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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
Pattaya, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, is widely recognized as a city infamous for its vibrant nightlife scene. It is home to numerous nightclubs and bars where prostitution is prevalent, which has earned it the moniker of "sin city." The abundance of such establishments has led to a bustling and at times frenzied atmosphere, particularly at night, making it challenging to take clear photographs. Local lore humorously suggests that "good boys go to Heaven, bad boys go to Pattaya."
Despite its reputation, visitors need not worry about being accompanied by their families or significant others, as the local prostitutes are known to identify and respect boundaries and prime spots can easily be avoided.
Pattaya is a coastal city located in the Chonburi province of Thailand, approximately 150 km southeast of Bangkok.
The city was once a small fishing village, but it rapidly developed into a popular tourist destination in the 1960s and 70s, primarily due to the presence of American troops during the Vietnam War.
Pattaya is famous for its lively nightlife, which includes numerous bars, nightclubs, and adult-oriented entertainment venues. However, the city also offers a wide range of other attractions, such as water sports, golf courses, cultural and historical sites, shopping malls, and theme parks.
Pattaya's beaches are major draw for tourists, with the most popular ones being Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Wong Amat Beach.
Pattaya is known for its thriving expat community, with a sizeable number of retirees and digital nomads living in the city.
The official language of Thailand is Thai, but English is widely spoken in Pattaya, particularly in tourist areas.
While Pattaya is a popular tourist destination, it may not be the most ideal place for family trips. The city is known for its bustling and lively nightlife, concentrated mainly around Pattaya Beach and the pier, making it a popular destination for solo travellers. There are several sois nearby, including Soi 6 and Walking Street, which are renowned for their seedy nightlife, but such establishments can be found throughout the city.
Recent harbour renovations have resulted in deeper waters, allowing boats to approach the shore more easily.
Pattaya boasts several picturesque and extensive beaches, with Pattaya Beach located at the heart of the city.
Towards the south of Pattaya lies Jomtien Beach, which is relatively peaceful and home to several upscale bars and restaurants. However, visitors should be aware that packs of stray dogs roam the area, posing a potential safety hazard.
For a more serene experience in Pattaya, visitors may wish to explore the area around the Sanctuary of Truth, situated in the northern part of the city, adjacent to Marilyn Beach. The Sanctuary is a relatively new and remarkable structure, 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 impressive collection is worth exploring over the course of a day.
Pattaya is a city that caters well to Western visitors, offering a diverse range of Western-style dining options and pubs. For those craving a taste of British cuisine, The Sportsman Bar on Soi 13, located close to the beach, and The Nest on Soi Diana are highly recommended. The Caddyshack on Thep Prasit Soi 17 is another great option but all pubs are very good.
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. Alternatively, visitors can choose to travel via speedboat, which is considerably more expensive, with prices around 2,000 baht.
One thing is certain, Pattaya promises visitors an enjoyable and memorable experience. However, it is crucial to research and be aware of the potential downsides and cons associated with the city, as it is often referred to as "sin city.
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.
Short Term Rentals
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.
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