When the topic of Pattaya comes up, “fun” and “sun” are easily two of the first words that come into mind. But don’t be fooled, there’s even more to this coastal city than beaches and nightlife.
Pattaya has evolved into this paradise filled with adventure activities not just for beach bums and party people but also for kids and families. Everyone, regardless of age, gender preference, and interests, is promised an unforgettable holiday vacation here in this world-renowned Asian tropical destination.
The nearest airport to Pattaya is the U-Tapao International Airport, located 30km away from the destination. However, there’s a limited number of airlines using this airport. As such, only a handful of routes come to and from this point.
A more accessible airport would be the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. This international airport is located 120km away from Pattaya, which is approximately an hour and a half of drive. To get to the coastal city from Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can either ride the airport bus, a public bus service, a mini-van, or a private taxi.
Beaches, shops, and clubs in Pattaya are reasonably situated within a walking range, making it possible to get around the area on foot. Meanwhile, public transportation in the coastal city is very reliable in case you want to reserve your vacation energy for more activities and adventures.
Songthaews, also known as Baht buses, are the main mode of transportation in Pattaya. These are repurposed pickup trucks converted into public transportation. It operates within fixed routes including Beach Road, Pattaya 2 Road, Jomtien, Naklua. There are also local buses that serve these routes. However, services are frequently canceled and are much less reliable than Songtharews.
If you’re traveling solo or in small groups, motorbikes can be a convenient and economical way of getting around Pattaya. Operators are usually scattered on main points of interest around the area. They can be easily spotted with their bright and colored vests. If you’re adventurous enough and want to get around Pattaya in style, motorbikes are also available for rent.
Excited to do some fun activities in Pattaya? We suggest starting your dream tropical vacation with a dip on saltwater. Among the top tourist spots in Pattaya are its many must-visit beaches. The popular ones included Koh Larn and less crowded ones like Jomtien. But while this coastal city is more famed for its turquoise waters, still, there are many more natural attractions that Pattaya has to offer.
Adventure-seekers will find the thrill that they are looking for when they zip-line through the lush green rainforest of Khao Kheow. Another great way to trigger your adrenaline rush is by trekking your way through the stunning scenery of the Grand Canyon Chonburi. But if you want to inject a hint of culture into your itinerary, we highly recommend heading over to the Sanctuary of Truth to explore the beauty of Thailand’s varying religious concepts. We also suggest taking a trip to the Buddha Mountain to see the world’s biggest gold-embossed engraving of the Buddha.
Another one that tops our list of things to do in Pattaya is visiting its unique and massive waterparks. If you have kids coming with you to this trip, be sure to include Ramayana Water Park in your itinerary. It is the biggest waterpark in Thailand and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. You won’t run out of splashing adventures here in Pattaya.
One more attraction that is recommended is the Cartoon Network Amazone. It’s a one of its kind theme park named after the famous television channel, which will surely be a venue of many fond memories for the whole family.
And of course, a trip to Pattaya is almost always incomplete without checking out the infamous Walking Street. Come sunset, Pattaya’s red-light district lits itself up with vibrant sights and sounds. For anyone visiting Thailand to experience its extravagant nightlife, this one is surely not something you’ll soon forget.
Thai food is regarded as intricate in color, aroma, and taste. Without a doubt, a culinary experience in Thailand is truly something to look forward to. Start your gastronomic journey with a lip-smacking som tum, a spicy salad made with unripe papaya.
If you’re the on-the-go type of traveler who wants to make the most out of every trip, you can do this without missing out on the whole local experience. Try out iconic Thai street meals such as khao gaeng, a stir-fried curried rice meal with toppings, kai jeow, a Thai-style omelet recipe, moo ping, Thailand’s version of pork skewers, and of course, satay, a ready-to-go snack that is grilled meat served with sauce.
Lastly, don’t go and leave without having a taste of an authentic Pad Thai. This classic dish is made with stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts.
Pattaya nightlife is unlike any other. Many tourists head to this coastal city mainly to experience its world-renowned party scene. If you want to have a taste of Pattaya’s naughty side, head over to the Walking Street. Here, you’ll find yourself stumbling upon bright neon signs, clubs, bars, go-gos, and ladyboys walking around the stretch of this infamous nocturnal destination.
For first-timers, the Walking Street can be a little daunting to navigate. To give you a headstart, find your way to Mixx Discotheque, The Pier Disco Club, and Club Insomnia. These are three of the hippest happenings in Pattaya.
Despite its overall tropical characteristics, areas within Pattaya are actually polar opposites in view of different vacationers. To avoid booking Pattaya hotels on the wrong side of the city, here’s a quick summary of the best areas to stay depending on the holidaymaker that you are.
Hotels in Pattaya Beach are for groups of friends and solo travelers who fancy partying and want the convenience of having everything in one place. Meanwhile, Jomtien Beach is the ideal neighborhood for budget-conscious couples and families who are looking for a less-crowded but equally enjoyable part of Pattaya. Naklua and Wong Amat, on the other hand, are perfect for those who are planning to treat themselves to some luxury vacation.
Total Accommodation | 3,074 Properties |
Popular Area | Koh Larn, Jomtien Beach |
Popular Hotel | Centre Point Prime Hotel Pattaya, Mytt Hotel Pattaya |
Popular Landmark | Art in Paradise, Cartoon Network Amazone Water Park |