Pattaya Beach

Where it is & how to get there

• From Bangkok: About 2 hours by car or bus from Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport.
• Baht bus: Blue songthaews loop Beach Road and Second Road for a small fare.
• Coral Island: Ferries to Koh Larn leave from Bali Hai pier.

The story of Pattaya Beach

Pattaya was a quiet fishing village until the 1960s, when it grew into one of Thailand's biggest beach resorts. Its crescent-shaped bay is lined by Beach Road, with a wide promenade, hotels and malls.

The beach is busy with jet skis, parasailing and beach chairs. Many visitors take a short ferry to Koh Larn, or Coral Island, where the water is clearer.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Go at sunset along Beach Road.
• Take the ferry to Koh Larn for cleaner beaches.
• Agree on prices before renting jet skis, and check them for damage first.

What's around Pattaya Beach

• Koh LarnCoral Island, 45 minutes by ferry.
• Central Festival PattayaBeachfront mall.
• Big Buddha Hill10 minutes south.
• Sanctuary of TruthGiant wooden temple-palace in the north.

Questions travellers ask