Pattaya is a large city in the province of Chonburi in the centre of Thailand. Situated approximately 150 km to the south of Bangkok, Pattaya has a notorious reputation around the world for its wild nightlife, consisting of go-go bars and beer bars. However, tourism authorities are making an effort to promote the city as a family-friendly destination.
In spite of the best intentions to clean up the city, the sex industry is still going strong and is the main money earner for the city. The city attracts tourists from all over the world, particularly from Russia, the Middle East and Europe.
Pattaya's nightlife has reputation around the world.
Asides from the millions of international travellers who visit Pattaya each year, just as many local travellers head to the seaside resort from Bangkok and around the country. This can make the city almost unbearable on a long weekend, when it feels like half of Bangkok has packed up and gone to Pattaya.
Beachgoers may be a little disappointed with what they find in Pattaya, in spite of government attempts to improve the quality of the beaches. If you’re looking for a holiday, and the sight of old, topless, overweight men is a turn off for you, like it is for me, consider a vacation elsewhere in Thailand.
Pattaya isn't exactly renowned for its stunning beaches.
Having said this, one of the best little secrets is located 45 minutes by boat (15 minutes by speedboat) from Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier, and that is Koh Larn. Koh Larn is a beautiful natural island situated about 7km off the coast of Pattaya, and boasts one of the best beaches within three hours drive of Bangkok.
While overdevelopment has taken the city by hold, the flip side is that there is an incredible variety of accommodation, ranging from cheap, local-owned guesthouses that charge 500 baht a night, all the way through to luxury hotels from international chains. Food in the city is also top notch, with some excellent places on the city’s ‘Walking Street’.
The greater area spreads out over a vast area, taking into the coastal areas of Banglamung, Naklua (to the north of the city, as well as Jomtien Beach, one of the region’s most popular beachside resorts.
