Thailand is famous for its coastal cities. Pattaya is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the land of the Golden Temple. Pattaya is located about 165 km southeast of Bangkok, Thailand. In the past, Pattaya was just a simple and idyllic fishing village. It is this that has made a unique attraction of Pattaya tourism.
So Are you curious about Pattaya? Don’t worry!!
This guide has all the information you need, about things to do, where to stay, what to eat, some tips for you before going to Pattaya and much more.
Hanoi Voyages, experts with many years of experience in tourism, will accompany you along your trip. What are you waiting for, contact us immediately to plan your Pattaya trip
Visit Pattaya: Top 8 Things to Do
Relax on Pattaya Beach
Visit Wat Huay Yai Temple
Pattaya Walking Street
Explore the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Reflect at The Sanctuary of Truth
Participate in Thai Cooking Class
Explore the Pattaya Night Bazaar
Explore the Big Buddha Temple
8 must-try delicious dishes in Pattaya
Where to stay in Pattaya – Some Pattaya hotels
Luxury Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
Budget Hotels
From Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport)
Relax on the iconic Pattaya Beach, enjoy water sports, or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
I can assure you that a visit to the majestic Wat Phra Yai in Pattaya, Thailand is one of the best things to do in Pattaya. Nestled in the charming hills of Pratumnak, this Buddhist temple, founded in the 1940s, houses the largest gold Buddha statue in the region, a monument visible even from a distance.
The temple is open daily from 7am to 10pm. Remember to wear modest, respectful clothing that covers your shoulders and knees according to temple standards.
The pulsating heart of the city’s nightlife scene, Pattaya’s Walking Street is quite honestly.
*Get out after 10 p.m. when the crowds start to arrive and stay alert.
Nong Nooch Garden is a beautifully landscaped park suitable for day trips that you should list in the best things to do in Pattaya. The entire area offers tourists exciting daily cultural performances, accommodation and restaurants, and extensive gallery spaces. A wonderful walk in this place seems to circumnavigate the world through many famous gardens, be it Stonehenge, a 17th-century French garden or a European Renaissance garden. Other attractions are the species-specific gardens, such as cacti and succulents, tropical palm gardens, orchid nurseries, bonsai and bonsai gardens.
*Remember to bring your most comfortable shoes, rent a bike, and prepare for an outing unlike any other!
Tucked away on Pattaya’s western coast, The Sanctuary of Truth is unlike any temple – it’s a realm of reflection carved entirely from teak wood. Here are some things to do in this destination:
Exploring the authentic Thai culinary culture, surrounded by a global tribe of food enthusiasts. It was a delightfully immersive activity, packed with guided tours of neighborhood markets, unraveling the secrets behind selecting the perfect Thai ingredients. The course turned out to be a wonderful combination of education and entertainment, bringing rich flavors to the soul of Thai cuisine.
The Night Bazaar is one spot you simply can’t miss in top things to do in Pattaya. This is a bustling indoor market with over 250 stalls and various shops, providing a truly enjoyable Thai shopping experience.
A night at the Pattaya Night Bazaar is more than just shopping; it’s an unforgettable Thai cultural experience!
The Big Buddha Temple is an awe-inspiring destination that will take your breath away, from the large Buddha statue to the sweeping city views.
Perched atop Pratumnak Hill in Pattaya, Thailand, it is a spiritual mecca that offers a unique combination of religious reverence, beautiful architecture and a tranquil atmosphere.
Upon reaching the temple, pay respect, receive a blessing from a monk, and soak up the magnificent views of Koh Larn Island and nearby beaches.
It means “cover rice with a topping”, which is a popular street food in Pattaya. This local dish is served with stir-fried curried rice and vegetables or meat stacked on top.
This Thai dish consists of a plate of soft omelet served over cooked rice and flavored with fish sauce or chili.
Enjoy the taste of local grilled pork as you stroll the streets of Pattaya. Moo Ping is the most popular fast food among various street foods in Pattaya. This mouthwatering dish features grilled pork on wooden skewers with sticky rice and chef’s sauce. There are other types of meat such as flat chicken, which is grilled with a marinade and has a tender taste.
Known as the Papaya salad, unlike its name this famous street delicacy tastes very spicy. Made with raw papaya, dried seafood, peanuts, tomatoes, beans, fish sauce and chili which is the vital ingredient in the listing.
