Pattaya
Close enough to Bangkok to visit for a weekend, pretty Pattaya is a stunning seaside resort on the east coast of Thailand with lots to offer visitors.
Pattaya in a nutshell
Close enough to Bangkok to visit for a weekend (it’s just 150km away), pretty Pattaya is a stunning seaside resort on the east coast of Thailand. Famous for its superb selection of sandy beaches, the resort is filled with hotels, shops, restaurants and entertainment.
One of its main attractions is the Wat Phrai Yai Temple, home to an impressive 18m-tall golden Buddha, located close by. Initially renowned for a seedy nightlife, the resort has upped its game and now offers a wide selection of family-friendly as well as upmarket facilities including several golf courses, superb water sports and fascinating museums.
Pattaya is divided into 3 separate districts – North, Central and South Pattaya. In the upmarket northern area, you’ll find the Naklua beach district, while down south, at the end of Pattaya Beach, is famous Jomtien, great for families and home to the iconic pedestrianized shopping and entertainment area, Walking Street.
Bustling Central Pattaya offers plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Best time to visit: Peak season is December to February, so come just after that when the crowds have thinned.
Best Area for Sightseeing: There is so much to see and do in Pattaya. Take a look at Things to do in Pattaya below for some good ideas.
The Sanctuary of Truth is a beautiful unfinished temple found in Pattaya.
Shopping in Pattaya: Shopping is a popular pastime here, in numerous shopping malls, open-air markets and sidewalk stalls. Visit the famous Pattaya Floating Market and the open-air Thepprasit Market to see how the locals live and scour for good bargains.
Food & Restaurants in Pattaya: There is plenty of choice when it comes to cuisine, including traditional local dishes, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Asian and Indian food. Take your pick.
Nightlife: Head for Walking Street to enjoy that after-dark revelry Pattaya is famous for. This is the resort’s Red Light District, so be prepared.
Beaches: Pattaya’s beautiful beaches are legendary, and you can find some secluded spots if you explore. Located close to famous Pattaya Beach you’ll find secluded, lesser-known Wong Amat Beach and tranquil Wong Phra Chan Beach. Then, just a 15 to 20-minute drive away is family-friendly Jomtien Beach, another great spot to escape the crowds. For a romantic break, head for Bang Saen Beach, and if you’re keen on fishing or surfing, there’s Naklua Beach. A stunning island nearby to visit is Koh Larn, or Coral Island, 8km from Pattaya, which boasts several lovely beaches.
Things to do in Pattaya:
- Visit the wooden Sanctuary of Truth, a beautiful complex in the north of Pattaya.
- See the impressive Big Buddha at the iconic Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Yai.
- Explore the largest butterfly garden in Asia, Saithip Butterfly Garden, home to thousands of colorful butterflies.
- See more than 1,000 crocodiles at The Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Park.
- Discover the iconic Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
- Enjoy an authentic Thai experience at the Pattaya Floating Market.
- Take the kids to a water park – Pattaya has 2 exciting parks to choose from.
Best way to get around: Take a bus or a taxi. Or rent a car.
Best Area for Families: Jomtien Beach Quieter and less frenetic than Pattaya Beach, this beach district offers numerous family-friendly attractions and is close to the famous Floating Market.