Pattaya
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Did you know?
- The resort lies on Thailand’s Eastern Gulf Coast.
- Larb can be made as a spicy-sour chopped pork salad.
- Som tam is a spicy papaya salad.
See also
Jomtien
Thailand12.86°N 100.90°E
Overview
Pattaya is an Eastern Gulf resort city with beaches, hotels and a busy bar scene. Food courts and street stalls offer lower-cost meals between seaside activities.
Languages: Thai
Why go?
Pattaya is a seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand, about 150 km southeast of Bangkok. It is mostly famous for its go-go and beer bars, but local authorities have made some efforts to provide more family-friendly attractions and activities. The plethora of hotels and guest houses, and easy access from the capital and airport, make it a popular weekend getaway. Its population is a colourful mix of nationalities and ethnicities from near and far.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Pattaya is easily reached from Bangkok by bus (2 hr, ~389 baht) or train. U-Tapao Airport serves some domestic flights. A daily ferry connects to Hua Hin (2 hr, 1250 baht economy).
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See
Many attractions marketed as being in Pattaya are actually located in Jomtien, Sattahip and Si Racha. Within Pattaya, notable sites include the Sanctuary of Truth, a huge wooden temple; Buddha Hill with the biggest Buddha statue in Pattaya; and Mini Siam, a model village with replicas of iconic structures.
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Getting around
Songthaews (shared pickups) run fixed routes along Beach Road and Second Road for 10-20 baht per ride. Motorbike taxis are common for short trips. Renting a motorbike costs around 200-300 baht per day. Walking is feasible in central areas.
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Learn
Training in scuba diving and trips for a wide range of ability levels and interests, certified by NAUI and PADI, are available through numerous dive shops. There are also opportunities to learn Thai cooking, massage, and fruit carving at schools like the Language and Thai Cultural School.
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Buy
There are numerous malls, supermarkets, bazaar-style markets, and thousands of other shops. Major shopping destinations include Central Festival, one of the largest malls in Asia; Mike Shopping Mall; and the Made In Thailand Night Bazaar. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at many exchange booths, but most ATMs now charge a steep 220 baht fee for using foreign cards.
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When to go
High season is November-February with best weather; prices peak at Christmas-New Year. Songkran (Thai New Year, mid-April) is lively but busy. Low season March-October offers lower prices but hotter and rainier.
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Eat
There are many restaurants, food carts, food courts, and markets. Local specialties include spicy papaya salad (som tam) and spicy-sour chopped pork salad (larb). Cheap eats are available at food courts like those in Big C Extra and Tesco Lotus, and from street stalls such as those on Soi 15 where fried rice can be had for 50 baht.
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Drink
Pattaya is internationally known for its nightlife. Most nightlife is concentrated along Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya 2 Road, and in South Pattaya. Popular areas include Walking Street, Soi 7 and Soi 8, and Soi L.K. Metro. There are also rooftop bars like Horizon at the Hilton Hotel, offering great views. For coffee lovers, Benjamit Coffee and Bake n Brew serve excellent brews.
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Sleep
Pattaya has an extensive selection of inexpensive mid-range accommodation. Standard room rates are per room, not per person. Budget areas include Soi Buakhao, Soi LK Metro, and Soi Honey Inn. Dorm beds and cheap rooms can be found from as low as 200 baht at places like Cheap Charlies. There's generally no need to book in advance.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations suitable for day trips include Bang Saen, Chonburi, Jomtien, Ko Laan, Ko Sak, Ko Samet, Ko Si Chang, Rayong, Sattahip, Si Racha, and Trat. The islands Ko Laan and Ko Sak are easily reachable by ferry from Bali Hai Pier.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
Alcazar Cabaret
Directly after the show the performers come outside for a few minutes photo session.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Art in Paradise
This is an “illusion” art museum that features ten galleries – the Camouflage Room, Under the Ocean Room, Wildlife Room, Classical Art Room, Civilization Room, Surrealism Room, Dinosaur Room, Waterfall Room, Scenery Room, and Exhibition of Art Room. Great place for any one who loves to snap selfies.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Bake n Brew
Good coffee, cakes and breads. Partially air-conditioned
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Canterbury Tales Cafe, Guesthouse & Bookshop
Probably Pattaya's largest second hand bookshop. It's run by an Englishman called Dave. Also has a cafe restaurant and rooms. The cafe at the front is a popular meeting place with expats, mostly from UK, US and Australia.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Central Festival
One of the largest malls in Asia. It is the best shopping mall in the region and now attracts customers from all over, adding to the traffic chaos of Beach Rd. Fashion, electronics, health & beauty, kids activities and food are all here. With the obligatory cinema complex and bowling alley on the top floor, this mega-mall is styled on the big Bangkok destination shopping areas like Siam Paragon. The Food Loft has the best view of the bay and great variety at reasonable prices. The anchor store is Central Department Store itself, offering high-end designer labels from abroad and Thailand. A supermarket and budget food hall is in the basement. Enter from Soi 9, Pattaya Beach Rd or on Second Rd after the new View Talay complex. Easy to find, just look for the traffic jams.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Gems Gallery
One of several "World's Biggest" jewelry stores, this one also has a theme park.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Ko Khrok
2 km east of Ko Laan, is an isolated rocky islet with a single 100 metre stretch of sandy beach to the east, where visitors can see coral reefs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Ko Phai
Ko Phai, and other islands in the Ko Phai group, Ko Klung Badan (or Krung Badan), Ko Luam (or Leom), Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin (or Lin) - are preferred destinations for scuba divers, and are also popular for general relaxation, fishing, swimming and snorkeling day trips. This area is controlled by the Royal Thai Navy, and overnight stays are not permitted. For a return speedboat charter from one of the mainland beaches or Bali Hai Pier (approx. 23 km/2 hours)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi in most hotels and cafes. SIM cards easily purchased at 7-Elevens or phone shops.
Culture
Pattaya has a strong sex tourism scene; respect local customs. Dress modestly at temples.
Health
Tap water is not safe to drink. Beware of heat and sun. Mosquito repellent recommended.
Local transport
Songthaews are the main public transport (10-20 baht). Motorbike taxis and rentals available. Traffic can be chaotic.
Money
ATMs charge a steep 220 baht fee for foreign cards. Exchange booths are widely available and often buy foreign currency but do not sell it.
Safety
Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas like Walking Street. The main police station is on Beach Rd at Soi 9, and tourist police are on Pratamnak Rd.
Transport
Pattaya is about 150 km from Bangkok, a 2-hour drive. Songthaews are the main mode of local transport.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.