Last Updated on December 12, 2022 by Jim Ferri
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
By Jason Rupp and Carla Marie Rupp
Pattaya, Thailand, draws us back every year because it’s so comfortable it reminds us of home.
It’s a city filled with a variety of foods, excitement and people, a mélange of cultures from all over the world. Most importantly though, in Pattaya everyone in this melting pot gets along, even though they might not elsewhere. Racial tensions just don’t exist here.
About two hours south of Bangkok, Pattaya is the capital’s closest beach resort. It’s so popular, in fact, many Thais came here from Bangkok during the recent flooding.
Although the place is all family fun during the daytime, after the sun sets it really comes alive.
Popular Walking Street is then closed to traffic and those who can’t sleep flock there to eat and enjoy the show. The street is lined with an incongruous mix of places to eat — homemade Italian gelato stands are snuggled up next to go-go bars, seafood restaurants are wedged in next to Middle Eastern Shisha bars – and after dark it comes alive with break dancers, acrobats, mimes and celebrity impersonators, entertainers of every sort.
You’ll find just about everything here at night since it’s a place where anything goes.
Like Walking Street, Pattaya itself has its extremes and variety and it makes you fall in love with the place. Even the spas and massage shops range from the high-end at five-star hotels such as Dusit Thani, Marriott, Sheraton, Hard Rock Pattaya, Royal Cliff, Holiday Inn and Hilton, to the small cozy businesses.
During our holiday we enjoyed massages at Ayutthaya Traditional Thai Massage, just steps from the beach, on busy Pattaya Beach Road. The prices couldn’t be beat, at just 180B (less than $6) for a Thai Massage upstairs, with relaxing music and beautiful decoration. Even more fun was to go with friends, stay downstairs and all get foot massages, while chatting away with the welcoming owners about all things Pattaya. After first trying the massages here, we ended up going back each day religiously.
Since Pattaya doesn’t have a long history, it isn’t one of Thailand’s great historical sites. But it does have one of the most impressive, unusual and largest temples around, the gigantic Sanctuary of Truth, all made of wood, and intricately carved inside and out.
It is spectacular, a living Thailand heritage sight right on the waterfront that continues to be a work in progress. On any day you can visit and see the artisans, and walk around observing the temple’s small details. The temple is right on Naklua’s coast, which is on the north side of Pattaya.
Most Popular Hotels in Pattaya
If you go to the Pattaya Floating Market, where you’ll not only find real Thai food but also a scene that’s great for a postcard-style photo op. Also visit Koh Larn Island, a beautiful white-sand island beach that’s popular with day-trippers (the cheapest way to get there is by ferry from Bali Hai Pier, but numerous speed boats are always available to take tourists to different beaches on the island), and Sriracha Tiger Zoo, where you can hold a baby tiger and feed it with a bottle, an unforgettable experience. Also unforgettable are the impressive elephants you see in the entertaining productions in the Thai shows at Nong Nooch Gardens (photo ops everywhere!) and extravagant Alangkarn Theater, both popular attractions.
If you want to snorkel or dive, there’s a great and friendly dive shop run by two Brits, brothers Neil and Peter. Their day trips are a great bargain for snorkelers since the trip costs less than $30 for everything– equipment, snacks, lunch, a 90-minute boat ride boat ride to a far island, and lots of fun and laughter with new buddies from around the globe. And you might just see some giant turtles among all the beautiful fish. Their day trip boat for divers and snorkelers leaves at 8 a.m. daily.
All these attractions help make Pattaya popular with Thais. But it’s also popular with foreign tourists on extended stays since it provides another unique benefit: you find authentic food from every part of the world here, offered at every price level.
Hungry for an authentic Shawarma Kebab? South Pattaya has it, prepared by a man from Egypt. If you’re in the mood for Russian, you’ll find fresh borscht always available. Pizza? Pizza Hut and Sizzler are here, but you can get a pizza baked in a brick oven down the street for the same price.
The Indian buffets are amazing (the owner of the restaurant Indian by Nature even wrote her own cookbook for customers) and there’s also German, Irish, English, Dutch, Danish, Finnish and French places scattered about. And of course, you find Thai food, such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum, around every corner.
We also dined at Central Festival Mall, a large Bangkok-style, high-end mall that serves international food in its basement and has a good ocean view on the fourth floor. Up-scale Royal Garden Mall, not too far south from Central on Beach Road, has a good-quality food court on the top floor and its outdoor area has a great panoramic view.
For a cheap breakfast buffet locals steered us to the Lek Hotel, which has both Thai and international dishes, and is open until 1 p.m. You can follow that with a visit to the lunch buffet at the Hilton, which since opening in January 2011 has developed a loyal expat following because of its good value and good views of the area.
