Pattaya City Guide: Explore Thailand’s Ultimate Beach & Party Destination

Pattaya city guide takes you through the beaches, resorts, shopping, and 24-hour clubs

If you are visiting the resort city of Thailand, here’s a Pattaya city guide that will help you explore the beautiful city. Pattaya is the eighth largest city in Thailand, known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and shopping centres. Until the 1960s, Pattaya was a small fishing village, but today it has turned into a nightlife hub in Thailand. It is called the Thai city that never sleeps, and rightfully so. In this Pattaya city tour guide, we will take a look at everything the city has to offer.

Location

Image of Pattaya beach, a popular Thai tourist city near Bangkok and beaches

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Pattaya is an important city located on the east coast of Thailand. Located in the Bang Lamung district of the Chonburi region, Pattaya is 150 km from the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. The city is one of the most famous tourist places in Thailand, with about 27 million tourists visiting the city in 2024 itself. The city is about 31 km from Si Racha, a city famous for its sea foods, and about 82 km from Rayong, which is famous for its scenic beaches and islands.

How To Reach

Image of Bangkok Airport - The exquisite interior of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Photo: Roger Price / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: While there is no airport in Pattaya, visitors can travel to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is 122 km from the beach city. As of now, Pattaya’s U-Tapao airport is under construction and will be open to the public by 2029.

By Train: Pattaya Railway Station has great interconnectivity with major cities in Thailand, offering seamless intercity travel for people visiting nearby cities.

By Road: Pattaya is connected to major cities in Thailand, such as Bangkok, by the Eastern Motorway (Highway 7). You can either rent a car or take the bus to Pattaya.

Pattaya City Guide To Its Top Attractions

Pattaya’s unique and lively tourist attractions provide a full grasp of the city’s history, culture, and modernisation. Here are 5 places in Pattaya that you must add to your Pattaya:

1. Sanctuary Of Truth

Intricate wooden temple blending art and spirituality, highlighted in the Pattaya city guide

Photo: Rolf Heinrich, Köln / Wikimedia Commons

Also known as Satchatham Temple, the Sanctuary of Truth is a beautiful blend of a temple and the palace. The temple was built by a rich businessman who wanted to showcase the rich Buddhist and Hindu culture of Pattaya. Adorned with intricate carvings of various mythological figures from both Hindu and Buddhist mythology, the temple is a sight to behold. Awarded as the Outstanding Tourist Attraction in 2008 by the Tourism Industry Awards, the temple is a must-visit place you need to add to your Pattaya city guide.

Location: 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12, Pattaya-Naklua Rd, Bang Lamung District
Timing: 8 AM – 6 PM, 6:20 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fees: THB 500

2. Nong Nong Tropical Garden

Lush tropical garden with exotic plants and wildlife, showcased in the Pattaya city guide

Photo: Wayne77 / Wikimedia Commons

Nong Nong Tropical Garden is a famous botanical garden in Pattaya. It is spread across 2.4 sq km and is home to over 670 species of orchids. The garden is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a must add to your Pattaya city guide. The garden has many themed sections, such as the 17th-century French Garden and European Renaissance Garden, that you can explore. Along with beautiful gardens, the place also offers various live shows such as sword fights, Thai kickboxing, and elephant shows.

Location: 34/1 Tambon Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri
Timing: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: THB 500 for adults, THB 300 for children

3. Pattaya Beach

Captivating beachfront offering relaxation and water activities, showcased in the Pattaya city guide

Photo: FritzDaCat / Wikimedia Commons

Pattaya Beach is one of the most famous tourist spots in Pattaya. It is a popular recreational spot among locals and tourists alike. Visitors to the beach can enjoy various water sports such as ski-boarding, snorkelling, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parasailing, speed boating, diving, and jet skiing, adding thrill to the trip. Beside watersports, Pattaya Beach also offers a sample of various cuisines for its visitors to indulge in, making it a perfect vacation destination.

Location: Pattaya Beach, Pattaya
Best Time To Visit: November to February

4. Pattaya Floating Market

Pattaya Floating Market in Thailand - Vibrant market selling local goods from boat vendors

Photo: Kirandeep Singh Walia / Pexels

One of the most unique experiences in Pattaya, the famous floating market is a fun place to visit for tourists. Opened in 2008, Pattaya Floating Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is the perfect place to buy souvenirs from the floating vendor carts. It is the most beautiful place, with a hint of ancient markets offering an insight into Pattaya’s trade history. Also add the nearby communities to your Pattaya city guide to delve deeper into Pattaya’s village culture.

