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Hotels in Pattaya

A Thai beach resort two hours from Bangkok, with islands and nightlife

Pattaya

LanguageThai
CurrencyTHB
TimezoneAsia/Bangkok
Temperature26-35 °C
Dial Code+66
Population71.8M
Area513,120 km²
SocketsType A / Type B / Type C / Type O
Tap waterNot drinkable

Discover Pattaya

Pattaya lies on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand about a hundred and fifty kilometres from Bangkok and is one of Thailand's most visited resorts. As late as the 1960s it was a fishing village; today it is a long beach with a promenade, hotel towers, shopping malls and the nightlife of Walking Street. Its reputation is twofold: for some it is a noisy place for nights out, for others a base for the islands of Koh Larn and Koh Samet, the Nong Nooch tropical garden and the wooden Sanctuary of Truth. Families usually stay in the calmer Jomtien or in northern Wong Amat, couples and independent travellers in the centre. It is two hours by car from Bangkok's airport, so it can be reached straight after landing. The sea is warm all year, the main season runs from November to February, and thunderstorms arrive in the green season from May to October.

What to see

The places worth your time in Pattaya, and what to expect at each

Sanctuary of Truth

Sanctuary of Truth

Naklua

A giant temple built entirely of wood, under construction since 1981 and never to be finished — carvers are still working on it. The sixty-metre structure shows Hindu and Buddhist motifs in carving, from gods to mythical beings, and stands right by the sea on the Naklua headland. Visitors wear a protective helmet and the guided visit is included in the ticket.

Tip: Go right at opening, around eight, before the heat and before the groups arrive. Comfortable shoes and covered shoulders and knees are advised; an English-language guide is included.

Admission:
about 500 THB
Time needed:
2 hrs
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

Khao Phra Tamnak

An eighteen-metre gilded seated Buddha on Khao Phra Tamnak hill above the southern end of Pattaya. A flight of about a hundred steps flanked by dragons leads up, and from the top there are views of the bay, Walking Street and Koh Larn. Entry is free and the temple is open from morning to evening.

Tip: The best light is shortly before sunset, when the golden statues light up and the temperature drops. Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
1 hr
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

south of Pattaya

A large park twenty kilometres south of Pattaya with a French garden, orchids, cacti, dinosaur sculptures and a replica of Stonehenge. Shows with dancing, elephants and Thai boxing run daily. It is the most popular excursion for families with children and can be combined with an elephant visit.

Tip: Set off in the morning, as midday is hot and the shows are in the morning and afternoon. Buying a ticket online is often cheaper than on the spot, and transport is arranged through your hotel.

Admission:
from 500 THB
Time needed:
half a day
Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island

island offshore

An island seven kilometres off the beach with five beaches of clear water and snorkelling, reached by boat in forty-five minutes. Tawaen beach is the liveliest, Tien and Samae calmer. A good place for a whole day, with beach restaurants.

Tip: Boats from Bali Hai pier run from seven in the morning; the first boat is calmest and not so many water sports are on sale. Do not rent a jet ski at the pier: rental operators often invent damage claims on return and demand payment on the spot.

Admission:
ferry 30–50 THB
Time needed:
full day
Pattaya Floating Market

Pattaya Floating Market

Jomtien and Naklua

A market built in a bay with several hundred stalls on wooden bridges and boats selling food, fruit, crafts and souvenirs. The entrance fee is a few hundred baht, and on offer are mango with sticky rice, grilled fish and Thai sweets. You can also rent a boat.

Tip: Come around nine in the morning, before the market is packed. Pay in cash, and only souvenirs are bargained for, as food has fixed prices.

Admission:
about 200 THB
Time needed:
2 hrs
Walking Street

Walking Street

south Pattaya

The famous pedestrian street at the southern end of the beach, closed to cars from six in the evening, where bars, clubs, seafood restaurants and street entertainment alternate beneath neon. It is the centre of the nightlife, with its own character, and an evening stroll is worth it, but it is not suitable for children.