Come evening and most people find the best place to be for a good view of the sunset is anywhere on the beach. But we discovered a new favorite spot, the Pattaya Beer Garden, on the first pier at the start of Walking Street. Get there early to get a table, as they will all be full as sunset nears. Drinks start at just 70 Baht, about $2.25.
If you plan on staying in Pattaya two weeks or more, you may consider doing a Google search for a condo rental, as we did. We found an oceanfront studio condo in Jomtien, a nice and friendly section on the south side of Pattaya, not far from Pattaya Park Tower (known for its observation deck and adventurous thrill rides), Walking Street and Bali Hai Pier, the latter the site of some wonderful and crazy festivals throughout the year. The cost for a two-week rental was approximately $500.
When you book a condo rental ahead of time in Jomtien, you’ll usually get a balcony with a view, a kitchen for cooking, a pool, and the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world. Renting a condo is perfect for seniors, singles, couples, and families – anyone looking for good value and a good experience in Thailand.
If you go:
Pattaya Tourist Information Center
609 Moo 10, Pratamnak Rd.
Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260 Thailand
Tel: 038-427-667
Email: tatchon@tat.or.th
Pattaya Information Center in Pattaya
The Avenue Pattaya, Second Rd., opposite Soi Yamato
Tel: 081-177-5333
Email: info@pattayainformationcenter.com
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
www.tourismthailand.org
I am a Russian woman who has lived in Italy and Holland. I love to be in Jomtien and Pattaya. This is a good story to help me know more about Pattaya and what to do here.. I came to “make my teeth” better and live in good weather while my teeth are fixed. The weather is not as nice back home. I love the fruits and swimming and the beach in Pattaya. Thank you for the story.
Lets meet up in pattaya in November….
Whatsapp me +91-9831914110
Ms. Rupp has done it again! I might not get a chance to see Thailand myself. After reading this well crafted article, I feel as if I was right there with her in Pattaya myself ,enjoying these views and all the exotic beauty that she wrote about. Outstanding work from the golden pen of Ms. Rupp.
Encore! Encore!
Koh Larn is the Coral Island?
Is there still a steamed corn lady who speaks Korean very well selling Korean(??) steamed corns to Korean travellers?? *^^*
Yes, Pattaya is a lovely place as long as I remember and would like to visit again sooooon!!!
I look forward to visiting this resort city again!
Great review. Sounds like a blast of a place to visit. Sounds like great quality & reasonable prices. I will have to check it out next year.
Excellent article Carla. It seems Pattaya has everything to offer as a exotic vacation spot or place to spend some extended time from home in.The food, the sights and activities are just some of the wonderful things to take in. Good job!
WHAT? No information on Pattaya Players Community Theater?!
Jason and I love the Pattaya Players Community Theater and its fabulous, witty, well-acted productions!! In fact, I went to all seven or eight of the Christmas holiday productions this past season of “Cinderella,” produced by Pattaya Players, and free to the public in many locations, such as the Venue, Cafe Royale and Royal Gardens Food Wave Mall, in which Jason had a wonderful role of Prince Charming. The friendly and jovial, great cast of characters act in other plays throughout the year. The shows are professional and well-written and costumed. Recently we went to a murder mystery play we also enjoyed produced by Pattaya Players. If you are visiting Pattaya, by all means, be sure and check if there is a production of the Pattaya Players!!
Carla
Jong-Kyu KANG,
I wasn’t aware of a lady selling Korean steamed corn in Pattaya, who could speak Korean well. I bet she has an interesting story to tell. Pattaya always surprises any traveler, during each visit.
Thanks for commenting!
Jason Rupp
Freelance Travel Writer
We participated in April for Songkran in Pattaya and it was just so much fun, like a Wild West Town gone crazy with water guns and buckets of water. It’s always celebrated about five days later in Pattaya than the April 13 traditional day in the rest of Thailand. The water days go on for three or four days in Pattaya — and we got drenched! This could be a good thing because it’s the hot time of the year.
One great place to eat, relax, get a massage and possibly go to the theater.
A great review and gives a great insight into Pattaya, I’m so glad you mentioned the Sanctuary of Truth, when I travelled to Pattaya a couple of years ago, I didn’t know this existed and it was a shame I missed this. The rest of your review was very honest and gives a very good aspect of what to expect. I loved Pattaya and it’s a great base for fun, food and hospitality. Every corner, Street, mall and district seemed to offer something different and unique to offer. Looking forward to returning some day.
Thanks Joyce!!
Its a great place. Have been there five times already and going again this august. Was there for last two new years. Between christmas and new year is the best time to visit but the hotels are expensive that time. The whole city will be colourful with lights and a great firework show on the new year night
Thanks Abhu for your very accurate description. People have to book way ahead for those special times for good deals. Pattaya is still a vacation like no other place on earth. I also like the colorful lights and fireworks, too, but there is a lot to do anytime.
