Pattaya sits on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast in Chonburi Province, a busy place with over 100,000 people. It’s not calm like Chiang Rai or old like Ayutthaya—that’s why folks show up. Sand bumps up against noise, the air’s warm and salty, and it’s great for anyone who wants beaches, food, or a fun night out. It’s got a vibe that pulls you in, whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay.
Key Attractions
1. Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach runs right through town—a sandy spot where jet skis zoom and sellers yell. Rent a chair for cheap, grab a drink, and watch the water roll in. At sunset, the sky turns orange, a nice little pause in the day’s rush. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit and let the world happen.
2. Sanctuary of Truth
A short trip north, the Sanctuary of Truth is a big wooden temple by the sea. It’s not done yet, covered in carvings of gods and stories. Costs 500 baht to go in, but it’s huge and worth a look. You’ll feel the history in the wood as you walk around.
3. Koh Larn Island
Take a ferry from Bali Hai Pier—40 baht, 45 minutes—and you hit Koh Larn. Sand’s white, water’s clear, and it’s quieter than town. Swim, sit, or poke around the shore. It’s a chill spot to get away from the city’s hum for a bit.
Local Cuisine Highlights
1. Seafood Stalls
Stalls by the beach stack up shrimp, fish, and crabs, cooking them hot over fire. You get a spicy sauce and sticky rice—100 to 200 baht, depending on what’s fresh. It’s tasty, straight from the water, and keeps you full for hours.
2. Grilled Chicken at Ban Tai
Roadside spots in Ban Tai grill chicken till it’s smoky and soft. Comes with sticky rice and some spice, 50 to 80 baht. It’s simple, cheap, and perfect after a day of wandering around.
3. Banana Leaf Wraps
Markets have khao tom—sticky rice stuffed with pork or veggies, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Soft and a bit sweet, 20 to 30 baht. Good to grab and eat while you check out the streets.
Markets and Shopping
1. Walking Street
Every night, Walking Street turns into a market. Stalls sell tie-dye shirts, beads, and little things—starts at 50 baht. Food’s the best part: skewers, mango drinks, fried snacks, 20 baht up. It’s crowded, loud, and bright—a real taste of Pattaya’s energy.
2. Thepprasit Market
Thepprasit, near Jomtien, opens weekends. Fruits, baskets, and cheap shirts go for 30 to 100 baht. It’s dusty and real, mostly locals shopping. You’ll see how people here live day-to-day.
Nightlife
1. Rasta Bars
Pattaya’s got laid-back rasta bars near the water—like Don’t Cry. Beers are 60 to 100 baht, reggae plays, and lights hang above. Nice spot to relax with a drink after the sun’s gone down.
2. Live Music Stalls
Along the main road, stalls have bands playing guitars. Whiskey’s 40 to 70 baht, chairs under lights. Music flows, people hang out—simple way to end the night with a cold one in hand.
Getting Around
1. Scooter Rentals
Scooters cost 100 to 150 baht a day. Zip through traffic, hit the beach, or find a view. Roads are busy, so stay awake. It’s the fastest way to bounce between spots.
2. Minivans
From Bangkok, minivans run to Pattaya, 150 to 200 baht. Takes five hours, drops you in town. Bumpy but gets you there without much fuss.
3. Songthaews
Shared trucks—songthaews—roll around for 20 to 50 baht. Loud, slow, but handy. They’re a cheap way to cover short distances.
4. Walking
Pattaya’s small enough to walk. Streets are flat, stuff’s close—good for a stroll when you don’t feel like riding.
Accommodations
Pattaya’s got places to crash for every budget. If you’re keeping it cheap, guesthouses near Walking Street run 200 to 500 baht a night—basic rooms, maybe a fan, but clean enough. Mid-range hotels line the beach road, 800 to 1,500 baht—think air-con, a small pool, and a decent bed. For something fancier, big names like Hilton or Dusit Thani sit by the water, starting at 2,000 baht. You’ll get comfy rooms and sea views, but book early—peak times fill up quick.
Best Time to Visit
November-February: Cool and dry, 25-30°C. Beaches are great, nights feel good—no sticky clothes. It’s the busiest season, so plan ahead.
May-October: Rain comes, it’s quieter. Cheaper places to stay, but muddy spots need boots. Good if you don’t mind a wet day here and there.
Travel Tips
Cash Is Best: ATMs charge 200 baht each time, cards don’t work much outside cafes. Keep 20-100 baht bills ready for small buys.
Sun Stuff: Sun’s strong. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, or you’ll turn red fast. It hits hard even on cloudy days.
Avoid Tricks: Rental places might overcharge—agree on a price first. Skip random roadside offers that sound too good.
Check Paths: Rain makes dirt slippery. Ask locals what’s okay or stay on hard ground to keep steady.
Drink Water: Bottles are 10 baht. Grab some—heat dries you out quick, especially if you’re out all day.
Final Thoughts
Pattaya’s a lively spot with sand, eats, and a bit of spirit. Beaches go on, food cooks fresh, and nights stay busy. It’s not quiet—waves hit, scooters buzz, lights shine late. Swim, eat, check the stalls—it’s got energy that keeps rolling. Whether you want a day by the water, a quick bite, or a beer under the stars, Pattaya’s ready with its own rough charm. It’s a place that doesn’t slow down, and that’s what makes it stick with you. Come for the sand, stay for the hum—it’s a slice of Thailand that doesn’t fade easy.