Tip: The best time to go is around six in the evening, when it is still calm and seafood restaurants have fresh fish. Always pay in cash and check the bill; in bars, watch your drinks.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
2–3 hrs

Jomtien Beach

Jomtien

A four-kilometre beach south of Pattaya, noticeably calmer and cleaner than the main city beach. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are done on the water, and along the promenade are seafood restaurants. From Friday to Sunday the Thepprasit night market sells food and souvenirs.

Tip: For swimming the beach is better in the morning; in the afternoon there is strong wind and choppy waves. A sunbed with parasol rents for a few dozen baht, and drinks at the stalls are cheap.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day
Wat Yansangwararam

Wat Yansangwararam

southeast of Pattaya

A sprawling temple complex about twenty kilometres southeast of Pattaya with Thai pavilions, Chinese statues and ponds in landscaped gardens. It is the main Buddhist centre of the region and one of the least crowded sights nearby. Entry is free.

Tip: Getting there is by taxi or scooter; arrange the return trip in advance. Cover shoulders and knees and take shoes off before entering the halls.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
2 hrs
Beach Road Promenade

Beach Road Promenade

centre

A two-and-a-half-kilometre seafront avenue along the main beach, with shady trees, restaurants, shops and views of the islands. In the evening traffic slows and grilled corn and seafood are sold along the way. The water by the beach is less suited to swimming than at Jomtien or on the islands.

Tip: The best time for a stroll is shortly before sunset. Do not swim from the beach after heavy rain, when the water is cloudy.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
1–2 hrs

Photos: Sanctuary of Truth — Marlinjuice at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) — Abrget47j (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Nong Nooch Tropical Garden — Kimmam at English Wikipedia (Public domain) · Koh Larn Island — Don Ramey Logan (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Pattaya Floating Market — Horiuchi (Public domain) · Walking Street — Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0) · Wat Yansangwararam — Mastertongapollo (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Beach Road Promenade — PattayaPatrol (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where to stay

Areas and districts, matched to the kind of trip you are taking

Centre and Beach Road

Best for: first visit and shopping

The middle of Pattaya around the main beach, shopping centres and restaurants. It has the widest choice of hotels, and everything is reached on foot or by songthaew for ten baht. It is busy rather than peaceful, but the most convenient.

South Pattaya and Walking Street

Best for: nightlife and bars

The southern part of the beach with Walking Street and noisy streets that come alive after dark. Hotels are cheaper but unsuitable for families, and sleeping by the street is not calm. Suits adults and short stays.

Jomtien

Best for: families and calm by the beach

A calmer strip of beach a few kilometres south of the centre, with beachfront hotels, restaurants and a night market. A songthaew or taxi takes twenty minutes to the centre. The best choice for families and longer stays.

Naklua and Wong Amat

Best for: luxury hotels and quiet in the north

The northern end of the bay with luxury resorts, private beaches and less crowded surroundings. Hotels are pricier and shuttles run to them. Suits couples and those who want calm and a good pool.

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Getting around

From the airport

Pattaya is about a hundred and twenty kilometres from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, served from Europe via Istanbul, Dubai and Doha or with direct flights. The nearest airport, U-Tapao (UTP), is forty kilometres from Pattaya and has a limited number of routes. Shuttle buses, minivans and taxis run from the airport, taking about two hours. From Bangkok you can also go by bus from the Ekkamai terminal or by train from Hualamphong.

Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) · 120 km

  • Bell Travel bus from the airport· 2 hrs· 150 THB
  • Private taxi or Grab· 1 hr 45 min· 1,800 THB
  • Minivan from Ekkamai terminal· 2 hrs· 130 THB

Pattaya – U-Tapao Airport (UTP) · 40 km

  • Taxi to central Pattaya· 40 min· 800 THB

Around town

Around Pattaya runs the songthaew, a pickup with benches, along a loop of Beach Road and Second Road for ten baht. Longer routes are agreed in advance and cost thirty to fifty baht. Taxis are available with the Grab and Bolt apps, and tuk-tuks have no meter. Boats to the islands leave from Bali Hai pier.

