I visited Pattaya twice while in the Navy. My favorite liberty port. The women were freakin gorgeous. I think the scenery was, too, but my memory is little sketchy there. Really, though, it was a fun, beautiful place.
I'm sure back in the day, Pattaya would be a lot of sailors' favorite liberty port. (Living here I never go there, but for a young, single guy with a few days and a fistful of money...)
Agree on the women.
There's a ton more to see and do in Thailand. I could play tourist every day for 5 years and not see even half of what there is to see.