Pattaya
Nestled on the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand, Pattaya is a vibrant seaside city known for its electric nightlife, sandy beaches, and diverse entertainment options. Once a quaint fishing village, the city has transformed over the decades into a bustling resort destination attracting millions of tourists annually. Apart from its lively bars, cabaret shows, and sprawling malls, Pattaya offers an array of water sports, golf courses, and cultural attractions, ensuring there's something for every kind of traveler. With its close proximity to Bangkok, it has become a favored weekend escape, offering a tantalizing mix of leisure and excitement.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Pattaya is during the cool and dry season which spans from November to February. During these months, the weather is relatively cool and humidity is at its lowest, making it ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and enjoying the various outdoor attractions Pattaya has to offer.
Here's a breakdown of Pattaya's seasons:
Cool Season (November to February): This is the peak tourist season. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 20°C to 30°C. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance due to the high demand.
Hot Season (March to May): The temperatures start to rise, often reaching above 30°C. While it's still a good time for beach activities, the heat can be intense, especially in April. On the upside, Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, occurs in April, offering a unique cultural experience.
Rainy Season (June to October): Characterized by heavy, yet short-lived, rain showers, often in the afternoons or evenings. The upside is that the landscape becomes lush and green, and there are fewer tourists, which might mean discounted rates at hotels and less crowded attractions.
How to Get There
Getting to Pattaya is relatively straightforward given its popularity as a tourist destination. Here are the main ways to reach Pattaya:
By Air:
While Pattaya doesn't have an international airport, the closest major airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. From there, Pattaya is approximately a 90-minute to 2-hour drive away.
Another nearby option is the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP), though it serves a more limited range of domestic and few international flights.
By Bus:
From Bangkok: There are frequent buses from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit) in Bangkok to Pattaya. The journey typically takes around 2 hours.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport: There are direct bus services from the airport to Pattaya, operated by several companies. They run frequently and are an affordable and convenient option.
By Taxi:
You can hire a taxi from Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport directly to Pattaya. This is a faster but more expensive option compared to the bus. It's advisable to agree on a fare with the driver beforehand or ensure the meter is used.
By Train:
There's a daily train service that runs from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok to Pattaya. The journey offers scenic views but takes longer than the bus or taxi. The train service is less frequent and may not always align with traveler schedules, but it's an economical option.
By Rental Car:
If you prefer driving, you can rent a car at Suvarnabhumi Airport or in Bangkok and drive to Pattaya. The journey is straightforward, primarily via the Chonburi-Pattaya Highway.
By Shared or Private Transfer:
There are several companies offering shared minivan services or private car transfers from Bangkok and the airport to Pattaya. This can be a comfortable and hassle-free way to reach the city, especially if traveling in a group.
How to get Around
Getting around Pattaya is relatively easy, thanks to a variety of transportation options available to visitors. Here's a rundown of the most common ways to explore the city:
Songthaews (Baht Buses):
These are modified pickup trucks with benches in the back, serving as shared taxis or buses. They have specific routes, especially along the main roads like Beach Road and Second Road, but can also be hired for private trips. You simply hop on and off, and the fare is typically very affordable.
Motorbike Taxis:
For quick trips around the city, motorbike taxis are widely available. They're easily identifiable by their colorful vests. Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Car and Motorbike Rentals:
If you're confident about navigating Pattaya's roads, renting a motorbike or car is an option. Many rental agencies offer daily, weekly, or monthly rates.
Taxis:
Metered taxis are available, though they aren't as common as in Bangkok. It's advisable to ensure the driver uses the meter or to negotiate the fare beforehand.
Walking:
In some areas, particularly along the Beach Road or Walking Street, it's convenient to explore on foot. However, given the tropical climate, this might be less comfortable during the hotter parts of the day.
Bicycle Rentals:
Some areas in Pattaya are conducive to cycling, and there are several places where you can rent bicycles for the day.
Tuk-Tuks:
While not as prevalent as in other Thai cities, you can still find tuk-tuks in Pattaya for short-distance travel.