SongthaewA pickup along Beach Road and Second Road, stops on request. · 10 THB
Grab and BoltTaxi with a fixed price in advance. · 80 THB
Boat to Koh LarnFrom Bali Hai pier roughly every hour. · 30 THB
Scooter rentalCheap, but accidents are costly in Pattaya and insurance is void without a licence. · 300 THB

Useful apps: Grab, Bolt, Google Maps, Booking.com

When to go

Pattaya has a tropical climate with warm sea all year. The best time is November to February, when it is around 31°C and rarely rains. April and May are the hottest and most humid, the rainy season with thunderstorms runs from May to October, and September is the wettest. The Larn islands remain accessible in the rain, though the sea is choppy.

Best time

November to February

What to avoid

September and October (most rain)

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day31°32°33°34°33°32°31°31°31°31°31°31°
Night22°24°25°26°26°26°25°25°25°25°24°22°
Rainy days235714131213171562
Sea28°29°29°30°30°29°29°29°29°29°29°28°

Food & drink

Pattaya has food everywhere: hotel buffets, street grills, seafood restaurants and stalls on the beach promenade. The best eating is at stalls and in the small food courts of shopping centres, where a main dish costs sixty to a hundred baht. Seafood is chosen by weight.

What to try

Pad thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, prawn and peanuts, served with lime. The basic Thai dish for sixty to eighty baht.

Tom yum

A hot and sour soup with prawns, lemongrass, galangal and lime. The coconut-milk version is called tom kha.

Som tam

A salad of shredded green papaya with chilli, lime and peanuts. It is often very hot; ask for 'mai phet' for a milder version.

Grilled seafood

Fish, prawns, crabs and shellfish chosen fresh from the ice and grilled over charcoal. The best are in the fish restaurants of Naklua and Jomtien; the price is by weight.

Mango with sticky rice

Sweet sticky rice with coconut milk and slices of ripe mango, the most popular Thai dessert. Mango season runs from March to June.

Moo ping

Grilled pork skewers marinated in coconut and spices, a morning snack for ten baht each. Sold at every bus stop.

Thai tea

Strong black tea with sweet milk and ice, orange in colour. A refresher for twenty to forty baht.

What it costs

Pad thai at a stall

60–90 THB

Meal in a seafood restaurant

300–600 THB

A beer in a bar

80–150 THB

Songthaew

10 THB

Taxi from BKK airport

1,500–2,000 THB

Sanctuary of Truth

500 THB

3★ hotel (night)

1,200–2,500 THB

Thai massage (hour)

250–400 THB

Indicative prices that change over time — treat them as a guide, not a price list.

Practical information

SocketsAtwo flat pins (US/JP)Btwo flat pins plus ground (US)CEuroplug, two round pinsOThai
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Tap waterDo not drink tap water — Tap water in Thailand is not for drinking. Bottled water is everywhere and a bottle costs ten to fifteen baht. Ice cubes in restaurants are usually made from clean water.
TippingTipping is not obligatory; in restaurants leave a few coins or ten per cent if service is not on the bill. Masseurs and drivers are given twenty to fifty baht.
Driving on theleft
SafetyPattaya is usually safe for tourists, but the risks are specific: scooters have a high accident rate, jet-ski rental operators often invent damage claims, and there are bill and drink scams on Walking Street. The sea has dangerous currents and from June to October waves. The emergency number is 191, tourist police 1155.
Opening hoursShops and shopping centres are open from ten to ten. Markets run from morning to midnight. Temples close around six in the evening.
Customs & etiquetteIn Thailand you do not touch anyone's head, point with your feet or underestimate respect for the king. Shoes come off in temples and shoulders and knees are covered. Buddha images are not photographed in a way that disrespects them. Do not sunbathe topless on the beach.
A few local wordsHello — Sawatdee kha / khrapThank you — Khop khun kha / khrapHow much is it? — Tao rai?Not spicy, please — Mai phetCheers — Chok deeIt is too expensive — Phaeng paiWhere is the toilet? — Hong nam yu thi nai?

