Pattaya, the sultry seaside resort: the guide

The complete guide to discovering Pattaya: places to see, nightlife, transport and all the useful information to prepare your trip.

Pattaya is a famous beach resort located in Chonburi province.

It is a family destination, but also a hotspot for sex tourism in the country.

Description

Tourists on a beach in Pattaya.

Pattaya is the first seaside resort in Thailand , due to its location, as it is just 147 km from Bangkok .

It has more than 120,000 inhabitants in 2025 in the municipality, but if we include its wider metropolitan area (Bang Lamung, Na Klua, Jomtien, Sattahip), the population exceeds one million inhabitants .

Every year, the city and its surrounding area welcome several million Thai and foreign tourists , making it one of the most visited beach destinations in Thailand.

In addition, there are many Thais coming from the capital to have fun on weekends and others coming mainly from the northeast of the country, Issan, to work.

And the seaside resort can accommodate its many visitors, it has more than 141 hotel establishments for a total of 31,581 rooms (2024 data).

In the wider Pattaya–Chonburi tourist region, the supply reaches nearly 300,000 rooms according to the TAT (2025).

Pattaya City is largely populated by residents from other parts of the country, attracted by tourism revenue.

There is no shortage of work in the tourism industry: hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, various shops and the numerous girlie bars that give the city its seedy reputation.

Pattaya mainly attracts tourists who come to experience the completely crazy nightlife and gogo bars .

Pattaya's districts: Central, Jomtien and Naklua

Location of Pattaya on a map of Thailand and districts of Pattaya.

The city consists of three main districts: Jomtien in the south, central Pattaya and Naklua in the north.

Jomtien

Jomtien is the quieter, family-friendly part, and it also has cleaner beaches.

This area offers many activities, water sports, diving, but also nature walks and places to shop.

Pattaya center

The busy center of Pattaya is mainly made up of two parallel avenues, Beach Road and Second Road (see map below), which are connected by perpendicular alleys (alley = soi in Thai, pronounced "soille").

There is the city part, with the bus station, the markets and the red-light district with its go-go bars, massage parlors and the many hotels and restaurants.

Naklua

Naklua is a very quiet residential part of Pattaya, yet it is home to some of the most iconic landmarks, such as the Sanctuary of Truth and many attractions.

History of Pattaya

It was American soldiers, during the Vietnam War, who discovered this pretty bay with its 4 km long arc-shaped beach in 1960.

There was only a small fishing village and the US soldiers will motivate the construction of bungalows and small restaurants.

With the Vietnam War over and the military gone, tourism slowly developed until 1980 when it experienced a dizzying growth.

Russian, Indian and Chinese tourists have been arriving in large numbers since the 2000s.

In 2025, Pattaya attracts a very diverse clientele: Thai families, European retirees, Indian and Chinese tourists, but also many travelers from Southeast Asia.

Today, Pattaya is the most visited city in Thailand, after Bangkok.

When to go to Pattaya?

Thai women on Pattaya Beach. Photo: Living Thai

November → February — High season.

Often clear skies, pleasant temperatures (25–31°C) and limited rain.

Sea rather calm.

Attendance and prices increase around Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year.

March → April — Very hot (up to 34–36 °C).

Festive atmosphere with Songkran (mid-April), but large crowds and rising prices.

Favor air-conditioned accommodation and early morning/late afternoon outings.

May → October — Rainy season.

Alternating sunny spells and short but sustained showers, often towards the end of the day. The sea can be rougher and the water a little more cloudy, but prices are milder (September–October are often the wettest).

Attendance & Events

• Weekends : high influx of Thai visitors (busier traffic and beaches).
• End of November : Pattaya International Fireworks Festival (book accommodation early).
• March : Pattaya International Music Festival (lively beachfront).
• Mid-April : Songkran (Thai New Year), unique atmosphere but very crowded.

Practical advice

• For a better weather/price compromise : end of November → mid-March.
• If possible, avoid Saturday-Sunday and long Thai weekends if you are looking for peace and quiet.
• Monitor the weather at the end of the rainy season (typhoon remnants = increased rain).
• At Koh Larn , the sea is often clearer from December to April; in the wet season, follow the bathing flags .

See also: Weather and climate in Thailand • When to go to Thailand?

Things to see and do in Pattaya

Tourists relax on Jomtien Beach, near Pattaya. Photo: Thai Navy Department

See also: Is Pattaya worth visiting in 2025?

Beach Road

The famous Pattaya Beach Road in Pattaya.

Beach Road is a road dotted with shops, restaurants and shopping centers that runs along the sea for more than 4 km.

Then Beach Road ends to give way to Walking Street, which is the street of go-go bars , closed during the day, but there are some shops, bars and restaurants open.

Sports

There are several golf courses and many remarkably maintained courses within thirty minutes of the city center.

The city has numerous gyms, badminton courts, bowling alleys and several Thai boxing schools.

The Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม)

The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.

It is a religious synthesis temple located at "soi 12" on Pattaya-Naklua Road .

The Sanctuary of Truth has an entirely wooden architecture, it is decorated in Burmese, Cambodian, Indian and Thai styles.

See our article: The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya

Jomtien Park (better known as Pattaya Park)

The Jomtien Tower in Pattaya.

It is an amusement park, originally a large water park.

It is located at the foot of a 157 m high tower which includes a revolving restaurant.

There are many attractions, the most dangerous being the cable car connecting the ground to the summit, from where you can descend on a cable, attached by a simple harness.

The whole complex was bought by Russian interests in 2001.

Nong Nooch Garden

Noongnooch tropical garden in Pattaya. Photo: nongnooch.com

A magnificent space with a wide variety of plants: bonsai, tropical palms, orchids...

It is advisable to rent a bicycle to be able to discover all the different themed gardens in the park.

Alcazar and Tiffany's

Alcazar Cabaret Transsexuals

Two iconic Pattaya cabarets featuring trans artists (ladyboys), singers and dancers in colorful shows.

Underwater World

Underwater World Pattaya.

It is a giant aquarium where visitors walk through a 105 m long glass tunnel presenting all the species of tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, presented in the reconstruction of their natural environment.

See the website

Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

The Million Years Stone Park & ​​Pattaya Crocodile Farm is a park located about fifteen minutes from Pattaya, with old stones, some wild animals and a crocodile farm.

You will be able to feed these friendly lizards and watch shows.

See the website

Ramayana Water Park

Opened in 2016, Ramayana Water Park is one of the largest water parks in Southeast Asia.

Located about twenty kilometers south of Pattaya, it offers more than 50 attractions , including giant slides, wave pools, artificial rivers and areas dedicated to children.

The park is designed to appeal to the whole family and attracts both Thai and foreign tourists.

See the website

Columbia Pictures Aquaverse

Attractions based on characters from the film "Hotel Transylvania" at Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Pattaya.

Opened in 2021, the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse (formerly Cartoon Network Amazon) is a unique water and theme park in the world.

It is developed in partnership with Hollywood studio Columbia Pictures and features its famous franchises such as Hotel Transylvania , Men in Black , Bad Boys and Jumanji .

It features spectacular slides, interactive attractions and family zones, all within an immersive cinematic universe.

See the website

Central Festival

Central festival mall in Pattaya.

The Central Festival is a huge, modern shopping mall located on the seafront, with many international brands and the Hilton Hotel.

Terminal 21 Pattaya

Opened in 2018, this themed shopping center offers a unique experience: each floor is decorated according to a major capital city (Tokyo, Paris, London, San Francisco, etc.).

There are many international shops, restaurants and a modern cinema.

Koh Larn (เกาะล้าน)

Koh Larn Island. Photo: stijnooievaar

Koh Larn Island is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Accessible in 30 to 40 minutes by public ferry from Bali Hai Pier (≈ 30 baht ) or in ~15 minutes by speedboat, the island is renowned for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Public boats depart every 30 to 60 minutes during the day from Bali Hai Pier.

Among the most popular beaches: Tawaen Beach (the liveliest), Samae Beach (quieter, with a few restaurants) and Tien Beach (ideal for relaxation).

You can go swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing or even rent scooters to explore the island.

Koh Larn is very popular with Thais on weekends, so it is advisable to visit during the week to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Guided tours and other paid activities in Pattaya

Nightlife in Pattaya

Tourists on Pattaya's Walking Street. Photo: Toast to Thailand

The city has many restaurants and nightclubs.

Pattaya is most famous for its beer bars or go-go bars and "bar girls" who escort tourists and expats "for a fee".

Walking Street comes alive at nightfall, with girlie bars, shows, loud music and prostitution.

The Walking Street of Pattaya. Photo: Pattaya Sanook

Since the pandemic and under pressure from the authorities, Walking Street has seen several closures and reorientations.

