Pattaya (and vicinity)
What you need to know before you go
Pattaya is a vibrant coastal city that shot to fame in the early 1980s and has remained one of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations ever since. From sunrise to sunset, its beaches are constantly brimming with watersports lovers and sun-worshippers enjoying the surrounding waters. It’s considered one of Thailand’s better scuba diving destinations, having consistently calm waters throughout the year and the most interesting shipwrecks to discover.
After dark, the action shifts to the streets, where you can experience an electrified nightlife scene that lasts until dawn and is significantly more budget-friendly than Phuket’s or Bangkok’s. While the city has a reputation as an adults-only party place, Pattaya is a great destination for just about everyone, from couples and families to solo and business travelers. The city is 147 km from Bangkok, making it one of the closest beach resorts to Thailand's capital city and a popular weekend getaway for the capital’s residents.
What to see & do in Pattaya (and vicinity)
Featured stories & fun stuff12 Best Things to Do in Pattaya
The best things to do in Pattaya include attractions that range from ancient Thai traditions to modern adventures. This area on Thailand’s eastern seaboard is where you can find the simple pleasures of the nation’s most lively party street or...9 Best Islands Near Pattaya
The best islands near Pattaya offer an idyllic escape from the busy coastal city. Most are uninhabited and ringed with beautiful sandy beaches and clear water. You’ll also find some great spots for snorkeling and diving, as well as seaside...
Where & what to eat in Pattaya (and vicinity)
7 Great Restaurants in Pattaya
These great restaurants in Pattaya are chosen from a broad selection. They offer menus featuring anything from simple Thai street food for a couple of baht to the finest choice steaks priced at a couple of thousand baht. Being home to an international community of expatriates and tourists from across the world, the cuisine available is similarly varied, with the...
Where to shop & what to buy in Pattaya (and vicinity)
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Pattaya
The best places to go shopping in Pattaya include a varied array of malls, markets, stalls and even a bazaar. The impressive collection of malls caters to a range of budgets and needs. Most have some sort of gimmick or quirk that sets them apart and makes them fun as an attraction instead of being just a collection of stores...
Where to go & what to do at night in Pattaya (and vicinity)
7 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Pattaya
The best things to do after dinner in Pattaya illustrate why the city has its international reputation. This is a carefree party town where people seek endless evening fun. There are other aspects of its reputation which it perhaps deserves...3 Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Pattaya
Pattaya is unusually blessed with breathtaking sunsets. Having a west-facing coastline and generally good weather, the sun puts on...6 Best Nightclubs in Pattaya
The best nightclubs in Pattaya are a big part of what makes the city such a famous party destination. Mostly...
Useful information
Getting to Pattaya
Getting to Pattaya from Bangkok is easy as the cities are well connected via Highway 7 (Expressway) and Highway 3 (Bangna-Chonburi route). Several long-distance buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) every 30 minutes. Should you wish to arrive in style, you can even fly from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to U-Tapao Airport in Sattahip, south...
