Pattaya is a resort city in Eastern Thailand. It is situated on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only about 150 kilometres south-east of Bangkok, making it very popular with tourists. Planning a trip to Pattaya city in Thailand? This detailed Pattaya travel guide with Pattaya travel tips will help you discover the city and its best things to do.
Pattaya is a vibrant coastal city which is busy from sunrise to sunset as well as after dark. City’s beaches are crowded with sun bathers and water sports lovers so don’t expect calm and idyllic environment here. After dark, the streets of the resort city are full of action as travellers explore city’s nightlife and enjoy drinking and partying until dawn.
Things to Do in Pattaya
Pattaya is a large city and there are plenty of tourist attractions and other things to do in Pattaya for travelers of different taste to be busy for at least several days.
Beaches in Pattaya
Pattaya beaches are the thing that attracts foreign and local tourists to this coastal city. The most popular beaches are listed below.
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is a 4 km long beach which is parallel to the city centre. This beach is not a great spot for sunbathing or swimming as it’s overcrowded, dirty full of speedboats and jet skis here. But if you are into water sports, this place might be just for you. The beach road is running just near the beach and it’s full of restaurants, shopping areas and bars.
You can choose to stay at one of hotels near Pattaya Beach to be next to the sea and right in the center of action.
At the beach you can enjoy various water sports.
Jomtien Beach
Jomtien Beach is a 6 km long stretch of sand located to the south of Pattaya Beach. This beach is much more relaxed than the central beach of the city. Jomtien Beach should be your choice if you like lazing on the beach but want to have a variety of attractions, such as restaurants and shopping malls, nearby. Jomtien Beach is much quieter, especially at night, making it a better choice for families and couples.
For the most exceptional stay in the area, choose one of beachfront hotels in Jomtien Beach.
Naklua Beach and Wongamat Beach
Naklua Beach and Wongamat Beach are the beaches in the northern part of the city. Naklua Beach and Wongamat Beach are probably the nicest beaches in the area, making them your top choice if you want to enjoy a peaceful beach holiday in Pattaya.
The most popular hotels in this beach area are beachfront hotels Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya and Pullman Pattaya Hotel G.
Koh Larn Island
Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, is an idyllic island with beautiful beaches located just 7 km west of Pattaya. Koh Larn beaches are the nicest in the surrounding area making them a perfect day-trip destination. If you would like to spend your day swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing, jump on the boat and visit this nice little island.
Koh Larn can be visited independently by taking a ferry or speedboat to the island as well as by joining a half day tour or full day tour from Pattaya.
Koh Phai & Koh Rin
Other nice islands that can be visited from Pattaya are Koh Phai and Koh Rin.
Koh Phai is an island known for its tranquil atmosphere and secluded beaches. Here you can explore the underwater world which is part of the Mu Ko Phai Marine Park.
Koh Rin is another island with lush greenery and a laid-back atmosphere. Here you can see the island's crystal-clear waters and get access to vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and various coral species.
Both islands can be visited on this impressive Full-Day 2 Islands Yacht Trip.
To further expand your experience of island hopping from Pattaya, you can choose this 3 Islands Day Tour on Catamaran and additionally visit the island of Koh Ped, also known as Koh Ling or Monkey Island. As the name suggests, the island is home to a big population of monkeys.
Temples in Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth is one-of-a-kind 105-metre high teak structure of a temple, featuring intricate wooden carvings that are a good example of Thai craftsmanship.
You can visit this masterpiece of Thai architecture even cheaper by booking discounted tickets here: The Sanctuary of Truth Tickets.
Big Buddha at Wat Phra Khao Yai is one of the largest Buddha images in the world.
Wat Yansangwararam is a huge unique temple complex that comprises of many buildings built in Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Swiss architectural styles.
Buddha Mountain or Khao Chee Chan is a 130-metre high hill, with the Buddha image engraved on it.
As the most important temples are quite far from each other, the best way for visiting all them is a private car charter with driver.
Parks in Pattaya
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a recreation park with a lake, orchid nurseries, waterfalls and a nice landscape. It's a beautiful place that is worth to visit and spend few hours wandering around.
Plan your visit in advance and book your Nong Nooch Tropical Garden tickets online as it helps you to spend significantly less.
Mini Siam is a model village featuring miniature replicas of famous structures from Thailand and all over the world. If you are planning to visit this attraction, book Mini Siam tickets online as it will be much cheaper than buying it at the ticket counter.
Another nice green place in the area is Khao Pattaya Viewpoint, which is a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city and the bay.
Animal Parks & Aquariums in Pattaya
If you want to see or interact with exotic animals, you can visit one of Pattaya animal parks and aquariums.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical elephant sanctuary, Underwater World Pattaya is a modern ocean aquarium and Khao Kheow Open Zoo is an open-concept zoo. The newest addition is Monster Aquarium Pattaya, which is an excellent aquarium with a mini zoo, where you can see many different types of turtles and fish and even feed both animals and fish.
