Where to Stay in Pattaya

Our Favorite Hotels in Pattaya

A five-star rated hotel is: Hilton
• 4-star: Monttra
• 3-star: COSI
• New: Arbour
• Boutique: Siam@Siam
• Low-priced: Blue Sky
• For families: Grande Centre
• For couples: Cape Dara

Istoria – The highest level lodge on the eastern part of the island, Istoria boasts a sparkling endless pool, a complete-service medical spa, fine-dining bistro, and an upper-class seaside encounter.

• Beach: Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort

a beach with palm trees and palm trees

The Best Areas to Stay in Pattaya

See Also

Highly Rated Accommodations in Pattaya

Within just five decades, this former fishing community has developed into one of Thailand’s major tourist destinations, located only 130km from downtown Bangkok. Visitors come both for the beach and the lively nightlife.
To take advantage of both activities, the best area to lodge along Pattaya’s central (downtown) stretch is recommended. It houses a 4km beach and seemingly never-ending shops, cafés, bars, high-end hotels, and world-class shopping centers. It’s a vibrant location with the sounds of water sports and busy roadways.

a beach filled with lots of boats on a sunny day

There are three regions in the central part of Pattaya: Around Walking Street, South Beach, and North Beach. Around Walking Street is a collection of alleys overcrowded with bars, cafes, and, to be honest, questionable places to spend time. There are few recommended hotels here. It’s more known for its nightlife. Hotels line the main roads in South Beach–some more reasonably priced than elsewhere–and cheap places to eat, drink, and shop pack the backstreets. North Beach is similar to South Beach but more upscale.

Na-Klua lies north of central Pattaya and houses high-end hotels, often tall buildings facing the ocean. Upscale restaurants and boutiques line the roads. Situated between Walking Street and Jomtien Beach, Buddha Hill has many luxury resorts overlooking secluded, immaculately kept beaches. Although facilities are limited, it appears removed from the noise, traffic, and crowds elsewhere.

a row of surfboards sitting on top of a beach

Buddha Hill is not connected by road or footpath to the distant northern part of Jomtien Beach called Dongtan. This beach is tranquil, clean, and shaded. The area is known for its gay bars and late-night activity – with a handful of establishments tending toward the more risqué end of the spectrum.

Extended, straight, and wide, Jomtien Beach is better for swimming than central Pattaya, and the coastside path is perfect for walking and cycling. Low-cost places to eat, drink, and shop crowd the back streets. North Jomtien is convenient to the rest of Pattaya and has terrific food markets, while South Jomtien is a bit more distant and quieter.

a man riding a bike down a street next to palm trees

Safety in Pattaya

Among the greatest dangers when visiting Pattaya come from one`s own actions – e.g., usage of hard drugs and excessive alcohol consumption – which can result in physical assault and arrest. Problems of this nature are not uncommon around the late-night areas like Walking Street. The other genuine possible threat for all visitors is becoming struck by a vehicle while cycling or crossing the roadway. Take much more precaution than you likely would at home and always make two assumptions: everyone will disregard traffic regulations, and pedestrians have absolutely no rights whatsoever. Additionally, take the standard safety measures around crowded streets, markets, and bus stations, where opportunistic petty crimes like bag-snatching and pickpocketing can be prevalent. Buddha Hill is located far from the loud, seedy, and potentially hazardous nightlife areas.

The Best Places to Stay in Pattaya

a large swimming pool in front of a large building

Best Areas in Pattaya for…

  • The part of Pattaya with the most sightseeing attractions is North Jomtien.
  • a row of colorful umbrellas on a city street With the large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists, there are many sights and activities available in and around Pattaya itself as well as in nearby areas. North Jomtien offers worthwhile local attractions such as the beachside Jomtien Night Market and the Rompho Market located along Jomtien Second Road. It is a brief stroll to Pattaya`s premier beach at Dongtan. This region is easily accessed through public transportation. Take the Songthaew taxi trucks to experience the nightlife scene at Walking Street. Some attractions are designed for Thai families, like the 😊 Pattaya Dolphinarium and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum of unusual items. Others raise ethical issues, such as the Crocodile Farm and Elephant Village. Few agencies offer organized tours because many visitors and residents have personal vehicles. If not, the best approach is to arrange a trip with a taxi driver where rates can be negotiated

  • Best Area in Pattaya for Nightlife: Around Walking Street
    Of course, many visitors come mainly for the nightlife. There is no shortage of places to drink and eat around Walking Street. During the day, some vehicles partly use the street, but at night, it quickly becomes exclusively for pedestrians. Most establishments are “girly bars” – loud and staffed by young Thai women and men, generally those in the sex industry. This is not the area for a quiet drink or a meal, and it`s best not to bring children. It can also attract trouble – from pickpockets and drunken fights to drug use – so always take care.
  • Best Area in Pattaya for Culinary Experiences and Eateries: North Beach (Northern Central Pattaya)
    a table that has some food on it

    Experiencing a spectacular sunset is the perfect way to conclude a great day in Naxos. The finest place to observe the sun sinking into the sea is from the Temple of Apollo. Crossing the footpath and climbing to the top of the hill at the Portara provides an unblocked view. Another excellent spot is on the hill above Grotta Beach, a calm little perch with a complete perspective of the sunset next to the temple ruins. To watch the sunset while dining, reserve a table at one of the balcony or rooftop restaurants at the port ( Boulamatsis is the best) with scenery looking over the marina and Portara. To see sweeping panoramic views, head inland to the mountains. Rotonda restaurant on the road to Apeiranthos overlooks hills and valleys, chapels, olive groves, and the sun setting into the Aegean Sea.

  • Best Location in Pattaya for the Shoreline: Dongtan
    The primary appeal for most guests was the beaches. They stretched about 4km along Pattaya`s central area and another 6km further south at Jomtien. Smaller beaches dotted the coast at Na-Klua and Buddha Hill. However, the quality, location, and amenities differed greatly. North Beach and South Beach were narrow in spots with crowded umbrellas and chairs often near loud water sports next to busy roads. Beaches at North Jomtien and South Jomtien were more expansive, cleaner and quieter but still impacted by jet skis and other water vehicles. Quietly tucked away from main roadways and curiously overlooked by most visitors was the beach at Dongtan. This shaded extension of North Jomtien strived to stay clean and peaceful. Clear signs stated “No Loud Noises * No Littering”.
  • Top Spot in Pattaya for Swimming: Dongtan
    Dongtan Beach (outlined above) is the finest location in Pattaya for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water, particularly with children. It’s conveniently situated along an undeveloped dead-end street and remote from main roads and large resorts. Most regions of the water are roped off from noisy water sports. The sand is clean and shaded. Only a handful of hotels overlook the ocean, but there are plenty of places to reside among the adjacent backstreets.
  • Best Area in Pattaya for Aquatic Sports: North Jomtien
  • a number of people on a beach with a boat Whether people enjoy them or not, jet skis and various aquatic sports are generally accessible at most beaches in Pattaya. Except Dongtan Beach (see above), which provides quieter options like kayaking and windsurfing. While some areas near resorts are cordoned off from jet skis, the commotion is still difficult to escape. Rent jet skis from independent operators on the shore at negotiable prices. Pattaya doesn`t earn Phuket`s reputation for untrustworthy jet ski renters who insist on excessive charges for “harm” to the bottom (which can`t be seen underwater during rental). Still, exercise great care when renting an expensive jet ski or boat and request referrals from your hotel. A few reputable dive agencies, like Pattaya Dive Centre (South Beach) and Jomtien Dive Center (South Jomtien), offer scuba diving and snorkeling excursions.

  • Best Area in Pattaya for Outdoor Activities and Organized Tours: South Beach (South Central Pattaya)
  • Compared to other popular island destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui, Pattaya has fewer outdoor activities besides those mentioned above. Inquiries made at travel agencies located along the backstreets of South Beach may provide options to join organized tours, particularly of nearby coral islands such as Koh Larm, which is also accessible from Pattaya via regular public ferries. Advertisements displayed in travel agency windows may promote “tours”, although this actually refers to their ability to arrange private vehicle charters with drivers at negotiable rates.

