If you have got this far through the guide, you are interested in a trip to Pattaya. This page gives some general information about Pattaya. We’ll then look at visas, getting yourself from the airport to Pattaya, accommodation, and what to expect once you are there.

Pattaya is located on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. It is approximately 150km from Bangkok and 125km from Suvarnabhumi airport. Travel time from Bangkok is about two hours and one and a half hours from the airport. The road is good now that the road works have been completed.

Pattaya was a small fishing village until US servicemen began arriving on R&R breaks from the Vietnam war via the nearby U-Tapao airport. With their arrival, the bar scene that is present today began to develop.

Being the oldest international beach resort in Thailand means you should not expect to see authentic Thailand in Pattaya. On the contrary, it is pretty unique. Also, don’t come to Pattaya if all you want is the beach. There are far more attractive beaches to go to than those near Pattaya.

Four areas in Pattaya may be of interest to the first-time visitor. North Pattaya, also known as Naklua, is north of the round-a-bout at the junction of Beach and Second roads. There are many bars in the area, and they tend to be dominated by German nationals.

To the south of South Pattaya Road is known as South Pattaya. In this area is the highly active area known as Walking Street. For many people, this is the be-all and end-all in Pattaya. Click on the map below for a larger version.

Between South and North Pattaya is Central Pattaya. This area has many bars and go-gos and is where most people find accommodation during their stay.

South of South Pattaya is Jomtien. There is a bar scene, but it is more subdued than in Pattaya. The six-kilometre beach is more attractive than the one in Pattaya.

Transportation is quick, easy, and cheap between the areas using the baht bus system. This will be detailed in a later section.