Boats:
For trips to nearby islands, like Koh Larn, you can take a ferry or speedboat from the Bali Hai Pier.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Pattaya
Top 11 Attractions in Pattaya
Pattaya, once a quiet fishing village, has transformed over the years into a bustling resort city with a myriad of attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in Pattaya:
Walking Street: The epicenter of Pattaya's nightlife, Walking Street is a pedestrian-only zone after 6 PM, filled with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and live-music venues.
Pattaya Beach: This busy beach stretches for about 4 kilometers along the city center, lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars. The beach is popular for water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
Sanctuary of Truth: A remarkable wooden structure showcasing intricate carvings, this temple represents a fusion of cultures and religions, illustrating the importance of religion, philosophy, and art.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: A vast botanical garden showcasing a variety of themed gardens, from French to European, as well as cultural shows like traditional Thai dance performances and elephant shows.
Pattaya Floating Market: A cultural attraction offering an array of food, souvenirs, and art, with vendors selling their wares from boats and waterside stalls.
Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Pattaya View Point): Located on Pratumnak Hill, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of Pattaya Bay and the city.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): Situated on Pratumnak Hill, this temple is home to a large statue of the Buddha. It's a place of worship and also offers lovely views of the city.
Coral Island (Koh Larn): A short boat ride from Pattaya, this island offers crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and various beach activities.
Art in Paradise: An interactive 3D art museum where visitors can become a part of the artworks through creative photography.
Mini Siam: A miniature park featuring replicas of iconic structures from Thailand and around the world.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum: A museum displaying a collection of odd, unusual, and unique items from around the world.
Top 11 Activities to do in Pattaya
Here are some of the top activities to indulge in while visiting Pattaya:
Beach Water Sports: Engage in a plethora of water sports available at Pattaya Beach, from jet skiing and parasailing to windsurfing.
Thai Massage: Relax and rejuvenate with an authentic Thai massage at one of the numerous spas or massage parlors in the city.
Island Hopping: Take a boat trip to the nearby islands like Koh Larn, Koh Sak, and Koh Phai, where you can snorkel, sunbathe, and explore pristine beaches.
Cabaret Shows: Witness the city's famous cabaret performances, like the Alcazar Show or Tiffany's Show, known for their vibrant costumes and energetic dance numbers.
Night Market Exploration: Visit the local night markets, such as the Thepprasit Night Market, to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local Thai delicacies.
Diving and Snorkeling: Explore the marine life by diving or snorkeling in the clear waters surrounding the nearby islands.
Golfing: Enjoy a game at one of Pattaya's renowned golf courses, like the Siam Country Club or the Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club.
Thai Cooking Classes: Learn the art of Thai cuisine by enrolling in a cooking class and take home the skills to prepare authentic Thai dishes.
Bungee Jumping: Get an adrenaline rush by trying bungee jumping at the Pattaya Bungee Jump, one of the highest in Thailand.
Skydiving: Experience the thrill of jumping from a height of 13,000 feet and free-fall over the beautiful Pattaya landscape.
Visit Theme and Amusement Parks: Spend a day at attractions like Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark or the Ramayana Water Park for a mix of thrill and fun.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is a popular activity for visitors to Pattaya. The Gulf of Thailand off Pattaya's coast is dotted with beautiful islands, each offering a unique slice of tropical paradise. Here's a look at the most famous islands and what they have to offer:
Koh Larn (Coral Island):
Description: Just a short ferry or speedboat ride from Pattaya, Koh Larn is the most visited island from Pattaya. It boasts six main beaches, all known for their clear waters and water activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. The island can get crowded, especially on weekends.
How to Get There: Regular ferries from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, or you can charter a speedboat.
Koh Sak:
Description: A smaller island located close to Koh Larn, Koh Sak has two main beaches and is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. The island's U-shape makes it unique and offers some secluded spots.
How to Get There: Speedboats from Bali Hai Pier.
Koh Phai (Bamboo Island):
Description: Managed by the Royal Thai Navy, this island is less commercialized than Koh Larn, offering a more peaceful environment. It's great for snorkeling and diving due to its coral reefs and clear waters. However, overnight stays aren't permitted.
