Pattaya

Asia

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Thailand

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Pattaya

Located just two hours’ drive from Bangkok and passing through the country’s most impressive motorway, the eastern seaside city of Pattaya is the semi-official party town of Bangkok and its neighboring regions. Being the largest and most developed resort town in the country, Pattaya offers a vast selection of luxury hotels, communities, and support networks for western expats and retirees who flock to this town, as well as world-famous commercial entertainment and nightlife.

The restoration effort on Pattaya beachfront in recent years also saw a marked improvement in landscape and water quality, making the beach attractive to swimmers again. Pattaya is also home to many world-class festivities and events, with the most famous being the annual Songkran Festival, arguably one of the best Songkran experiences in Thailand.

Get to Know Pattaya

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Pattaya

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Pattaya

A guide to Pattaya's local transportation

Baht Bus

Motorcycle Taxis

Tuk-tuk

Motorcycle Rental

Baht Bus is a public transportation that is easily found in Pattaya. This vehicle uses an open-bed truck modified with seats and a roof for a comfortable journey. Bus Baht only has one route from Second Road to Beach Road. This transportation is also the best option for visiting Pattaya's beach. The fare varies between 10 to 20 Baht depending on the distance traveled. Pay with exact change because no change is given, and paying more will be considered a tip.

Practical Tips for Pattaya

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How to get from Bangkok to Pattaya?

Located about 140km from Bangkok, it takes around 1 hour 50 minutes to reach Pattaya by car from Bangkok. The best way to Pattaya is by using a taxi with fares ranging from 1100 Baht to 1300 Baht.

Another way to go to Pattaya from Bangkok is by using a bus. You can depart from the Ekkamai bus station. There are buses to Pattaya that arrive every 30 to 60 minutes. The bus departure schedule to Pattaya is usually scheduled daily from 5 am to 11 pm. The bus fare to Pattaya is cheaper than a taxi ride, around 130 baht to 220 baht for a one-way trip.

Where is the best beach in Pattaya?

Pattaya is home to beautiful beaches that you can visit. However, among the many popular and crowded beaches, there are some highly recommended tranquil beaches when you visit Pattaya.

One of the best beaches you can visit in Pattaya is Dongtan Beach. Located on the north side of Pattaya, Dongtan Beach is quite far from the hustle and bustle of the city and is suitable for those seeking serenity.

Although less crowded than other popular beaches in Pattaya, you can still find plenty of various delicious food options here. You can enjoy a culinary tour while enjoying the sunset on the beach. Not only that, some locals also provide medicure and pedicure services with a beach view!

How is the nightlife in Pattaya?

Busy in the day and busy at night, that is Pattaya. Among tourists, Pattaya is known for its vibrant nightlife. Start your night tour in Pattaya by visiting Pattaya Walking Street which opens from 6 pm daily. Here, you can go on a culinary tour and have fun with endless entertainment around the area.

Next, a visit to Pattaya is incomplete without attending the Alangkarn Pattaya Show, the largest entertainment show in Pattaya. Here, you can watch music, theater, dance, and acrobatics performances that portray the history and culture of Thailand. Usually, the Alangkarn Pattaya Show starts from 6 pm to 8 pm with ticket prices ranging from 600 baht to 1,000 baht.

If you are looking for something different, a Muay Thai match at Pattaya Boxing World or Max Muay Thai is worth trying. Usually, the match starts from 6 pm to 12 am with ticket prices ranging from 500 baht to 1,500 baht.

Where are the budget-friendly restaurants in Pattaya?

Finding delicious and affordable places to eat in Pattaya should not be on your "worry about" list. Here, you can enjoy delicious food every day at an affordable price.

If you want to find cheap food in Pattaya, you can visit street food vendors usually located on the beachside, Pattaya Night Bazaar, or Soi Buakhao.

There are also delicious and affordable restaurants specifically for vegans and vegetarians, such as Five Star J. This restaurant serves various vegan and vegetarian menus. The liked-by-many menu at Five Star J that you can try its homemade fresh smoothies.

What are the do's and don'ts in Pattaya?

Like in other regions of Thailand, you are also required to respect the Thai royal family wherever you are in Pattaya. You may hear the national anthem played before the event starts in Pattaya; you are expected to stand up to respect this Thai custom.

Respect the local people and culture. Give a "Thai Wai" when you meet locals wherever you are. Bow your head slightly and place both palms together with your fingers pointing upward in front of your chest.