A solo dos horas y media en coche de Bangkok, Pattaya es uno de los balnearios más accesibles de Tailandia y, con sus largas playas de arena, paseos bordeados de palmeras y exuberantes jardines tropicales, merece su popularidad. Si bien el auge turístico de Pattaya podría haberle otorgado una reputación como una escapada hedonista, detrás de la franja de bares go-go, salones de masajes y bares de cócteles, hay lujosos complejos turísticos y playas vírgenes para tentar incluso al viajero más exigente. Las playas y la animada vida nocturna pueden ser el atractivo principal, pero vale la pena tomarse el tiempo para explorar las otras atracciones de Pattaya. El templo Wat Khao Phra Bat en la cima de la colina, con su gigantesco Buda dorado, ofrece vistas espectaculares sobre la bahía de Pattaya; el Jardín Tropical Nong Nooch está repleto de vibrantes orquídeas y plantas exóticas; y el mercado flotante de Pattaya es uno de los más animados del país. Para los más aventureros, el Flight of the Gibbon en Khao Kheow Open Zoo debería estar en la parte superior de su lista, mientras que la cercana playa de Jomtien es un punto de acceso para deportes acuáticos como windsurf, parasailing y buceo. Frente a la costa, hay varias posibilidades para excursiones de un día a la isla, con Koh Si Chang, Koh Samet y la isla de Koh Larn a solo un corto viaje en bote.
November through February is the most popular time to visit Pattaya, but don’t be fooled by locals calling it the "cool season"—temperatures rarely drop below 70°F (21°C). It’s also the high season, so expect crowds and prices to match, especially during flagship events such as the Lantern Festival (Loy Krathong Festival), Maya Music Festival, and Wonderfruit. If you can withstand the climbing temperatures and humidity, it’s less crowded March-May, and Thai New Year (Songkran) festivities in April are legendary.
Many central attractions and beaches are reachable on foot, and the bumper-to-bumper traffic often means that it’s quicker to walk. If you need to go further afield, Baht buses, Pattaya’s version of the songthaew, are the cheapest way to get around and stop at all the main points of interest. Alternatively, download Grab (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber) or flag down a taxi—just make sure the meter is on.
You’ll need your own transport or to take a taxi to reach Ban Amphur beach, around 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of Pattaya. Local families and expats frequent this stretch of golden sand, and it’s a welcome relief from the tourist-packed urban beaches. Snag a shady spot beneath the palm trees and tuck into some fresh seafood from the beachfront restaurants.
Pattaya is best-known for its beaches, nightclubs, high-rise hotels, and shopping malls. A two-hour drive from Bangkok, it’s a popular weekend getaway from the capital. Some of its bars and clubs are open 24 hours so the city is a much-loved nightlife destination.
...MásMany travelers find that two or three days is enough time in Pattaya, depending on their interests. Beach activities and water sports, museums, temples, shopping, and nightlife can be fit into a couple of days in Pattaya, but travelers with more time can find plenty to do.
...MásThe do’s and don’ts in Pattaya are similar to elsewhere in Thailand. Do watch your belongings to avoid petty crime. Don’t speak negatively about the Thai king or royal family. Don’t point with your feet, or turn your back on a statue of Buddha. Do wear modest clothing in temples.
...MásCouples will find plenty of things to do in Pattaya. Spend time together at built-up Pattaya Beach, try water sports, enjoy an evening out dining and drinking (and perhaps dancing), and visit popular attractions such as Underwater World or Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
...MásMany travelers consider Pattaya Beach to be the best beach in Pattaya, as it’s a bustling 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of sand with beach chairs. Other great beaches include those on Coral Island, just off the coast of Pattaya, as well as Dongtan Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Bamboo Beach.
...MásYou can go to Pattaya’s many beaches for free, including Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Paradise Beach. In some places you’ll pay to use beach chairs and other facilities, but sitting on public stretches of sand and swimming costs nothing. Another free place to check out is Pattaya Walking Street.
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