Pattaya, Thailand

Overview

Pattaya is a cheerful seaside resort city on the eastern coast of Thailand. The city is famous for its beer bars and go-go clubs though recent government efforts have moved to make it a family-friendly destination. Pattaya is a popular vacation destination for residents of nearby cities in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The city offers hundreds of hotels, exciting activities, show-stopping entertainment, affordable shopping and interesting attractions. These, along with rich Thai culture and hospitality, lure more than five million visitors to Pattaya every year.

When to Visit

Being located in Thailand’s eastern seaboard, Pattaya enjoys a generally pleasant climate all year. In fact, it is one of the driest places on the Thai coast. Considering the weather, almost anytime is a great time to travel to Pattaya. Everything, including accommodations and transportation, are affordable all year. It would also be fun to plan a visit around annual events like the Thai New Year called Song Khran held every April. This is a boisterous week-long event highlighted by people drenching each other with ice-cold water and talcum powder. No one, not even the police, gets away without getting wet. Another exciting event is the Loi Khrathong in November. This is a more mellow festival marked by people dressed in lavish traditional costumes, rafts with candles floating in bodies of water and small hot air balloons riding with the winds. Book your Pattaya Hotels with Reservations.com.

Tourist Attractions

Pattaya is a melting pot of attractions that can easily occupy a full week of explorations. The islands of Koh Laan and Sattahip have the best beaches in the area, while Pattaya on the mainland is home to amusement parks, shopping centers and restaurants. The Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens is a breathtaking expanse of greenery that is a must-see while in the city. Another must-visit is the Million-Year-old Stone Park where you can get to feed a five-foot-long catfish. Mini Siam is a miniature fusion of some of the best-known landmarks of the world. Busloads of tourists visit this place to see replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House and many local landmarks. Other popular attractions in the city include the Underwater World and Buddha Mountain.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Pattaya is famous for its insane nightlife, with something for everyone who wishes to experience it. Although there are lots of adult entertainment, there are more and more establishments that offer wholesome entertainment for those who want it. There are plenty of restaurants and bars that feature live music or shows that you can enjoy over a few bottles of beer. If you want a different kind of entertainment, there are several nightly Muai Thai matches held in open air plazas. Most bars in the city close at 1 a.m., but some just turn the music down and continue serving drinks until the wee hours of the morning.

Best Dining Spots

There are plenty of restaurants in Pattaya offering affordable delicacies from all over the world. One thing you must try during your visit is the street food being sold at almost every corner of the city. If you’d like to experience Thailand at its best, eat at Ruen Thai where you can have your fill of culture while you eat. Au Bon Coin and La Notte Restaurant are great places to eat French specialties and drink excellent wines. Rosie O’Gradys is a popular pub offering British and Thai fare.