They are VASTLY different destinations. It really depends on whether you want massive activity and sleaze (Pattaya), fairly laid back tourism hotspot with little shopping but much to so (Samui), safe family destination (Hua Hin with option to shop perhaps in Cha-Am) or still very laid back with little to do but relax Koh Lanta.

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There are two categories of travellers, those that experience a country and those that take their home with them wherever they go.

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