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Pattaya is a lively beach resort on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the province of Chonburi. It’s a popular destination for tourists and expats because it strikes the perfect balance of fun nightlife and a relaxing beach atmosphere.
Plus, it’s just a couple of hours away from the Thai capital of Bangkok and the international Suvarnabhumi Airport, so it’s very well connected. While there are plenty of things to do in Bangkok, if you want the beach, Pattaya is for you.
If you’re planning to visit Pattaya, you might be wondering which part of the city to stay in. Most of the action is based around Pattaya Beach Road, a long strip that runs right along the beachfront and is lined with hotels, bars, eateries, and stores. This central part of the city is comprised of North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, and South Pattaya, and each area has its own unique character.
There are also several quieter beachside neighborhoods a little further out that suit those looking for a more peaceful stay. Let’s take a closer look at Pattaya’s main tourist areas and highlight some of the city’s most popular hotels to help you find the perfect place to stay.
North Pattaya Beach for First-Time Visitors
Photo Credit: Nor Gal
Highlights: Terminal 21, Central Marina, North Pattaya Bus Terminal, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Siam Country Club
North Pattaya Beach is a relatively spacious neighborhood compared to the bustling Central Pattaya and South Pattaya areas. It’s also one of Pattaya city center’s smartest areas with many renovated buildings and large, busy hotels. Its centerpiece is Terminal 21, a striking airport-themed shopping mall that’s home to a huge variety of Thai and international brands. Each floor of Terminal 21 is dedicated to a different city, with the likes of London, Tokyo, and Paris represented. The complex also has a large food court and a movie theater.
If this will be your first time in Pattaya, North Pattaya is a great base. The area is lively but not too overwhelming, and you’re unlikely to see the working girls that are common in South Pattaya. There’s a great mix of accommodations on offer, including budget hotels, mid-range guesthouses, and luxury hotels. Plus, North Pattaya Bus Terminal is situated here, making it easy to travel to other major Thai destinations such as Bangkok.
Where to Stay in North Pattaya Beach
These North Pattaya hotels are some of the most popular in the city:
- Amari Pattaya is a luxury hotel with a combination of rooms and suites on offer. It’s a chic property with an excellent fitness center that provides panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
- Holiday Inn Pattaya is a vibrant beachfront hotel that lies within easy walking distance of copious shops, restaurants, and bars. It has two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a spa, and a kids’ club with an indoor playground.
- Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel is a 5-star property with fantastic amenities. It has two swimming pools with water slides, a gym, conference rooms, on-site restaurants, and a parking lot.
- Grande Centre Point Pattaya is a luxurious hotel with a 24-hour front desk, room service, and concierge service for total convenience. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with refrigerators, minibars, and free WiFi, and there’s a pool to cool off in.
Central Pattaya Beach for Shopping
Photo Credit: Stock Photos 2000
Highlights: Central Festival Shopping Mall, Soi Buakhai, Pattaya Night Bazaar
Central Pattaya is the area surrounding the middle portion of Pattaya Beach Road. Pattaya Central Festival Shopping Mall lies at its heart. It’s the largest beachfront shopping center in Southeast Asia, with more than 300 stores and an extensive range of eateries that includes gourmet restaurants and fast food joints. Across the road is Pattaya Night Bazaar, a large market renowned for its cheap prices — it’s the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home.
During the day in Central Pattaya, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the beach, where you can try a variety of watersports. At night, head to Soi Buakhao, a vivacious street that comes alive after dark with tourists and expats. The street boomed in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when the famed Walking Street in South Pattaya was temporarily shut down. If you want to experience quintessential Thai nightlife with the comfort and convenience of great amenities, Central Pattaya Beach is a great base. You’ll find a mix of luxury, midrange, and cheap hotels here, and no shortage of great bars and places to eat.
Where to Stay in Central Pattaya Beach
Here are some of the best hotels in Central Pattaya Beach:
- Hilton Pattaya is a modern 34-story hotel with exceptional facilities, including an outdoor infinity pool that provides impressive panoramic views from the 16th floor. There are three in-house restaurants to choose from, as well as a rooftop bar and a spa.
- Sabai Inn is an elegant, friendly hotel that makes guests feel right at home. It provides free WiFi, a same-day laundry service, and taxi and travel services to help you get around.
- Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is a cool 4-star hotel with a rock-and-roll theme that will help you get into the party spirit. It has an outdoor pool, provides free parking and WiFi, and has staff that speak Thai, English, and Chinese.
- Flipper House Hotel is a comfortable 3-star hotel with rooftop pools, a poolside bar, free parking, and a restaurant serving its breakfast buffet. Its inviting rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and free WiFi, and it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the nightlife of Walking Street.
South Pattaya Beach for Nightlife
Photo Credit: Roxana Bashyrova
Highlights: Walking Street, Bali Hai Pier, Love In Museum
South Pattaya Beach is best known for its walking street, which is considered the epicenter of the city’s red-light district. It’s lined with busy go-go bars, cabaret venues, and nightclubs. You can expect to see working girls in the street and many of the bars and clubs, but there are some bars where you can simply enjoy some drinks and listen to DJs or live music without any adult entertainment.
The sois on the east side of Walking Street are a hub for Indian food because many Indian tourists stay in the hotels here. At the southernmost end of Walking Street, you’ll come across Bali Hair Pier where boats launch for Koh Larn, a gorgeous island that offers a wonderful respite from the busy city.
Where to Stay in South Pattaya Beach
Avani Pattaya Resort is considered one of the best places to check in at South Pattaya Beach. It’s a great hotel for families because it has a pool playground, a kids’ club, and magic-themed rooms. Plus, it lies right next door to the Royal Garden Plaza, a shopping center with excellent amenities and family-friendly attractions.
Pratumnak for Luxury Holidays
Photo Credit: neotemlpars
Highlights: Pattaya Viewpoint, Wat Phra Yai Temple, Cosy Beach, restaurants
Pratumnak is considered the Beverley Hills of Pattaya because it’s the most upmarket part of the city. Nestled between South Pattaya and Jomtien, it’s a popular residential area for ex-pats who have settled in the city. The streets here are more relaxed than in Central and South Pattaya, so it’s easier to have a quiet dinner and a few drinks. There are some very good restaurants around the cove-like Cosy Beach, such as Sky Gallery and The Oxygen.
Pattaya Viewpoint is one of the biggest attractions in Pratumnak. Set high in the hills, it provides gorgeous views across the city and out to the Gulf of Thailand. It’s particularly spectacular at sunset, so head here in the evening to enjoy a couple of drinks as the sun goes down. Wat Phra Yai Temple (also known as Big Buddha Temple) is another must-see sight. It’s renowned for its huge golden Buddha, which serves as an iconic landmark that can be seen from miles away.
Where to Stay in Pratumnak
The Royal Wing Suites are a great place to stay in Pratumnak. This 5-star hotel offers luxurious suites with gorgeous ocean views. Check out the hotel spa for true rest and relaxation; it has a sauna, a steam room, and a jacuzzi.
Naklua Bay for Peaceful Escapes
Photo Credit: Joaquim Barros
Highlights: Naklua Old Market, Naklua Beach, Bamboo Beach
Naklua Bay lies north of Pattaya, and its peaceful atmosphere is completely at odds with Pattaya’s bustling charm. If you’re looking for a serene vacation with the option to dip in and out of the city, Naklua Bay is a great base. You can expect to see traditional wooden buildings, beautiful beaches, and clean ocean waters that are ideal for swimming.
There has been relatively minimal development in Naklua, so although there are beachfront hotels, restaurants, and bars, they don’t spoil the area’s natural beauty. Plus, watersports are limited, so you can lounge on the beach in peace. You can book hotels or private vacation rentals in Naklua.
Where to Stay in Naklua Bay
Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel is a quiet beachfront hotel that makes the perfect base for a peaceful break. All rooms provide either garden or sea views and free WiFi, and on-site parking is included. There’s a fitness center and tennis courts to make use of.
Wong Amat Beach for Romantic Getaways
Photo Credit: thailand_becausewecan
Highlights: Quiet beach, Sanctuary of Truth
Much like Pratumnak, Wong Amat offers a quaint, peaceful atmosphere with gorgeous beaches. Unlike Pattaya Beach, there is no road running alongside Wong Amat Beach, so it’s exceptionally quiet and ideal for sunbathing. If you want a taste of luxury, book a daybed at one of the hotels here so you can order food and drinks while soaking up the sun.
Set back from the beach in Wong Amat are some quiet sois with hotels, condos, and eateries. You can find nice restaurants and chilled-out bars here that are ideal for couples looking to avoid the crowds of the city center. The Sanctuary of Truth is a popular attraction. It’s a novel wooden building adorned inside and out with intricate carvings designed to inspire reflection on one’s life and self.
Jomtien Beach for Family Vacations
Photo Credit: somkiat jangsate
Highlights: Watersports, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Pattaya Floating Market
Jomtien Beach has long been a popular spot for locals looking for a day on the sand, and in recent years it has grown in popularity with tourists looking for family vacations. Its large stretch of sand is ideal for watersports, and it often hosts music and food festivals. If you want to get the adrenaline pumping, you can try your hand at jet skiing or parasailing. The kids are bound to love Columbia Pictures Aquaverse – a fun movie-themed waterpark.
Although there’s a small bar scene at the northern end of Jomtien Beach, much of this neighborhood is fairly reserved at night. Head to Jomtien Night Market to grab some delicious Thai food before having a few quiet drinks in nearby bars. You can learn more about Thai culture when you head to Pattaya Floating Market, which showcases the lifestyle of traditional riverside communities.
Book Your Pattaya Beach Break
Pattaya might be known for its vibrant nightlife, but there are lots of opportunities to unwind in the quieter parts of the city. Now you’re caught up on Pattaya’s best neighborhoods and hotels, you can get started planning your stay in this popular region of Thailand.