How to Get There: Speedboat tours often include this as a stop.
Koh Rin (Gnat Island):
Description: A popular site for divers, the waters around Koh Rin are teeming with marine life. The island itself has pristine beaches with white sands.
How to Get There: Usually visited as part of diving excursions or via speedboat.
Koh Ped (Monkey Island):
Description: True to its name, this island is known for its large population of monkeys. While the beaches aren't as pristine as those on other islands, visitors come here to feed and watch the monkeys.
How to Get There: Charter boats from Pattaya offer trips to Monkey Island, usually combined with visits to other nearby islands.
Koh Si Chang:
Description: While not directly off Pattaya's coast, it's worth a mention due to its historical significance and charm. It's less a beach destination and more of a place to experience traditional Thai island life, with temples, palaces, and local communities.
How to Get There: Regular ferries run from Sriracha, which is about a 30-minute drive from Pattaya.
Best Shopping
Central Festival Pattaya Beach: One of the largest beachfront shopping malls in Asia, it houses international brands, a cinema, and plenty of dining options.
Pattaya Floating Market: Experience traditional Thai shopping with vendors selling their wares on boats. It's a place for souvenirs, Thai crafts, and local foods.
Mike Shopping Mall: Located along Beach Road, this mall offers a mix of branded clothing, local handicrafts, souvenirs, and an authentic Thai food court.
Royal Garden Plaza: Apart from international brands, it's known for its entertainment options, including Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and the Louis Tussaud's Waxworks.
The Avenue Pattaya: A lifestyle mall with a cinema, bowling alley, and numerous dining options alongside shops.
Walking Street: While renowned for its nightlife, during the day, it has several shops selling clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Mimosa Pattaya: Also called "The City of Love," it's a combination of shopping and entertainment with a distinct European ambiance.
Outlet Mall Pattaya: For those looking for branded goods at discounted prices, this is the place to go.
Soi Buakhao Market: A popular street market, it's great for affordable clothing, accessories, and street food.
Pattaya Night Bazaar: Conveniently located in the center of the city, it's perfect for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at negotiable prices.
Terminal 21 Pattaya: A themed mall based on famous cities around the world, each floor offers a unique shopping experience with a mix of local and international brands.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Pattaya is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and plethora of entertainment options that can cater to a wide range of tastes. Here's a breakdown of the top nightlife and entertainment spots in Pattaya:
Walking Street: Arguably the most famous nightlife hub in Pattaya, Walking Street is a neon-lit, bustling street lined with clubs, go-go bars, pubs, and street performers. It comes alive post-sunset and remains active until the early hours of the morning.
Soi 6: Popular for its short-time bars, it's a busy street during the afternoon and early evening. It's a more straightforward and in-your-face experience compared to other nightlife areas.
Beach Road: The northern part of Beach Road, close to Central Festival, has several beer bars and is popular for people-watching.
Soi 7 and Soi 8: These adjoining streets are packed with bars, with Soi 8 being slightly busier. They are a great place to hop from one bar to another.
Cabaret Shows: Pattaya is famous for its glamorous ladyboy cabaret shows, with Alcazar and Tiffany's Show being the most renowned. They offer dazzling performances with elaborate costumes and sets.
Horizon Bar: Located on the 34th floor of the Hilton Pattaya, it provides a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay. It's an ideal spot for a more upscale evening.
Hard Rock Café Pattaya: Apart from the usual Hard Rock experience, they have regular live bands and events, making it a staple of Pattaya's nightlife.
The Pier Club Pattaya: One of the premier nightclubs in the city, it's known for its excellent DJs, laser shows, and a stylish crowd.
Pattaya Beer Garden: Overlooking Pattaya Bay, it's a great spot to enjoy a drink with a view. They offer a vast selection of beers and decent food.
Rooftop Bars: Places like The Roof Sky Bar & Restaurant and Siam@Siam Design Hotel's rooftop bar are becoming increasingly popular for their views and ambience.
Jomtien Beach Nightlife: A more laid-back alternative to the central Pattaya scene, Jomtien offers beach bars and a relaxed vibe.
