The only city that rivals the capital of Thailand, Pattaya is a city that welcomes travelers to a world of delicious food, unbridled excitement, stunning beaches, and amazing nightlife. No surprise there’s been a surge in people searching for and buying Pattaya tour packages. If you too are enamored by Pattaya’s seductive shores, here are some tips and pointers for Pattaya first-time visitors that can help them get the maximum out of their vacation and have a great time in this beautiful gulf city.
Accommodation Options – Where to Stay in Pattaya?
Pattaya welcomes the world to its shores, so there are accommodations for all people and budgets. The city is full of hotels, resorts, and even hostels where you can relax and rest. Here are some great accommodations in Pattaya:
Hilton Pattaya
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If it’s luxury you are looking for, it can’t get better than Hilton Pattaya with stunning sea views, luxurious amenities, and grand rooms.
Holiday Inn Pattaya
Get all the luxury minus the high prices. This hotel has great stay options and they won’t be too heavy on your pocket.
The Edge Central Pattaya
This is a mid-range hotel that is easy on the pocket. It is located in the heart of Pattaya so everything you want is nearby.
Areca Lodge
One of the best cheap stay options, this place is extremely close to Pattaya’s nightlife destinations.
Elysium Residences
This is a family place. If you are going with your family, then consider staying at Elysium Residences. It is a mix of luxury and convenience.
Transportation Options – How to Get Around in Pattaya?
Local transportation is one of the best ways to get around in Pattaya. Being a tourist city, people have ensured that travel here is cheap, quick, and convenient. Here’s how you can get around:
- Songthaews – Also known as Baht Bus, these open-air buses ply daily on the same routes. You can grab a ticket and sit in any one of them to get around in the city.
- Meter Taxis – Though they are meter taxis, you have to negotiate a good price. They can take you anywhere in the city and are ideal for families and groups.
- Motorbike Taxis – Perfect for solo travelers, motorbike taxis are one of the best ways to get around. They are quite cheap and fast.
- Bikes for Hire – If you know how to ride around on a gearless or geared bike, you can hire one for the day and ride to any place you want. These are also affordable.
- Rideshare Apps – Rideshare apps have grown exponentially in the past few years and have become a trusted source for travel in Pattaya. Grab and Bolt are the most popular ones.
Safety Tips for a Holiday in Pattaya
The following safety tips will help you be safe and enjoy your vacation in Pattaya in a worry-free manner. Follow them to have a great vacation:
- Beware of tourist scams. Many scamsters offer free tours and experiences, but stay away from them, especially the ones being overtly friendly.
- If you are with your family, there are a few places like Soi Honey that you should stay away from. Such places are for single people.
- There are many temples in Pattaya where you are expected to wear modest clothes. So, please follow their rules about clothing and manners.
- When interacting with locals, be polite about local customs and stay away from political topics, including talking ill about the royal family.
- Carry sunscreen and bottled water. Street food is some of the best in the world but ask before ordering if you have any food restrictions.
- Carry only a little cash as there are cash-only places here. But most places will take card payments.
- Carefully research other important Pattaya travel tips to have a good and safe time in this wonderful city.
Must-see Attractions in Pattaya
There are a few must-see attractions in Pattaya that every first-time visitor should see. Without witnessing them, your vacation will feel incomplete. Here are those attractions:
Wat Phra Yai
Also known as the Big Buddha Hill, this temple is on Koh Phan Island near Pattaya and boasts a massive Buddha idol. Devotees and tourists come to pay their respects in the beautiful temple and enjoy the scenic views all around.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
This is Thailand’s largest tropical garden. Famous for hosting cultural events, this impressive place has amazing gardens worth seeing like Garden in the Sky, French Garden, Italian Garden, and Dinosaur Valley.
Art in Paradise
Get your dose of unique art at Art in Paradise. This place has 10 galleries packed with 3D art that seems to come to life. The optical illusions here are insane and will blow your mind. It’s a good place to bring your family.
Pattaya Floating Market
Floating markets have been a part of Thai culture for the longest time, and you must check the one in Pattaya. Grab a boat ride and shop for the freshest fruits, veggies, flowers, souvenirs, and authentic Thai products.
Sanctuary of Truth
Is it a temple, a palace, or a museum? Whatever it is, it is beautiful! Carved completely out of teakwood, the place is adorned with sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu gods. It is an absolute must-see attraction!
Mini Siam
Check out miniature versions of all the wonderful places around the world at Mini Siam. This children’s park will not only showcase great attractions, it will also make you feel like a giant with their mini replicas.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Be amazed at this amazing attraction that houses 28 museums displaying the most unbelievable stuff. This place is packed to the gills with amazing things and there’s an adventure around every corner.
Must-do Activities in Pattaya
Experiences are what you take back with you and some amazing cultural experiences in Pattaya will enhance your vacation. Here are some amazing must-do activities in Pattaya:
Shop at the Pattaya Night Market
Shop late into the night and find amazing and unique creations at the Pattaya Night Market. This place is a paradise for budget-friendly shopping as there are more than 250 stalls selling great ware.
Witness the Alcazar Cabaret Show
Thailand is famous for cabaret shows and Alcazar is Pattaya’s most famous show. Witness beautiful ladyboys sing, dance, and perform their heart out for 70 minutes. This experience is a must.
Walk the Walking Street
Experience a festival-like atmosphere at Pattaya’s Walking Street. This is the place where night comes alive with music, colorful neon lights, bars, nightclubs, and more. This is a place for single folks or a friend group.
Relax on Pattaya Beach
The gorgeous Pattaya beach is a great place to unwind and relax. Take in the cool sea breeze and swim in blue waters to have a great time. You can also indulge in the best water sports and click Instagram-worthy pics!
Zipline Through a Forest
Witness the lushest forest through an adventure zipline. Tarzan Adventures has 30 connected zipline platforms that take through the dense forest where you can catch amazing views and the wind in your hair.
Get Up Close to a Tiger
The Sriracha Tiger Zoo has more than 200 tigers in its sanctuary and you can visit and interact with the majestic creatures. The park also has many crocodiles if you are feeling even more adventurous.
Ride On An Elephant
The Elephant Village in Pattaya is a sanctuary where you can interact with regal and calm elephants. You can ride them, feed them, or even bathe them as they are well-trained elephants. Just follow what the instructor tells you.
Where to Eat in Pattaya?
The food in Pattaya has legendary status with many restaurants, food joints, and street food hawkers becoming revered institutions. So, eat to your heart’s content when you are at the following dining recommendations:
Suttangrak Pattaya
Seafood lovers, head to this amazing restaurant that serves authentic Thai seafood dishes that are a labor of love.
Karma Indian Restaurant
One of the most authentic Indian places in Pattaya, Karma serves homely dishes that have been upgraded to fine-dine.
The Glass House
Dinner with a sea view, The Glass House has the best combination of Thai and continental cuisine that will have you lick your fingers.
Thepprasit Night Market
If it’s street food that you want, then head to Thepprasit Night Market and feast on Satays, Pad Thais, Kai Jeows, and Khao Gaeng.
Moom Aroi
It’s restaurants like Moom Aroi that have put Pattaya’s seafood on the map. Come here and enjoy their brilliant offerings of the tastiest seafood.
Pattaya is amazing and you are guaranteed to leave with the best memories. So, start making a travel itinerary with all the information above and have the best time in Pattaya. This coastal city is amazing with so many attractions, experiences, food, and vibrant nightlife – no wonder so many people are choosing to go here for their vacation.
