THAILAND: PATTAYA – CITY OF SINS
Pattaya City is a beach resort on the eastern Gulf of Thailand also known as The City of Sins because of its infamous nightlife and red-light district.
Pattaya is less than a two-hour drive away from Bangkok, making it one of the closest beach resorts and a popular getaway destination for capital city residents.
I flew into Pattaya from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia with budget airline Air Asia.
I was staying overnight while transiting to and from Koh Chang further down the coastline.
On our arrival, the backpacking husband and I stayed at (affiliate link) Holiday Inn Resort Pattaya and we used our accumulated IHG loyalty points to stay for free.
We were delighted to get a room upgrade and could hardly believe our luck in being given a beautiful and spacious King Suite on a high floor with a private balcony overlooking Pattaya Beach.
I have to admit that right then I’d wished we’d booked for a longer stay!
After a long day of travel behind us and an even busier travel day ahead of us, we decided not to venture out of the hotel on this occasion, so spent a couple of hours of the evening appreciating our Priority Club access to the roof top bar.
A month later, however, on our return overnight stay from Koh Chang, feeling curious, we decided to take a trip into town after dark to explore the famous Beach Road and the infamous Walking Street and to enjoy a drink in a downtown cocktail bar.
I’d just read an article that the local authorities were trying to reinvent the city into a family friendly destination.
But from what I could see during our brief encounter the adult fun themed nightlife was thriving!
Now, I might be a backpacking housewife but I’m certainly not a prude.
And, there’s no way on earth this is a family friendly destination!
I couldn’t help but to take some photos as I was rather shocked and amazed by it all!
I’ve been to Sin City (Las Vegas) in the USA and I’ve been to Macao (The Las Vegas of Asia) but – in my opinion – they have nothing compared to Pattaya!
I’m obviously not alone in my thoughts because The New York Times says of Pattaya: “Somewhere in the world there may be a city with a more seedy reputation, a place more devoted to the sex industry and more notorious as a haven for criminals. But probably not.”
For those of you who have more than a couple of days to spend here and would like to form your own opinions, then there are other activities on offer, aside from the interesting and exciting nightlife.
There are beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, and recreational activities, making it a destination that caters to relaxation, adventure, or entertainment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- THAILAND: PATTAYA – CITY OF SINS
- WHERE IS PATTAYA
- POPULAR AREAS TO STAY
- PATTAYA HOTELS
- THINGS TO DO IN PATTAYA
- GO TO THE BEACH
- CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
- GETTING TO PATTAYA
- GETTING TO PATTAYA FROM BANGKOK
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO PATTAYA
- IS PATTAYA WORTH VISITING
WHERE IS PATTAYA
Pattaya City is situated on the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand, about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok. It is part of Chonburi Province and the city is divided into several areas stretching along the coastline including Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, Naklua, and South Pattaya.
POPULAR AREAS TO STAY
Central Pattaya (Pattaya Beach Road): Best for those who want to be close to the action, including nightlife, shopping, and restaurants.
Jomtien Beach: A quieter area popular with those looking for a more relaxed beach experience.
Naklua and Wong Amat Beach: Ideal for a more upscale and tranquil stay.
South Pattaya (Walking Street Area): Best for nightlife lovers with many bars, clubs, and entertainment options.
HOTELS
Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget accommodation, there is a wide array of options to make your stay enjoyable and I would recommend you find and book your accommodation in advance of your arrival into Pattaya as many hotels offer shuttle services to popular attractions and to and from the airport.
Luxury Hotels and Resorts are often located in prime areas such as along Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Naklua Bay and offer high-end amenities, including private beaches, infinity pools, spa services, gourmet dining, and top-notch customer service and many feature panoramic views over Pattaya Beach. See my recommendations:
ROYAL WING SUITES AND SPAE PATTAYA
LA MINIERA POOL VILLAS PATTAYA
Mid-Range Hotels are spread throughout the city, including areas like Central Pattaya, South Pattaya, and Jomtien Beach and provide a balance of comfort and affordability, often with amenities like pools, fitness centres, breakfast options, and proximity to shopping areas. I really enjoyed my stay at The Holiday Inn Pattaya.
THE HOLIDAY INN PATTAYA – IHG HOTEL
Budget Hotels and Guesthouses can be found throughout the city, especially in areas like Soi Buakhao, Pattaya Klang, and South Pattaya, and are ideal for travellers on a budget, offering basic amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and sometimes a small pool or breakfast service and often close to nightlife and shopping areas.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS PATTAYA CENTRAL
Boutique Hotels are smaller hotels scattered around quieter areas such as Pratumnak Hill and Jomtien Beach offering unique stylish accommodations with personalized service. They are often in a beachfront location and have fewer rooms for a more relaxed experience.
