The US military presence during the Vietnam War, alongside the Thai Navy base at Sattahip and the US-developed U-Tapao Air Base, brought an influx of servicemen and the city's original nightlife reputation. Today the appeal is far broader: beaches, shopping, golf and world-class dining draw visitors year-round. See Pattaya: The Clear-Cut Choice for Expats on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard for how the city has evolved.
Climate, in Three Acts
- Cool season (Nov-Feb): 25-30°C, lower humidity, peak tourist period
- Hot season (Mar-Jun): up to 40°C with high humidity
- Rainy season (May-Oct): frequent showers and thunderstorms
Getting In and Around
Suvarnabhumi Airport is about an hour away, and U-Tapao International Airport around 40 minutes and expanding rapidly. By road it's 90 minutes to two hours from Bangkok via Motorway 7 or the Bangna-Trad Expressway, with three bus terminals also serving the route. Locally, baht buses, motorbike taxis, Grab, Bolt and metered taxis cover most needs. A high-speed rail link connecting Bangkok's two airports with U-Tapao via Pattaya is in development, expected to cut the Bangkok journey to around 30 minutes.
The Beaches
Water quality has improved noticeably over the past decade thanks to upgraded drainage and wastewater systems, alongside ongoing reclamation projects. Wongamat Beach in Naklua is quieter and more exclusive, home to the Sanctuary of Truth; Pattaya Beach itself is lively, with Walking Street currently undergoing a major facelift; Jomtien Beach is shaded and family-friendly; and Na Jomtien is smaller and scenic, known for seafood dining.
Shopping and Sport
Central Festival and Terminal 21 anchor the mall scene, Royal Garden Plaza offers sea-view dining, and Thepprasit and Buakhao night markets cover the bargain end. For sport, options run from kitesurfing and paddleboarding to some of Asia's best-value golf courses.
Staying Safe and Informed
Petty theft near major tourist spots is the main concern rather than violent crime, and the Tourist Police operate independently with multilingual assistance. English-language outlets like Pattaya Mail, Pattaya People and Pattaya Today, alongside German-language Pattaya Blatt and Farang, keep residents current, and fibre internet is widely available across the city.
Want a closer look at where in this varied city might suit you? Contact Town & Country Property.
About the Author
KC Cuijpers is the Managing Director & CEO of Town & Country Property Co., Ltd., a long-established real estate agency based in Jomtien, serving Pattaya, Jomtien, Bangsaray and the surrounding Eastern Seaboard.