Pattaya Beach Thailand: How to Plan a Pattaya Tour

World-famous Pattaya is a dream beach holiday destination. Discovered by tourists as a fishing village in the 1960s, it has grown into a vibrant cosmopolitan city.

The beautiful beaches have been joined by world-class shopping, a huge range of dining options, and hotels to suit any type of traveler. Learn everything you need to know for planning a Pattaya tour.

Where Is Pattaya Beach Located in Thailand? How to Get There?

Pattaya is on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Only around 150km from Bangkok in Chonburi province, it's easily accessible from major transportation hubs.

Most people transfer to Pattaya from Bangkok. Of the two airports in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport is 40km closer to Pattaya and has several choices for getting there. On a nice day, it only takes 90 minutes to drive. Taxis are affordable, particularly at night. The fare is around 1200 THB (32.3 USD), and passengers have to pay the two tolls (around 105 THB / 2.83 USD).

Several bus services from Bangkok to Pattaya operate from Suvarnabhumi Airport. On level 1, gate 8, you can find buses that leave regularly throughout the day going to Jomtien bus station, around 4.5km from central Pattaya, and North Pattaya bus station, where shuttles to hotels are available. Tickets are between 150-300 THB per person (4-8 USD), and the ride takes around 2 hours.

There are no direct buses to Pattaya from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. From there, you can take a taxi or transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport and take a bus. 

Pattaya location map

What Is Special about Pattaya Beach? Is It Worth it to Visit?

If you love beaches and fun, then Pattaya is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. The beaches of Pattaya themselves are not as beautiful as other beaches in Thailand, but they are packed with activities. Jet skiing, para-sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing are available for exciting water activities, or you could spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Nightlife is another thing Pattaya is famous for. Walking Street is filled with neon signs for bars, discos, and nightclubs. There are great restaurants, venues for live music, and Muay Thai Boxing shows.

Its growth as a major tourist destination has led to a wide range of other attractions. Pattaya Elephant Village offers a chance to see the daily lives of elephants and their keepers. Buddha Hill is the highest point in Pattaya. It features a large statue of Buddha and great views of the landscape.

The Sanctuary of Truth is an ancient-style wooden temple dedicated to the discovery of religious and philosophical truth. Siriphon Orchid Farm has exotic flowers to be admired or purchased.

The Teddy Bear Museum is home to over 1,000 stuffed bears arranged in displays of cultures from around the world. Pattaya City Golf has a full 18-hole course and chipping, driving, and putting areas. The Mini Golf Pub has an 18-hole mini golf course.

Pattaya Beach

What Is the Most Beautiful Beach in Pattaya?

You need to take a boat to get to the most beautiful beach in Pattaya.

Koh Larn Beach, known as Coral Island, is a 15-minute speedboat ride away. It looks exactly what you'd expect from a tropical paradise with golden beaches and pristine waters.

The surrounding corals can be enjoyed through snorkeling or from a glass-bottom boat. Speedboat tickets to get there cost around 200 THB (5.5 USD). Boats leave from Bali Hai Pier, just a few minutes from Walking Street.

Jomtien Beach is about 5km from the city center and is one of the most popular beaches. A little calmer than Pattaya Beach, 2km away, there are still lots to do. It's a hotspot for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sunbathing and is surrounded by street food stalls selling Thai delicacies.

Wong Amat Beach is the cleanest and best beach for families. The beach offers a great view of the sea and a tranquil atmosphere. There, you can get away from the party vibe of nearby Pattaya Beach and enjoy family-friendly restaurants and activities like fishing.

Coral Island (Koh Larn) Thailand

Is Pattaya Cheap or Expensive to Visit?

Thailand is not an expensive place to visit, but the cost of a trip to Pattaya will depend on your travel style. Average travelers can expect to spend 50-70 USD per day on accommodations, food, and activities, while budget travelers can get by on less than 30 USD per day.

Hotel prices vary throughout the year. They offer a full spectrum of options, from 10-20 USD per night guesthouses to 200+ USD per night luxury accommodations.

Eating cheaply in Pattaya doesn't mean sacrificing food quality. Local street food costs around 1-2 USD and is a must-try on your visit there. Pad Thai and Som Tam, a spicy papaya salad, are sold by street vendors all over the city.

Mid-range restaurants like Glass House, offering Thai and international food, cost between 10-20 USD per person. High-end places, like the popular Mantra, cost around 50-80 USD per person.

The beaches are free, and probably where you want to spend a lot of your time. Tickets for attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth are usually around 20 USD per person. Nice souvenirs like Thai tea or spices are around 2-5 USD, or you can get a good quality silk scarf for 15 USD.

6 Days Splendid Pattaya Tour Package

Bangkok - Pattaya - Bangkok

What Is the Hotel and Best Villa Like in Pattaya?

Besides price, hotels in Pattaya offer different kinds of experiences. Staying around Pattaya city will put you near the nightlife, bars, and entertainment. The area can be noisy, but it is convenient if you plan to be out late.

The Grande Centre Point Pattaya and Hilton Pattaya are excellent 5-star options near Walking Street and Pattaya Beach Road. The Holiday Inn Express Pattaya Central is an affordable 4-star hotel near some of the great nightlife.

South and north Pattaya have better options for being near the beach. The InterContinental Pattaya Resort and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort are amazing luxury hotels right on the beach. Cosi Pattaya Wong Amat Beach and U Jomtien Pattaya offer beachfront rooms with 3-star prices.

Beachfront villas offer the ultimate luxury experience. One of the best is the Avani Pattaya Resort. Only 1.7km from downtown and right on the beach, the villa features grand rooms and an outdoor pool and spa.

The Inter Continental Pattaya Resort

When Is the Best Time for Pattaya?

The temperature in Pattaya is relatively stable all year round. April is the hottest month, but average temperatures don't go over 30°c. The rainiest time of year is from May to November, which also corresponds to the lower tourist season.

May-June and September-October are the cheapest times to go. Summer brings an increase in hotel prices with people traveling there during summer holidays. In December, prices are at the highest. Hotel prices can go up by over 25% during the month as tourism surges during the holiday season and the best weather.

17 Days Thailand Beach Tour with Temple Expedition

Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Bangkok - Pattaya - Phuket

More Tips for a Pattaya Beach Tour

1. Book your flight and tour in advance. Booking three months in advance can save you up to 30%.
2. Take sun protection seriously. Bring a high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
3. Crime in Pattaya is low, but always be aware of your belongings.
4. When taking a taxi from Bangkok, make sure to choose a licensed taxi with a meter and negotiate the price with the driver in advance.
5. It is common for smoking to be allowed in Pattaya Hotels. The best choices for non-smoking are international hotel chains. 

Conclusion

Pattaya is a fantastic beach destination for water lovers, partygoers, and families. It's a great place to visit year-round, but it's best to avoid the December crowds if you can. We have a full range of Pattaya tours and can personalize the trip to give you exactly what you want. Contact us for more information.