Location: 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road, Nongprue, Bang Lamung District
Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM

5. Underwater World Pattaya

Image of coral reef - explore Marine life exhibits and underwater viewing tunnels

Photo: Fascinating Universe / Wikimedia Commons

Want to walk under the ocean? Well, you can experience the thrill of walking underwater in Pattaya at Underwater World, Pattaya. Underwater World is a 150-metre-long acrylic tunnel that houses over 5000 fish of 250 aquatic species. Divided into 5 sections, the aquarium offers an insight into Thailand’s marine life and its evolution. It is the perfect place to visit with your family, especially if you have children with you. Underwater World Pattaya is a perfect blend of education and fun.

Location: 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Road, NongPrue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District
Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: THB 300 onwards

Where To Stay

Pattaya offers luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations for every traveller.

Photo: thiha soe / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

When in Pattaya, finding the perfect place to stay is easy with options for every budget. For luxury seekers, Hilton Pattaya and InterContinental Pattaya Resort offer unparalleled comfort. Mid-range travellers will love the stylish Avani Pattaya Resort and the vibrant Holiday Inn Pattaya. Budget explorers can enjoy cosy stays at The Grass Serviced Suites or Sunshine Hotel & Residences. What’s your pick for your dream Pattaya getaway?

Where To Eat

Pattaya offers diverse dining experiences from Thai, Italian to French

Photo: Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pattaya is a haven for food lovers! Start your day at Café des Amis, known for its French-inspired foie gras. For authentic Thai flavours, Nang Nual Seafood Restaurant serves incredible chilli crab. Love street food? Visit Mum Aroi for grilled seafood delights. Craving Italian? Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana bakes a perfect wood-fired pizza. Don’t miss The Glass House for beachfront dining with mango sticky rice. Grab coffee at La Baguette and savour desserts at Deli Factory Pattaya.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Pattaya is from November to February

Photo: Anonymous / Pxhere

The best time to visit Pattaya is from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather, ideal for exploring beaches, islands, and vibrant nightlife. The cool breeze and clear skies make it perfect for outdoor activities like snorkelling or parasailing. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (May to October) due to heavy rainfall that may disrupt plans. Always check the weather forecast to enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Other Things To Consider

Pattaya offers various transport options like songthaews (shared taxis) and motorcycle taxis

Photo: Ilya Plekhanov / Wikimedia Commons

Average Cost Of The Trip: A trip to Pattaya can be quite reasonable. On average, you might spend around ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 (approximately 13,000 to 17,000 THB) for about 5-7 days. This estimate includes flights, mid-range accommodation, meals, and activities like water sports or visits to attractions. For budget travelers, costs can be lower by opting for hostels and street food. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your stay in this lively beach city.

Tips For Travellers:

  • Respect Thai customs and traditions. You can dress like local people when visiting temples and greet locals.
  • Pattaya offers various transport options like songthaews (shared taxis) and motorcycle taxis.
  • Pattaya’s tropical climate can be intense, especially during the day. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and avoid long sun exposure.
  • While Pattaya’s beaches are famous, don’t miss attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, or the floating market.
  • For activities like jet skiing or parasailing, ensure the operators are reputable and equipment is well-maintained to avoid scams or accidents.

So this was your complete Pattaya city guide for seamless travel to the Thai city that never sleeps. From beautiful beaches to extraordinary temples, Pattaya has everything for everyone. Whether you are travelling to Pattaya to enjoy some me-time at the beach or to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Nong Nong Tropical Garden, you will never be disappointed by what this city has to offer its visitors. So, why are you waiting? Book your trip with TripXL to Pattaya, Thailand.

Cover Photo: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Pattaya is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, water sports, and attractions like Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth, and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries enjoy visa exemptions or can get a visa on arrival.
Popular souvenirs include Thai silk, wooden crafts, handmade soaps, and local snacks.
Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Visit Central Festival Pattaya, Pattaya Night Bazaar, and Thepprasit Night Market for a mix of luxury and local products.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month