  • Best Areas in Pattaya for Views: Buddha Hill and Na-Klua
    Most hotels in Pattaya line the crowded backstreets and alleyways of Jomtien and central Pattaya. So, a balcony will probably directly face another across a busy road. Only a handful of expensive high-rise hotels offer sea views across a busy roadway. The two peninsulas known as Buddha Hill and Na-Klua are spacious, hilly, and pleasingly underdeveloped. Rooms in these hotels are within about 100 meters of the coast and provide uninterrupted views of the islands, bays, and beaches
  • Preferred Area in Pattaya for Tranquility: Dongtan Beach
    a sandy beach with palm trees and umbrellas The frequent signs bordering the white, shaded, and spotless beach at Dongtan emphasize their message, “No Loud Noises * No Littering * No Bar-B-Q,” and most swimmers and sunbathers adhere to these rules. This loveable extension of North Jomtien remains quietly isolated from major roads, large resorts, and boisterous bars. Patrons can enjoy a beverage, coffee, or meal at a relaxed cafe facing the sea, unaffected by jet skis, motorcycles, and loud background music. Dongtan Beach follows a dead-end street. The selection of accommodations overlooking the sea is limited, so the area stays peaceful and quiet. However, the back lanes of Dongtan are comparatively noisier but not as busy and loud as the central Pattaya region.
  • Premier Area in Pattaya for Walking and Cycling: North Jomtien Beach
    The delightful beachside path is the most enjoyable place to exercise or explore whether using one`s own two feet or using two wheels. Stretching over 6 km along Jomtien Beach and further north at Dongtan before the route ends at Buddha Hill, this extensive, straight, and level path is mostly clear of obstructions. However, it is shared with other walkers, joggers, and cyclists all appreciating the views and breezes. Renting bicycles proves more challenging than anticipated. A few vendors along North Jomtien Beach where it merges with Dongtan offer rentals. Otherwise, some hotels provide bicycle rental, some even complimentary for guests.
  • Best Area in Pattaya for Shops and Malls: North Beach (North Central Pattaya)
    The backstreets and alleyways around central Pattaya and Jomtien are full of boutiques selling exquisite jewelry and stalls offering souvenirs. However, many visitors and locals like to shop in air-conditioned comfort at a Western-style shopping center. Just down from the landmark Dolphin Roundabout at North Beach is Terminal 21 Pattaya. It has an remarkable structure with an airplane out front, various shops, a food court, a gym, and movie theaters. Accommodations in North Beach are also within a short walk of the fantastic multi-level Central Pattaya center, still referred to by its former name: Central Festival
  • Most Suitable Area in Pattaya for Transportation: North Jomtien
    Public transportation connects all major roads around Pattaya and the backstreets. These taxi trucks called a songthaew, have bench seating for about 12 people though several more passengers can (and do) stand on the rear edge. Every few minutes, songthaew trucks travel along both roads through Jomtien and central Pattaya via an entrance to Walking Street. They don’t go to Buddha Hill and, less regularly, to Na-Klua. They can be flagged down anywhere along these roads for a neighborhood fare of 10 baht (less than 30 cents). Despite the words “taxi meter” on top, most taxis are private vehicles that don’t employ or even have a meter. Fares for visitors are outrageous but far more affordable using the ride-sharing app Bolt (like Uber). North Jomtien is convenient for all public transportation.
  • Best Areas in Pattaya for Airports: South Beach (South Central Pattaya)
    Three transportation hubs serve those visiting Pattaya. Many arrive through the capital – the global Suvarnabhumi Airport (123km) or domestic Don Mueang Airport (170km), handling budget international flights. To either from Pattaya, one can arrange a direct taxi or minibus (potentially picking up from the hotel) through a travel agency for a set cost. Otherwise, regular direct buses (about two hours) depart for both airports from Jomtien Bus Station. It`s on the main road between Buddha Hill and Jomtien Beach. The local airstrip Utapao is used for military planes but has some domestic links to Chiang Mai and chartered international flights from Russia. Utapao is 45 km from South Beach and can be reached by taxi or, periodically, by minibus from Central Pattaya Mall. Taxi fares booked through an agency are fixed (but inflated), and “metered cabs” rarely use meters and will charge more. The ride-sharing app Bolt (like Uber) is much cheaper, though prices may rise if demand is high
  • Best Area in Pattaya for Families: Buddha Hill
  • a living room filled with furniture and toys The best place for families to stay is at a comfortable hotel or resort at Buddha Hill. This peninsula is convenient, spacious, and tranquil and offers views, fresh air, and greenery rarely seen elsewhere in Pattaya. Although a popular destination for Thai families from Bangkok, some parts of Pattaya have a well-deserved reputation. The area around Walking Street at night is not suitable for children.

  • Best Area in Pattaya for a Romantic Getaway: Na-Klua
  • a patio area with chairs, tables and umbrellas Stay at Na-Klua for privacy, seclusion, and tranquility. Numerous trendy eateries and upscale boutiques are within walking distance to the north and south of Dolphin Roundabout.”