It is quite common to find vendors selling chicken, sausages, pork and even fish satay screwed in an oversized toothpick at every corner of the street.
Consisting only of grilled chicken and sticky rice, this dish is served with several sauces ranging from the usual sweet chili sauce, a popular Asian dipping sauce, to the super spicy local dipping sauce.
A staple of Thai cuisine, Thai fried noodles are one of the classic delicacies served around the world. Quick and easy to prepare, this casual dish is made with noodles, eggs, onions and meat (usually shrimp, quite popular in Pattaya) as a base.
A fairly popular and delicious dish among street food in Pattaya, this dish has a thick layer of salt on the fish, which helps keep the meat succulent and moist under the heat of the grill. In addition, lemongrass is also used to create a sour and fruity taste for fish, and can be served with garlic chili seafood sauce, creating a perfect dinner.
Pattaya offers a wide range of restaurants catering to different tastes and preferences, so it’s subjective to label a single restaurant as the absolute best. However, here are a few highly regarded restaurants in Pattaya known for their quality food, ambiance, and service:
Pattaya offers a wide range of hotels catering to various budgets and preferences. Here are some well-regarded options:
InterContinental Pattaya Resort: A luxurious beachfront resort with stunning views, private villas, and upscale amenities.
Royal Cliff Beach Hotel: Part of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, this resort features a range of accommodation options, beautiful pools, and ocean views.
Dusit Thani Pattaya: Known for its elegant Thai architecture, this hotel offers luxurious rooms, beachfront dining, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Hilton Pattaya: A modern and upscale hotel with sea views, rooftop dining, and convenient access to Central Festival Pattaya Beach Mall.
Holiday Inn Pattaya: Offers comfortable rooms, family-friendly amenities, and is conveniently located near shopping and entertainment.
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya: A family-friendly resort with a water park, direct beach access, and a variety of activities.
Aya Boutique Hotel Pattaya: Modern and stylish hotel with well-appointed rooms, a rooftop pool, and central location.
Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya: A rock-themed hotel with a lively atmosphere, great for families and music enthusiasts.
LK The Empress: Offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and is situated close to the beach and nightlife.
Flipper House Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with simple rooms, located near Walking Street and the beach.
Red Planet Pattaya: A budget hotel with clean and functional rooms, centrally located for easy access to attractions.
Pattaya is a popular beach destination located on the eastern Gulf of Thailand. It’s easily accessible from various parts of Thailand.
Getting to Pattaya from Bangkok is easy as the cities are well connected via Highway 7 (Motorway) and Highway 3 (Bangna-Chonburi route).
This transportation is extremely the cheapest and most comfortable way.
A direct bus departs from Bangkok Mo Chit or Ekkamai BTS and arrives at Pattaya Bus Terminal. It has daily trips from 5:30am until as late as 11:30 PM. You can book bus tickets through local bus companies’ online portals or just show up at the bus terminal on the day you’re traveling and buy a seat on the next available bus.
Duration: two and a half hours.
The ticket cost: ~ 130 baht.
Trains aren’t the most convenient way to travel between Bangkok and Pattaya, but if you still want an authentic Thai experience using local transport, this might be the best option for you.
There are only two trains connecting the two cities, and they both leave Bangkok before 7am (at 6:45am and 6:55am) on weekdays only – trains don’t run between Bangkok and Pattaya on weekends or at all in the afternoons. They’re not going to be the most comfortable option, but they do give you the best immersion experience you can ask for.
Taxis are available from the airport directly to Pattaya. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Airport buses also run from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya.
While Pattaya does not have its own airport, you can fly to nearby U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport and then take ground transportation to Pattaya.
Pattaya’s convenient location and well-developed transportation options make it easily accessible from various parts of Thailand. Choose the mode of transportation that best suits your preferences, budget, and travel plans.
Pattaya weather has three seasons:
The official best time to visit Pattaya begins from November and ends in February. The Pattaya weather during this season is quite low and pleasant with the minimum temperature going down to 20°C. It is the best season to visit Pattaya because one can enjoy all kinds of outdoor as well as indoor activities during this season. The best month to visit Pattaya is December, when there are Christmas celebrations in the town. The whole city is beautifully decorated, and on New Year’s Eve, one gets to enjoy fireworks on the Pattaya Beach. Pattaya December weather only helps in enhancing the experience of the visitors.
