8 Reasons To Visit Pattaya
When I posted about my visit to Pattaya on Facebook, my friend immediately thought I was in for some mischief. Of course, I am the menace, and I cause trouble, but what he thought took me there is not what I went to do. Pattaya, a beautiful city, always receives bad rap from visitors and travellers alike although that is not a proper reflection of the city. This article will give you 8 reasons to visit Pattaya. Trust me, you will always love the city after your first visit and will want to return several times after. Let’s go ahead and get to it.
1. Bangkok to Pattaya
Pattaya is located only approximately 150 km from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand. It is to the Southeast, in the province of Chon Buri. That’s a short distance not to visit.
I recommend using a bus instead of a train, plane or taxi. Trains are slower and leave early, while planes and taxis are more expensive, although they get there earlier.
A bus is affordable, only about THB 160 (A$7).
To catch a bus, go to Ekkamai Bus Station in Bangkok, buy a ticket, and board. As simple as that.
You do not need to pre-book as there are several buses that ply the route.
Bangkok to Pattaya is a major highway, and the drive is smooth, save for initial traffic jam in the first hour.
Unlike the bus to Phuket which will take about 13 hours to arrive at the Phuket Bus Terminal 2, beautiful Pattaya is only 2-3 hours away. It is an easy drive to get out of congested and polluted Bangkok.
Before you arrive in Pattaya, the conductor will ask where you want to be dropped off. Check the location of your hotel prior to disembarking, as you want to alight as close as possible.
Most likely it will be around Pattaya Beach; that’s where the action is concentrated. I recommend staying at the View Talay6 Condo Pattaya in an apartment facing the sea, to maximise your views and enjoyment.
2. Pattaya Nightlife
Pattaya nightlife is extremely crazy and wild, and I warn you to never visit if you are mentally weak.
Once the sun sets, neon lights from clubs, bars and restaurants are switched on to dazzle and confuse you to stay longer in the streets and spend money.
But that is not all. There are the girls and and ladyboys on Pattaya Walking Street and several parts of the city. Others are in Jomtien beach, just a few kilometres from Pattaya Beach.
They are mistresses and masters of body language and entertainment and are not afraid to accost, grop, catcall or woo you to their bosses’ businesses. You are constantly under “attack”, especially if a lone male.
Unfortunately you may not be in position to tell the difference between a real girl and a ladyboy. I am lucky I spent several years of my professional life working with sex workers and ladyboys in Asia, so I can easily figure them out.
Whoever it is, it doesn’t matter as I do not have intentions of going beyond the normal street chat.
In short, Pattaya nightlife is one of the reasons you should visit that city. I promise, it is different and entertaining and you won’t regret. But be careful; don’t go picking up them girls.
3. Pattaya food
We don’t just eat for the sake of eating, we eat because we want to enjoy the food. But to enjoy food you must choose a nice location.
If you are looking for the best restaurants in Pattaya with views, then you better look around the beach area (Pattaya Beach Road). There, we have Western, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Aussie cuisines at an affordable rate.
The area teems with visitors of all nationalities. You can’t miss Aussies along the Beach Road donning wife beaters and enjoying cold beer. Their accent gives them away.
I visited Romsai Brasserie and enjoyed delicious green curry with rice and a bottle of cold Thai beer.
I suggest you try different restaurants including street vendors / go-carts and food vans to get the best experience. Several food vans park in front of Hilton Hotel.
4. Pattaya Floating market
Thailand has a long history with floating markets, dating back centuries. One of those markets is the Pattaya Floating Market, established in 2008 to preserve the culture and lifestyle of riverside communities. In September 2023 the market, built of wood, was gutted by fire.
You can enjoy several activities including food, boat rides, massage and shopping. The market opens at 9am and closes at 8pm everyday, and there is an entry fee of THB 200.
If however you came via a tour company like I did, your entry fees, boat ride and food will be covered. However, you will need money for shopping.
There are several traditional items you can buy at the market including clothes, gifts, souvenirs etc. As a regular traveller, I usually travel light and tend to avoid buying and carrying bulky things.
Also called Wat Phra Yai, and patched atop the exclusive Pratumnak Hill and home to posh hotels and high end condos, Big Buddha Pattaya is a golden icon that looks down upon you as you make your way up the stairs.
The best time to visit the temple is early before sun rise and later in the evening to watch the sunset. The temple is open from 7am to 10pm daily.
As is with most religious temples, you must dress modestly and cover your legs and knees, especially if you are a woman. You won’t be allowed to enter the temple in revealing clothes.
With me, I rocked up in shorts and a tee shirt and I was let in.
6. Bali Hai Pier
Close to Pattaya Walking Street is Bali Hai Pier where travellers take boats and ferries to nearby islands.
The pier acts as Pattaya’s water transportation hub to the island of Koh Larn, without which it would be difficult to explore.
From the pier, the city of Pattaya looks beautiful. It is an amazing place to shoot some nice photos for your social media.
7. Shopping malls
Pattaya has large and beautiful shopping malls for fashionistas and travellers. I specifically like the Central Festival, located along beach road next to Hilton Hotel.
There is also Terminal 21, an airport themed shopping mall on North Pattaya Road. Both malls look stunning at night and it is worth a visit while in Pattaya.
8. Pattaya Beaches
I was surprised by Pattaya’s stunning beaches. Surrounded by the sea, Pattaya has exclusive beaches, popular among them are Pattaya Beach and Jomtien beach.
The beach is used by locals and travellers to swim, engage in watersports such as gliding, ferry and boat trips and fishing.
In the evenings many tourists like walking along the beach and spending time by the seaside. I love Patong Beach, especially along the Beach Road area.
Conclusion
There you are, 8 reasons to visit Pattaya. Will you plan a visit to Thailand this year?
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