Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pattaya in 2025
Experience the best of Pattaya in 2025: Insider tips for Thailand’s coastal gem
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Pattaya, a coastal city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast, is a destination that beautifully blends relaxation, adventure and entertainment. Known for its stunning beaches and famous nightlife, Pattaya has something for everyone. This guide is everything you need to know about visiting Pattaya.
Table of Contents
Getting There
By Air & Road
The most convenient way to reach Pattaya is by flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. From there, Pattaya is about a 2 hour drive. Rent a car or hire a private transfer to take you to the coast. If you’re already staying in Bangkok, Pattaya makes for an accessible and easy day trip.
By Bus
Buses leave from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) with frequent services to Pattaya. The journey takes around 2-3 hours and arrives at Pattaya Bus Terminal, located on North Pattaya Road (also known as Sukhumvit Road). The terminal is well-connected to other parts of the city, and local transport options like songthaews and taxis are always available at the terminal.
By Train
Alternatively, you can take a train from Bangkok to Pattaya, which provides beautiful views of the Thai countryside. You’ll leave from Bangkok’s Thonburi Railway Station. Trains run less frequently compared to buses, so it’s advisable to check the schedule in advance. The train will arrive at Pattaya Railway Station, which is located a few kilometres from the city centre. From here, take a songthaew or taxi into the centre of town.
Top Things to Do in Pattaya
1. Visit the Beaches
Pattaya is famous for its beautiful beaches, covered in golden sand and lapped by gentle, turquoise waters. Lined with more palm trees and restaurants than you can count, each beach offers a unique vibe.
Pattaya Beach
This 4km long main beach has a promenade lined with restaurants and shops, and is a popular spot for watersports. The beach can get busy but is where much of the action is. The gentle waves make it suitable for swimming, especially in the calmer morning hours. As the sun sets, Pattaya Beach transforms and the nightlife scene comes alive. Beachfront restaurants serve delicious Thai food and beach bars begin happy hour with bucket cocktails and live music.
Jomtein Beach
Jomtien Beach
Jomtien Beach is a beautiful stretch of coast located just a short distance south of Pattaya Beach, known for its more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. This 6km long beach has soft, golden sand and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming.The beach is lined with palm trees and offers plenty of space for visitors to set up towels without feeling overcrowded. Compared to its busy neighbour, Jomtien Beach tends to attract a more laid-back crowd, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter retreat. As the night draws in, Jomtien Beach takes on a tranquil vibe, with fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Naklua Beach
Naklua Beach is a tranquil stretch of coast located just north of Pattaya, known for its quiet atmosphere. This beach is a welcome escape from the busy tourist crowds found in other parts of Pattaya. Unlike the raucous atmosphere of Pattaya Beach, Naklua maintains a laid-back vibe. This is the place to go snorkelling and swimming, away from the jet-skis and banana boats.
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2. Sanctuary of Truth
This magnificent wooden temple is a fusion of art and spirituality, showcasing intricate carvings that reflect traditional Thai and Buddhist philosophies. It’s a breathtaking building. Construction began in 1981 and continues to this day, emphasising the importance of preserving Thai culture. A visit here is not only visually stunning but also spiritually enriching, offering insights into the region’s heritage.
3. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Covering over 500 acres, this stunning garden has themed landscapes and cultural shows, as well as a collection of tropical plants. You can stroll through beautifully manicured gardens and participate in traditional Thai cultural performances. It’s an ideal spot for families and those looking to escape the hectic strip of Pattaya.
4. Floating Market
Experience the colours and flavours of Thailand at Pattaya Floating Market, where vendors sell everything from local delicacies to handicrafts from traditional long-tail boats. The market is divided into four sections representing different regions of Thailand, allowing you to sample a variety of regional foods and shop for unique souvenirs.
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5. Walking Street
Pattaya’s famous Walking Street is a must-visit for those looking to experience the city’s famous nightlife. Lined with bars, clubs and restaurants, this street comes alive after sunset. Whether you want to enjoy live music, indulge in delicious street food or simply people-watch, Walking Street is the heart of Pattaya’s entertainment scene and an experience in itself.