  • Best Area in Pattaya for First-Time Visitors: Buddha Hill
    As specified earlier, the crowds, noise, and traffic can weary regular visitors, not to mention those arriving for the first time. Reserve accommodations at a comfortable hotel in Buddha Hill that can provide fresh air, views, space, greenery, and tranquility not possible elsewhere in Pattaya (aside from Na-Klua). Buddha Hill is also convenient to – but peacefully removed from – the three popular areas: downtown Pattaya (for shopping), Jomtien (for beaches), and Walking Street (for nightlife).
  • people on a beach near the ocean

    The 8 Best Areas in Pattaya for Tourists

    1. South Beach (Southern Central Pattaya)

    a beach with palm trees and palm trees

    The vibe is affordable holiday with organized tours, outdoor activities, and simple airport transfers from travel agencies. The back lanes are busy with inexpensive spots to eat, drink, and shop featuring many globally-known fast-food outlets. It’s a brief walk from Walking Street, unofficially known as South Beach. The beach is decent but less appealing as one approaches Walking Street. It’s within the busiest part of central Pattaya stretching from the sea to Pattaya Second (Sai Song) Road and from South Pattaya Road to Central Pattaya Road.

    .

    a beach filled with lots of green plants and trees

    2. North Beach (Northern Central Pattaya)

    a large building with a view of the ocean

    Conveniently within walking distance of South Beach and Na-Klua (see later), North Beach caters more to an upscale clientele dominated by international chain resorts and high-rise accommodations. The side streets are also (over)populated with inexpensive lodging, cafes, shops, and bars, but higher-end restaurants and elegant boutiques can also be found. Generally well-kept, the beach may experience some intrusive noise from aquatic sports activities.

    .

    a beach filled with lots of colorful umbrellas

    • The Best Hotels in North Beach:
      Amari Hotel phone: +66 38 418 418
      Hard Rock Contact number: +66 38 428 755
      Holiday Inn Hotel phone: +66 38 725 555
      Mytt Hotel contact number: +66 38 259 510

      Close to: The Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Fira nightlife, dining, and shopping.

    • Best Boutique Hotels:
      Siam@Siam Hotel phone: +66 38 930 600
      One Patio Contact number: +66 38 199 326
      The B&B Roma Borgo91 provides its guests with Hotel phone access at +39 06 9259 2658
      Mera Mare Hotel contact number: +66 38 111 800
      Empress Hotel phone: +66 38 416 652
    • Best Family Hotels:
      Hard Rock Contact number: +66 38 428 755
      Holiday Inn Hotel phone: +66 38 725 555
    • Vista Hotel phone: +66 38 052 300.
    • Best Moderate Hotels:
      Blue Sky Contact: +66 38 413 793
      TJ Guest House Hotel phone: +66 38 489 112
      Queen Victoria Inn Hotel contact number: +66 38 362 523

    3. Around Walking Street

    a red fire hydrant sitting on top of a wooden dock

    Walking Street gains mention as it represents a major attraction for many visitors to Pattaya. The central positioning serves as an obvious point of reference for exploring other areas of the city. Used by some vehicles throughout the daytime hours before converting to a pedestrian-only pathway after dark, Walking Street swarms with bars – and little else. All employ young Thai women, and in some locales, young Thai men as well, with some staff available for sex work. The beach remains largely undeveloped, so vendors don`t bother providing umbrellas or lounge chairs. Hotels serve the convenience of late-night revelers and those renting by the hour. Public transportation called songthaew, essentially an open-air taxi truck, stops at the northern edge of Walking Street.

    a beach filled with lots of colorful umbrellas

    • The Best Hotels Around Walking Street:
      Siam Bayshore Resort can be contacted at +66 38 428 678
      Balihai Bay Contact: +66 38 252 797
    • Best Moderate Hotels:
      W14 Hotel contact number: +66 38 420 268
      Grand Hotel contact number: +66 38 429 696
      Nightstar Hotel phone: +66 33 122 632
      XQ provides its guests with Hotel phone access at +66 62 491 2888
      Top Thai – The hotel contact number is +66 90 132 5559

    4. Na-Klua

    a beach area with chairs and umbrellas

    North of the well-known Dolphin Roundabout at the top of North Beach is the extended peninsula generally called Na-Klua. It incorporates the beach areas of Wong Amat (within walking distance or a songthaew ride of North Beach) and Wong Phrachan (only accessible by taxi).

