Thailand

Beaches, designer shops, chic and trendy nightclubs—Pattaya is definitely a fashionable seaside resort. Don't miss this gem of the Gulf of Thailand!

Who would have thought that Pattaya, the modest fishing village nestled on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, would become an Asian jet-setter's rendezvous in the 21st century? Every winter, celebrities from the cinema, music, and sports industries flock here to enjoy excellent beach holidays. The 1980s saw pubs, nightclubs, and large hotel complexes multiply in the city. With its proximity to Bangkok, Pattaya has been added to the list of global entertainment capitals. It's a bit like the Saint-Tropez of Thailand.
If you want to spend a romantic weekend with your loved one, Pattaya may not be the destination for you. But if your goal is to drink, dance, relax in palaces, or take a bachelor/bachelorette tour, it's hard to find a better place. The city boasts several amusement parks for the happiness of both young and old. Book your flight to Pattaya now and enjoy an exceptional beach holiday in luxury and extravagance.

History

It is regrettable to note that the city owes its economic takeoff to the prostitution trade. Until the mid-1950s, fishing families lived there peacefully. Then, the Vietnam War broke out in 1955, and Pattaya served as a resort for American soldiers stationed at U-Tapao airbase. Hospitality and beverage services were invested in an initially deserted beach. Hoping to earn more money, the coastal girls offered themselves for the pleasure of the soldiers. When the war ended in 1976, the tourism industry was already firmly established.

In the past, the abundance of red-light districts tarnished Pattaya's reputation. At the dawn of the 2000s, the city took care to develop golf courses, theme parks, and zoos, among other leisure facilities. The triumphant rise of leisure tourism boosted Pattaya's economy, with Bangkok's bourgeoisie being the first to visit the resort. For example, the city welcomed 7 million tourists in 2007, making it the most visited seaside resort in Thailand.

Today: a tourism hub

Located about a hundred kilometers south of Bangkok, the resort plays on its postcard landscapes to attract winter visitors. Sandy beaches, reef islands teeming with marine creatures, star-starred seaside hotels… You will certainly have a lot to see and visit. By following this guide to attractions, you will realize that Pattaya is not just a party hotspot. It is also a charming destination to enjoy with your family.

What to see and do in Pattaya?

The cheerful and carefree Pattaya will appeal to young backpackers who dream of sun, beaches, and go-go bars. But partygoers are not the only ones who will enjoy it. From Naklua to Wongamat, from Na Jomtien to Pratumnak, not to mention the tourist streets of downtown Pattaya, temples, themed gardens, and amusement parks offer innocent pleasures for all ages and tastes.

Strolling on white sandy beaches

Stretching in a wide curve, Pattaya Bay enjoys an international reputation. The beach is 3 kilometers long. If you like water sports—jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing—or plan to dance in the best nightclubs, it's worth coming to the main Pattaya Beach. Otherwise, head to Jomtien Beach, hidden in the south of the city, where the watchwords are sunbathing and lounging. Although both beaches are equal for water sports, the former outweighs the latter in terms of value for money. Seafood and drinks are more affordable in Jomtien. For a stunning view of the sea, the beaches of Pratumnak are unparalleled in all of Pattaya. From a rocky promontory, Wat Phra Yai seems to dominate the village with its majesty. The temple houses an 18-meter-high Grand Buddha whose golden head pleasantly contrasts with the green of the trees.

From Pattaya Port, treat yourself to a sailing trip to Ko Lan and the neighboring islands Ko Krok, Ko Sak, or Ko Phai. Gorgeous coral reefs, shells, rugged beaches… This is a diver's paradise!

Visiting the Sanctuary of Truth

Art and culture enthusiasts, the Sanctuary of Truth awaits you in the Naklua district, on the north coast of the city. The first stones of the temple were laid in 1981. It is entirely clad in wood, from the base to the needle roofs, with the highest arrow exceeding 100 m. Wood carvings enhance every square meter of the building, highlighting the deities of the Hindu and Buddhist pantheon: Brahma with four heads, Shiva, Vishnu, the Goddess of Mercy Guanyin, the bare-breasted nymphs, musicians, and much more. Even though it is under construction until 2025, the famous museum is already open to visitors. The view of the sea leaves you speechless!

Visiting the Nong Nooch tropical botanical garden

Located 15 km south of Pattaya, Nong Nooch Botanical Park has been a number one attraction for families since 1980, when it opened its doors to the public.

Exploring Pattaya's floating market
Even if the traveler has seen all of Pattaya, they will have seen nothing if they miss its picturesque and colorful floating market. Certainly, large shopping centers abound in the city. But admit that bargaining the price of a spice, a sarong, or a flower crown on a gently swaying boat has something unusual. The icing on the cake is that traditional music concerts are held periodically at the market.

Enjoying the nightlife

Towards the end of the afternoon, Beach Road invites you to stroll along the waterfront. Many tourists sit around a drink in a café, share delicious gastronomic moments, or discreetly slip into massage parlors. If your wallet agrees, this is the opportunity to go on a shopping spree. Coming out of one of the many fashion boutiques on Beach Road, you will be the most stylish lady or the biggest heartbreaker in Pattaya.

Walking Street is the best nighttime destination. Even though most tourists go there to satisfy their carnal appetites, the iconic street also offers beer bars, cabarets, sports match replays, and palaces.

A world tour at Mini Siam and Mini Europe

Mini Siam and Mini Europe Park come second on the list of must-sees and visits in Pattaya. What is the reason for this popularity? The project's promoter set out to bring together in one place the models of the most remarkable monuments in Thailand and Europe. In the Mini Siam section, you'll find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Temple of Dawn, which are the pride of Bangkok. The Mini-Europe section includes the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Tower Bridge in London, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sydney Opera House. Although small in size, the reproduction faithfully respects the original design.

Practical information

When to go?

Tourism in Pattaya depends on weather conditions. The high season runs from November to February, when temperatures cool in the winter and rain is scarce. The furious showers of June and July bring the low season. The months of May, September, and October correspond to the low season.

How to get there?

U-Tapao International Airport serves the beach resorts of Rayong and Pattaya. There are several daily flights to U-Tapao Airport from Bangkok, the Thai capital. As Pattaya is only 120 kilometers by road from the airport, the majority of tourists opt for the bus or car instead of the plane. From Ekkamai station, public buses make several round trips per day between Bangkok and Pattaya. Some also depart for Pattaya from Mo Chit station, but departures are less frequent.

Getting around

To visit the famous places in Pattaya, blue songthaews, motorbike taxis, and regular taxis are at your disposal. The most demanding may rent a motorcycle for 200 to 300 baht per day (5.6 to 8.4 euros).

You will enjoy…

- Capturing a photo of the Pattaya sign, designed in the image of the famous Hollywood sign;
- Taking a look at the Big Buddha perched on Pratumnak Hill;
- Having an artistic break at the Sanctuary of Truth;
- Enjoying the festive atmosphere on Beach Road;
- Visiting botanical gardens and aquariums;
- Spending privileged moments with wildlife.