Live Music Venues: There are several places in Pattaya where you can enjoy live music, from rock to blues to jazz. Some of the notable ones include Hot Tuna Bar, The Stones House, and The Blues Factory.
Local Cuisine
Pattaya, being a coastal city in Thailand, naturally gravitates towards seafood. However, due to its status as a major tourist hub, the local cuisine is a blend of traditional Thai dishes and international influences. That said, Thai food is rich in flavors, aromas, and has a unique balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. Here's an overview of the local cuisine you can find in Pattaya:
Seafood: Due to its proximity to the sea, Pattaya boasts a plethora of fresh seafood. Grilled prawns, steamed fish with lime and chili, and crab in curry sauce are just a few specialties you can relish.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad): A spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya, chilies, garlic, tomatoes, and long beans. It's tangy, sweet, and spicy, often seasoned with fish sauce and lime.
Tom Yum Goong: A hot and sour shrimp soup that's both aromatic and flavorful. It's made with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves.
Pad Thai: Thailand's perhaps most well-known dish, it consists of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, or chicken, seasoned with tamarind paste, fish sauce, garlic, chilies, and sugar. It's often topped with crushed peanuts and served with a slice of lime.
Green/Red/Yellow Curry: Thai curries are a blend of spices, herbs, and either coconut milk or water. They can include meat like chicken, beef, or pork, and are served with rice.
Mango Sticky Rice: A favorite dessert, it comprises glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk, served with ripe mango slices and sometimes sprinkled with toasted mung beans or sesame seeds.
Laab: A Northeastern Thai salad made from minced meat (often pork, beef, or chicken) mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint leaves, onions, and roasted ground rice. It's both tangy and spicy.
Satay: Skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, and a small serving of a pickled cucumber-onion relish.
Massaman Curry: A rich, slightly sweet curry thanks to the inclusion of coconut milk, tamarind, and palm sugar. It usually contains meat, often beef or chicken, and potatoes.
Roti: Although it's originally from India, Roti has found its place in Thai cuisine, especially as a street food. In Pattaya, you might find vendors selling roti filled with bananas or drizzled with condensed milk as a dessert.
Accommodations
Pattaya offers a range of accommodation options catering to different preferences, from bustling city centers to more tranquil beachside locations. Here are some of the best areas to stay in when visiting Pattaya:
Central Pattaya (Pattaya Klang):
Pros: Heart of the action with a plethora of restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and nightlife. Ideal for travelers looking to be in the middle of it all.
Cons: Can be noisy and crowded.
Pattaya Beach Road:
Pros: Beachfront hotels with easy access to Pattaya Beach. Plenty of entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
Cons: Busy and can be noisy, especially in the evenings.
South Pattaya (Pattaya Tai):
Pros: Close proximity to the famous Walking Street, offering vibrant nightlife and entertainment options. Diverse range of accommodations.
Cons: Very busy area, especially at night. Might not be suitable for families or those looking for a quiet stay.
North Pattaya (Pattaya Nuea):
Pros: Slightly more relaxed than Central Pattaya with a mix of luxury resorts and budget accommodations. Close to the serene Wong Amat Beach.
Cons: Still can be busy, though less so than Central Pattaya.
Jomtien Beach:
Pros: Quieter than the main Pattaya areas, making it suitable for families or travelers seeking relaxation. The beach is more tranquil, and there are numerous seafood restaurants.
Cons: A bit further from the main action of Pattaya, though it's just a short drive away.
Pratumnak Hill:
Pros: Located between Pattaya and Jomtien, this area offers luxury condos and upscale resorts. It boasts a calm beach and offers a panoramic view of Pattaya from the hilltop.
Cons: Less vibrant in terms of nightlife and might require transport to reach other parts of Pattaya.
Naklua & Wong Amat Beach:
Pros: Northernmost part of Pattaya offering a more authentic Thai experience. Wong Amat Beach is one of the most peaceful beaches in Pattaya.
Cons: Requires transportation to access the central parts of Pattaya.
