🚢 Ferry + Bus: Take a ferry to Ban Phe Pier → then bus/minivan to Pattaya (~1.5 hours).
From Phuket / Krabi / Other Southern Cities
✈️ Fly to U-Tapao Airport (UTP) – Then taxi to Pattaya (~30 mins).
🚌 Bus via Bangkok – Long journey (12+ hours), better to fly.
History of Pattaya: From Fishing Village to Tourist Hotspot
Pattaya’s transformation from a quiet fishing village into Thailand’s most famous beach resort city is a fascinating story. Here’s a look at its history:
Early Beginnings (Pre-1960s) 🎣
Pattaya (พัทยา) was originally a small fishing community inhabited by Thai and Chinese families.
The name “Pattaya” may come from “Phra Tha Ya”, meaning the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the start of the rainy season.
Life revolved around fishing, coconut farming, and salt production.
The Vietnam War & the Birth of Tourism (1960s) ✈️
Pattaya’s modern history began during the Vietnam War (1955–1975).
American soldiers stationed at U-Tapao Airbase (near Sattahip) visited Pattaya for R&R (rest and relaxation).
Bars, guesthouses, and entertainment venues sprang up to cater to soldiers, marking the start of Pattaya’s nightlife scene.
After the war ended, budget travelers and backpackers began replacing soldiers.
Tourism Boom (1970s–1990s) 🏖️
The Thai government promoted Pattaya as a tourist destination in the 1970s.
Infrastructure improved—roads, hotels, and beaches were developed.
Walking Street became the center of nightlife, attracting international visitors.
By the 1980s–90s, Pattaya was known for:
Beach tourism (Jomtien, Koh Larn)
Nightlife & adult entertainment
Golf resorts & international hotels
Modern Pattaya (2000s–Present) 🌆
Pattaya shifted from a backpacker and nightlife hub to a family-friendly and luxury destination.
New attractions were built:
Sanctuary of Truth (1981–present, still unfinished)
Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark (2014)
Terminal 21 Shopping Mall (2018)
Russian and Chinese tourists became major visitor groups.
Problems & Challenges:
Overdevelopment & pollution concerns
Reputation for sex tourism (though efforts have been made to diversify)
Key Events in Pattaya’s History
Year
Event
1961
First major hotel (Nipa Lodge) opens
1978
Pattaya becomes an official city
1980s
Koh Larn (Coral Island) becomes a tourist hotspot
2009
Political riots (Red Shirts vs. government)
2010s
Rise of Russian tourism, luxury condos
2020s
Post-COVID recovery, focus on family tourism
Pattaya Today
Main Industries: Tourism, real estate, nightlife, fishing
The first European tourists in the 1960s were mostly hippies and backpackers.
Walking Street was originally just a simple beachfront road before becoming an entertainment hub.
Pattaya was not heavily affected by the 2004 tsunami (unlike Phuket).
Here’s a complete guide to Pattaya’s top landmarks and attractions, categorized for easy planning:
🏝️ Beaches & Islands
Pattaya Beach – The bustling main beach with water sports and nightlife.
Jomtien Beach – A quieter, family-friendly stretch with beachfront dining.
Koh Larn (Coral Island) – Pristine beaches like Tawaen and Samae, perfect for snorkeling.
Naklua Beach – Local vibe with seafood shacks and fewer tourists.
🕌 Cultural & Spiritual Landmarks
Sanctuary of Truth – Stunning hand-carved wooden temple by the sea.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) – Iconic golden Buddha with panoramic views.
Wat Yansangwararam – Massive temple complex blending Thai, Khmer, and Chinese styles.
Wat Khao Phra Bat – Serene hilltop temple with a giant white Buddha.
🎭 Entertainment & Shows
Tiffany’s Show – World-famous cabaret with glittering costumes.
Alcazar Cabaret – Rival show with Vegas-style performances.
Art in Paradise – Interactive 3D illusion museum (great for kids).
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – Oddities and quirky exhibits.
🌿 Nature & Outdoor Adventures
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden – Botanical wonderland with cultural shows and elephants.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo – Safari-style zoo with tigers, giraffes, and night tours.
Ramayana Water Park – Thrilling slides and lazy rivers.
Flight of the Gibbon – Zipline through rainforest canopies.
🛍️ Markets & Shopping
Walking Street – Neon-lit nightlife hub (18+ after dark).
Thepprasit Night Market – Weekend market for cheap clothes, food, and souvenirs.
Pattaya Floating Market – Boat-filled market with regional Thai snacks.
Terminal 21 – Themed mall with global-inspired floors.
🎢 Unique Experiences
Cartoon Network Amazone – Water park with cartoon-themed rides.
Underwater World – Walkthrough aquarium with sharks and rays.
Mini Siam – Miniature replicas of global landmarks.
Silver Lake Vineyard – Scenic wine estate with grape plantations.
🚤 Day Trips Near Pattaya
Koh Samet – Idyllic island with powdery beaches (2.5 hours away).
Koh Si Chang – Quiet island getaway with royal palaces.
Mueang Boran (Ancient City) – Open-air museum of Thailand’s iconic structures.
📍 Must-See Landmarks for Photos
📸 Pattaya Viewpoint – The “Pattaya City” sign overlooking the bay.
📸 Bali Hai Pier – Colorful boats and gateway to Koh Larn.
📸 Pattaya Hill (Khao Pattaya) – Sunset views over the skyline.
Pattaya offers various transportation options to explore the city, from cheap local rides to private taxis. Here’s a complete guide to getting around Pattaya:
1. Baht Bus (Songthaew) – CHEAPEST & MOST COMMON 🚐
What? Converted pickup trucks with benches, running fixed routes.
Routes:
Pattaya Beach Road ↔ Second Road (one-way loop).
Jomtien ↔ Naklua (different routes, ask before boarding).
Fare:10 THB per person for short rides (up to ~3km), 20-30 THB for longer trips (e.g., Jomtien to Walking Street).
How to Use?
Flag one down, hop on, press the buzzer to stop.
Pay when getting off (cash only).
Private hire? Negotiate (usually 100-200 THB for a short trip).
Best for: Budget travelers, short distances.
2. Motorbike Taxis (Win) – FAST BUT RISKY 🏍️
What? Orange-vested riders offering quick rides.
Fare:30-100 THB depending on distance (e.g., 50 THB for Beach Road to Central Festival).
Pros: Avoids traffic, good for solo travelers.
Cons: No helmets (often), risky in rain/peak traffic.
Best for: Short urgent trips when baht buses are full.
3. Taxis (Metered & Private) – CONVENIENT BUT EXPENSIVE 🚖
Regular Taxis (Metered): Rare in Pattaya; most refuse meters.
Private Taxis/Grab:
Grab (app-based): Reliable, fixed prices (~150-300 THB for cross-city trips).
Hotel Taxis: Overpriced (300-500 THB for short trips).
Best for: Groups, late-night rides, AC comfort.
4. Motorbike Rental – FLEXIBLE BUT DANGEROUS 🛵
Cost:200-400 THB/day (automatic scooters).
Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) + passport deposit.
Risks: Heavy traffic, high accident rates, police fines (no license).
Best for: Confident riders exploring outskirts (Koh Larn, Silver Lake).
5. Car Rental – FOR DAY TRIPS 🚗
Cost:800-1,500 THB/day (small car).
Pros: Freedom to visit Khao Kheow Zoo, Nong Nooch, or Rayong.
Cons: Parking can be tricky, Thai driving habits chaotic.
