باتايا

The best months are November to February. It is dry, sunny and not too hot. March and April are hotter. From May to October it rains often, but sunny hours are common and prices are lower. The sea stays warm all year.

The main event is the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival, usually in late November. Teams from different countries fire shows over the bay. Hotels near the beach fill up, so book early.

• Sanctuary of Truth is a huge wooden temple covered in carvings, built on the coast in the north of the city. It is still being built, and it is the best cultural sight in Pattaya.
• Pattaya Beach is the main city beach. It is long and busy, with a promenade, shops and cafes behind it. It is better for walking and sunset than for swimming.
• Wong Amat Beach lies north of the center and is quieter than the main beach. It is a better choice for a calm day on the sand.
• Mini Siam is a park with small models of famous buildings from Thailand and around the world. Families with children enjoy it.
• Art in Paradise is a museum of 3D paintings where visitors pose inside the pictures. It is a good option on a rainy day.

• Sunset on the bay: Walk the beach promenade in the late afternoon and stay for the lights along the water.
• Island day trip: Take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Larn for swimming and snorkeling.
• Floating market visit: A large floating market in the south sells food and crafts from boats and stalls.
• Thai massage: Many shops in the city offer a traditional massage at a fair price.
• Watersports: Parasailing and banana boat rides are common on the beach. Use operators with life vests and clear prices.

These trips are listed from closest to farthest.

• Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: about 30 minutes by car south of the center. A large garden with shows and an elephant show. Check the animal shows before you decide to go.
• Koh Larn: about 45 minutes by ferry from the pier in the south of the city. Clear water and calm beaches. Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
• Sattahip: about 40 minutes by car. A naval town with quiet beaches and seafood.
• Bang Saen: about 40 minutes by car north. A local beach town popular with Thai families on weekends.
• Koh Samet: about 1.5 to 2 hours including the ferry from Ban Phe. White sand beaches and a more relaxed island feel.

Nearby places on the eastern gulf coast:

• To the south, Sattahip has naval beaches and local seafood.
• To the north, Bang Saen is a beach town popular with Thai visitors.

• By air: Most travelers fly to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), about 130 km away. A taxi or minibus to Pattaya takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) is closer, about 40 km south of the center, but it has fewer flights.
• By bus: Frequent coaches run from Bangkok's Ekkamai and Mo Chit terminals and from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• By taxi or private transfer: Convenient for groups and luggage. Agree on the price before you start, or use the meter.
• By train: A slow train runs from Bangkok. It is cheap but takes much longer than the bus.

• Songthaew (baht bus): Shared pick-up trucks run on fixed routes along Beach Road and Second Road. Press the bell to stop. They are the cheapest way to move along the coast.
• Taxis and motorbike taxis: Use the meter or agree on the price first. Drivers often quote high prices to tourists.
• Rental scooters: Common, but accidents are a real risk. Only rent one if you have experience and a valid license.
• On foot: The beach promenade is good for walking. Distances between areas are long, and sidewalks are poor.

• Is a car worth it?: A car is useful for day trips to gardens and nearby coast towns. In the city center you do not need one.
• Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.
• Parking: Hotels and malls have parking. Street parking is limited near the beach and the nightlife area.
• Traffic: Roads are busy at weekends, especially on the highway from Bangkok on Friday evening and Sunday evening.

Pattaya is a good place for seafood. Look for grilled fish and prawns at beachside restaurants and at the night markets, and check prices before you order. Many restaurants serve food from around the world, especially near the center.

The best eating areas are the Naklua area in the north, where local seafood restaurants are popular with Thai visitors, and the night markets in the center.

Pattaya is safe for most visitors, but it needs more care than quiet Thai towns.

• Nightlife area: Watch your drinks and your bill. Do not go with strangers to private rooms.
• Jet ski scams: Some rental operators claim you damaged the jet ski and ask for large payment. Avoid renting them, or take photos before you ride.
• Bag snatching: Thieves on motorbikes sometimes grab bags near the road. Carry bags on the side away from traffic.
• Water: Drink bottled water. The water near the main beach can be dirty after rain, so swim at the islands when possible.
• Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.

Pattaya was a small fishing village until the 1960s. American soldiers came here to rest during the Vietnam War, and the town grew fast. Hotels, bars and restaurants followed. After that, tourism from Thailand and from around the world turned it into the resort it is today.

Sanctuary of Truth shows an older Thai spirit. It was started in the early 1980s and is built by hand in wood, in the style of traditional Thai temples.

Quick practical facts for Thailand at a glance: