Eastern Thailand · Beaches and islands
Pattaya
The sea, an hour and a bit from Bangkok.
In brief
Is it worth it for you
Ninety minutes from Bangkok and far more than its reputation: a three-kilometre beach road, the extraordinary all-teak Sanctuary of Truth, quiet Jomtien for families, and Ko Larn a short boat ride offshore.
What to do
6 places in 2 categories
To see
Sanctuary of Truth
An enormous all-teak temple on the shore, hand-carved and still unfinished after decades. Hard hats issued at the door.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
A very large botanical garden with a cycad collection and formal French sections. Half a day.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
The hilltop temple above the town, with the clearest view over the bay.
To do18+
Koh Larn
A ferry island 45 minutes out, with clearer water than the mainland beaches. Day trip.
Pattaya Floating Market
A built-for-visitors floating market on the south side. Convenient rather than authentic, and honest about it.
18+
Walking Street
Pattaya's central nightlife street, pedestrianised after dark and predominantly adult venues. Listed because visitors ask what it is; it is not a general night out. Adults only.
When
The year in Pattaya
- Jan: Dry and cooler
- Feb: Dry and cooler
- Mar: Hot
- Apr: Hot
- May: Hot
- Jun: Rainy
- Jul: Rainy
- Aug: Rainy
- Sep: Rainy
- Oct: Rainy
- Nov: Dry and cooler
- Dec: Dry and cooler
Getting there
From Sofia to Pattaya
- Flights from Sofia
- Getting around Thailand
- Experiences in Pattaya
Nearby
Near Pattaya
- CentralBangkok
Golden temples at 7 a.m. and noodles at midnight.
- CentralAyutthaya
The capital of Siam for four centuries until it was burned in 1767.
- WestKanchanaburi
The Death Railway, the war cemeteries, and then seven turquoise waterfall tiers you can swim in.