.png)
Pattaya
Pattaya is a popular tourist destination in Thailand, known for its lively nightlife and adult entertainment venues. The city, located in the Chonburi province of Thailand, about 150 km southeast of Bangkok, was once a small fishing village but grew rapidly in the 1960s and 70s due to the presence of American troops during the Vietnam War.
Pattaya offers a wide range of attractions, including water sports, golf courses, shopping malls, and theme parks. The city also has bustling beaches, such as Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Wong Amat Beach, and is home to a thriving expat community, including many retirees. English here is widely spoken.
The city is also known for its prevalence of prostitution, earning it the nickname "Sin City." Countless nightclubs and bars have led to a lively and at times frenzied atmosphere, particularly at night. Despite these aspects, the city has much more to offer other than just its nightlife.
That being said, Pattaya is a popular tourist destination, but it may not be ideal for family trips, however having said that the lively nightlife and sex trade can be avoided and are mainly concentrated around Pattaya Beach and the pier. There are many sois nearby, including Soi 6 and Walking Street, which are renowned for their seedy nightlife.
Walking Street
A bustling nightlife hub is known for its lively atmosphere. This street comes alive at night when the neon signs light up, and the music starts to play. The street, which is closed to vehicles in the evening has lots of ladies of the night, alcohol and messy times.
Wat Phra Khao Yai, also known as Big Buddha Hill
The towering Buddha statue stands at 18 meters tall. Visitors who make the climb are rewarded with a panoramic view of Pattaya. The temple complex surrounding the Buddha enhances the spiritual atmosphere with the scent of incense and the sound of bells. It's a living place of worship, where monks and locals pray. This site is a blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
The "Four Regions Floating Market"
Charges a pricey entrance fee, but shows the country's four main regions. It shows the flavours, crafts, and traditions of the North, Northeast, South, and Central areas of traditional Thailand. Aan immersive journey through the heart of Thai culture and food.
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Pattaya
A haven for elephants and a beacon of ethical tourism. Established as the first sanctuary in the region, Visitors have the unique opportunity to learn about these majestic creatures and interact with them in a respectful and caring manner. The sanctuary's commitment to the well-being of elephants and the education of the public sets a high standard for animal care and eco-friendly practices. Every encounter is designed to support the sanctuary's mission of providing elephants with the highest quality of life possible.
Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark
A fun destination for families and fans of the network's characters. As the world's first Cartoon Network-themed water park, with many water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, all with the familiar faces from shows like "Ben 10" and "Adventure Time". You can enjoy live entertainment. You can enjoy it at all ages, it's For thrill-seekers or not, both are available, and this water park promises a day full of fun.
Pattaya has many beaches
Pattaya Beach is located at the heart of the city.
With its golden sand on Thailand's eastern coast. This beachfront is divided into three distinct sections: North Pattaya Beach; Central Pattaya Beach and South Pattaya Beach, yeap that simple. You can bathe in the sun, indulge in water activities like jet skiing and parasailing, or explore the vibrant nightlife that comes alive after sunset at Pattaya beach.
Towards the south of Pattaya lies Jomtien Beach, which is relatively peaceful and home to more upscale bars and restaurants. Be cautious here though, visitors should be aware that packs of stray dogs roam the area and they aren't all friendly.
Because Jomtien Beach is known for its more relaxed atmosphere, it is a favourite among both locals and tourists seeking tranquillity. Here also has many water sports as well as fresh seafood at the beachside restaurants.
For a more serene experience in Pattaya
Explore the area around the Sanctuary of Truth, in the northern part of the city, next to Marilyn Beach. The Sanctuary is relatively new, constructed in the style of the Ayutthaya period, showcasing the excellent taste of its creator, Lek Viriyaphant, who also designed the famous three-headed elephant statue located in Bangkok.
The Sanctuary of Truth serves as a museum dedicated to the pursuit of spirituality, and its architecture is worth exploring over the course of a day.
Pattaya is a city that caters to Westerners, there are many Western-style dining options and pubs. For those craving a taste of British food, The Sportsman Bar on Soi 13, located close to the beach, and The Nest on Soi Diana are highly recommended. Nothing in the world is more delicious and satisfying than pie and mash! The Caddyshack on Thep Prasit Soi 17 is another great option. All the pubs are very good. Indian food is also very popular here.
Koh Larn, a stunning island located near Pattaya
is an absolute must-visit destination. To reach the island, regular boats are available from Pattaya Pier, and the fare is very affordable, costing only 60 baht for a one-way trip that takes roughly 40 minutes. Or, you can choose to travel via speedboat, which is considerably more expensive, with prices around 2,000 baht. Book your ticket in the transport section.
Pattaya is fun and memorable, but it's important to research and understand the potential drawbacks and negative aspects of the city, as it's often known as a "sin city." Staying alert is crucial.
Common concerns include petty theft and tourist scams, as well as incidents where people are drugged and robbed. Personal safety, especially at night and when alone, is a priority. It's recommended to stay in well-lit, populated areas and to keep personal belongings secure. The traffic can be chaotic, so extra caution is necessary when driving or crossing streets especially as Thai people are notoriously unaware of how to drive.
