Pattaya: where to stay, which area to choose and what to do

Pattaya is on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand about 150 km southeast of Bangkok. According to Wikivoyage, it is about two hours by road from the capital, so on weekends the beaches fill up with people from Bangkok. It is a resort with a loud reputation, but finding a quiet area in it is entirely realistic. It all comes down to where you stay.

How the city is laid out

Pattaya stretches along the bay, and the areas run from north to south:

• Naklua in the north. A quiet area north of Pattaya Beach.
• Central Pattaya (North, Central, South). The main beach, malls, cafes and Walking Street with its nightlife.
• Pratamnak (Buddha Hill) on the headland south of the center. Hotels with views on the slopes and small beaches.
• Jomtien in the south. A long beach and a more family atmosphere.

Blue and white songthaews ("baht buses"), pickups with benches in the back, run between the main parts of the city. According to Wikivoyage, there are more than 700 of them, and a ride around the city costs about 10 baht. The routes follow the main streets along the shore, so getting from the center to the south and north is simple.

Where to stay: areas by purpose

Central Pattaya. Right for people who come for restaurants, malls and evenings on the seafront. The plus is that everything is close and songthaews run around the clock. The minuses: noise, heavy traffic and a city beach that is not as good as the beaches at other Thai resorts. If you want the sea and peace, look at the neighboring areas straight away.

Jomtien. The best option for families with children and for anyone who wants a lot of beach. According to Wikivoyage, the Jomtien beaches are much wider and in better condition, and the atmosphere is calmer than on Pattaya Beach. You take a songthaew to the center, so plan your evenings in advance.

Naklua. For people who value quiet. The area lies north of the main beach, there is less noise and you can reach the center by songthaew.

Pratamnak. Hotels on the hill with a view of the bay and quiet streets. For evenings in the center you need a taxi or a songthaew, but mornings are calm.

What to see and do

• Islands. Koh Larn is across from the city and is one of the nearby islands that tourists are taken to. One day is enough for the trip.
• Diving and snorkeling. Pattaya dive centers work around the nearby islands of Koh Larn, Koh Sak and Koh Krok, and there are also wrecks that attract experienced divers.
• Water activities. On the beaches, including Jomtien, you can find banana boats, parasailing and jet skis.
• Markets and malls. The best place to escape the heat. Night markets open in the evening.
• Muay Thai and theater shows. For anyone looking for an evening out.
• Golf. There are many courses around the city, so people come here with clubs.

Getting there

The most common route is to fly to Bangkok and continue by road to the east. From Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport you take a bus, minivan or taxi to Pattaya. Compare flights to Bangkok in the HotTrip flight search.

If you are heading to the islands after Pattaya, see our guides to Phuket beaches and areas and where to stay in Bangkok.

Money, safety and season

Wikivoyage singles out road traffic and scams in its safety section. Compare prices for excursions in advance, and rent a motorbike only if your skills are solid.

On weather, Wikivoyage's climate table shows the most rain in September and October, about 214 and 225 mm, and the driest months are December, January and February. By November the rain is already easing. See when to go to Pattaya for the month-by-month picture.

Take out travel insurance before the trip, especially if you plan water activities and motorbikes.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to stay in Pattaya with children?

In Jomtien: the beaches are wider and the atmosphere is calmer. Central Pattaya is noisier.

How do I get from Bangkok to Pattaya?

By bus, minivan or taxi. The journey takes about two hours, as Wikivoyage writes.

How much does a songthaew ride cost?

According to Wikivoyage, about 10 baht on the main streets of the city. For longer routes, agree the price with the driver.

Which islands can I visit from Pattaya?

Koh Larn for a day trip. For diving, choose Koh Sak and Koh Krok.

When is the best time to go?

In the dry season, from December to February. September and October have the most rain.

Cover: photo by Pareekshith Indeever on Pexels