Pattaya, Thailand: travel guide

Gulf of Thailand resort city with beaches, water sports and island trips

A beach resort city known for its nightlife, water sports, shopping, and as a base for island exploration.

About Pattaya

Pattaya is a seaside resort city on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, about two hours from Bangkok by road. It has a long beachfront, a wide choice of hotels and a reputation for lively nightlife.

Things to do in Pattaya include water sports, boat trips to Koh Larn, an island with calmer beaches a short ride offshore, and visits to the Sanctuary of Truth, a huge carved wooden temple on the coast. Floating markets, shows and theme parks add family options, and the seafood restaurants along the beach road are popular.

Pattaya suits short breaks from Bangkok and visitors who want a resort atmosphere. The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable.

Country
Thailand
Currency
THB
Time zone
Asia/Bangkok
Nearest airport
UTP
Typical trip
2-3 days

Last updated

Plan a Pattaya trip

Top places to visit in Pattaya

  • Walking Street Pattaya Nightlife

    district · 4.3 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

    Pattaya legendary nightlife strip — a 500m pedestrian zone of go-go bars, clubs, live music venues, seafood restaurants, and street entertainers. The concentrated energy of Pattaya nightlife at its most intense after 9pm.

  • Sanctuary of Truth

    temple · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

    An astonishing all-wood sanctuary carved entirely by hand, built in 1981 and still under construction. The 105m tower is covered in intricate wooden sculptures of Thai, Cambodian, Chinese, and Hindu religious iconography. One of the most…

  • Koh Larn Coral Island Pattaya

    beach · 4.4 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate

    The most popular island day trip from Pattaya — a 7km speedboat ride from the pier reaches Koh Larn with six beaches, clear water, excellent snorkelling, and banana boat rides. The clearest water near Pattaya.

  • Terminal 21 Pattaya Mall

    mall · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

    The same wildly themed concept as Terminal 21 Bangkok, with floors themed as different world cities. The food court (Pier 21) on the top floor offers some of the cheapest and best Thai food in the Pattaya area.

  • Pattaya Floating Market Local

    market · 3.9 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

    A large artificial floating market representing all four regions of Thailand in mock canal settings. Vendors in traditional boats sell regional foods, crafts, and souvenirs — lively, colourful, and photogenic.

  • Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya

    cabaret · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

    The second most famous cabaret in Pattaya after Tiffany — spectacular Las Vegas-style drag cabaret with elaborate costumes, live band, and theatrical choreography.

  • Pattaya Night Bazaar

    local-night-market · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

    Pattaya's most authentic local Thai night market in Nong Prue district — far from the tourist strip, with genuine Thai street food, local produce, and the extraordinary daily life of the Thai community that supports the resort city.

  • Silverlake Vineyard Pattaya

    garden · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · entry ฿180 (≈ ₹510)

    A surprisingly beautiful winery and vineyard in the hills east of Pattaya, with vines planted in European style on rolling hillsides. Wine tasting, beautiful garden walks, and a cafe-restaurant with valley views. A charming contrast to…

  • Tiger Park Pattaya Wildlife Experience

    wildlife-park · 4.3 rating · about 2.5 h · entry ฿300 (≈ ₹850)

    The Tiger Park Pattaya — a wildlife experience allowing close interaction with tigers in a controlled and monitored environment, with the extraordinary variety of Southeast Asian wildlife, the conservation context, and the remarkable tiger…

  • Big Buddha Pattaya Hill

    temple · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

    A gleaming white Buddha statue on Pratumnak Hill, visible from the sea and inland. The temple complex around the statue has panoramic views over Pattaya Bay and is an active place of worship for local Thais.

  • Khao Chi Chan Buddha Cliff Carving

    monument · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · free entry

    A giant gilded Buddha image laser-etched into a 130m marble cliff face — one of the world largest Buddha images, visible from 10km away. Created in 1996 to celebrate the King 50th coronation anniversary. Surrounded by a beautiful garden…

  • Art in Paradise 3D Museum Pattaya

    museum · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

    An interactive 3D optical illusion art museum with over 150 artworks across 5 rooms where visitors become part of surreal scenes. One of the best value and most entertaining indoor activities in Pattaya.

Things to do

  • Pattaya Coral Island Koh Larn Snorkeling Day Trip Water Sports · 6 h · from THB 690 per person
  • Pattaya Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Orchids Nature · 5 h · from THB 520 per person
  • Pattaya Khao Chi Chan Laser Buddha Cliff Temple Heritage · 2 h
  • Pattaya Bira Circuit Go-Kart Racing Experience Adventure · 2 h · from THB 690 per person
  • Pattaya Muay Thai Training Afternoon Camp Adventure · 4 h · from THB 860 per person
  • Pattaya Koh Si Chang Royal Palace Heritage Island Heritage · 8 h · from THB 860 per person
  • Pattaya Naklua Seafood Market Cooking Heritage Heritage · 5 h · from THB 860 per person
  • Pattaya Jomtien Beach Kitesurfing Windsurfing Lesson Water Sports · 5 h · from THB 1,200 per person

