Pattaya, Thailand
A lively beach city on the Gulf of Thailand, under two hours from Bangkok: long sandy bays, island trips to Koh Larn, the carved-wood Sanctuary of Truth, water parks, seafood and busy nightlife.
Museum, Family
Pattaya, Thailand
An interactive 3D illusion art museum where you become part of the paintings — fun for families and on rainy days.
Explore Art in Paradise
Temple, Viewpoint
Pattaya, Thailand
An 18-metre golden Buddha on top of Pratumnak Hill, reached by a naga staircase, with views over Pattaya and Jomtien.
Explore Big Buddha Temple — Wat Phra Yai
Beach
Pattaya, Thailand
A long, calmer beach south of Pratumnak Hill, popular with families, kite-surfers and for seafood at sunset.
Explore Jomtien Beach
Landmark, Day trip
Pattaya, Thailand
A huge image of the Buddha outlined in gold on a quarried limestone cliff south of Pattaya.
Explore Khao Chi Chan — Buddha Mountain
Island, Beach
Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya's island escape, 45 minutes by ferry: clear water and beaches such as Tawaen, Samae, Nual and Tien.
Explore Koh Larn — Coral Island
Garden, Nature
Pattaya, Thailand
A vast botanical park south of Pattaya with themed gardens, a dinosaur valley, cultural shows and huge collections of palms and cycads.
Explore Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Beach
Pattaya, Thailand
The city's central crescent beach and promenade along Beach Road, lined with hotels, restaurants and boats heading to the islands.
Explore Pattaya Beach
Viewpoint
Pattaya, Thailand
The hilltop viewpoint with the big "PATTAYA CITY" sign, looking over the whole bay — best at sunset.
Explore Pattaya Viewpoint — Pratumnak Hill
Temple, Art
Pattaya, Thailand
A 105-metre building on the sea made entirely of hand-carved wood, covered with figures from Thai, Hindu, Buddhist and Chinese belief.
Explore Sanctuary of Truth
Nightlife
Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya's famous nightlife street, closed to cars after dark: neon, bars, clubs, live music and seafood restaurants. Mainly for adults.
Explore Walking StreetSattahip district, about 20 km south
How to get there: By car or Grab, about 30 minutes from Pattaya.
Museum, Family
Pattaya, Thailand
An interactive 3D illusion art museum where you become part of the paintings — fun for families and on rainy days.
Explore Art in ParadiseTemple, Viewpoint
Pattaya, Thailand
An 18-metre golden Buddha on top of Pratumnak Hill, reached by a naga staircase, with views over Pattaya and Jomtien.
Explore Big Buddha Temple — Wat Phra YaiTemple, Art
Pattaya, Thailand
A 105-metre building on the sea made entirely of hand-carved wood, covered with figures from Thai, Hindu, Buddhist and Chinese belief.
Explore Sanctuary of Truth
Pattaya, Thailand
Grilled prawns, crab, squid and fish — Naklua and Jomtien have the best-known seafood restaurants.
Pattaya, Thailand
Spicy green papaya salad with lime, fish sauce, chilli and peanuts.
Pattaya, Thailand
Sweet sticky rice with coconut cream and ripe mango.
Thepprasit Road (Friday to Sunday evenings)
A big weekend night market with street food and stalls.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Lan Pho, Naklua
Buy fresh seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Pattaya, Thailand
Close to the beach, shopping and nightlife.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Pattaya, Thailand
Quieter, good for families and longer stays.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Pattaya, Thailand
Calmer northern beaches with larger resorts.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Pattaya mixes Thai life with a large international community. Visit temples like Wat Phra Yai and Wat Yansangwararam for a quieter side of the city, and the Naklua fishing community for its seafood.
Pattaya was a quiet fishing village until the 1960s, when American servicemen on leave began visiting from nearby bases. It grew quickly into one of Thailand's first big beach resorts.
Today it is a city in its own right, with family attractions, golf courses, hotels of every size and a large expatriate community, alongside the nightlife it is known for.
Travel information
Morning ferry to Koh Larn, beaches and lunch on the island, back for sunset at Pattaya Viewpoint.
Sanctuary of Truth in the morning, Jomtien Beach in the afternoon, seafood dinner in Naklua.
November to March is dry and sunny. April is the hottest month; May to October brings short, heavy showers.
Flights: U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya Airport (UTP) is about 45 minutes away, with domestic and some international flights. Most travellers fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), about 1.5–2 hours by road. From Bangkok: Buses run from Ekkamai (Eastern) and Mo Chit terminals and from Suvarnabhumi Airport; taxis and private transfers take about 2 hours.
Baht-bus songthaews loop along Beach Road and Second Road for a small flat fare. Grab and Bolt are widely available; scooters can be rented.
Check the fare before boarding a songthaew for a longer trip. Use reputable operators for jet skis and boat trips, and photograph rental scooters before you ride.
