Explore Pattaya
Your perfect trip to Thailand
Let’s be brutally honest: Pattaya has a reputation. For decades, it was the Sin City of Thailand, a neon-soaked playground of Walking Street go-go bars and questionable decisions. And yes, that side still exists in high definition. The sensory assault of Walking Street—the thumping bass, the touts, the lights—is something you have to see once to believe. But if you stop there, you are missing the redemption arc of this city.
Beyond the sleaze, Pattaya is evolving. It is home to the Sanctuary of Truth, arguably the most impressive wooden structure in all of Thailand, a philosophical masterpiece carved entirely by hand. The coastline, once polluted, has been terraformed with new sand and promenades. The food scene has exploded, moving from cheap pub grub to high-end rooftop dining and authentic seafood in Naklua.
Pattaya is a city of extremes. You can spend the morning on the pristine sands of Koh Larn (Coral Island), the afternoon marveling at intricate wood carvings, and the evening watching a world-class cabaret show or diving into the madness of the nightlife. It is loud, unapologetic, and chaotic, but if you look past the ‘naughty’ stereotype, you find a beach city that is frantically trying to reinvent itself as a family destination—with varying degrees of success.
The perfect plan for Pattaya:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Wood & Water
- Morning: Sanctuary of Truth. This is non-negotiable. A massive temple made entirely of wood without a single metal nail. The carvings are mind-blowing. Take the guided tour.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Mum Aroi (Naklua). North of the chaos. Authentic seafood right on the water. Order the Crab Curry.
- Evening: Walking Street. Walk through it just for the spectacle. It’s an assault on the senses. Grab a drink at a rock bar like Hot Tuna (live bands) to escape the techno.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Island Escape
- Morning: Koh Larn (Coral Island). Take the speed boat (20 mins) or ferry (45 mins) from Balihai Pier. Go to Tien Beach or Nual Beach to avoid the tour groups at Twaen Beach. The water is actually clear here.
- Afternoon: Rent a scooter on the island. Drive up to the windmill viewpoint. Eat Som Tum on the beach.
- Evening: Return to Pattaya. Dinner at The Sky Gallery. A cliffside restaurant with beanbags and sunset views. A totally different vibe from the city.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Culture & Cabaret
- Morning: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. (20km away). It’s Disneyland for plants. Dinosaur valley, manicured French gardens. A bit kitsch but impressive scale.
- Afternoon: Relax at a cafe like Papa Beach (very Instagrammable).
- Evening: Tiffany’s Show. The world’s most famous Ladyboy cabaret. It is not seedy; it is a high-production Broadway-style spectacular. The costumes are incredible.
Weather
Dry Season (Nov-Feb): Great weather (26°C). Peak tourist numbers.
Hot Season (March-May): Very humid. Good for water sports.
Rainy Season (June-Oct): Flash floods are common on Beach Road. Prices drop.
Local Customs
- Walking Street: Watch your pockets. If you go into a ‘Ping Pong’ show, know that it is a scam loop. Agree on prices before ordering drinks.
- Taxis: Pattaya ‘Baht Buses’ (Songthaews) are cheap (10฿). Taxis/Motorbike taxis will try to overcharge. Use apps.
- Respect: Despite the nightlife, public nudity or shirtlessness in shops is frowned upon.
History & Culture
Before the 1960s, Pattaya was a sleepy fishing village. Everything changed during the Vietnam War when American GIs began visiting for R&R. The demand for nightlife and hotels created the boomtown that exists today. It became the wildest beach resort in Asia, a legacy it is now trying to balance with luxury tourism.
Getting Around & Safety
The Baht Bus (Songthaew) is the lifeline. They loop Beach Road and Second Road counter-clockwise. Hop on, press the buzzer to stop, pay 10฿.
- Grab: Essential to avoid the ‘tourist mafia’ taxi prices.
- Ferry: Balihai Pier for boats to Koh Larn.
Info for Nomads
Underrated. Cheap condos, great food, decent internet. If you can ignore the sleaze, it’s a comfortable base.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Fast. 100+ Mbps.
Cafes: Jasmin’s Cafe (near beach road, quiet) and Coffee War (coffee inside an old airplane).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pattaya safe for families? +
Surprisingly, yes, if you stay in Naklua (North) or Jomtien (South). Avoid staying near Walking Street/Beach Road with kids. The water parks and gardens are world-class.
Is the ocean clean enough to swim? +
Pattaya Beach? Generally no. It has improved, but it’s not great. Go to Koh Larn for swimming.
How much is a beer? +
In a bar, 80-120฿. During Happy Hour, maybe 60฿. In a 7-Eleven, 40฿.