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 stuffThings to do in Pattaya open the door to a thriving resort city full of beaches, water sports, nightlife, ancient shrines, tropical gardens, shopping experiences and museums. The Art in Paradise Pattaya museum is a unique art museum that's full of interactive 3D exhibits. At Underwater World Pattaya, you can get close to a wide variety of tropical sea life, and even go diving with sharks. You can also see... Read more
12 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...10 Things to Do in Pattaya on a Small Budget
Cheap things in Pattaya run the gamut from outdoor adventures to spiritual sites, thriving traditional markets and unique shopping malls...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Pattaya
Pattaya is one of the best destinations for couples looking to enjoy cozy relaxation or something a bit more exciting...10 Best Family Things to Do in Pattaya
Pattaya is a fun city with plenty to do for all kinds of different travelers and vacation experiences, and that...
Where & what to eat in Pattaya (and vicinity)
Food and dining in Pattaya offers a literal world of options, from New York pizza to 5-star fine dining establishments and everything in between, representative of its vast ex-pat population. The Royal Cliff Beach Hotel offers 5-star dining with a terrace that overlooks a bathing pool and the Gulf of Thailand far below. Mantra Restaurant & Bar is a concept fusion spot offering a combination of pan-Asian... Read more
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...10 Best Local Restaurants in Pattaya
The best local restaurants in Pattaya include bustling markets, beachside eateries and casual roadside diners. The seaside city is a prime destination for high-quality and fresh seafood in Thailand. Some of Pattaya’s best local dishes contain prawns, crab, lobster...
Where to shop & what to buy in Pattaya (and vicinity)
Shopping in Pattaya offers many different kinds of experiences, from shopping malls, stalls, markets and bazaars to independent boutique shops where you can find everything from haute couture to handmade crafts. Central Pattaya is among the tallest structures in the city centre and offers over 300 shops from Calvin Klein to H&M, Power Buy and more. Royal Garden Plaza is a beachfront mall that draws a young, hip crowd... Read more
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...10 Best Shopping Malls in Pattaya
Shopping in Pattaya is a public pastime for locals and visitors alike, with every experience from floating markets on the water to vast multi-floor shopping malls throughout the city. Even the local centres and department stores offer their own...
Where to go & what to do at night in Pattaya (and vicinity)
Nightlife in Pattaya is what this city is famed for, and though it has a reputation for somewhat mischievous activities, it also offers elegant lounges, refined restaurants and casual brewpubs. Walking Street is the center of Pattaya's nightlife scene. This small stretch of Beach Road becomes pedestrian-only after 6 pm and is lined with go-go bars, brewpubs, disco nightclubs and restaurants. After exploring the scene here, you can... Read more
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...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...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...
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...