Why visit Pattaya
People searching for things to do in Pattaya are usually after an easy seaside break close to Bangkok. The city lies on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 150 kilometres southeast of the capital, and is the largest city in Chonburi province. Greater Pattaya includes the Bang Lamung district and the area around Jomtien.
It is a seaside resort that is mostly famous for its go-go and beer bars, while local authorities have tried to add more family-friendly attractions. The beaches are lacklustre by Thailand’s standards, and overdevelopment has removed some of the natural charm.
The advantages are practical. Hotels and guest houses are plentiful, access from Bangkok is easy, and the city offers an excellent range of eating options and a wide variety of activities. It attracts more than five million visitors a year, so expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Pattaya suits some travellers well and others poorly, so read on before you book.
Top things to do in Pattaya
Take a boat to Koh Larn
This island lies just off the coast and has several beaches with clearer water than the city shore. Allow a full day. Tip: boats leave from the pier, and times, fares and weekend crowds vary, so go early and check the return schedule.
Relax on Jomtien Beach
South of the main bay, Jomtien has a longer, calmer stretch of sand with a more relaxed feel. Allow half a day. Tip: use sun protection, and check current water conditions before swimming.
Visit the Sanctuary of Truth
This large wooden temple-style building on the north side of the city is covered in elaborate carving. Allow one to two hours. Tip: it is a working construction and craft site, so check opening hours and any safety requirements.
Walk Pattaya Beach and the promenade
The main bay has a seafront road lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, and is lively in the evening. Allow one to two hours. Tip: it is busiest at weekends, and prices for food and drinks vary a great deal.
Explore the Pattaya Floating Market
A tourist-oriented market with food stalls, souvenirs and shows, designed around canals. Allow two hours. Tip: it is aimed at visitors, so compare prices and agree costs before buying.
Climb to Pattaya View Point
A hilltop viewpoint between the main bay and Jomtien gives a wide view of the coast and the city skyline. Allow one hour. Tip: sunset is popular, so go early for a good spot.
Go for seafood and street food
The city offers a wide choice, from street stalls to seafront restaurants and international cuisine. Allow an evening. Tip: look at menu prices before you sit down, and choose busy places.
Best time to visit Pattaya
Pattaya has a tropical climate, warm all year. The cooler, drier months are the most comfortable for beach days and boat trips, while the hot season is humid and the rainy season brings heavy showers, with the sea sometimes choppier.
| Season | Weather | Crowds and prices |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | Cooler, drier, sunnier | Busiest, higher prices around holidays |
| March to May | Hot and humid | Moderate crowds, better deals |
| June to October | Rain showers, cloud | Quietest, lowest prices |
Weekends and public holidays draw crowds from Bangkok in every season. Check the forecast and the sea conditions before you book boat trips.
How to get to Pattaya and around
Pattaya lies roughly 150 kilometres from Bangkok. Most visitors arrive from Bangkok’s airports by taxi, minibus, bus or a private transfer, with the journey commonly taking around two hours depending on traffic. Check current options, and compare fares before you book.
The region has an airport at U-Tapao, and some visitors use it, though services change, so check current schedules. Trains from Bangkok to Pattaya also run, and timetables and journey times vary.
In the city, songthaews, the shared pickup trucks, run set routes along the main roads. Motorbike taxis, ride-hailing apps and taxis are also available. Agree the fare before you travel, or confirm the app price, and take care with rented motorbikes, as accidents are common.
Where to stay in Pattaya
Pattaya Beach, in the central bay, puts you close to restaurants, shopping and nightlife, and suits travellers who want to be in the middle of the action. It is also the busiest and noisiest area.
Jomtien, to the south, is calmer and more family-oriented, with a longer beach and condo-style hotels. It suits families, longer stays and anyone who wants a quieter night.
The northern area, around Na Klua and Wong Amat, has a quieter beachfront and more upmarket resorts. It suits couples and travellers who want comfort and relative peace. Book ahead for holidays and weekends, and read recent reviews, because the character of a street can differ a lot from one block to the next.
How many days do you need?
Two to three days is enough for the beach, a boat trip to Koh Larn and a couple of sights. A weekend works for visitors from Bangkok. If you want a slower beach holiday with several day trips, allow four or five days.
- Day 1: Arrive, walk Pattaya Beach and the promenade, and have dinner by the sea.
- Day 2: Take a boat to Koh Larn for beaches and swimming, and return in the late afternoon.
- Day 3: Visit the Sanctuary of Truth in the morning and relax at Jomtien in the afternoon.
Plan boat trips for the calmer mornings, and leave an extra half day if the weather is unsettled.
Day trips and nearby
Bangkok
The capital lies about 150 kilometres away and works as a day trip or an easy add-on at either end of a stay. Tip: leave early, as road traffic into the city can be heavy.
Ayutthaya
The former capital north of Bangkok has ruined temples and historic sites. It is a long day from Pattaya, so consider staying overnight. Tip: check transport options before committing.
Kanchanaburi
West of Bangkok, this town is known for river scenery and war history. It is a long trip from Pattaya and suits a separate overnight stay. Tip: plan the route through Bangkok.
Hua Hin
A seaside town on the opposite side of the Gulf, usually visited by road via Bangkok. Tip: allow a full day for travel each way.
FAQ
Q1When is the best time to visit Pattaya?
November to February is generally the coolest and driest period, which suits beach days and boat trips. It is also the busiest and priciest. March to May is hot, and June to October brings rain, but prices drop and crowds thin.
Q2How many days do you need in Pattaya?
Two to three days covers the beach, a Koh Larn boat trip and a few sights. A weekend works if you come from Bangkok. Allow four or five days if you want to relax and add day trips.
Q3How do you get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Pattaya is about 150 kilometres from Bangkok, and most people go by road, using taxi, minibus, bus or a private transfer. The journey typically takes around two hours depending on traffic. A train also runs, so check current timetables.
Q4Is Pattaya worth visiting?
It is worth it for an easy beach break, boat trips and good food close to Bangkok. Its beaches are less polished than Thailand's best, and the city is known for its nightlife. Choose Jomtien or the northern area if you want it quieter.
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Check current details with official sources before you travel. Read the Thailand travel guide.
