Ladyboys of the night

The next day, I treated myself to a mango and sticky rice body scrub and massage at Amari Orchid's Breeze Spa. The treatment is one of Thailand's best-known exports and is consequently a summertime promotion available at all of Amari's Breeze spas.

A thick mango butter, coconut milk and rice concoction was slathered all over my body, followed by vigorous scrubbing, a rinse and a massage. I left feeling softer, refreshed and ready to tackle dinner.

Sarah took us to Shell Tangkay Seafood, a popular al fresco restaurant with splendid views of the bay. Most of the seating was perched right next to the piers.

We were treated to an assortment of Thai-style seafood, including delicious fried rice with crabmeat and a stew of baked prawns with glass noodles. Although the fresh rock lobster and mixed seafood platter were headlining items on the menu, with the latter costing about $120, I liked the simpler rice and noodle dishes best.

Seafood platter at Shell Tangkay.[Photo by Rebecca Lo/for China Daily]

We then had dessert at what Sarah calls Pattaya's best mango and sticky rice stand. Staff deftly peeled ripe mangoes as salivating customers drove up to take them home. The mango was firm yet very sweet, while the chewy rice was drenched in aromatic coconut milk.

The next day, we headed to Pattaya Floating Market. It's styled after the historic markets where people navigate Thailand's waterways in long boats to purchase fresh produce, although this one was constructed five years ago for tourists.

We were each given large straw hats with wide brims as protection against the hot sun before hopping aboard one of the boats for a 15-minute ride through the village.

There were many shops selling traditional Thai souvenirs as well as casual restaurants and snack stands. A daily live show depicts a Thai fable in which boy meets girl and boy defends the country against invaders. It's performed on an island pavilion and floating platform.

After a couple of bowls of glass noodles in tom yum goong broth, I found some scented soaps embedded with bits of jasmine and coconut that were good souvenirs. Shopping done, I then relaxed by joining some friends already getting foot massages under gently swirling ceiling fans.

Open in March, Mimosa is Pattaya's newest attraction and the brainchild of longtime Thai resident Jirachote Kaewsathean, who goes by the name Nicky. She personally showed us around the theme park while explaining her plans for its future development.

Amateur Mui Thai boxing shows give Pattaya’s Walking Street a party atmosphere.[Photo by Rebecca Lo / for China Daily]

She calls it the City of Love, and styled it to resemble a colorful European village complete with streams in which white swans swim.

Each outlet is decorated differently, with one resembling a German beer hall with brews in steins while another looks like a southern Italian pizzeria.

Meanwhile, Funland offered simulation games, haunted houses and interactive experiences that got our adrenaline pumping.

As one of Mimosa's three nightly shows was starting, we packed into the open-air theater to check it out.

A ladyboy show complete with water and lights synched with the music featured gorgeous divas who playfully interacted with audience members.

I thought that while Tiffany's set and costumes were more spectacular, Mimosa's performers were more polished and professional.

Nicky explains that she came from humble beginnings in northern Thailand and made her fortune as a real estate agent before venturing into hotels. She says she invested heavily in Mimosa to give back to Pattaya. "I owe everything to Pattaya, and this is my gift to the city," she says.

We ended our visit with a stroll along Pattaya's Walking Street that evening. Although it has its seedy bits, the street is what put Pattaya on the map.

Amateur Mui Thai boxing shows, ladyboys procuring photo ops, pole dancers in upper-story windows and live music give the street a party atmosphere.

It's a live show that changes every night, with you as a member of its cast.

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