Pattaya, a family-friendly destination for traveller to spend time with.
Why go to Pattaya
Setting aside the aspect of sex tourism, Pattaya markets itself as a coastal resort. Although it lacks crystal-clear seas and white sandy beaches, Koh Larn island, situated 7 km offshore, offers sun and sea enthusiasts several beautiful beaches with clear waters and local charm within a half-hour drive from the city.
Pattaya boasts a vibrant nightlife, catering to those who enjoy drinking or dancing until the late hours. Additionally, the city features stylish rooftop bars offering unbeatable views for sundowners.
Family-friendly attractions include an abundance of pet zoos and farms – the Crocodile Farm, at least two different Sheep farms, a new Tiger Zoo and several elephant camps, just to name a few. If you explore further, you’ll discover the Turtle Conservation Centre and a Bear Breeding Reserve.
Harbor Pattaya, a shopping and entertainment centre, has a roller-drome, a climbing wall, two large kids’ playgrounds and even an ice rink. The biggest beachfront shopping mall in Thailand, Central Festival Pattaya Beach, lures shoppers with boutique shops, restaurants and nice views from its terraces.
When to go to Pattaya
Pattaya remains a year-round destination, with the rainy season typically occurring between September and October. However, full days of continuous rain are exceptionally rare. Generally, the best time to visit is from December to February, particularly for those not accustomed to intense heat. Winter evenings are often cool, and the sun is less scorching during this period.
Summer months can be humid but are not so oppressing hot, plus it is the season for many local fruits including mangosteens, lychees and rambutans, and low tide is common in the morning.
Depending on your objectives, choose the area of the city to stay in. Party animals and Isan beauties hunters should check the central part of the city between Pattaya North and Pattaya South Roads and Pattaya Beach Road and Soi Buakhao. Nakluea in northern Pattaya offers upscale accommodations in a quieter setting. Moving south, Pratamnak Hill provides picturesque surroundings with mid-range to high-end hotels. Both areas are close to appealing city beaches. Jomtien, further south, is budget-friendly for various travellers, while Najomtien, a half-hour ride from the center, offers relaxed upscale hotels with private beaches. Click here, to know more about Pattaya Travel Guide – Accommodation post.
Where to eat in Pattaya
Pattaya, it is an ultimate foodie’s paradise. Here offers dining options round the clock, catering to every taste and preference. Whether it’s street stalls, day and night markets, supermarket food courts, simple street eateries, Thai family restaurants, or upscale international venues, the choices are abundant. With a significant expat community from Europe, America, and Australia, Pattaya boasts a diverse array of restaurants serving authentic global cuisine.
Getting around in Pattaya
Is both convenient and affordable with the city’s public transport system, primarily consisting of songthaews – pickup trucks equipped with two benches inside. A ride within the city is priced at THB10, and if you cross multiple zones (e.g., from Jomtien to the North), it’s THB20.
Songthaew routes cover the entire city and are easy to navigate. They run from north to south along Beach Road and from the corner of Pattaya South and Second Road to Jomtien. In the reverse direction, songthaews start in Jomtien and travel along Jomtien Beach Road, Thappraya, and Second Road to Pattaya North. Roads ascending from the sea, such as Thepprasite Road, Pattaya South, Pattaya Central, and Pattaya North, are also serviced by songthaews.
White songthaews operate along the main transport artery, Sukhumvit, providing transportation up to Sattahip in the south, with a fare of THB20.
Getting in and out
Pattaya is easily accessible from Bangkok‘s main bus terminals: Morchit, Southern Bus Terminal, and Ekkamai, with tickets priced at around THB120. The journey duration varies from two to four hours, depending on whether the bus makes stops in Chonburi or Sri Racha.
For a quicker option, minivans can reach Pattaya from Bangkok in under two hours, although the drivers may be a bit daring.
Direct services from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya run hourly, taking two hours and arriving either at the Northern Bus Station (Bell Travel) or Jomtien Bus Stop near FoodMart (Pattaya Airport Bus). During peak season, tickets sell out fast, so booking in advance is advisable to secure a seat.
U-Tapao Airport in Rayong province is the nearest airport to Pattaya and is currently undergoing significant expansion. While serving charter international flights, local airlines are gradually increasing their presence. Destinations such as Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima are accessible from U-Tapao. Recently, AirAsia inaugurated a flight between Pattaya and Phuket, while Lion Air is aiming to make U-Tapao their hub.
Despite the absence of a large bus terminal in Pattaya, various bus companies use their own stations, making it challenging for visitors to locate buses to specific destinations. In some cases, it may be more convenient to travel from Pattaya to Bangkok and then catch an onward bus. Popular destinations reachable from Pattaya by bus include Aranyaprathet (border crossing to Cambodia), Mukdahan (for Savannakhet in Laos), Koh Samui, Nong Khai (for Vientiane in Laos), and Chiang Mai.
In 2017, a new catamaran service connected Pattaya to the royal sea resort of Hua Hin across the Gulf, with a two-hour journey and tickets priced at THB1200.
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