Pattaya

A seaside resort city two hours from Bangkok, with Koh Larn island-hopping, the Sanctuary of Truth and Nong Nooch Garden: a long-established Thai destination where nightlife and family theme parks coexist.

Pattaya lies on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand in Chonburi Province in eastern Thailand, about 150 km and 2 hours by road from Bangkok. In the 1960s it grew from a fishing village into Thailand's first seaside resort city as a getaway for US troops stationed in Vietnam. Today it is Thailand's third-largest tourist destination after Bangkok and Phuket, known for island-hopping, theme parks, cabaret shows and nightlife all coexisting, and it is one of the Thai resort destinations most familiar to Chinese tourists. Areas to visit: the center is the 4-km-long Pattaya Beach and the Beach Road along the shore. At the north end, North Pattaya has the Sanctuary of Truth, Tiffany's Show and a Siam-style hotel district, while at the south end Walking Street and Bali Hai Pier are the starting point for nightlife and boat trips. Koh Larn, 7 km out in the bay, is the main place for island-hopping and snorkeling. To the south, Jomtien Beach is quieter and popular with families, and farther south along Sukhumvit Road is a string of attractions, including the Pattaya Floating Market, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Khao Chi Chan (the Buddha Mountain), Silverlake Vineyard and Siam Park, 20–40 minutes away by road. Climate: the cool season from November to February (25–30°C, little rain) is best, March–May is the hot season at above 35°C, and June–October is the rainy season, though the rain is mostly short afternoon showers and sea conditions have little effect on island-hopping to Koh Larn. Getting there: from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, a bus runs direct to the Pattaya North bus station in about 1.5–2 hours, and from Bangkok's Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal buses leave every half hour. U-Tapao Airport is 40 minutes from the city and has some direct flights from China. In town, rely on songthaews (10–20 baht per person on fixed routes, with charters by negotiation), motorbike taxis and Grab; renting a motorbike requires a driver's license. Suggested length of stay: 2–3 days. Notes: watch your belongings and touts on Beach Road at night and on Walking Street; choose licensed operators for water activities (parasailing, jet skis) and agree on price and insurance beforehand; speedboats and ferries to Koh Larn may stop running when the waves are high; dress properly for Thai temples and the Sanctuary of Truth; do not take part in any activity involving wildlife performances; and book accommodation ahead in peak season (December–January).

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries