Pattaya
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Just five decades ago, Pattaya was a sleepy fishing village whose only claim to fame was that it served as a resting place for a Thai king during his campaign to oust Burmese forces from his kingdom. In 1959, a number of American GI’s from the military base in Nakorn Ratchasima (Khorat) began to use it as a place for R & R. The word soon spread and from somnolent village it grew into one of the world’s top tourist hotspots attracting over eight million visitors in 2017.
Today the beachside town, just 150 kms from Bangkok, boasts of an eclectic range of diversions that appeal to every taste and preference; from top golf courses to go-kart courses, or sailing, polo windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, Pattaya has it all. And as night falls, the city comes alive in a blaze of lights, tempting with fine dining, beer bars, cabarets, pubs and discos.
Pattaya is a top destination for Indian weddings due to its close proximity to Bangkok, its wide variety of international chain hotels catering for weddings of all sizes, its endless entertainment possibilities, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly appeal
Do
Golf at the Khao Kheow Country Club
Go deep sea fishing or sailing with Pattaya Boat Charters
Do a wine tasting at Silverlake Vineyard Ocean Marina Yacht Club
Learn to dive with Jomtien Dive Center Pattaya
Zipline with the Flight of the Gibbons
See
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Big Buddha Hill
Nong Nooch
Sanctuary Of Truth
Art in Paradise
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks,
Underwater World
Koh Larn (Coral Island)
Cartoon Network Amazone
Eat
The diversity of cuisines represented in Pattaya is wide: Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese; French, Swiss, German, Italian, Hungarian, Scandinavian, British, and Arabic. From street food to fine dining, and from rooftop bars to beachside eateries, the city offers something for everyone.
The Glass House
Au Bon Coin
Café des Amis
Bruno’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Caprice Restaurant & Bar
Indian by Nature
Yes Vegan
Elements
Mantra Restaurant & Bar
Play
If there is one aspect of entertainment that defines Pattaya, it is the nightlife. From the beer bards on Beach Road to upscale rooftop bars and cabaret shows, the city is a Party Central.
Mixx
Horizon Bar
Roof Sky Bar
Hopf Brew House
Tiffany’s Cabaret Show
Hard Rock Café
Shop
From small shops selling local goods to large shopping malls offering international brands, Pattaya boasts an exciting shopping scene.
Central Festival Pattaya
Central Marina Pattaya
Outlet Mall Pattaya
Gems Gallery Pattaya
Jim Thompson Factory Sales Outlet
Recommended Hotels
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya
Intercontinental Pattaya Resort
Insider Tips
- Examine closely cars and motorbikes when renting them, and drive with caution.
- Beware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded places such as Walking Street.
- Make sure you know the rules of the venues before you go in: some offer free admission but won’t let customers go until they pay hefty bills. Likewise, ask for the price before ordering food or getting a massage at the beach. Don’t participate in illegal gambling.
- Bargain in a friendly manner with local vendors.
Getting There
Pattaya is just a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Bangkok Airways flies from/to Koh Samui to U-Tapao, the nearest airport to Pattaya. The second closest airport is Suvarnabhumi, in Bangkok. There is also a train service that takes 3.5 hours from Bangkok to Pattaya.
