Pattaya, a festive seaside resort in northern Thailand, attracts many young people because of its dynamism and attractiveness. With its long sandy beaches and lively nightlife, Pattaya is one of the most densely populated cities in the country. That’s why knowing where to stay in Pattaya is essential to enjoying your stay.
In this article, we describe each district of the seaside resort, with its particularities, to help you determine where to stay: location, atmosphere, means of travel and types of accommodation on offer are to be followed in this article, along with a selection of hotels to suit every budget.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Pattaya, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Pattaya:
- $ this accomodation just a stone’s throw from Walking Street
- $$ this hotel chain offers spacious rooms and a view of the beach
- $$$ this luxury hotel proposes a wide range of services and overlooks the beach
Map of different areas to stay in Pattaya
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Pattaya
Areas where to stay in Pattaya
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Pattaya.
To stay south of downtown, on Walking Street
Located in Pattaya's lively downtown area, Walking Street is Pattaya's busiest tourist thoroughfare. Driven by curiosity or the desire to have fun, people generally come here for the lively nightlife. In fact, it's what has built Pattaya's sultry reputation. Popular with young people and party-goers, it's a hot spot with plenty of entertainment.
Reinforced by the many neon lights of the signs, this 750-meter-long avenue is lively, noisy and festive. Nightclubs, go-go bars, seafood restaurants, boxing shows, beer bars - Walking Street has it all... The lively nightlife, the loud music, the bar gigs that can be seen from the street and the alcohol consumption are all crowd pullers.
In terms of location, this is an excellent spot, right in the heart of the city. In fact, you'll find all the must-sees all around you. For example, the Big Buddha in the south is a 15-minute scooter (or tuk-tuk) ride away, and the Sanctuary of Truth is 30 minutes away. Otherwise, you can easily get around the rest of Pattaya on foot.
Hotels are plentiful in the area and very affordable. If the main purpose of your stay is to party, this is a great place to stay in Pattaya. More than just an experience, it's a must when visiting the resort. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a more peaceful place to stay with your family, we advise you to opt for another district.
Our recommendations for where to stay
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Good value for money for this budget hotel. The location, a stone's throw from Walking Street, is ideal. Rooms are clean and decent. The bar on the first floor has a pleasant atmosphere.
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A beautiful establishment not far from Walking Street, with an outdoor swimming pool, two à la carte Thai and Indian restaurants more a massage service (extra charge). A good place to stay in Pattaya.
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A refreshingly exotic setting for this hotel. A gym, tennis courts, a tour desk and a beachfront location are just some of the interesting features. Enjoy the two swimming pools and two restaurants, one of which offers seafood and an Asian menu.
Stay close to the beach on Beach Road
Looking for a quieter area without too much hustle and bustle? Beach Road may be a good place to stay, with interesting nightlife attractions. But the advantage of this neighborhood is its proximity to the beach. It's one of the best areas to stay in Pattaya, thanks to its central location, the Walking Street next door and its relaxing seaside atmosphere.
Pattaya Beach, Pattaya's main beach, stretches for 3 kilometers along the coast. The boulevard that follows it, called Beach Road, breaks off to make way for Walking Street. Coconut palms and lush palm trees await you here alongside this beautiful stretch of fine sand. As a result of its popularity, it's extremely busy. From here, you can catch a glimpse of the island of Koh Larn, which can be explored on a sea excursion.
Enjoy the beautiful sunset from the beach, before turning towards the town center. To spice up your evening, you can turn to the many bars, seafood and BBQ restaurants, or the few cabarets. The Alcazar and Tiffany's Show, two cabarets not to be missed, are located in this area. Another daytime attraction in the area is the Wat Nong Oo temple.
These are mostly hotels where you can stay. Rates are affordable, from budget to luxury. Most face the sea, but are also tucked away in the adjacent alleyways.
Our choice of places to stay
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This resort offers a sauna, outdoor pool and fitness center. The hotel is pleasant and allows you to enjoy the surrounding area at a lower price. It's a good place to stay on a budget.
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This resort of the Avani hotel chain is enchanting. With its well-kept surroundings and breathtaking views of the beach, it's one of the accommodations to remember. The 650 m² outdoor pool, spa and spacious rooms make this a pleasant place to stay in Pattaya.
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This Hilton hotel boasts incredible views across the bay. The elegant decor is chic and tasteful. Guests will appreciate the massage services, gym and outdoor pool. If you're on a budget, this is the place to stay.
Staying in the north in the Na Kluea district
The northern district of Na Kluea is also a popular area to stay in Pattaya. Although it's around 30 minutes from the must-sees to the south, it's still a good option for a quiet family or couple stay.
The advantage of staying here is that you'll be close to the resort's biggest must-see. The Sanctuary of Truth is Pattaya's best-known temple and well worth a visit. Alternatively, there's the Mini Siam, a park featuring miniature constructions of famous monuments. Finally, there are several beaches in the area, quieter and less crowded.
In terms of accommodation, these are hotel complexes facing the sea. Prices are correspondingly higher. As you can see, if you're looking for peace and quiet, want to get close to the must-sees and enjoy the area with your family, we recommend this area.
Hotels where to stay
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With its wave pool, gym and three restaurants, this is a pleasant place to stay. Located close to a main road for easy access to the center (26 min by cab), it's perfect for family stays.
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A beautiful setting for this resort located in the south of the district. We appreciate the tranquility of the place, the vegetation, the location, and so on. It's an address worth visiting. A romantic place to stay, perfect for lovers.
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This is an exceptional establishment: its sleek, modern style, sea views, private beach, large, bright rooms and outdoor pool make this a pleasant and inspiring place to stay.
To stay in the quiet south of Jomtien
The last place to stay in Pattaya is the area south of the city center, in Jomtien and Na Jomtien. Consisting of long beaches for water sports and one big must-see, this area is not to be overlooked on your list of areas to stay.
Jomtien Beach, stretching over 6 km, is more relaxed than Pattaya Beach. It's sure to delight water sports enthusiasts, with windsurfing, stand-up paddling, surfing and more on offer. A number of schools are available, offering equipment and board rentals. The big advantage of these beaches is their minimal use. Cleaner and quieter, they have a hidden paradise feel.
In terms of levels, the area abounds with botanical gardens and water parks. But above all, we're not far from the Big Buddha Temple, a religious site on the hill of Phra Tamnak, home to an 18-meter-high golden statue. It's clearly a must-see, and you'll be coming no matter what.
If you want to stay here, you'll need to find some form of transport, as the city center is at least twenty minutes away. Tuk-tuk, cabs and scooters are a must. As for establishments, you'll find an impressive number right on the beach.
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The pool is huge. The layout is well thought-out: it can be accessed from the balcony of some ground-floor apartments. The duplex apartments are welcoming. The beach is about 1km away.
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Spacious, pleasant and aesthetically pleasing, this resort boasts a 4-star rating. The swimming pool is surrounded by vegetation, the restaurant offers a Thai menu, and the hotel terrace overlooks the ocean. All in all, it's a great place to stay in Pattaya.
Summary
Now you know where to stay in Pattaya: if you want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, we recommend the city center, especially around Walking Street. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to relax with your family or as a couple, opt for the more out-of-the-way districts to the north and south.