I have 12 days in Thailand. I wanted to spend 4 in Bangkok then ...

Phuket will have the better beaches if swimming at a beach is your primary goal. Pattaya does have a beach but it is best for walking, sunbathing, shopping, malls, bars and restaurants. Tourists usually swim at nearby Jomtien. Pattaya will have cheaper taxi service (baht bus only 10 baht) and it is easy to walk to many places. Both Phuket and Pattaya will have travel agencies for tours. Both places will have some hotels with pools. Phuket also has a bar scene in the ...