Water Parks in Pattaya
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Waterpark is the world’s first Columbia Pictures fully branded water and theme park, featuring state-of-the-art rides and newly themed attractions that will bring to life treasured characters from some of the most successful and beloved movies from Hollywood, including: Bad Boys, Hotel Transylvania, Jumanji, Ghostbusters, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Zombieland.
Ramayana Water Park offers 21 exhilarating rides, including 4 that you will find nowhere else in Asia. The park occupies 184,000 square meters and is located in a picturesque place, which is surrounded by greenery, hills and lakes. Ramayana Water Park offers much more than just exciting water rides as it contains extensive grounds with a vast array of activities that will guarantee all-day entertainment. Here you can ride as much as you want, and as often as you want – once you’ve purchased the great value entrance ticket all the rides are free, all day long.
You can save money by booking online your Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Waterpark Ticket and Ramayana Water Park Ticket as online tickets are significantly cheaper than at the ticket counters of water parks.
Massage in Pattaya
Like everywhere in Thailand, finding a place to get a massage in Pattaya is easy. You will find plenty of cheap massage parlours and luxury spas - just choose the most suitable for your taste and budget.
Normally you can get a significant discount by pre-booking your spa experience online. To get the best deal for your visit, check an extended list of vouchers at Top Pattaya spa & massages.
Let's Relax Spa is one of the most popular spas in Pattaya offering premium quality at great rates. By booking your spa visit online you get a discounted access to one of the best spas in the city that provide top class services without breaking the bank.
Muay Thai fights
The resort city is one of the places where you can find boxing stadiums to watch real fights of Muay Thai, which is Thai national sport. Explore the best places to watch Muay Thai in Pattaya.
Max Muay Thai Stadium Pattaya is Thai boxing stadium that has hosted several of MAX World Championships. At this Muay Thai venue you can watch a live match between world renowned local and international fighters. In the stadium you can feel and hear the excitement of yelling enthusiasts and atmospheric music.
JF Boxing Muay Thai Stadium is another Thai boxing competition venue in the city. Here you can also witness authentic Muay Thai fights at the stadium and enjoy a thrilling and action-packed evening as local and international fighters compete in traditional Muay Thai bouts.
Museums in Pattaya
If you are having a rainy day or just need a break from sunbathing and water sports while on holiday in the resort city, you can visit one of the interesting museums in Pattaya – there’s a good choice of fun places here!
Choose to visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum for getting a scare and seeing unbelievable sights, Art in Paradise to trick and be tricked at Thailand's first optical illusion gallery or Love In Museum with immersive 3D paintings and sculptures that create the perfect backdrop for romantic photos, and you will have fun for a few hours.
FROST Magical Ice of Siam
FROST Magical Ice of Siam is the place, where you can experience a different side of Siam in negative 10-degree temperatures and enjoy 30,000 sqm area of sculptures, exhibits, and activities that reflect the rich culture of Thailand with touches of international characteristics. Step into a world of fantasy brought to life by statues of ice and creatures made of white sand. Enter a magic world where ancient traditions and folktales come to life though art pieces crafted by local artists. Soak up the mesmerizing lighting and unique installations throughout the park.
To save money, make sure to book FROST Magical Ice of Siam tickets online as they are more expensive at the door of the attraction.
Floating Cafe
Tappia Floating Cafe is an offshore cafe in Pattaya, where you can enjoy your meal or drink while taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean and the city from the sea. There you can also go fishing and if you happen to reel in a squid, the ship's chef will immediately prepare it for you as sashimi or grilled squid.
Discounted tickets to the floating cafe can be booked online here: Tappia Floating Cafe Tickets.
Pattaya Floating Market
Pattaya Floating Market is a place where you can explore the Thai riverside lifestyle. There are over 100 shops and boats selling various Thai foods, snacks and souvenirs at this market. If you are not going to visit Damnoen Saduak or any other of floating markets in Bangkok, this floating market might be an acceptable option.
Unlike traditional floating markets, this floating market has an admission fee but you can get a significant discount when booking your admission ticket online.
Pattaya with Kids
Even if this resort city is mostly associated with beautiful beaches and fun nightlife, it also has plenty of family friendly attractions to offer. To fully enjoy your family vacation in Thailand, explore the best things to do in Pattaya with kids.
Pattaya Nightlife
Pattaya nightlife is one of the main reasons why people like visiting this resort city in Thailand. Nightlife here is varied and unforgettable as everyone can find something for their own taste.
Walking Street
The worldwide famous Walking Street is the hub of Pattaya’s nightlife and one of the most crowded places in the city. The street is closed for traffic from 19:00 to 03:00. Walking Street is the place where you will find the city’s best nightclubs, beer bars, restaurants, go-go bars and cabaret show venues. The street comes alive with neon lights, loud music, street performances and party animals from around the world.
