Pattaya
Two hours from Bangkok and much better than its reputation. Pattaya is a family beach base if you pick the right end of town — Jomtien and Naklua rather than Walking Street.
Pattaya is the beach city 150km south-east of Bangkok, built around a 4km bay with islands offshore. It is the closest beach to Bangkok and the most developed in Thailand. Two to three nights is enough unless you are here for the nightlife.
For families
Coral Island is 20 minutes by speedboat and has proper beaches; the water park and the floating market fill a rainy afternoon. Jomtien is quieter and has the better sand.
For everyone else
The Sanctuary of Truth is a remarkable all-wood temple, and the seafood at Naklua pier is the best in the area. We keep evenings away from Walking Street unless you ask.
Getting there
Two hours from Bangkok on the motorway, with buses from Ekkamai every half hour; U-Tapao airport is 45 minutes away. Most of our travellers use it as a two-night add-on to a Bangkok trip rather than a destination in itself.
Who it suits
Families who want a beach within reach of Bangkok, golfers, and anyone who prefers a city-sized resort town to a small island. It is not for travellers looking for quiet — Jomtien is calm, but Pattaya is a city.
Where to stay in Pattaya
Pattaya is two different towns: the bay and Walking Street, and the quieter Jomtien coast to the south. Families and anyone over 35 tend to be happier in Jomtien, five minutes' drive away.
- Jomtien$$
Best for: Families, quieter beach, seafood
A 6km beach with shade and restaurants on the sand; 15 minutes to central Pattaya.
- North Pattaya & Wong Amat$$$
Best for: Couples, calmer bay
The quietest stretch of the main bay; the Sanctuary of Truth is 10 minutes away.
- Central Pattaya$$
Best for: Nightlife and convenience
Everything on foot, including Walking Street; the beach is the busiest in Thailand.
Price bands are for a double room per night in high season: $ under THB 1,800 · $$ 1,800–4,500 · $$$ 4,500–10,000 · $$$$ above 10,000. We book hotels in every band and inspect them in person.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Booking Pattaya expecting a quiet beach town
- Swimming off Beach Road, where the water is murkiest
- Skipping the Sanctuary of Truth, which is the most interesting thing in the city
Is it worth it?
Worth two nights if you want a beach near Bangkok or you are using it as a base for Koh Larn. It is not Thailand's best beach destination and it does not pretend to be. The Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch garden and the islands are the reasons to come.
Things to see in Pattaya
Island
Coral Island (Koh Larn)
The closest island to Pattaya, 20 minutes by speedboat, with six beaches and decent snorkelling off the far side…
Landmark
The Sanctuary of Truth
An all-wood temple by the sea, still under construction, carved with Hindu and Buddhist mythology.…
Beach
Jomtien Beach
Pattaya's calmer, sandier southern beach, popular with Bangkok families and long-stay visitors.…
Tours that include Pattaya
Experiences here
Common questions
Bus from Ekkamai (2 hours, 130 baht), minivan from Victory Monument (2 hours), or a private car (1.5 hours).
Yes in Jomtien and the north, no on Walking Street. Cartoon Network Amazone, Nong Nooch and Koh Larn all work for children.
Jomtien for swimming and seafood, Wong Amat in the north for quiet. Beach Road is for convenience, not swimming.
Two to three nights. Add a day for Koh Larn and a half day for the Sanctuary of Truth.
Last updated: October 2026 · JoyoTour editorial team
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