Pattaya travel guide and holiday reviews
One of the most famous resorts in Thailand, steeped in legends about «horrors» Volkin Street, full of expensive hotels, shopping and restaurants. Convenient place for a short vacation or long stay.
Once upon a time, I also thought that there was only sex and debauchery, but my opinion changed when I looked deeper and figured out why this city is convenient and why it attracts many tourists with children.
The content of the article
Preparing for the trip
Description of the resort and why go to Pattaya
Pattaya is considered the cheapest resort in Thailand. It is conveniently located just an hour's drive from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where cheap flights from Russia are often available. Pattaya is mainly a youth party vacation, bars - discos - Volkin Street and the dirty sea. Nevertheless, this is a popular resort, where people go despite all its disadvantages, including families with children..
The fact is that it is convenient to live in Pattaya for a long time and spend the winter - many shops and shopping centers, entertainment for every taste, a large Russian-speaking community, the proximity of the capital and the attractions of central Thailand. In addition, despite the dirty sea in the city itself, there are beautiful white sand beaches close to Pattaya. The closest ones are Military Beach, the beaches of Koh Lan, Samet, etc..
There are many large hotel complexes in Pattaya and the surrounding area, where tour operators sell vouchers at a good price. There are also a lot of housing in the city, mostly multi-storey condominiums and small houses (but they are usually farther from the sea).
Pattaya is a big city
Which beach to choose
In the city itself, the most pleasant beaches in the south are Pratumnak and his neighbor Dongtan. The area near Pratumnak is a popular place among Russians, there is even «Russian» a street where almost all the signs are in Russian. In the same area there is Cozy Beach - a small beach in a separate area where the hotel of the same name is located, where Russian tourists often come to rest.
Further south begins Jomtien - a very long beach, popular but less noisy than the central one. Along it there is a large number of accommodation from hotels and condominiums to houses and villas. It is convenient to live there, there is enough infrastructure, but not everyone likes to swim, it's dirty. Outside the city, deserted beaches with a cleaner sea stretch to the south. But you still have to get to them.
Overview of all the beaches of Pattaya>
Overview of all beaches in Koh Lan>
The central beach is primarily a promenade and expensive hotels on the first line. Few will want to swim in the sea there, since the beach and the sea itself are dirty, plus a lot of boats and boats. But the whole nightlife is in full swing here. And it is on the central beach (at its left end) that there is a pier with a ferry to Koh Lan, where the beaches are much better than Pattaya. And since it takes only half an hour to swim, many are satisfied with this..
North Pattaya is the best - Wongamat beach.
One of the best beaches in Pattaya - Dongtan
How to choose a hotel or house
Pattaya has a huge number of hotels for every taste and budget. There are large hotel complexes with swimming pools and cafes, from the territory of which, in principle, you can not leave. For example, Cozy Beach, popular with Russian tourists. There are also multi-storey condominiums for long term rentals: View Talai, Lumpini, etc. There are many of them in Jomtien. There are also many houses, but they are closest to the sea in the north, in the Naklua area and Wongamat beach. There are democratic guesthouses in the center and in Jomtien. In general, there is really a lot of housing and in general it is inexpensive, which is why Pattaya is so popular with winterers and tourists..
Those who come on vacation for entertainment, parties and shopping usually settle in the city center. There are a lot of housing from very inexpensive guesthouses to chic chain Holiday Inn and Hilton.
Traditionally, for a long time, people prefer to settle either in the north, in the Naklua area, or in Jomtien. In the center it is still very noisy and bad air, gas pollution. The center is suitable for a short break when you need access to entertainment and nightlife.
All Pattaya hotels>
My selection of the best hotels in Pattaya>
How to get to Pattaya
Remember, there is no airport in Pattaya. Even Utapao, which is called Pattaya Airport, is actually 40 kilometers away..
Pattaya is located close to Bangkok, where the country's most important airport is located - Suvarnabhumi. Therefore, you need to look at flights not to Pattaya, but to Bangkok if you are flying from Russia. And it is from him that you then have to get to the resort. It’s not far away, don’t worry.
Flights from other countries in Asia, or from Thailand itself, to companies such as AirAsia or NokAir arrive at the second airport in Bangkok - Don muang. You can also fly to Utapao airport, which are closer to Pattaya.
