Pattaya

Pattaya is 170 kilometres southeast of Bangkok located on the side of Gulf of Thailand. Asia's premier beach resort being popular for over a couple of decades catering equal appeal to families, couples and individual visitors. With the nearest distance and easy access from Bangkok, this resort destination's relaxing tropical ambience is fulfilled with every enjoyment for memorable vacation.

Pattaya Hotels

Accommodation ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses. Currently, only a few of the big international chained hotels are in place. However, there are more upper class accommodations coming up to coincide with the opening of Bangkok's new International Airport, namely Suwannabhumi Airport.

Getting to Pattaya

The main drawback to Pattaya for the independent traveler is getting there.Pattaya lies about 190 kilometres (120 miles) southeast of Bangkok via the new motorway. The trip will take less than two hours. Buses leave Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal on hourly basis. The schedule may change without prior notice.

Travelling to Pattaya from Bangkok by air is not recommended. The closest airport to Pattaya is the U-Tapao Air Force Base, which also serves as a domestic airport. It is nearly an hour drive from U-Tapao Air Force Base to Pattaya. For the time consumed with checking in and collecting your baggage upon arrival at Pattaya, it will be longer than trip by car. Therefore, it is not recommended if you are already in Bangkok.

Things to Do

You will find all major water sports on offer from many outlets along the beach. There is scuba diving, windsurfing, jet and water-skiing readily available. Please note that jet skis are confined to the designated areas for the safety purpose. You can also charter deep sea fishing from one of several places near the pier. Away from the water, you will find many other water sport activities to make yourself occupied during your stay in Pattaya. There are three bowling centres, several golf courses, bungee jumping, go karts and even an International Formula 3 Racing circuit within your reach.

Pattaya Beaches

The main attraction of Pattaya is its long curving beach. Stretching to the south, the hill rises and extends well into the sea. On top of the hill is a temple with a large-seated Buddha at the crown. There is a good panoramic view of beautiful Pattaya bay from this hill-top temple.

Apart from the hill in the southern end of Pattaya is Jomtien beach which is another long beach side. The water level is slightly deeper than that of Pattaya, and the section just south of the hill is very popular with local people. There are many sections here where you can rent a beach chair and order food and drinks from staff serving. Numerous beach vendors also walk pass by selling fruits, ice cream and many other things including beach massage. Another Beach near Pattaya is Bang Saen Beach.


The Jomtien Beach is located about 2 kilometers from southern end of Pattaya. This beach and the area has become more and more popular for swimming and water sports activities because it has a long straight coastline and has less boats anchored in the area.

There are many good hotels, bungalows, guest houses and restaurants. A large number of tourists visit this area to enjoy the nice scenery along the beautiful beach. Beach chairs are available to sit and to have food and drink, or to go swimming. Water sports such as windsurfing, water scooter, parasailing, speed boat riding, and even water skiing to refresh yourself.

Getting to Jomtien Beach
There are 4 ways From Bangkok to Jomtien Beach in Chonburi Province
1. Bangna - Trat road Highway No.34 to Chonburi and proceed to Pattaya
2. Bangkok - Minburi highway No. 304 leading to Chachuangshao - Bang Pakong and then to Chonburi to proceed to Jomtien Beach
3. From old Sukhumvit Road highway No. 3 passing Samutprakan till Bang Pakong cross road and then turn to highway no. 34 to Chonburi to go to Jomtien
4. Motor way from Bangkok - Chonburi - Pattaya

Note :
- you can take air-conditioned bus or non-air-conditioned bus at Ekkamai (Eastern Bus Terminal)
- or train from Bangkok at Hua Lumphong Train Station to Pattaya or South Pattaya.

Bangsaen Beach

Bangsaen Beach is a famous beach for the local people and Bangkok's Expatriate Community. Approximately 13 kilometres from the city of Chonburi, it branches off to the right-hand side from Sukhumvit Highway, at kilometres 104, for a distance of 3 kilometres. Stretching along the beachfront, is a 2.5 kilometre Road.

Along the beach, one finds vendors offering drinks and seafood snacks such as squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale.
One can rent deck chairs and rubber rings for swimming. Fresh water bathing facilities are also available. There are many delicious seafood restaurants which are in line with the beach have recently been improved in an organised manner to make it more pleasant to enjoy food.

Bang Saen Beach is ideal for visitors with limited time frame who wish to relax with their family and friends. It also offers several hotels and bungalows for overnight lodging.

Getting to Bang Saen Beach, Chonburi Province

From Sukhumvit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed for another 3 Kilometres to get to Bang Saen Beach which is only 14 kilometres from Chonburi Province.

Bang Saen Beach is widely popular with local and expatriate vacationers who happily romp along the long beach and partake in the tasty food. The beach is particularly crowded on Weekends while it is relatively quiet during weekdays. Hotels, bungalows, food shops as well as recreational gears and bicycles for rent are located on the beachfront. Bus services are available from Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai in Bangkok throughout the day.