Baan Sukhawadee

Go late in the afternoon. That's the whole trick with this place: the gardens and the ornamental detail read one way in daylight, then the lights come on and the whole estate turns into something else entirely, with the bay in the background. Arrive at four or five and you get both for one ticket.

It was built as the private home of one of Pattaya's wealthiest families, and it shows. Painted facades, carved detail everywhere, Buddha images and a Guan Yin statue that people single out as particularly lovely. It's part mansion, part temple grounds, part garden, and it makes no attempt at restraint. Bring comfortable shoes, because the grounds are big and you'll be on your feet for a while. There's a buffet and entertainment areas on site, and water comes with entry.

If ornate isn't your thing, skip it. This is a place for people who like photographing things, and you'll take more pictures than you expect.