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Pattaya travel guide

Pattaya is a beach city on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, south-east of Bangkok along the Sukhumvit Road highway. Central Pattaya is a compact grid between Beach Road and Second Road, with numbered sois between them; Jomtien Beach lies to the south and the calmer Naklua and Wongamat to the north.

Getting there and choosing your base

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): The government airport bus (route 389) stops along Sukhumvit Road and ends at its bus station in Jomtien. Private shuttles add a hotel drop-off, but some exclude hotels east of Sukhumvit Road, so check before booking.
  • Bangkok by road: A pre-booked car or taxi is the simplest option with luggage; journey times vary widely with Bangkok traffic.

Areas to consider

Central Pattaya

Suits walking to bars, restaurants and the beach promenade, with baht buses looping Beach Road and Second Road. Rooms facing Beach Road or the sois near Walking Street can be loud late into the night; ask for a high or rear-facing room.

Jomtien

Suits longer stays, families and serviced apartments along a quieter beach. Check the walk to Jomtien Beach Road and how you will get to central Pattaya in the evening.

Naklua and Wongamat

Suits resort stays with a calmer beach north of the centre. Check whether the hotel runs a shuttle into town or if you will rely on taxis.

East of Sukhumvit Road

Lower prices and newer condominium hotels. You will depend on taxis or ride-hailing, so check the real journey time to the beach.

When to go

November to February is drier and busier, with higher rates. Songkran, the Thai New Year in mid-April, is celebrated for longer here than in most of Thailand, with official events around 18–19 April: hotels fill up, Bangkok buses are busy and Sois 7 and 8 are among the wettest streets.

Before choosing a room

  • A sea-view room may only have a partial or side view. Read the room category description rather than relying on the gallery.
  • In mixed-use towers the pool and gym may be shared with condominium residents. Check the facility details.
  • Confirm the security deposit and how it is refunded: some hotels take cash, others pre-authorise a card.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.