However, nightlife remains vibrant with new clubs, rooftops and modern establishments attracting a more diverse clientele.

The Soi LK Metro and Tree Town (3rd Road/Soi Buakhao) areas have seen significant development in recent years.

Video: Pattaya at night

Events and Festivals in Pattaya

The Wonderfruit Festival in Pattaya, Chon Buri province. Photo: Bangkok Post

The Honda LPGA Thailand , an LPGA Tour event, is held annually at the Siam Country Club (Pattaya) in February.

In March, the Pattaya International Music Festival features a week-long performance of numerous Thai and international bands of various musical styles.

Songkran festival takes place during the week of the Buddhist New Year in April.

The Pattaya Carnival , a more recent tradition, takes place in June and includes a parade of floats, concerts, boat competitions and fireworks.

Every year at the end of November, Pattaya hosts the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival , a grandiose event that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Held on Beach Road , it brings together pyrotechnic teams from around the world who light up the bay with colorful, synchronized shows set to a musical backdrop.

The city also organizes concerts, parades and food stalls along the beach, making this festival one of the most important cultural and tourist events in the region.

The Wonderfruit festival is a multi-sensory experience that combines art, nature, well-being and sustainability in a dynamic outdoor setting.

Held in the fields of Pattaya in December, the event offers everything from sunrise soundscapes and farm-to-table meals to architectural pavilions and cultural workshops.

See also:
Festivals and public holidays in Thailand, important dates

Find a hotel in Pattaya

View from a hotel balcony in Pattaya.

You'll have no trouble finding hotel rooms, but if you're coming between November and February, Thailand's peak season, it's best to book in advance.

Transportation to Pattaya

Pick-up taxi (Songthaew) in Pattaya. Photo: Ilya Plekhanov.

To find out the price of long-haul flights to Pattaya, see Trip.com.

You can get an idea of ​​transport prices or book your tickets with 12go.asia :

The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya is approximately 150 km, depending on the vehicles chosen, it will take 2 to 3 hours, a little longer if you decide to go by train.

From Bangkok:

By bus

Air-conditioned buses run from Bangkok to Pattaya throughout the day, approximately every 30 minutes.

• From the East Bus Station (Ekkamai) : Departures from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• From the North Bus Station (Mo Chit) : Departures from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• From Suvarnabhumi Airport : Direct buses run to Pattaya every hour from 7am to 10pm

The journey takes about 2 hours depending on traffic, and costs 130 to 150 baht per person.

Tickets can be purchased directly at bus station ticket offices or online on platforms such as 12Go Asia .

See also: VIP bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya and Hua Hin

By train

Since 2022, several trains connect Bangkok to Pattaya .

They depart from Bangkok Central Station (Hua Lamphong) or the new Bang Sue Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat) , with an average journey time of 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the stops.

Tickets cost between 30 and 90 baht , depending on the class chosen (3rd or 2nd).

Pattaya Station is located east of Sukhumvit Road, near Pattaya Klang.

Although the train journey is longer and less convenient than a bus or taxi, it is still popular for its low price and scenic appeal.

Bangkok–Pattaya–Rayong high-speed rail project is also under discussion, but it is not yet in service in 2025.

By taxi

Many taxis in Bangkok are willing to take you directly to Pattaya .

The journey takes approximately 2 hours depending on traffic.

The price is usually between 1,200 and 1,800 baht for a standard car.

More spacious taxis (SUV or van) can cost 2,000 to 2,500 baht .

It is advisable to negotiate the price in advance or use apps like Grab or Bolt , which offer fixed and more transparent rates.

This option remains practical for families, groups or those traveling with a lot of luggage.

By minibus

There are many minibuses running between Bangkok and Pattaya .

They depart mainly from bus stations, some travel agencies and strategic points in the capital.

Since 2017, departures no longer take place from Victory Monument (removed by the authorities), but from official bus stations (Ekkamai, Mo Chit, Sai Tai Mai) or via private agencies.

The fare is around 150 to 200 baht per person.

Minibuses can drop passengers off in different areas of Pattaya, which is sometimes more convenient than a regular bus.

Tickets can be purchased directly from agencies or online on platforms such as 12Go Asia .

See also:
Transport in Thailand, getting around in the land of smiles .

Pattaya Maps

You will find all the maps on the forum: Pattaya Maps

Detailed map of Pattaya city

A handy large-format map with plenty of details to help you find your way around the city.

Pattaya Map