How to plan your days

1 day

A day in Pattaya

  1. 1Morning at the Sanctuary of Truth before the heat.
  2. 2Lunch in Naklua by the fish market.
  3. 3Afternoon on Jomtien beach.
  4. 4Sunset at the Big Buddha.
  5. 5Seafood dinner and a stroll along Beach Road.

2 days

Two days: an island and a garden

  1. 1Day one as above.
  2. 2Day two morning by boat to Koh Larn, swimming and lunch on the beach.
  3. 3Afternoon back and a massage.
  4. 4Evening floating market or Walking Street.

3 days

Three days: Pattaya and the surroundings

  1. 1Days one and two as above.
  2. 2Day three Nong Nooch and Wat Yansangwararam.
  3. 3Afternoon spa and dinner by the sea.
  4. 4Alternatively, a trip to Koh Samet instead.

Day trips

Bangkok

150 km · 2 hrs by car or bus

Thailand's capital with the Grand Palace, temples and markets. Buses and minivans run from Pattaya several times a day and the trip can be done in a day, but two are better.

Koh Samet

100 km · 2.5 hrs by car and boat

An island with white beaches in a national park, with boats from Ban Phe pier. It is calmer than Pattaya and suits a full day.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

45 km · 1 hr by car

An open zoo with a thousand animals and giraffe feeding, in forest near Si Racha. Suitable for families with children and calm outside peak season.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pattaya suitable for families?+

Yes, but choose the right part. Jomtien and Wong Amat are calmer and have beachfront hotels, while south Pattaya and Walking Street are unsuitable for children. Families often head to Koh Larn island, Nong Nooch and the aquarium.

How do I get from Bangkok airport to Pattaya?+

The most comfortable way is a private taxi or Grab for about eighteen hundred baht, taking two hours. Cheaper is the Bell Travel bus from the airport for around a hundred and fifty baht, or a minivan from the Ekkamai terminal. Package tours usually include the transfer.

When is the best time to visit?+

From November to February, when it is around 31°C and rarely rains. April and May are hottest and June to October brings thunderstorms. Outside the main season hotels are noticeably cheaper.

Do I need a visa for Thailand?+

Citizens of the EU do not need a visa for a tourist stay; visa-free entry is granted for the period set out in the current rules. Before arrival you must complete the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Conditions change, so check them with your foreign ministry.

Is Pattaya safe?+

Mostly yes, but beware of scooters, jet-ski rental scams and bill scams on Walking Street. Always watch your drinks and do not use rental shops without insurance. The sea has strong currents; Jomtien or the islands are better for swimming.

Is it better to stay in Pattaya or Jomtien?+

Pattaya has more restaurants, shopping and nightlife and is better for a short stay. Jomtien is calmer and cheaper, with a longer beach, and suits families and longer stays. A songthaew links them for twenty to thirty baht.

What do food and drink cost?+

A stall meal costs sixty to ninety baht, and a seafood restaurant three hundred to six hundred baht. A beer in a bar costs eighty to a hundred and fifty baht and an hour's massage two hundred and fifty to four hundred baht.

Which excursions are worth it?+

A half-day or full-day boat trip to Koh Larn, the Nong Nooch tropical garden with its show and the Sanctuary of Truth. For a longer trip Koh Samet or Bangkok suit. Excursions are best booked through your hotel or tour operator.

Arrival Card

Fill in the required arrival card before your trip to avoid delays at immigration.

Complete Arrival Card

Visa Requirements

Check the latest visa requirements for entering this country. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa or e-visa before travel.

Check visa requirements

Emergency Numbers

Police191Ambulance1669Fire199

Language

Thai

Currency

THB

Timezone

Asia/Bangkok

Dial Code

+66

Population

71.8M

Area

513,120 km²

Voltage

220V / 50Hz

Driving Side

Left

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