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Your guide to Pattaya
The vibrant seaside resort of Pattaya draws hedonistic revelers year round with its bustling entertainment scene, fantastic restaurants and sandy beaches as well as the pretty hostesses this town is known for. The party resort has diversified its entertainment scene to cater to a broad range of travelers including families and couples and is accessible from Bangkok in an hour.
The heart of Pattaya’s bar scene is Walking Street, a pedestrianised strip lined with go-go bars, eateries, Irish pubs and the like. This neon-clad stretch connects with the main promenade and is just a short stroll from Pattayaland, another lively bar district. Families and visiting Thais often prefer to hang out at neighboring Jomtien, where things are quieter.
The focus is on entertainment in Pattaya regardless of where you base yourself but the 15kms of golden sands provide plenty of alternatives to the lively bars and clubs. Colourful marine life can be explored offshore while water sports abound. Those with young ones shouldn’t miss the city’s animal attractions and water park.
Pattaya beaches: those staying in Central and South Pattaya will likely make the most use of Pattaya Beach, a popular sandy stretch that is dotted with deck chairs and backed by tasty food outlets that serve loungers at their chairs. This is a great spot to while away your days nibbling on seafood but if you prefer to get active, Jomtien Beach’s water sports will appeal.
At Jomtien the scene is more laid-back and the water cleaner. This is also the best spot for windsurfing and sailing, with clubs dedicated to both. Naklua Beach in North Pattaya is even quieter while the idyllic beaches of Koh Larn island are the best in the area and just a short boat ride away. Pattaya beach guide.
Family attractions in Pattaya: naughty nightlife isn’t the only attraction in Pattaya. The city has broadened its appeal by adding a host of animal and leisure based venues to its attraction list and today’s family visitors will have a hard time fitting them all in. Kids love Pattaya’s Sriracha Tiger Zoo, where they can get up close with tiger cubs as well as Pattaya Crocodile Farm.
If dangerous animals are not what you came for, try the city’s relaxing gardens or museums, or cool off with a trip to Jomtien’s Pattaya Park Beach Resort and Water Park. Mini Siam allows you to see the best of Thailand’s architectural heritage without leaving Pattaya while Underwater World Pattaya showcases Thailand’s exotic marine life.
Around Pattaya: just a short ferry or speedboat ride from Pattaya is Koh Larn. Also known as Coral Island, this is where you will find the nicest beaches including some secluded spots on the island’s northern shore. The ferries are cheap and run from 08:00 until 18:00 but by chartering your own speedboat you can stick to your own schedule.
To the south of Pattaya, just around the promontory, is Jomtien. This quieter alternative to Central and South Pattaya is easily reached by shared taxi from Pattaya and has a nicer strip of beach that is popular with local Thais. It is also the sporting hub of Pattaya, drawing windsurfers and sailing fans with its clubs.
Shopping in Pattaya: not renowned for its shopping scene, Pattaya nevertheless has a host of modern shopping malls, boutiques and tailors to keep spend-happy visitors entertained. The best deals can be had on electronics, clothing and handicrafts though prices are not always as attractive as in Thailand’s less touristy spots. Try Royal Garden Plaza near Beach Road and the parallel Second Road for the widest choice in merchandise. Bargaining is part of the culture here so don’t pay the first price you are offered. Shopping in Pattaya.
Eating in Pattaya: you will have no trouble finding fantastic fare in Pattaya, where all tastes are catered for. The main eating strips of Walking Street and Beach Road have a slew of international eateries serving Italian and Japanese food as well as everything in between. It can be hard to find decent, affordable Thai fare in among the prevalent steak houses, but wander along the less busy stretches and you will come across some hidden gems. Restaurants in Pattaya.
Nightlife in Pattaya: in days past Pattaya was a favourite haunt of guys looking for pretty Thai girls, and while the resort still gets its fair share of men here to enjoy the go-go bars and strip joints, the nightlife has diversified to appeal to all types. The centre of the action is Walking Street, a strip of neon-lit bars, while further beer bars are found in nearby Pattayaland and along Beach Road. If you aren’t here for adult entertainment, try the German brew houses or the live music venues.
Pattaya budget: you can splurge in Pattaya but there is no need to. Dining and drinking out can take their toll on your wallet here but accommodation is often more reasonably priced than in Phuket or Samui. Bank on paying between 1,000 and 3,000 baht a night for comfortable lodgings or check out cheaper deals in the likes of Jomtien.
Pattaya transportation: the easiest way to reach Pattaya is to step into a taxi as soon as you disembark at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The ride takes about an hour and regular Bangkok taxis are usually willing to run this route. Buses and infrequent trains offer cheaper alternatives, with the former leaving from Ekamai Station and the latter from Hualampong Station. Minibuses also run from Victory Monument.
Pattaya itself can largely be explored on foot but if you need to get between beaches or bars you can always hail a tuk-tuk. The fare needs to be negotiated before you set off. Shared taxis known as songthaew also cruise Beach Road while scooter hire is prevalent.
Pattaya weather: the best time to visit Pattaya is in the cool season from November to February, yet temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year. If you want to avoid the heat, don’t visit from March to June when temperatures of 40˚C are normal. Humidity is high in the wet period of June to August.
Pattaya safety: you shouldn’t experience any threats to your safety in Pattaya. Thailand in general has a reputation as a safe travel destination and this bustling resort city is no exception. Of course, pickpockets and scammers operate but they are not prevalent. Touts and pretty hostesses work hard to get clientele into their bars but they don’t pose a threat. Be careful on the road and always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.
See a complete guide to Pattaya
Thailand travelers’ guide online