garden. And no, you don’t need to love plants to love this place. There’s so much to do, you're sure to find your sweet spot. There’s also an aviary, and an open zoo where Asian elephants put up a rather delightful performance. From culture to quirk to synthetic pigs as garden deco, the Nong Nooch Village has it all.

A CORAL ON THE SHORE

We had heard so much about the Coral Island that we knew our trip wouldn’t be complete without this. Our day began with a speedboat ride that took us parasailing in the middle of the sea. After another stopover for underwater walking, we headed to the Coral Island or the Koh Larn Island. While the sporty few further fuelled their adrenaline, we chose to walk along the beach and bask in the sun. In between sips of coconut water and conversations, we watched as the world whizzed past, and as the day melted into the horizon. Amidst the chaos, this was the calm.

THE CZAR OF GOOD TIMES

While we took in the tamer parts of the city with beaches and gardens, it was time to get bolder and badder. So, we headed to watch the most talked-about spectacle – The Alcazar Cabaret Show. A blend of traditional Thai and contemporary pop performed by ladyboys. We had read a lot and we expected a lot more. Our verdict? Let’s just say we weren’t exactly enthralled but we weren’t disappointed either. It was more of a ‘now-that’s-one-thing-off-our-list’ kind of an experience. Parts of the show had us clapping our hands and tapping our feet. A chuckle here, a smile there, in our opinion, it's purely a one-time watch.

So, if you’re looking for a destination with a whacky sense of culture and brazen love for life, Pattaya is the way to go. With sense, sensibility, and sex thrown in, this could be that holiday filled with stories you'd tell at drinking parties.