Pattaya

Pattaya, a city in Thailand, can be found on the eastern shoreline of the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 165 kilometers to the southeast of Bangkok, within the Chon Buri province in Eastern Thailand. The municipality of Pattaya encompasses the entirety of Nong Prue and NaKlua subdistricts, as well as portions of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. This city is situated in the East Coast industrial area, alongside Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chon Buri. It serves as the hub of the Pattaya-Chonburi metropolitan region, a metropolitan area within Chonburi province, with a total population of around 1,000,000 residents. In 2004, Pattaya attracted 5 million tourists, making it one of Thailand's major tourist destinations. 

Busy commercial scene of Pattaya Floating Market

History of Pattaya

The name Pattaya has its origins in the historical march of Phraya Tak, later known as King Taksin, and his army as they traveled from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi, which occurred prior to the fall of the ancient capital to Burmese invaders in 1767. Pattaya remained a modest fishing village until the 1960s. However, during the Vietnam War, American troops stationed at U-Tapao and other American bases in Thailand started visiting Pattaya for rest and relaxation. Over time, Pattaya transformed into a renowned coastal resort destination. An unverified story, from a reliable source, suggests that Pattaya's prosperity took root when around 500 American soldiers, stationed at the military base in Korat, were brought to Pattaya on June 29, 1959, for a week of rest and relaxation. They rented some houses at the southern end of the beach from a well-known Thai figure, Lord Sunthorn. Despite their brief stay, the soldiers had a fantastic experience and were deeply impressed with the place. Through word of mouth among American soldiers, Pattaya's popularity spread rapidly, making it a popular alternative tourist destination to Bangkok.

Wat Phra Yai stands as a symbol of Thai Buddhism 

Weather in Pattaya

The climate in Pattaya, like many other Thai provinces, experiences four distinct seasons: 

The dry season typically occurs from January to February.

The hot season spans from March to May.

The rainy season takes place from June to October.

The cool season starts in November and continues through December.

On average, Pattaya's temperature ranges from approximately 32 degrees Celsius in December to 35 degrees Celsius in April. However, June sees a change in the weather, as it falls within the rainy season and tends to be relatively cooler.

Best season to go

For a pleasant and rain-free travel experience in Pattaya, it's advisable to choose a time when the weather is favorable for exploration and sightseeing. The best period to travel to Pattaya is from November to March of the following year, which corresponds to Thailand's winter season, particularly in the northern provinces. In coastal regions like Pattaya, the winter weather is characterized by cool temperatures, rather than being excessively cold, making it very suitable for a wide range of tourist activities.

How many days should be spent in Pattaya?

The number of days to spend in Pattaya can vary depending on your interests, the activities you want to experience, and your travel schedule.

A short 2-3 day trip to Pattaya is suitable for a quick getaway to enjoy the city's main attractions.

A 4-5 day stay in Pattaya allows for a more comprehensive experience, including both the city's attractions and some day trips to nearby locations.

If you have the time and want to delve deeper into the Pattaya experience, consider staying for a week or more.

The length of your stay in Pattaya should align with your interests and what you want to accomplish during your visit. Pattaya offers a wide range of activities, from beach relaxation and water sports to cultural exploration and vibrant nightlife, so the duration of your stay can be tailored to your preferences.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden - a renowned botanical garden in Pattaya

How to get to Pattaya

Means to visit Pattaya

There are multiple ways to reach Pattaya, a popular Thai tourist destination:

Air Travel: You can arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, the nearest major airport to Pattaya. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Pattaya or arrange for private transportation.

Airport Shuttle: Some Pattaya hotels provide shuttle services from the airport. Inquire with your accommodation about this option.

Bus: Bus services connect Bangkok to Pattaya, departing from the Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal or Mochit Northern Bus Terminal. Buses offer an affordable and convenient journey to Pattaya.

Private Transfer: You can arrange for a private transfer or hire a taxi for the trip from Bangkok to Pattaya. While this offers more comfort and convenience, it can be a pricier option.

Train: The Pattaya train station mainly handles freight, and passenger train service is limited. Major passenger train service can be found in Bangkok.

Driving: If you're already in Thailand, you can drive to Pattaya by renting a car. The drive from Bangkok takes several hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Ferry: Travelers coming from nearby islands or coastal regions can use a ferry to reach Pattaya.

Motorbike Rental: If you're in a nearby area, you can rent a motorbike to ride to Pattaya. Ensure you possess the required licenses and are aware of local traffic regulations.

Once in Pattaya, you have various options for getting around, including taxis, motorbike taxis, Songthaews (shared passenger trucks), and rental vehicles. Pattaya boasts a well-developed transportation network, making it easy to explore the city and its vicinity.

Means to visit neighboring provinces from Pattaya

When you're in Pattaya and wish to explore neighboring provinces in Thailand, you have several transportation options to choose from:

Bus: Buses are a common and cost-effective way to travel to nearby provinces. You can find both government-operated and private bus services that connect Pattaya to various destinations.

Minivan: Minivans are another popular option for short-distance travel to neighboring provinces. They offer convenience and can be quicker than buses.

Train: Thailand's railway network provides train services to neighboring provinces. The train journey can be a scenic and comfortable way to travel.

Taxi: Taxis can be a more convenient but relatively expensive option for traveling to nearby provinces. You can hire a taxi or book a private car.

Renting a Vehicle: If you prefer independence and flexibility, you can rent a car or motorbike to explore neighboring provinces at your own pace. Make sure you have the required licenses and follow local traffic laws.

Songthaew: These shared passenger vehicles, similar to pickup trucks with benches in the back, can be a practical choice for short-distance travel..

The choice of transportation depends on your destination, budget, and travel preferences. Make sure to plan your route and consider the distance, travel time, and local conditions when selecting your mode of transportation to neighboring provinces from Pattaya.