Panoramic view of Pattaya Bay with city skyline and beach

Discover Pattaya: Thailand's Vibrant Coastal City

Beaches, Entertainment, and Non-Stop Energy

Pattaya, located on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, is a dynamic beach resort city famous for its energetic atmosphere, stunning coastline, and legendary nightlife. From relaxing on sandy beaches and exploring unique cultural attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth to diving into the vibrant Walking Street after dark, Pattaya offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors seeking sun, fun, and entertainment.

Where to Stay in Pattaya

Pattaya boasts a huge selection of hotels catering to all tastes and budgets. Choose from beachfront resorts along Pattaya Beach Road, luxury hotels with expansive pools, convenient stays near the Walking Street entertainment hub, or quieter options in Jomtien or Naklua.

Avani Pattaya Resort

Centrally located premium resort featuring spacious rooms with balconies, a large outdoor pool, spa, and multiple dining options, adjacent to Royal Garden Plaza.

View Details & Rates

Siam Bayshore Resort Pattaya

A lush beachfront resort located at the quiet southern end of Walking Street. Offers tropical gardens, multiple pools, several restaurants, and easy access to nightlife.

View Details & Rates

Holiday Inn Pattaya

A popular, modern hotel located directly on Pattaya Beach Road. Features sea-view rooms, multiple pools (including an infinity pool), kids' club, and rooftop bar.

View Details & Rates

7 Days Premium Hotel Pattaya

A budget-friendly hotel offering clean, modern rooms very close to the entrance of Walking Street, providing great value for its location.

View Details & Rates

Balihai Bay Residence

Well-regarded hotel located near Bali Hai Pier (for Koh Larn ferries) and the end of Walking Street. Offers good views and comfortable rooms.

View Details & Rates

Things to Do in Pattaya

Beyond the beaches and nightlife, Pattaya offers unique cultural attractions, island escapes, viewpoints, and family-friendly entertainment.

Sanctuary of Truth

An awe-inspiring, massive temple-like structure built entirely of wood, located in North Pattaya (Naklua). Features incredibly detailed carvings based on Eastern philosophy and mythology. A must-see cultural landmark.

Neon signs and crowds along Pattaya Walking Street at night

Walking Street Experience

Experience Pattaya's most famous nightlife hub. Closed to traffic in the evening, this street comes alive with neon lights, loud music, countless bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and street performers. An intense sensory experience.

Clear turquoise water and white sand beach on Koh Larn island

Koh Larn (Coral Island) Day Trip

Escape the city bustle with a short ferry or speedboat ride from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn. Enjoy beautiful sandy beaches (like Tawaen Beach, Samae Beach), clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and various watersports.

People relaxing and enjoying watersports on Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach & Jomtien Beach

Relax on the main city beaches. Pattaya Beach is lively with watersports, vendors, and proximity to malls and Walking Street. Jomtien Beach to the south is generally longer, quieter, and more family-friendly.

Large golden Big Buddha statue sitting atop Pratumnak Hill, Pattaya

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Visit the giant 18-meter tall golden Buddha statue located on Pratumnak Hill between Pattaya and Jomtien. Offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Themed garden landscape with dinosaur statues at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

A vast, beautifully landscaped park located south of Pattaya. Features themed gardens (French, Italian, Stonehenge), orchid nurseries, cultural shows (Thai dance, boxing), and elephant shows.

Pattaya Nightlife Explored

Beyond Walking Street

While Walking Street is the main event, Pattaya's nightlife extends further. Soi LK Metro offers a smaller, slightly less intense version of Walking Street with numerous bars. Soi Buakhao has many beer bars and pubs popular with expats. Areas like Naklua and Jomtien offer quieter beachfront bars and restaurants for a more relaxed evening.

Shopping in Pattaya

Malls, Markets, and More

Pattaya provides ample shopping opportunities. Central Pattaya (formerly Central Festival) is a large, modern mall on Beach Road with international brands, restaurants, and a cinema. Terminal 21 Pattaya offers a unique airport-themed shopping experience with different 'destinations' on each floor. Royal Garden Plaza features Ripley's Believe It or Not! alongside shops. Explore local night markets like Thepprasit Weekend Market for bargains and food.

Essential Travel Tips

Currency: Thai Baht (THB). ATMs and exchange booths are common.
Language: Thai. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Getting Around: Songthaews (dark blue pickup trucks) run fixed routes (e.g., along Beach Road/Second Road) for a low flat fare (usually 10 THB). Haggle for private hire. Motorbike taxis are quick but ride carefully. Grab is available.
Connectivity: Buy a Thai SIM card at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) airports in Bangkok, or upon arrival in Pattaya at malls/convenience stores.
Best Time to Visit: Peak/Dry season is November to February (cooler, less rain). Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Oct) are hotter. Wet season (Jun-Sep) sees more rain but can still have sunny days.
Safety: Be vigilant against pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas like Walking Street. Be aware of potential scams (jet ski, tuk-tuk). Drink responsibly and be cautious at night.
Beach Safety: Pay attention to warning flags on beaches indicating swimming conditions (red flag means no swimming due to strong currents).
Transport from Bangkok: Pattaya is easily reached from Bangkok (approx. 2 hours) by bus (from Ekkamai or Mo Chit terminals), taxi, or pre-booked private transfer.