This is the place where the bad boys go when the good guys are expelled to paradise!
Ladyboy Cabaret Shows
Pattaya ladyboy show is a performance with dances and music which is a family friendly attraction and a perfect way to spend an evening. Ladyboy cabaret show is a colorful music and dance performance performed by talented transgender artists and it is really fun to watch.
Three most famous ladyboy cabaret show in the city are Tiffany's Show, Colosseum Show and Alcazar Show. You should consider visiting at least one of them.
89 Adult Show
89 Adult Show is inviting you to fulfill your wildest fantasies and experience the famous Thai nightlife that you can’t find elsewhere. Get to watch eye-catching showcases from fabulous performers that will surely have your mind and body reeling for more. Dozens of beautiful Thai women grace the stage each night, flawlessly showing off their bombastic skills and luscious curves.
Discounted tickets to the show can be booked online here: 89 Adult Show Ticket.
Rooftop Bars
There are plenty of rooftop bars in Pattaya offering lovely rooftop views throughout the year. Just choose your favourite rooftop bar for the night out and admire the skyline of the coastal city while sipping cocktails.
Dinner Cruise
Take in Pattaya's most famous and sacred landmarks from a scenic viewpoint: aboard the Ocean Sky Cruise, swiftly gliding the night. For a unique cruise ride, the dinner cruise features a grandiose buffet with favorite Thai dishes, as well as a selection of international treats. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset aboard the cruise while indulging in a buffet, followed by a delightful and sophisticated performance.
All Star Dinner Cruise is another dinner cruise to be considered for spending a night on the sea.
Where to Stay in Pattaya
Pattaya has something for everyone. In terms of accommodation too. If you want to have fun, you should stay in Central Pattaya or Southern Pattaya. For more quiet atmosphere you should opt for Northern Pattaya or Jomtien Beach.
Staying at one of the best Pattaya beachfront hotels is really a good idea. If you are traveling with your little ones, then also pay attention to the best Pattaya hotels with water slides.
For a wider selection of the best rated hotels in the city, check the list of the best hotels in Pattaya.
To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.
How to get to Pattaya?
You can get to Pattaya by plane, private taxi, bus or train.
Flights to Pattaya
Pattaya is only about 120 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), making it easily accessible from anywhere in the world.
The city is also served by scheduled flights via U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) which is connected with Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen as well as with cities in China, Malaysia and Russia.
Deals for domestic flights to U-Tapao Airport can be found here:
Flight from Koh Samui to Pattaya
Flight from Chiang Mai to Pattaya
Flight from Hat Yai to Pattaya
Taxi to Pattaya
The fastest and easiest way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya is by private taxi. You can get one on the street in Bangkok or book online a private taxi transfer with airport or hotel pick up.
If you will be arriving at Bangkok Airport and will want to go directly to Pattaya, booking a private taxi online is the most convenient way as you will get a convenient pick up service - the driver will be waiting for you at the airport. Book your transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya and you will enjoy easy door-to-door transfer from the airport to your hotel in a modern air conditioned vehicle.
Otherwise, you can get one of many taxis waiting at the airport and test your bargaining skills.
Bus to Pattaya
There is a regular intercity bus service departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Ekkamai Bus Terminal and Mochit Bus Terminal to Pattaya. These buses are provided by Roong Reuang Coach company. The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya normally takes about 2 hours 30 mins depending on traffic conditions. The bus brings passengers to company's own bus terminal on North Pattaya road.
You can book bus tickets here: Bus from Bangkok to Pattaya.
Bus from Bangkok Airport is really convenient for anyone who is flying to Suvarnabhumi Airport and want to travel directly to Pattaya without a stopover in Bangkok.
There are also minivans to Pattaya departing from Ekkamai Bus Terminal and Mochit Van Terminal.
Train to Pattaya
Taking eastern line train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station is another option to reach the resort city. The trip normally takes about 3.5 hours.
Detailed information about train connection between the cities is provided here: Bangkok to Pattaya Train.
Other transportation options
To make your choice for traveling to the resort city, explore detailed guide about traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya by different means of transportation.
Various transportation options can also be found and transport tickets can be booked by using this search form.
Weather in Pattaya
Pattaya has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. The best weather in this coastal city is between November and May when the weather is mostly dry with little rain expected for much of this time. Wet season occurs between May and October in Pattaya.
For monthly weather rating and the best time to visit the city check Weather in Pattaya.
Next Destination after Pattaya?
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the largest city of the country with tons of things to do and see, so you can easily spend days or weeks there and not get bored. Koh Samet is a tranquil island that can be easily reached from Pattaya, Koh Chang is another island offering a good relaxation from crowds, while Ayutthaya is home to ancient temples.