Day trips and tours

  • Coral Island Snorkelling & Beach Day Trip 8 h · from THB 690
  • Sanctuary of Truth & City Highlights Tour 6 h · from THB 480
  • Floating Market & Gems Gallery Experience 4 h · from THB 280

Where to stay in Pattaya

  • Beach Road about THB 3,000 per night

    Main beachfront with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife

Hotels

  • Royal Wing Suites & Spa Pattaya 5-star · THB 12,000 to THB 40,000 per night
  • Ana Anan Resort & Villas Pattaya 5-star · THB 15,000 to THB 55,000 per night
  • The Zign Hotel Premium Villa 5-star · THB 10,000 to THB 35,000 per night
  • Veranda Resort Pattaya MGallery 5-star · THB 7,000 to THB 22,000 per night
  • The Elysium Pratumnak Pattaya 5-star · THB 4,500 to THB 14,000 per night
  • U Pattaya Hotel 5-star · THB 6,000 to THB 18,000 per night

Where to eat

  • Walking Street Night Market Food Thai, Seafood, Street Food · about THB 350 per person
  • Pattaya Night Bazaar Food Stalls Thai · about THB 85 per person
  • Soi 6 Food Stalls Pattaya Thai, Street Food, International · about THB 200 per person
  • Pattaya Floating Market Food Thai, Market, Street Food · about THB 300 per person
  • Jomtien Night Market Seafood Seafood, Thai, Market · about THB 400 per person
  • Bali Hai Seafood Pattaya Pier Thai, Seafood, Chinese · about THB 700 per person
  • Nang Nual Seafood Restaurant Naklua Thai, Seafood, Chinese · about THB 700 per person
  • Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Restaurant Thai, International, Buffet · about THB 900 per person

Getting to Pattaya

Airport: Pattaya (UTP)

How visitors arrive in Pattaya

  • Bus, minivan or taxi from Bangkok By road from Bangkok · common

    Road transport from Bangkok is the usual way in, by bus, door-to-door minivan, taxi or car along the motorway. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Flight to Suvarnabhumi, then road By air from Bangkok · common

    Suvarnabhumi is the main international gateway; passengers continue to Pattaya by bus, minibus or taxi. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Flight to U-Tapao airport By air from Rayong · possible

    U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is the nearest commercial airport but serves only a few destinations. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Train from Bangkok By train from Bangkok · possible

    Two stations serve Pattaya, but rail service is limited to a slow third-class train on weekdays. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Passenger ferry from Hua Hin By ferry from Hua Hin · possible

    A passenger-only ferry links Pattaya with Hua Hin. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

  • Government bus 389 from Suvarnabhumi

    Bus 389 leaves from the arrivals level of Suvarnabhumi and stops along Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya, ending in Jomtien. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

  • Metered taxi from Suvarnabhumi

    Use the official rank, confirm the fare before leaving it and avoid unlicensed drivers inside the terminal. Source: suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th

  • Scheduled minibus to Pattaya

    A scheduled minibus to Pattaya departs from outside Terminal 2, run by Suvarnabhumi Burapha. Check the operator's current timetable and confirm by phone or Line before travel. Source: utapao.com

  • Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

  • Motorbike Rental

    Motorbikes can be rented without difficulty at many places around Pattaya, and bicycles are also available for hire.

  • Ride Hail

    Motorbike taxis in Pattaya can be flagged at stands or on the street, or booked through the Bolt app.

    Get Bolt Thailand

  • Shared Taxi

    Baht buses are dark blue songthaew pickup trucks that run along Pattaya's main roads; wave one down to board.

  • Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

  • Generic tourist overcharge

    Major tourist zones

    Tourists are quoted significantly above local price.

    How to avoid it: Verify prices upfront. Use registered taxis/apps.

Best time to visit Pattaya

  • Jan 29°C
  • Feb 29°C
  • Mar 30°C
  • Apr 31°C
  • May 30°C
  • Jun 30°C
  • Jul 29°C
  • Aug 29°C
  • Sep 31°C
  • Oct 31°C
  • Nov 29°C
  • Dec 28°C

More in Thailand

Frequently asked questions about Pattaya

How many days do you need in Pattaya?
A typical trip to Pattaya is 2-3 days.
What are the top-rated places to visit in Pattaya?
The highest-rated places in our Pattaya guide are Sanctuary of Truth, Terminal 21 Pattaya Mall, Big Buddha Pattaya Hill, Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya, Khao Chi Chan Buddha Cliff Carving.
Where should I stay in Pattaya?
Our guide covers these areas to stay in Pattaya: Beach Road.
How do I get around Pattaya?
Ways to get around Pattaya covered in our guide: Motorbike rental, Ride-hailing app, Shared taxi, Walking.
What scams should I watch out for in Pattaya?
Scams reported to us for Pattaya include Generic tourist overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
What is the weather like in Pattaya?
Average daytime highs in Pattaya run from 28°C in Dec to 31°C in Sep.
Which airport is nearest to Pattaya?
The nearest airport to Pattaya has the code UTP.
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