(content by M Hamad)
This vibrant coastal city rose to fame in the early 1980s and remains one of the main destinations that travelers are heading to get to Thailand. From sunrise to sunset, Pattaya’s beaches are constantly alive, while water sports enthusiasts and sun worshipers throw themselves into the waters. After dark, the action moves to the streets, while revelers explore their electrified nightlife, where drinking and partying continue until dawn.
In addition to water sports and nightlife, Pattaya offers endless possibilities when it comes to accommodation and entertainment. It has surpassed its image as a miserable beach town to a destination for a wider audience; Whether couples, families or business travelers, Pattaya has something for everyone. In this article we offer you a complete guide with all the most important things you should know about the city before visiting it.
Where is Pattaya? It is located just 147 kilometers from Bangkok, on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. You can go to Pattaya from Bangkok or Bangkok to Pattaya with bus.
What is the best time to visit Pattaya? Weather in Pattaya
Pattaya, like most of Thailand, has a typical tropical climate and receives tourists most of the year. However, knowing the subtle variations in weather conditions can help you decide at what time of the year you prefer to visit the place. In this case, we consider that the best time to visit Pattaya is from November to February, when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and it is still pleasant. This is also the highest tourist season and most of the beaches and other attractions in the area are full of visitors. If you visit Pattaya at this time, we recommend making your reservations in advance because places are sold out and prices tend to rise.
– Best months of the year to visit Pattaya – November, December, January and February are the best months to visit the area. During this time, one can expect short periods of rain and regular days of bright sunshine.
– Worst months of the year to visit Pattaya – June, July, August, September and October are the months in which the rains are most frequent.
Where to sleep in Pattaya?
To choose a suitable accommodation in Pattaya you must define in which area of the city you want to stay, since, although it is not a really huge city compared to Bangkok, its areas are so opposite that ending in the wrong one could ruin your trip. The southern end of the city is ideal for those looking for party and nightlife, while the northern part of the city is more familiar. Accommodation options follow a similar pattern, with cheaper guest houses to the south and 5-star hotels in the north (although there are exceptions).
What to see in Pattaya?
Pattaya is known for its lively party atmosphere, but that’s not all there is in this famous coastal city. Stretching along the east coast of Thailand, Pattaya is divided into three main areas: Naklua, Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach, with some other districts within reach. Each has its own atmosphere and unique attractions, with some parts that are more traditionally Thai and others that are full of high-end resorts. In addition to the beaches in the area, you have to see the famous Walking Street where the largest number of discos and bars in the region are concentrated, and some of the temples and attractions such as Wat Phra Yai, the Sanctuary of Truth and Mini Siam .
Looking for tips to help you plan your first visit to Pattaya?
Ok, then we give you some that you can consider. Not everything is nightlife, enjoy the beaches – The beaches are one of Pattaya’s main attractions, they are a great place to spend the day relaxing or participating in water activities such as jet skiing (with caution), paragliding, kayaking and windsurfing.
The best place to experience Pattaya’s famous nightlife is Walking Street – This is the place to have a crazy night and see for yourself what all this fuss is about.
If you are traveling with young children, stay in the northern part of the city – Finding a suitable place for children is the number one concern for families taking vacations in Pattaya.
Book your accommodation in advance
You will get a better booking offer a few weeks in advance, regardless of the time of year. During the busiest period of the year (from November to February), booking in advance is the only way to ensure that you get a room in your first choice hotel.
The national currency is the optimal way to pay for purchases and services – You can easily exchange all (major) currencies in Pattaya, and you will get much better rates by exchanging your money in Thailand than at home.
Do not ring the bell in a bar – Almost all bars in Pattaya have a bell, usually hung over the counter. It is not to get the attention of the staff. When you ring the bell in a bar, it means that you are buying a drink not only for friends, but for everyone who is at the bar.
We hope this guide can be useful. Good luck!