6. Try Water Sports
Pattaya offers an almost endless choice of water sports for those who get bored sunbathing on the beach all day. From jet skiing and parasailing to snorkelling and scuba diving, there’s no shortage of activities to get your adrenaline pumping. The nearby islands, such as Koh Larn, are popular for day trips, with stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
7. Visit Koh Larn (Coral Island)
If you’ve seen everything Pattaya has to offer, consider taking a day trip to nearby Koh Larn. Also known as Coral Island, it’s a stunning tropical paradise located just a short boat ride from Pattaya. The island has many beautiful beaches to choose from, depending what type of visit you’re after.
Tawaen Beach
The most developed and busiest beach, Tawaen is known for its soft sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports, including snorkelling, jet skiing, and parasailing. Beachfront restaurants offer delicious Thai food and fresh seafood.
Sangwan Beach
Sangwan Beach
A quieter alternative to Tawaen, Sangwan Beach is perfect for those seeking relaxation. With fewer crowds, it’s an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Nual Beach (Monkey Beach)
This secluded beach is a hidden gem, surrounded by lush greenery and offering some peace and quiet. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.
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Where to Eat in Pattaya
MAYs Pattaya
Pattaya is a food paradise, offering a huge range of dining experiences. Its ocean-front location gives it some of the best seafood Thailand has to offer, and being only a stone’s throw from Bangkok means the well-healed are catered for with modern restaurants and fine dining spots. This is the best of both worlds.
Indulge in fresh seafood at Edge, a buffet restaurant in the Hilton Hotel, serving groaning platters of oysters, giant prawns and lobster, as well as a selection of Thai and international dishes. Known for its stunning views over the water and exceptional quality, booking is essential. For a more local and unique experience, head to Pattaya Seafood Market, where you can choose your seafood and have it cooked on-site in one of the many eateries, right in front of you. It doesn’t get fresher than this.
With rustic wooden decor covered in lush, green hanging plants, Jasmin’s Cafe & Restaurant offers authentic, home-made Thai cuisine just a stone’s throw from Pattaya Beach. They serve everything from hearty breakfasts to coconut ice cream served in coconut shells. Further down near Jomtien lies MAYs Pattaya, a popular Thai restaurant serving some of the most beautiful dishes you’ll lay your eyes on. With farm-fresh vegetables and dishes made to order, this is Thai food at its best.
Experience Pattaya’s Nightlife
Pattaya’s nightlife is renowned, following close on the heels of its big sister, Bangkok. Pattaya’s Walking Street comes alive at night and is a great place to get started. If you’re in need of a dance, the disco balls and chandeliers of Mixx Discotheque always deliver, with the club hosting international DJs. Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya has great live music, while the huge neon tower that is Club Insomnia will do its job and keep you awake until the early hours.
If you fancy something a little different and more culturally Thai, head to Tiffany’s Show, one of the oldest and most famous cabaret shows in Pattaya. It’s a spectacular blend of music, dance, extravagant costumes and stage-design. Family-friendly Alcazar Cabaret is another staple of Pattaya’s nightlife scene, with music, dance and theatrical storytelling.
Where to Stay in Pattaya
Source: Pullman Pattaya
Luxury
For those seeking indulgence, Pattaya delivers. The Pullman Pattaya is a beachfront resort that combines modern sophistication with a laid-back, coastal vibe. Make use of the exclusive Beach Club, with direct beach access, an infinity pool and private sun loungers perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying cocktails by the water.
Mid Range Options
For a balance of comfort and affordability, you’re spoilt for choice in Pattaya. The Amethyst Hotel is a statement of luxe design at an affordable price, with design-led, modern interiors and a rooftop infinity pool that will have you questioning if you really need to head to the beach or not. The Holiday Inn Pattaya is a family-friendly option, with spacious rooms that boast sea views, multiple dining options and easy access to the beach.
Best Time to Visit Pattaya
The best time to visit Pattaya is from November to February, during the cooler, dry season. The weather is hot but pleasant, with less humidity making almost all activities possible and most of all, enjoyable! The average daytime temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). March to May can get incredibly hot, pushing upwards of 35°C (95°F) most days, while June to October brings the rainy season. Expect short but frequent downpours, but fewer tourists.
Things to Do
things to do
