Renata KowalskaPattaya is a popular beach destination in Thailand. It’s known as “the city that never sleeps” because of its thriving nightlife scene. It is believed that the city’s name comes from the ancient Sanskrit word “patha”, which means “to trade” or “to exchange”. This is because in ancient times, the city was an important route for trade between India and China. If you have never been to Pattaya before, you will find that it has something for everyone. From an oceanfront walking street lined with cafes, stores and restaurants to the more secluded road its many budget accommodation options. This guide will show you all you need to know about Pattaya so that you can make the most of your stay here. From where to stay and what type of accommodation is right for you, to where are some of the best places to eat and drink, there is plenty of information here that will help put your visit into perspective.
If you are wondering what vaccinations you should visit before traveling abroad, read about it on the Vaccines and Travel Medicine page.
Where is Pattaya?
Pattaya is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 180 km south of Bangkok. It is the only city on the gulf and is surrounded by lush tropical forests. There are three main beaches in Pattaya, namely Patong Beach, Bang Lamung Beach, and Thappraya Beach. The North Eastern part of Pattaya is Bangla Seafront Road, where you will find budget accommodation options, seafood restaurants and lots of shops selling local handicrafts. This part of the city is quieter compared to the other beaches. The other famous beach of Pattaya is Jomtien Beach, which is also accessible by public ferries.
If you are thinking about going abroad consider visiting a dentist before! Healthy teeth will help you avoid many bad situations.
Getting to Pattaya
The easiest way to get to Pattaya is using your own car. All you need is the car’s license plate number and proof of insurance. You can drive your car to Pattaya and park it at the parking lots outside the city. If you are looking to save some money while you are visiting Pattaya, you can also take public ferries, buses or taxi-buses from Bangkok. The public ferries cost between 400 and 500 Baht per person depending on the number of passengers. The public buses and taxis charge about 150 Baht per person. You can also fly to Bangkok and then travel by bus or train to Pattaya. You can book your tickets online and there are many bus and train companies that offer cheap tickets from Bangkok to Pattaya.
If you are wondering what vaccinations you should visit before traveling abroad, read about it on the Vaccines and Travel Medicine page.
The Best Time to Visit Pattaya
Pattaya is a year-round tourist destination and offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences. From the best beach and pool times, to the best time to visit the Night Market and shopping times, there are many reasons to visit Pattaya during different times of the year. During the monsoon season (July to August), the city is not easily accessible. The roads become slippery and there is a high chance of flooding. You should visit during the low season, from December to February, when the city is less crowded. During the low season, the city is quieter and you can enjoy a more relaxed holiday. The best time to visit Pattaya for visitors is from November to February, when the weather is warm and sunny. This will help you avoid the heavy rains and allow you to enjoy the best beaches and pools in the city.
What to See in Pattaya
If you have come to Pattaya to enjoy the nightlife, you have come to the right place. This is the city of bars and clubs, from the small side streets, to the top bars and nightclubs on the beach. You can find all types of bars and clubs in Pattaya, from the more formal bars, to those that are more laid back and open to all ages. You can also find beaches where you can enjoy some late night entertainment. The most popular late night entertainment in Pattaya is the Night Market. This is a huge outdoor market, full of food stalls, restaurants and entertainment. You can find the Night Market in many areas of Pattaya, including Walking Street and Bangla Seafront Road. Another great place to visit in Pattaya is the Buddha Park. This is a large park, with lots of Buddha statues and is a great place for visitors to relax. You can also visit the Botanical Gardens or the Butterfly Park.
Before traveling, remember to vaccinate. You will perform them in the travel medicine clinic.