Funny how all the hookers got no mention. That’s what people are there for don’t kid yourself
You got it man. I felt the same when I read it.
A well written article that gives a good description of Pattaya. I’ve lived here for over 11 years and I can’t imagine ever returning to the UK for anything more than a holiday. A close friend of mine once said “Thailand – the land of smiles, Pattaya – the city of bewildered grins.”
One of the things you should definitely consider doing while in Pattaya is scuba diving in an aquarium with sharks, rays and much more. It is an experience of a lifetime and rated the number 1 activity to do in Pattaya on Trip Advisor.
I look forward to going back to Pattaya!
Had a friend who lived in Pattaya for about 4 years retired engineer from USA found him dead in Condo. U S Embassy ruled suicide when not give particulars as family wanted to keep it private. Any ideas. Maybe hooker involved. ?
Wow. This month is celebration time where everyone gets showered with smiles and water while walking in the hot sun. I wore my swim goggles and sprayed people with my water pistol, it was awesome !!! So much fun, excitment, and friendly hospitality !!! The prices are cheap and beautiful scenery of temples, people, and country. It’s amazing how so many people miss such a gem !!!
Bankok, Pattaya, and Phuket were my travels. Awesome places to visit.
Hi Edwin, they certainly are wonderful places!
Hi I’m due to go in July can you tell me what weather will be like then please ? Also is there much on that time of year I will be staying in the new nordic castle has anyone stayed there please ?
Hi Karla, I haven’t stayed in that castle accommodation. I am confident you will enjoy the warm weather, food, and the beaches! It is nice and hot. Evening are lovely. @carlarupp
Check your accommodation.
Pattaya boast 27’000 prostitutes, the world’s biggest open air brothel. Overcrowded with sex tourists and trafic jam, main beach ugly and polluted. World Animal Protection try to shut down Sriracha tiger park for years.
Is this where you want to take your family or partner on holiday?!
Thailand has SO much more to offer that this !
Do your own research
Not too far from Pattaya :
Koh Samet(small, quiet & beautiful)
A bit further:
Koh Chang(bigger, nice beaches)
Thank you Gregory. I always like to hear both sides of the story.
I have also been to Koh Samet and Koh Chang. They are lovely islands!
“Racial tensions don’t exist in Pattaya and everybody gets along” what planet is the author living on, evidently they’ve never stayed in Pattaya longer than a holiday trip or been here for Songkran… I guarantee you to you there’s plenty of racism exist in this town and hooligans that we’ll start a fight or attack you if you say something they disagree with, and there’s a plethora of holiday tourists and long stay expats that are drunk by mid-afternoon that are and inconsiderate hostile people here by the busload that want to cause trouble.
Why dont you tell the truth about what they are doing to this place. Evidently you haven’t been here for atleast two years. Walking Street is DEAD. LITERALLY. IT’S A GHOST TOWN ALL DAY LONG. Good luck trying to get here also. ✌
We hope that things will return to normal after the pandemic subsides.
After reading the Story and replies makes me high to visit pattaya.
Replies are different as per their experiences.
Let’s see it in our own heart and mind.
Thanks all.
Pattaya is no place for family or couples unless it is a sexcation. 100,000 working girls plus lady boys galore. They are very aggressive in pursuing customers.
Thank you Julio.
Hello RB, you are very right. Everyone has their own experience!
Carla
A very good, honest and inclusive write up about yesteryear Pattaya, looking forward to hear your new write-up come the sandbox reopening of Pattaya, will be some changes, more modern, safer when businesses are back, and not to mention the fun-filled Old Pattaya is going to extend and expand southward to the New Pattaya where Jomtien and more new developments are, very much hope the spirit of Pattaya will come alive again after the difficult pandemic. Thank you for your write up and looking forward for more interesting extension of the spirit of Pattaya.
Thank you Frank.
Hello Frank,
I enjoy your comments and have a positive attitude about the lively Pattaya returning. Some of my expat friends there are are from places such as Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland. There is a Pattaya Ladies Club where I enjoy food and conversations. Many people love the golf courses. There are some things to do for many types of people. The food is also delicious!
Best wishes,
Carla
Lovely write up. I have not been to Pattaya ever but would like to travel when things get normal.
Have the alcohol shops been allowed to open in Pattaya? Someone told me these days it is not allowed to drink in restaurants.
Thank you
Pattaya is nice place I’ve been over there for five times I love to go to retire in Pattaya that’s a beautiful Beach lovely food
Hi John,
Thanks for your input. I know that Carla Rupp, the author, enjoys it as well.
Jim