Where to start with Thailand’s sensory feast
Bangkok might be more famous. But Pattaya has its own wild charms we can’t deny.
Even if you’re used to bright lights, decadent bars or street performances that capture you unawares, this city is something else. Yet there’s space to think too. Thailand’s heritage emerges for reflection and appreciation while waves graze the shore.
Pattaya is waiting to be explored
Plan your first moves
Few places in Southeast Asia have taken to tourism as quickly as Pattaya. It used to be a small fishing village until the early 1960s, when American servicemen found the community and kept coming back. By the 1980s, nightclubs, resorts and apartment complexes had sprung up to cater for growing numbers of travellers. Today, you’ll find everything that makes Thailand so special — the loud and the quiet, side by side. Some of the best things to do in Pattaya take you to temples, stages, beach towels, the saddle of a jet ski, and a floating market.
Pattaya’s top neighbourhoods
From Pattaya Beach to the streets
There’s almost too much to see and do here. But to make the most of your time in this Thai paradise, here’s a quick breakdown of each of Pattaya’s districts.
Central Pattaya
Shops, sand and surprises
Most tourists congregate in the centre of Pattaya, which makes it the city’s commercial core. It holds Asia’s largest beachfront shopping complex: a seven-floor behemoth with hundreds of stores. And a 2.8km beach boulevard runs just beyond the mall — your perfect introduction to the vibrancy of Pattaya nightlife.
Jomtien
A break from the action
You don’t have to go far for a calmer slice of Thai life. Jomtien, a seaside town, is 3km south (a shared pick-up taxi takes you there in fewer than 15 minutes). You’ll see another side to Pattaya tourist spots, where you can dive, relax on the sand and take gentle walks.
Pratumnak Hill
Enlightenment with a view
This is the modest divide between the city’s north and south. On Pratumnak Hill, you can visit the Wat Phra Yai Temple, home of the Big Buddha — a 40-foot statue that lights up at night. It’s one of the most inspiring places to see in Pattaya.
Na Klua & Wong Amat
Two more laidback sand spots
Na Klua beach lies a little north of Pattaya Beach. It’s slightly rocky, so make sure you bring tough shoes or sandals. Wong Amat, meanwhile, is one for the kids, with cordoned swimming areas.
Walking Street
The district that never sleeps
The famous Walking Street in Pattaya is where bars, discos and unique local spots come together to keep the party going. Even the signs are a treat for the eyes — neon juts out from every angle. Traffic is banned here from 6.00pm every evening.
Pattaya: A monument to pleasure and culture
Explore Thailand’s past too
Whatever your tastes, Pattaya city has you covered. While it’s true that adventurers and wanderers come searching for extremes, there’s plenty for families, couples and people looking for a quiet slice of life too. To discover the quieter side of Pattaya, head to The Sanctuary of Truth – a stunning temple in Na Klua, built from carved wood without a single nail. Check out the Floating Market as well — 3.5km northwest of the centre, with stalls on boats and stilt houses. Remember to travel sometime in November to March for the best Pattaya weather.
Celebrate in Pattaya: 6 top festivals
Much of Thailand’s energy and spectacle collides in Pattaya. Wondering what to mark in the calendar during your stay? Step this way.
Pattaya Music Festival (March)
Pattaya Beach and Jomtien are popular festival grounds
Pattaya
March
Pop, rock and dance artists command the city during March, playing every weekend of the month. You’ll catch countless Thai artists alongside some international acts.
Wan Lai Festival (April)
Buy a water gun, and spray!
Pattaya
April
Songkran, or the Thai New Year, is the country’s biggest celebration. But the Pattaya water festival is a unique send-off you’ll have to see to believe. Imagine the largest water fight ever, then double it.
Pattaya Marathon (June)
Register if you think you can outrun locals
Pattaya
June
Thousands of runners gather for the annual race here. Competitors start in the middle of the night or early in the morning, depending how you look at it.
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival (November)
Several nations get their own explosive display
Pattaya
November
Since 2007, the sky above the city has been lit by a riot of sound and colour at the end of November. Pyrotechnic wizards visit from across the world to show off their fireworks.
Loi Krathong (November)
There’ll be a full moon during this ceremony
Chiang Mai
November
Also known as the ‘floating lantern festival’, Loi Krathong is a must-see in winter. Residents send candles out on the water in honour of the god Phra Mae Kongkha.
Wonderfruit Festival (December)
Plant a tree in Wonderfruit’s ancestral forest
Siam Country Club
December
Taking place at the Siam Country Club, Wonderfruit is a four-day spotlight for East Asian dance music. Several stages and genres vie for your ears. Pick up a full event ticket for just over 920 AED.
Pattaya hotels
Look up these rooms on any budget
There are many opinions on the best place to stay in Pattaya, but one thing’s for sure — you won’t burn a hole in your wallet for them. Thailand remains incredibly affordable.
The Amethyst
A jewel by the sands
A private garden, rooftop pool and fine dining just 700 m from Pattaya Beach.
The OZO
Sumptuous sea views
In the north of the city, the OZO makes sure you’ll feel pampered and ready for anything.
Beach Gallery House
Bright lights at night
You’ll have your own apartment in Jomtien and shimmering, multi-coloured night lights in the pool area.
DeeProm Pattaya
A central district crowd-pleaser
You can’t go wrong with this standout three-star hotel that’s just 1.4 km from Pattaya Beach.
Your budget in Pattaya
Expect to pay slightly more for groceries here than in Bangkok. But restaurants are less expensive and getting around is cheaper:
Meal for two (street food to upscale dining): 50-500 THB
Transportation in Pattaya: 10-200 THB for a shared taxi, 10 THB for a bus ticket
Accommodation: 500-3000+ THB per night, depending on where you’re staying
Shopping for extras: 500-2000 THB
Attraction tickets: Picks such as Sanctuary of Truth and Underwater World are roughly 500-1000 THB.
From late nights in luxury, sunrises on the sand and the Buddha’s golden smile, you’ll never get bored with things to do in Pattaya.
Thinking of travelling to Pattaya? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
