Bay viewing platform
Hilltop
The main lookout over the curve of Pattaya Bay, the city skyline and the boats in the harbour.
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Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya Viewpoint — Pratumnak Hill
The hilltop viewpoint with the big "PATTAYA CITY" sign, looking over the whole bay — best at sunset.
Favourite places
PATTAYA CITY sign
Hillside
The large letters on the hill are visible from much of the city and make a classic photo backdrop.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Prince Chumphon shrine
Hilltop
A statue of Prince Abhakara of Chumphon, regarded as the father of the Royal Thai Navy. Visitors leave flowers and offerings here.
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North side of the hill
Look down onto the pier and Walking Street; after dark the lights of the bay come on below.
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Historical places
Prince Chumphon shrine
Pratumnak Hill
The shrine honours Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, a son of King Rama V who helped found the modern Thai navy. Navy links to the hill are why it is respected locally.
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Local food
Khao pad sapparot
Pattaya, Thailand
Pineapple fried rice, often with cashews and seafood, a popular seaside dish.
Som tam
Pattaya, Thailand
Spicy green papaya salad, easy to find from street vendors around the hill.
Where to eat
Pratumnak restaurants
Pratumnak Hill
Small Thai and international restaurants are spread along the roads on the hill.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)South Pattaya and Walking Street
Below the hill
A short ride down to the seafood restaurants of South Pattaya for dinner after sunset.
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Where to stay
Pratumnak
Pattaya, Thailand
A green, quiet hill with condos and resorts, between the city centre and Jomtien.
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Pattaya, Thailand
A relaxed beach area just south of the hill, a few minutes away by car.
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Culture
The Prince Chumphon shrine is a place of respect for Thai people. Do not climb on the statue or pose disrespectfully, and keep your voice down near it.
History
Pratumnak Hill (Khao Pattaya) separates Pattaya Beach from Jomtien. Its viewpoint has a statue of Prince Chumphon, the father of the Thai navy, and views over the curve of the bay and the city skyline.
Tour plans
Pratumnak Hill at sunset
Half dayStep 1: Big Buddha Temple
Visit Wat Phra Yai in the late afternoon.
Step 2: Pattaya Viewpoint
Move to the viewpoint for sunset over the bay.
Step 3: Dinner in South Pattaya
Head down the hill for seafood.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to February for clear skies; arrive about half an hour before sunset, or come early in the morning to avoid crowds.
How to get there
A short Grab ride from Walking Street; on foot it is a steep climb.
Getting around
Baht buses (blue songthaew pick-ups) loop one way along Beach Road and back along Second Road; wave one down, ride, and press the buzzer to get off. Other songthaews run to Jomtien and Naklua. Grab and Bolt cars and motorbike taxis work across the city, and are the easiest way to reach Pratumnak Hill or places south of town. Scooters can be rented, but you need a licence valid for motorbikes and a helmet.
Travel tips
Come about half an hour before sunset.