I've spent some tim in AC and it is ig and easy but I agree it's a right hole compared to Pattaya.
I've also had occasion to spend time in Manilla and so know the scene there pretty well and I would say it is much much cleaner than AC.
My preferred choice is and more than likely always will be Pattaya. Masses of sexy young chicks by the beach, it get's better than this does it ?
Probably what I've really noticed in Manilla is the quality is higher. Every bar I went to here was stacked with extremely sexy girls all 8 upwards. Not something I've found in Pattaya although there are planty you just have to look a little harder.