    The slim but peaceful shorelines are flawlessly maintained before inns, perfect for a sentimental escape. Much of the water is restricted for visitors facing significant hotels, which decreases the disturbance of noisy water sports.

    a man standing in front of a boat filled with food

    The access road south of the Centara Grand Mirage resort heads to a fish market and public beach. Most lodging in Na-Klua are huge resorts, boutique hotels, or flats for families. Upscale cafés and shops line the main road and back alleys. Songthaew public transportation connects to South Beach, but some taxi trucks detour into the chaotic backstreets instead of along the coastline road)..

    a swimming pool with a bunch of people in it

    • The Best Hotels in Na-Klua:
      Grand Centre Point Space Hotel phone number: +66 33 268 888
      Cape Dara Hotel contact number: +66 38 933 888
      The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya located at Centara Grand Mirage. Their telephone number is +66 38 301 234
      Courtyard Hotel contact: +66 33 140 500
      Following that was “
    • Santa Marina” and its contact phone number “Hotel phone: +30 22890 23220
    • Bumbu Bali Tanjung – Highly regarded traditional setting, authentic Balinese cuisine, and cooking classes. 700m north of the resort.
    • Best Boutique Hotels:
      COSI Hotel telephone number: +66 38 182 345
      Swiss Paradise Hotel contact: +66 62 362 3519
      Woodlands Hotel telephone number: +66 38 421 707
      Manhattan Contact number: +66 38 225 320
    • Best Family Hotels:
      Grand Centre Point Space Hotel phone number: +66 33 268 888
      The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya located at Centara Grand Mirage. Their telephone number is +66 38 301 234
      Woodlands Hotel phone: +66 38 052 299
      Courtyard Hotel contact: +66 33 140 500
      Following that was “
    • Santa Marina” and its contact phone number “Hotel phone: +30 22890 23220
    • The Weekend Hotel contact number: +66 38 422 354

    • Best Moderate Hotels:
      The Hermitage Inn contact number: +66 38 414 616
      Sawasdee Place Hotel contact number: +66 38 225 480

    5. Buddha Hill

    a scenic view of a city with palm trees

    The landmass known as Buddha Hill (or Pratumnak) is positioned between Walking Street and Jomtien Beach however, sadly, not inside comfortable walking proximity of either place. In sharp comparison to most of Pattaya’s busy and loud areas, Buddha Hill is risk-free, spacious, green, and quietly absent from traffic flow. It’s perfect for families and first-time visitors. Gigantic condominium complexes and mega-hotels providing enormous, unhindered ocean perspectives control the region. On the disadvantageous side, merely a few sections of the coastline have decent beaches, and there are confined tourist conveniences, apart from in the southern area, where Buddha Hill merges with Dongtan Beach. Public transportation by taxi trucks is not available, but taxis can be arranged at lodgings effortlessly.

    a red umbrella sitting in the middle of a pool

    6. Dongtan

    bunches of bananas sitting on the side of a road

    This beachside zone is surprisingly peaceful yet convenient, housing a few modest hotels, some facing the glorious shoreline while others are among the backstreets, with a standing as a destination for those drawn to gay-friendly establishments. Dongtan Beach is where visitors can enjoy relaxing with refreshments or dining at a laidback seaside café with ocean panoramas and minimal vehicle traffic. The sand is pale and shaded, and water activities are chiefly restricted from loud diversions. In fact, frequent notices posted on the sand demonstrate a goal to retain serenity – “No Loud Noises * No Littering * No Bar-B-Q” – so it`s ideal for unwinding and swimming, especially bringing children along.).

    a swimming pool filled with lots of green umbrellasa bed sitting in a bedroom next to a window

    7. North Jomtien

    a beach filled with palm trees and palm trees

    The primary road from central Pattaya veers south around Buddha Hill before running parallel to a lovely, lengthy (6km) beach called Jomtien. The northern section is convenient to central Pattaya and Walking Street by songthaew truck taxis. It becomes crowded after 5 pm, but its quieter, shaded beach can be walked to from Dongtan.

    a grocery store filled with lots of fresh produce

    The extended beachside route through North Jomtien, South Jomtien, and Dongtan is perfect for strolling, jogging, and cycling. Most hotels are low-key yet comfortable and reasonable priced. With calm waters and white sand filled with umbrellas and deck chairs, this is a far calmer region for swimming and sunbathing than central Pattaya. Water sports are still prevalent, though. The food markets along the beachside and inner main roads (see earlier) are added attractions)..

    a large pool of water in front of a building

    8. South Jomtien

    a display of fruits and vegetables at a market

    Once the beachside road through Jomtien crosses the initial intersection regulated by traffic signals, the width of the beach expands. There are roughly half as many beach chairs and umbrellas available for rental along this stretch. This is because further south along Jomtien Beach, especially further down the coast, condominiums become more prevalent than hotels or resorts. Many residing in southern Jomtien have personal vehicles, so public transport via pickup trucks is less frequent. The road eventually turns inland and joins the highway to Rayong, another beach destination, and Utapao Airport, located approximately 45 kilometers from central Pattaya).

    a large white building with a clock on top

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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