I have a detailed post, how to get from Bangkok to Pattaya. In short, you have several options: bus, minibus, taxi or transfer. Buses run quite often, it does not take long to go there. The transfer is also inexpensive.
Climate and weather in Pattaya
The best time to relax in Pattaya is from November to February. It is a cool season with good clear weather. There are no showers or droughts, the blue sky is usually not covered with haze, there are usually no waves and debris in the sea, or at least less than at other times.
Around New Years, the water and air in Pattaya can even be cool, especially cool at night. And the water in the sea during the day can «invigorate». Due to the wind and cold weather, even the water in the pool may not warm up enough, especially if it is located in the shade and by the sea. Pattaya has a less hot and drier climate than, for example, Phuket, and in December-January it feels good.
From late February to early March, the low tide and hot season begins. There is little rain, the grass dries up, the sea regularly leaves the coast, it becomes hot and shallow. At this time, there is often a haze in the sky. Through which, however, you can also burn. At sea, there are often waves and the current washed ashore garbage..
Summer in Pattaya is a time of melancholy and calm. Traditionally, there are fewer tourists, tropical showers are already beginning, the peak of which occurs at the end of summer and September. The tide is still low on the sea, the water is very warm and comfortable. True, it is often dirty. There are waves at sea.
In autumn, in September-October, heavy rains in Pattaya, in some places there are even floods. However, the weather is still warm and the showers do not last long. But the humidity rises, which makes the heat more difficult to tolerate..
You can find the ebb tide table on the website. The site is in English, but it's not hard to figure it out.
You need to come closer to the time (plus or minus an hour) when the highest water height, then you can swim normally. The link just indicates the time 2 times a day, when the highest altitude and the lowest. Instructions on how to use the table on the example of Phuket.
Upon arrival at the resort
How to get to your hotel
As I said, most likely you will fly to Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Tickets for the bus and minibus can be taken upon arrival, you will need to go down to the floor below and buy them at the counter. Then wait for the scheduled time (I have it here). If you arrive in the morning or in the afternoon, then this way it will turn out to leave.
But if you arrive in the evening or at night, or you want comfort and do not want to wait, then you need a taxi or transfer. A regular taxi can be taken on the spot, the price is from 1200-1500 baht, as you bargain.
Or you can order a transfer in advance via the Internet from Kiwitaxi. Verified service. The price will be the same as for a taxi, about 1,500 baht. Only in the arrivals hall you will be met and taken to the car by the handle, you do not need to do anything else. It will be possible to order a child seat for a child, which will never be in regular taxis. I have used this service more than once, already described my experience.
Transfer from Bangkok to Pattaya>
The easiest way to get from Don Muang Airport is to take a taxi or transfer right away, as described above. Otherwise, you will first need to drive from it to Suvarnabhumi, where you can go by bus / minibus.
Another option for active travelers is to rent a car. Yes, there is nothing to go there, an hour and a half. But! It is better to take a car at the Bangkok airport from an international distributor than in Pattaya itself, do not understand from anyone. Well, this is if you are going to ride around Pattaya and you need transportation. And most importantly, you will then return to Bangkok in this car and give it back at the airport before departure. Thus, you will save on a taxi in both directions, which is about 3-4 days of car rental.
Discounted car rental>
The cheapest way to take a car is through Economybookings, where prices are 2 times lower. I do this myself all the time, that's why I recommend a proven scheme. Already in this way I traveled from Bangkok by car not only to Pattaya, but also to Koh Chang, Krabi, Phuket. Here my detailed post about all the nuances of car rental in Thailand.
What to see from the sights
The biggest attraction of Pattaya is Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. A huge territory where plants and flowers of many varieties and species are collected. A kind of Versailles Park in the Asian manner. In Nong Nooch, in addition to the park itself, you can watch very beautiful theatrical shows. In the evenings, the backlight turns on there, with which everything looks a little different.
In the city itself, tourists usually climb observation deck near the city center, there is also a statue of Buddha on the mountain. There are several museums in the center: 3D paintings, the Ripley Museum. A little away from the center - unusual temple of Truth, Mini Siam park, elephant village, floating market, three kingdoms park, mountain of the golden buddha. In the vicinity of Pattaya, you must visit the best zoo in the country - Khao Keo.
