Pattaya

Pattaya is Thailand’s beachside city known for its mix of sun, sea, and notorious nightlife. Most tourists come for the beaches, water sports, and entertainment on Walking Street, but Pattaya also offers family-friendly attractions, water parks, and day trips to nearby islands. Whether you’re looking for parties or a laid-back seaside vibe, Pattaya has a little bit of everything.

What makes Pattaya unique is its reputation as both a nightlife hub and a developing family destination. Over the years, the city has worked to broaden its appeal, adding more cultural sites and adventure activities to its traditional party image.

While the city is going to considerable lengths to clean up its image as a center for sex tourism, there are still a huge number of venues dedicated to this scene. So if your idea of a good night out is ogling scantily clad oriental lovelies over a beer or three and partaking of pleasures of the flesh, then you’ll find Pattaya something of a dream destination.

Do not, however, make the mistake of thinking that dens of iniquity are Pattaya’s sole attraction or its defining characteristic. The city can be as appealing to families and couples as it is to single, vice-hungry males, especially in light of its seaside location, sandy beaches and picturesque coastal scenery.

Top attractions include Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, and the Big Buddha Temple. Day trips to Coral Island (Koh Larn) are popular for snorkeling and sunbathing, and activities like parasailing and jet skiing are widely available.

A well-developed tourist infrastructure provides a variety of purpose-built attractions, ensuring that there is something of interest for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Folk preferring a holiday experience based more on tradition and culture will find that beyond the bold type, bright colors and glitz of theme parks and evening entertainment venues are Buddhist temples, Thai massage venues and national parks, to name but a few draws.

For lodging, Central Pattaya keeps you near the action, Jomtien Beach offers a quieter stay, and Naklua is more upscale and relaxed. Accommodation options range from luxury beachfront resorts to budget guesthouses and apartment rentals. Accommodation options are plentiful, with big names such as Marriott, Amari, Sheraton, Four Seasons and Novotel providing quality hotel rooms and on-site amenities to match. There are also plenty of independent establishments, many catering to those on lower budgets.

With its proximity to Bangkok, Pattaya is as much a weekend getaway destination for locals as it is a holiday center for foreigners. Public transport ensures easy passage between the two cities, while the country’s highway system makes light work of getting here by car.

Getting around is easy with songthaews (shared pickup trucks), taxis, and motorbike taxis. Walking works well in central areas, though traffic can be heavy. Renting a motorbike is common but requires caution due to busy roads.

Dining is diverse, enjoy seafood, Thai street food, and international cuisine. Nightlife is centered around Walking Street, known for its bars, clubs, and shows, but quieter options exist along Jomtien. Shopping includes malls, markets, and beachside stalls selling everything from souvenirs to knock-off brands.

Pattaya is generally safe, but petty theft and tourist scams can happen, especially late at night. Be cautious with personal belongings and when joining tours or water sports. Some areas, particularly around Walking Street, can be overwhelming for those unprepared for the adult-focused scene.

Why Go to Pattaya?

• Beaches & Water Sports: Relax on Pattaya and Jomtien beaches or try parasailing and snorkeling.

• Vibrant Nightlife: Explore Walking Street’s bars, clubs, and entertainment shows.

• Family Attractions: Visit places like Nong Nooch Gardens, water parks, and the Sanctuary of Truth.

• Island Hopping: Take day trips to Coral Island (Koh Larn) for clear waters and sandy beaches.

• Affordable Fun: Enjoy a wide range of accommodations, dining, and activities at various price points.

Who Might Not Enjoy Pattaya?

• Visitors Avoiding Nightlife Scenes: The adult entertainment vibe, especially around Walking Street, may not appeal to all.

• Those Seeking Pristine Beaches: Pattaya’s main beaches are busy and not the cleanest, quieter islands offer better sands.

• Travelers Wanting Cultural Immersion: While there are cultural sites, Pattaya is more focused on tourism and entertainment than traditional Thai culture.

From Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, visitors can take an air-conditioned bus to North Pattaya Road Bus Station, from where there are songthaew (pick-ups) available to transport passengers the remaining distance to the city center. The alternative from the airport is to take one of the private bus services; these can be more convenient because they include transportation to your hotel. Public buses also run regularly from both Ekamai and Mo Chit bus stations in Bangkok, stopping at the bus station on North Pattaya Road. Taxis from the airport provide a more expensive but altogether quicker and more convenient means of reaching Pattaya but watch out for unscrupulous drivers who tell you their meter isn’t working.