Guide to Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya is a seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf of Thailand, about 150km southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya is (in)famous for it’s rowdy nightlife although authorities are trying to make the resort more family, rather than party, friendly. Over 5 millions visitors flock to Pattaya, and dining, drinking, and beach living is high on their agenda.

Top reasons to visit Pattaya

Socialise in style with the truly mind-boggling range of partying, drinking, dancing, dining options.

Relax on the beaches, or partake in activities such as para-sailing, water-skiing, windsurfing, diving, boat tours etc.

Main areas of Pattaya

Pattaya occupies most of the coastline of Bang Lamung District, spanning Nakula Beach, Pattaya Beach and the Buddha Hill headland.

Pattaya is divided into five districts:-

North Pattaya

South Pattaya

Central Pattaya

Naklua

Buddha Hill

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Top Attractions in Pattaya

• Walking Street
• Pattaya Beach
• Bali Hai Pier
• Underwater World
• The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm
• Pattaya Elephant Village
• Beaches - Pattaya Beach, Wong Amat Beach, Wong Phra Chan BeachWong Phra Chan Beach
• Sacred Places - Samut Prakan, Ban Sukhawadee, Buddha Hill, Chaloemphrakiat Park, Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan
• Theme Parks - Mini Siam, Siriphon Orchid Farm, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
• Forest canopy zip lining

Shopping in Pattaya

Pattaya is not a great place for buying high-end or electrical items, with prices up to double of elsewhere in Thailand. Be aware there is a high market of counterfeit items in Pattaya, which are prone to confiscation at the airport by Customs Officers.

Malls are plentiful in Pattaya with the Central Festive Mike Shopping Mall, Royal Garden Plaza being the most popular.

For markets, check out The Market Pattaya, Soi Buakhao Market, Thepprasit Market and the Made In Thailand Night Bazaar.

Eating in Pattaya

Pattaya local delicacies include:-

• spicy papaya salad (som tam)
• spicy-sour chopped pork salad (lab)

Pattaya has a multitude of hawker-style street food, sold from a variety of venues (including Tuk-Tuks!).

Recommended restaurants include Kiss Food and Drink, Sailor Bar, Cool Kitchen, Pig and Whistle, Maikan Majatalo, Nangnual, Parsa, Sraan, Tequila Reef, Bruno’s, Benihana, Mantra and Ticino.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Pattaya

Pattaya is internationally known for nightlife, including some racier aspects of ‘entertainment’. The range of nightlife available is extensive, so check the local listings magazines for more detail of the different types.

• Bars - try out the open-air beer bars around Walking Street, but be careful in the ‘go-go’ bars, of Soi LK Metro as tourist scams are more common in the ‘girly’ bars.
• Nightclubs - Lucifer, Marine Disco, Lima Lima and Club Insomnia
• Cabaret - Alcazar, Tiffany’s Show
• Cinemas - Major Cineplex, SFX Cinema, SF Cinema City
• Museums - Anek Kuso Sala, Ripley’s Believe It or Not
• Art galleries - Liam’s Gallery, Art in Paradise
• Theatre and Performance Arts - Armchair Theatre, Baxter Theatre, Richard Supper Stage, Artscape Theatre

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