There are extravagant attractions such as the chicken king's palace or erotic park. There are many sports youth activities in Pattaya - bungee jumping, go-karting, fishing, Thai boxing. Separately, it must be said about the water parks near Pattaya. The big two are Cartoon Networks and the recently opened Ramayana. Numerous parks and spice gardens, snake farms.
Excursions in Pattaya and prices>
Many attractions in the absence of rented transport are easier to visit with excursions, since the distances are long and you will go broke by taxi. City tours usually include a park with models of various historical buildings in Mini Siam, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Observation Deck, Spice Gardens or Million Years Stone Garden, Mount of the Golden Buddha. Popular out-of-town tours: Khao Kheow petting zoo, trolls «Flight of the Gibbon», Tiger zoo.
Sea excursions to the islands are also very interesting and provide an opportunity to swim in the clear azure sea with white sand on the beach, which is a big deficit in Pattaya itself. For the same purpose - to swim on a beautiful beach - tourists usually take a transfer to the Military Beach. Popular long-distance excursions include the River Kwai, Erawan Falls, Bangkok, and tours to Samet Island. There are even tours to Cambodia (Siem Reap) from Pattaya. So if you want to occupy yourself in Pattaya, there is something, you will not be bored.
Where to eat, in which cafes
There are a lot of cafes in Pattaya for every taste. This is where the expanse of lovers of tasty and varied food is. The choice is huge, from testing Thai street food in evening markets, open-air buffets, seafront seafood restaurants, a wide variety of cuisines from Indian to Lebanese, international chain pizzerias and eateries, to chic restaurants in the city center and its outskirts..
From atmospheric cafes «to the exit», where you can romantically sit together or with a company, outdoors and overlooking the sunset, you can mention Rimpa lapin, Glass House, Cabbages & Condoms. All of them are located overlooking the sea, the first two are located in the south of Pattaya, outside the city, and the last one is in the Pratumnak area.
Good seafood cafes are Mum Aroi in the north, in the Naklua area and Lungsawai seafood located at the very southern end of Jomtien's waterfront. If you want to try Indian cuisine, then the cafe in the center with the intriguing name of Zaika Indian Restaurant is a good choice. For lovers of beer and socializing, the noisy Pattaya Beer Garden is suitable. The advantage of this place is that the tables offer a good view of the city and the bay, but in the evenings there can be a lot of people, because this is the center. Preecha Seafood is very popular with locals and is considered one of the best seafood cafes with excellent local cuisine..
From more expensive places - Horizon bar, which is located on the roof of the Hilton hotel in the heart of Pattaya. Prices correspond to the height of the floor, but the view is simply excellent. I recommend to lovers of the panorama of night cities.
Well, if you want democratic and authentic, then the Nai Por buffet is perfect. This open-air buffet cafe is located on Pattaya Nua Street, open in the evenings. Every day there is live music, Thai bands play. You can choose a ready-made dish for yourself or fry something on the grill yourself, which is very large.
Transport on site
Pattaya usually gets around by taxi or route tuk-tuk. True, it is difficult for tourists to understand their routes. The most popular public transport routes for tourists are the road along Jomtien Beach to the city center (usually there are blue tuk-tuk), along the Sukhumvit highway from the Ambassador Hotel in the south to the city center (they are usually white) and along the central promenade. To get from Sukhumvit to the beach, you need to change trains at the Outlet.
Route tuk-tuk also run along the northern district of Pattaya, Naklua and along the embankment in the very center of the city, but in the center the traffic is a little tricky: it is one-way on the road straight along the sea, from north to south, and on the second line it is one-way in the other direction. In the evenings (and in the afternoon too), if the driver wishes, tuk-tuk can easily turn into a taxi. The price in this case, of course, will be more expensive, but you will be taken directly to the hotel or wherever you want..
Of course, in addition to public transport, you can use rented or your own. Distances between extreme points of the city, distant beaches or attractions are long, so the most convenient thing is a car. But in Pattaya, as well as in Thailand in general, the practice of renting a bike is widespread. It is a comfortable and mobile means of transportation.
Pattaya Map
Pattaya Map
Pattaya Map:
P.S. Ask questions, I will add if something is missing. And leave your feedback about your vacation in Pattaya, how you liked it there or not :)