Pattaya
Pattaya is by no means the most attractive seaside resort in Thailand. However, it is certainly one of the most popular, helped in part by its proximity to Bangkok. The best advice I can give is to forget what you read in the Lonely Planet guidebook. Go there with an open-mind and decide for yourself. If you don’t like it, it’s easy enough to move on.
The city is a melting pot of all nations and people from all parts of Thailand. Whilst the bar scene, go-go bars, blaring music and neon lights of Central and South Pattaya are prominent, the resort has much more to offer. In my experience Pattaya, much like Bangkok, is a love it or hate it place. If you’re looking for deserted beaches and tropical paradise, you won’t find it here. You will find plenty of nightlife and there is no doubt that a lot of single men are attracted to the resort’s more obvious attractions. Nevertheless, the sheer number of families and older visitors is testament to Pattaya’s popularity.
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Getting To Pattaya
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Taxi
From Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, the taxi fare is 1300 Baht with a journey time of less than 2 hours. From Don Muang airport, fares should be similar with a slightly longer journey time.
Bus
From Bangkok, the most frequent buses leave from Ekamai (Eastern Bus Terminal) and Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal). Buses run approximately every 30 minutes and the fare is 120-130 Baht. There is also a far less frequent service from Sai Tai (Southern Bus Terminal). There are a number of options to get to Pattaya from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport.
Train
There is just one train a day to Pattaya from Bangkok Hualamphong station. The service runs Monday-Friday leaving Bangkok at 06.55 and arriving Pattaya at 10.18. The train station in Pattaya is situated in the east of the city, quite a distance away from most of the tourist areas. The current fare is 31 Baht.
Air
The nearest airport to Pattaya is U-Tapao situated 24 kms to the south on the way to Rayong. This is predominantly a military airport, but is also used commercially by Bangkok Airways to fly to and from Phuket and Ko Samui. Bangkok’s international airport (Suvarnabhumi) is a 1.5 - 2 hour drive from Pattaya.
Getting from Pattaya back to Bangkok airport >>
Where to Stay
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Central Pattaya
As the name would suggest, an excellent location close to shops, restaurants, nightlife and the beach. There are plenty of accommodation choices but if you’re after a quiet night it might be best to avoid some of the rooms available on Sois 6, 7 and 8 because it does get very noisy at night.
Hotel Review: BJ Holiday Lodge, Soi 3, Pattaya >>
South Pattaya
The area that encompasses Walking Street is South Pattaya. Like Central Pattaya there is no shortage of hotels, bars or clubs.
Jomtien
The area of Jomtien is a popular spot for package-tours, families and Bangkok day-trippers. Jomtien Beach is certainly more appealing and less crowded than the beach in central Pattaya.
Naklua and North Pattaya
The area of Naklua (and north Pattaya) is very popular with German and Scandinavian visitors. There are plenty of bars and restaurants, but the entertainment isn’t as full-on as it can be in South or Central Pattaya. The further north you head into Naklua, the more it has the appeal of a more traditional Thai town. The market and fishing boats are places where few tourists tend to go, but are well worth a visit.
What to See
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Khao Kheow Open Zoo are both highly recommended for daytime excursions (although Khao Kheow are also opening a night safari with the option of an overnight stay). A trip to the Big Buddha should not be missed and offers excellent views over the Pattaya coastline. The Sanctuary of Truth and the Elephant Village are also good options for daytime trips.
Pattaya is world renowned for its nightlife. Whilst it can be brash and noisy, it can also be a lot of fun. Pay a visit to Walking Street at the end of Beach Road in South Pattaya. Find an open-sided bar, have a cold drink and marvel at some of the sights you will see!
For a weekend getaway, head to the charming little island of Ko Samet.
Recreation
For golf enthusiasts, Pattaya makes a superb base to enjoy some of the world-class courses located within an hour’s drive of the resort.
Windsurfing, diving, bungy jumping, jet-skiing and paragliding are all available. For families, the water park at Jomtien is a very popular choice.
Getting Around
The easiest way to get around is by songthaew (or baht-buses as many expats call them). The fare is 10 Baht for most destinations (at least 20 Baht if you’re travelling to or from Jomtien). They are also available for private hire by negotiating a price beforehand.
Weather
Temperatures in Pattaya remain fairly consistent throughout the year, averaging a warm and humid 27-28C. The hot season runs from March-May and the rainy season is June-October, with July-September averaging the most rain. The cool season is from November-February.
| Month | Average Minimum Temp. °C |
Average Maximum Temp. °C |
Average Rainfall (mm) |
Average No. of Days with Rain |
| Jan | 23 | 30 | 19 | 1 |
| Feb | 25 | 31 | 14 | 3 |
| Mar | 25 | 32 | 52 | 4 |
| Apr | 26 | 33 | 67 | 6 |
| May | 26 | 32 | 177 | 12 |
| June | 27 | 31 | 79 | 11 |
| July | 26 | 31 | 77 | 11 |
| Aug | 26 | 31 | 91 | 12 |
| Sept | 25 | 31 | 202 | 17 |
| Oct | 24 | 31 | 249 | 18 |
| Nov | 23 | 30 | 134 | 10 |
| Dec | 22 | 30 | 4 | 1 |