The city is known for its sex industry, especially in Central Pattaya.
Pattaya can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons from November to February and during special events and festivals.
While Pattaya has many attractions, its historical and cultural sites are limited, which may disappoint those looking for a more traditional cultural experience. Over-commercialization is also a concern, with the city's rapid development sometimes overshadowing its natural beauty.
With that in mind, I'm sure you can enjoy your stay!
Discover Pattaya, a lively city in Thailand known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and exciting tourist attractions. Explore the city's bustling streets, sample delicious Thai cuisine, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a range of activities such as island hopping to Koh Larn, visiting the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, or experiencing the city's wild nightlife on Walking Street
TRANSPORT
Public transport between Bangkok and Pattaya is convenient and affordable. There are several options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference.
The most popular way to travel is by bus, which takes about two hours and costs around 100 baht per person. You can find buses at the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) or Suvarnabhumi, Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Scroll down to the Asian Public Transport widget below to do this!
Alternatively, you can take a minivan, which is faster but less comfortable and more crowded. Minivans depart from various locations in Bangkok, such as Victory Monument or Khao San Road, and cost about 150 baht per person.
Alos bookable here, scroll down to the Asian Public Transport widget below to do this!
Another option is to take a train, which is slower but more scenic and relaxing. Trains run from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Pattaya Station, which is about 3 km from the city centre. The train journey takes about three hours and costs between 30 and 70 baht per person, depending on the class of service. You cannot prebook this however.
You can also take a taxi, which is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. A taxi ride from Bangkok to Pattaya can cost anywhere from 1000 to 2000 baht, depending on the traffic and the bargaining skills of the driver and passenger.
You can book this with the form below too.
Flights are also an option.
Pattaya has an airport called Utapao
Use the link below for taxis from airport
ACCOMMODATION
There are several areas in Pattaya that are popular with tourists and offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Pattaya:
Pattaya Beach: This is the main beach area of the city and is popular with tourists who want to be close to the action. There are many hotels and resorts in this area, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury beachfront properties.
Jomtien Beach: Located south of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is a quieter and more relaxed area with a long stretch of sandy beach. There are many hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments in this area, as well as some excellent seafood restaurants.
Naklua: This is a quieter area north of Pattaya Beach, with a more traditional Thai feel. There are several good-value hotels and guesthouses in this area, as well as some excellent seafood restaurants and local markets.
Central Pattaya: This area is located in the heart of the city and is home to many shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues. There are many hotels and guesthouses in this area, ranging from budget to mid-range.
Ultimately, the best area to stay in Pattaya depends on your personal preferences and travel style. If you want to be close to the nightlife and action, Pattaya Beach is a good option, while Jomtien Beach offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
TOURS
Available tours in Pattaya
Here is a summary of the tours on offer. To make a reservation, please scroll down.
Island Tours: Pattaya is surrounded by several beautiful islands. Island tours typically include round-trip transportation, snorkelling and beach time.
Elephant Sanctuary: called Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary. It is an ethical elephant tour where guests can spend time with a small herd of rescued elephants now living together as a family.
Food Tours: Pattaya is known for its delicious street food and seafood, and food tours offer the opportunity to sample some of the city's best dishes.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a 500-acre botanical garden. It is about 30 minutes by road from Central Pattaya. The garden features a wide variety of plants including palms, cycads, flowering plants and bonsai trees. It also has several themed gardens such as the French Garden, the European Garden and the Stonehenge Garden.
Ramayana Water Park is one of the largest water parks in Southeast Asia. It covers an area of more than 45 acres. The park has 21 world-class slides, 2 huge kid zones, 3 pools, a long lazy river and 50 activities total.
Klook is a great website for Pattaya
explore a city, go on land or sea adventures, or even learn a new set of skills
Pattaya - Koh Larn
Rayong - Koh Samet
Chao Lao Beach
Chanthaburi
Koh Chang
Escape to the tropical paradise of Thailand's eastern seaboard on this incredible tour. Start in Pattaya, a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Take a ferry to Koh Larn, an idyllic island with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
From Pattaya, travel to Rayong and visit Koh Samet, a stunning island known for its lush jungle, pristine beaches, and stunning coral reefs. Take a scenic hike to admire the breath-taking views, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Next, visit Chao Lao Beach, a quiet and serene stretch of sand surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. Sample delicious seafood caught fresh from the sea.
Continue your tour to Chanthaburi, a charming town known for its beautiful waterfalls and vibrant local markets. Explore the town's vibrant street life and sample delicious Thai cuisine at one of the many local street stalls.
Finally, head to Koh Chang, the largest island in the Koh Chang Marine National Park. With its stunning beaches, lush jungle, and diverse wildlife, this island is the perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of Thailand's tropical coast. Whether you're lounging on the beach, hiking through the jungle, or exploring the island's rich marine life, Koh Chang is sure to provide a memorable experience.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Thailand's eastern seaboard, from bustling cities and idyllic islands to serene beaches and lush jungles. With its stunning scenery, vibrant local culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, this tour is a must-see for any traveller.
NEARBY
