[QUOTE=Deori]I'm planning my first trip to LOS at the end of the year and I'm leaning towards spending most of it in Pattaya. I would like to stay, at least for part of the time, at a nice beach where I can actually swim in the water. Can anyone tell me are there any nice beaches in Thailand. Hopefully with some p4p action around of course: I could always pick up a cutie in Pattaya and take her for a little trip to a nicer beach. [/QUOTE]
I recommend Ko Chang. It has some very nice beaches. It is close to Pattaya and you can drive there or take a bus (2hrs). You can bring a lady with you or take your chances in the local bars. And there are many hotels in all price ranges yet the island has a relaxed feel to it. Did I mention KC has some very nice beaches?
Swimming at Jomtien Beach is better than Pattaya Beach for sure and is good for a pleasant afternoon. If mongering is your thing, I would not recommend staying there but for some afternoon fun, check out Kinnaree Place a short time bar under new management. They have some nice girls there for 1000bt ST plus 300bt for a room.
Phuket and Ko Samui are the superstar island beach resort destinations. They both have beautiful beaches and you will definitely find girls there (no need to take a friend with you).
If you want to find a more laid back island retreat, I would recommend the smaller outlying islands such as Ko Phi Phi, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao. But these islands require more effort to get there, and it is a necessity to bring your own diversion with you.
So while I like the smaller less developed islands best, I appreciate the proximity of Ko Chang and its happy mix of comfort, amenities, naturalness and relaxed atmosphere. It is worlds apart from Pattaya. Check it out.