OR CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY IN PATTAYA USING THIS MAP
Serviced Apartments provide a home-like environment for extended stays and are available in both central and quieter areas of Pattaya with facilities like kitchens, laundry services, and sometimes communal areas like pools and gyms.
Hostels and Backpacker Accommodation are primarily found in a central location and South Pattaya, close to nightlife and attractions, with dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities, ideal for budget travellers and solo backpackers.
Villas and Private Rentals are often located in more residential areas like Pratumnak Hill, Jomtien, and Naklua. They are perfect for families or groups of friends and offer privacy and space and often have private pools, kitchens, and multiple bedrooms.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals provide a wide range of options, including entire homes, condos, and private rooms and available throughout Pattaya, with a variety of options from city apartments to beachfront condos.
Beachfront Bungalows are often traditional Thai-style bungalows that are mostly found in quieter areas such as Naklua or on the outskirts of Pattaya. These accommodations offer a more rustic, laid-back experience, with bungalows right on the beach making them ideal for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
THINGS TO DO
GO TO THE BEACH
Pattaya Beach: A lively, bustling beach where visitors can enjoy water sports, sunbathing, and beachside dining.
Jomtien Beach: Located just south of the city, this beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere, popular for water activities like windsurfing and jet skiing.
Naklua Beach: Quieter and less crowded, this beach is known for its local charm.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Sanctuary of Truth: A massive, intricately carved wooden temple that combines art and spirituality and is a symbol of Thai craftsmanship and philosophy.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden featuring a variety of plants, cultural shows, and elephant performances.
Pattaya Floating Market: A cultural and shopping experience where visitors can explore Thai-style wooden houses, shop for souvenirs, and try local foods.
Coral Island (Koh Larn): A short boat ride away and this island offers clear waters, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and other water sports.
Water Parks: There are several water parks including Ramayana Water Park and Cartoon Network Amazone.
Klook.comGETTING TO PATTAYA
Whether you prefer a budget-friendly bus ride, a scenic train journey, or the convenience of a taxi or flight, getting from Bangkok or other locations in Thailand is straightforward.
I reached Pattaya by air into U-Tapao International Airport which is located about 30 km (18 miles) south of the city and from the airport I took a shuttle bus to Pattaya that took about 30-45 minutes.
Klook.comGETTING TO PATTAYA FROM BANGKOK
Pattaya is particularly well-connected to Bangkok by train and by road with frequent train and bus services and taxis available.
Public Buses: The two main bus terminals in Bangkok are:
Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal): Located on Sukhumvit Road, this is the most convenient terminal if you’re staying in central Bangkok. Buses leave every 30-60 minutes and take about 2-3 hours.
Mochit Bus Terminal (Northern Bus Terminal): Located in the northern part of Bangkok, Mochit also offers regular buses to Pattaya.
Private Buses/Vans: Many companies operate private minibuses or vans from various locations in Bangkok, including Victory Monument and Khao San Road. These are slightly faster than public buses but can be more cramped.
By Train: There is a daily train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station. The train ride is scenic but slow, taking around 4 hours. It’s a more budget-friendly option but less convenient compared to buses or vans.
By Taxi: You can hire a taxi directly from Bangkok. It’s a faster option, taking about 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Make sure to negotiate the fare or ensure that the driver uses the meter.
Private Car Hire: You can also book a private car or limousine service for a more comfortable and personalized journey.
Once you are within the city, local transport options like taxis, songthaews, and motorbike rentals make it easy to explore Pattaya and surrounding areas.
Klook.com
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO
Peak season is from November to February, so I’d recommend you book your accommodation and transit and activities in advance if you’re traveling during this time.
I recommend you find and book your accomodation using Booking Dotcom and also Klook Hotels.
For planning and booking activities I use and recommend Klook or Get Your Guide.
I also recommend travelling with travel insurance and you can get a no-obligation quote today from World Nomads and Genki Travel Insurance.
You might find my post on The Best and Worst Time To Visit Thailand helpful when planning your visit to Thailand.
IS PATTAYA WORTH VISITING
I love Thailand but I honestly didn’t love Pattaya.
Unless of course you only count our fabulously luxurious hotel stay which I did love because it was rather decadent.
Does that make it a sin?
Is Thailand on your travel wish list?
Have you ever been to Pattaya?
Let me know – leave a comment below.
I’ll be delighted to hear from you!
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