Pattaya is a popular beach resort destination in Thailand. Situated on the Gulf of Thailand’s east coast, it is approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya is the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, with Pattaya City being the self-governing municipal area located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard Zone.
The lush tropical beauty of Pattaya regularly attracts countless visitors, as a wide array of sports, entertainment, attractions, and accommodations are available to cater to almost every preference imaginable. Solo travelers, couples, families, groups of friends, and even convention members all have something exciting to look forward to in Pattaya.
When to Go to Pattaya
The peak season for tourists in Pattaya coincides with the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, which is also the period when the area enjoys the best weather. Prices for accommodations during this time are expected to be much higher compared to the rest of the year, so you can take this into consideration when planning on when to go to Pattaya for your trip; in some hotels and resorts, compulsory Christmas and New Year’s dinner fees are included in the rates – adding to the total lodging cost. The low season for travelers is between February and October to November, when accommodation rates are expected to go down.
Getting into Pattaya
Pattaya is easily accessible from Bangkok via road travel, with travel time taking approximately two hours depending on the traffic situation. There are two routes that can be taken to get into Pattaya: the Bang Na-Trat Highway (Highway 34), and the Bangkok-Chon Buri-Pattaya Motorway (Highway 7). Air-conditioned buses regularly depart every 30 minutes from Bangkok bus terminals to Pattaya, and you have the option of choosing a first class or a second class bus. Taxis and private vehicles can also take you to Pattaya from Bangkok for a fixed rate, while shared transportation options such as air-conditioned coaches or vans offer comfortable travel modes with a fraction of the cost of going for taxis/private cars.
Going Around
The most common mode of public transportation in Pattaya is the songthaew – covered pick-up trucks converted into small buses with rows of seats in the back, where people can sit and enjoy the ride to various destinations as a shared means of transportation. A local bus line, called the Beach Bus, operates a circular route around Pattaya. Taxis also operate in Pattaya, although meters are not usually used and you will have to negotiate (haggle) the fare with the driver before getting into the vehicle and starting the journey.
An interesting way to go exploring Pattaya is to rent a motorcycle, which is also the quickest way to go around the interesting destinations of Pattaya. You may be asked to provide a photocopy of your passport (along with the payment) when you rent the motorcycle, so it is best to be prepared with a photocopy; some renting establishments may ask for your passport to be deposited with them, and you should avoid doing this at all costs – just look around for a place where you can rent a motorcycle with just a photocopy of your passport as part of the security deposit. Moto-taxis, on the other hand, can be flagged down, and the driver can take you to your preferred destination around town.
Pattaya Accommodations
There is a wide variety of accommodations to choose from in Pattaya. Luxurious hotels and resorts offer world-class amenities and facilities for discerning travelers; these establishments can also host groups of people for conventions and other big gatherings. The smaller, quainter resorts and guesthouses, on the other hand, offer quality accommodations with more personalized service at a fraction of the cost of the bigger hotels and resorts in the area. Pattaya accommodations can also be chosen according to their location; there are several beach locations to choose from, so you can decide on your accommodation according to your beach of choice.
What to Do in Pattaya
Travelers flock to Pattaya mostly to enjoy the activities that are centered on the beaches. The three-kilometer long Pattaya Beach runs along the city center, and is just a few steps away from hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants that are all situated facing the beach. During the daytime, the beaches are popular spots not only for swimming, but also for water spots such as water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and more.
Jomtien Beach, located in the southern part of the city, is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the beach in a more tranquil setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center; this beach is more preferred by families with children, as the area is quieter and more conducive to relaxation. An amusement park, the Pattaya Park and Tower, is a favorite among families with its giant slides, a large whirlpool, and a revolving restaurant.
As the sun sets, the energy becomes even higher in the Walking Street area, where countless clubs, bars, restaurants, and other nightlife entertainment options are located. The street becomes a lively and energetic mix of people and activities, ideal for those who want to cap a full day of activities with even more excitement until the late night hours.
If you are looking for a more relaxing way to end a day filled with sight-seeing and exploration, you can go to one of the massage shops in Central Pattaya road or South Pattaya Road, where you can feel the stress and the tiredness being melted away from your body by your choice of a foot massage, Thai massage, reflexology massage, or oil massage.
Get to explore the rich cultural heritage of Thailand and the rest of Asia, while unleashing your artistic side, by going to one of the museums and galleries in town. The art works and exhibits in Liam’s Gallery are from all over Thailand, as well as the rest of Southeast Asia; the Anek Kuson Sala features exhibits of Chinese architecture, precious antiques, and specimens of fine arts. Pattaya is also home to the world-famous museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Temples and sacred places are must-visit places to experience first-hand the beauty of their architecture, as well as the rich history of Buddhism in Thailand.
Animal lovers will have their hands full of places to explore in Pattaya. The Pattaya Elephant Village is an elephant camp that focuses on how elephants and their masters lead their daily lives. A one-hour elephant ride can also be experienced in this camp; stage shows demonstrating how elephants work in the jungle, how they play football, and a grand war elephants parade can also be enjoyed in the Elephant Village. Marvel at the Underwater World’s collection of marine species (found in the Gulf of Thailand) swimming in the 180-degree area, as you go through the acrylic pedestrian tunnel. Get ready to see hundreds of crocodiles, horses, albino bears, and other exotic and rare animals as you visit The Million Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm.
