Nicknamed the “City of Sin,” Pattaya is a city at the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi metropolitan area; with over 1 million people in this metro region, it is one of Thailand’s largest urban centers. Located about 100 kilometers from the Thai capital, on the Gulf of Thailand, this city is famous —or infamous— as the capital of debauchery in Southeast Asia. In recent years, however, local authorities have tried to shake off its sordid reputation, making a great effort to promote family-friendly tourism. If you’re traveling to this region and are looking for the best areas to stay in Pattaya, you have come to the right place!
Some of Pattaya’s most visited tourist attractions include the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, the Big Buddha Temple, and Mini Siam. If you’re interested in relaxing under the sun, white sand, and light-blue waters, you should definitely check out Pattaya, Dongtan, Jomtien, and Paradise beaches. But probably the biggest tourist attraction in this world-renowned resort town is its legendary nightlife. Most of Pattaya’s infamous night scene can be found around Walking Street and along the coast on Beach Road. For LGBTQ+ pubs, clubs, and cabarets, Boyztown, in Soi 3, is the place to go.
Thanks to its large travel industry and evergrowing tourist offering and infrastructure, Pattaya is also home to a wide variety of hotels ranging from budget backpacker hostels to some of the most exclusive beach resorts and luxury hotels in Thailand.
Whether you’re visiting for its beaches, nightlife, and sights or as a stopping point on your Southeast Asia adventure, keep reading for more information about the best areas to stay in Pattaya, Thailand.
If you’re in a hurry, this is a quick summary of our recommended areas to stay in Pattaya. Keep reading this article to find out more info about each area.
- Best area for sightseeing: North Pattaya
- Best area for nightlife: Pattaya Walking Street
- Best area for LGBTQ+ travelers: Walking Street | Dongtan Beach
- Best area for the Beach: Southern Beaches
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Pattaya, Thailand?
The best area to stay in Pattaya is Walking Street, especially if you’re looking for the best nightlife in town. This entertainment district is located in Pattaya South and offers the widest selection of pubs, bars, restaurants, and places to stay. The area is also fairly close to the beach and hosts some of the best-rated hotels in the Thai city.
Find Available Accommodation around Walking Street & South Pattaya.
Best Hotels around Pattaya’s Walking Street
- Best 5-star hotel: Avani Pattaya Resort
- Best 4-star hotel: M Casa Hotel Pattaya
- Best 3-star hotel: W14 Pattaya
- Best budget hotel: Galaxy Suites
- Best resort: Kokotel Pattaya South Beach
- Best B&B/guest house: Tuk’s Sports Bar
- Best hostel: Nightstar
Where to Stay in Pattaya for Sightseeing, Nightlife & Beaches
While not as big as Bangkok, Pattaya is actually quite large. Most of the attractions in Pattaya are found in its southern end and around Beach Rd, while others are scattered around town. These are some of the most interesting areas for visitors to Pattaya:
- If you’re looking for the best beaches in Pattaya, some of the best-rated ones, including Jomtien Beach and Dongtan Beach, are located in Pattaya South. Some great properties in this beachy area include the Rabbit Resort and The Heritage Pattaya.
- As we mentioned above, Walking Street is the best area to stay in Pattaya for nightlife. This busy pedestrianized thoroughfare is also close to the beach. The best hotels in this district include M Casa Hotel Pattaya and Galaxy Suites.
- On the other hand, North Pattaya is home to the breathtaking Sanctuary of Truth and several family-friendly attractions like Mini Siam. A gorgeous high-end property to check out in this area is the Golden Tulip Pattaya Beach Resort.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Pattaya, Thailand: District by District
1. Walking Street: Best Location in Pattaya for Nightlife
Located along the coast, Pattaya Walking Street is home to the city’s entertainment, nightlife and red-light district in the city. It is the favorite area to stay for travelers wishing to discover the more sordid and fun side to the City of Sin.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Pattaya, Thailand:
- City center
- Entertainment & nightlife area
- Red-light district
- Widest range of budget & midrange accommodations
- International restaurants
- Well-connected to the rest of the city
- Boyztown LGBTQ+ entertainment area
- Near Pattaya Beach and Beach Rd
Walking Street is an entertainment district in Pattaya City located in the city’s central part.
The street is a tourist attraction for both foreigners and Thai citizens, mainly thanks to its legendary nightlife. The Walking Street area includes seafood restaurants, live music venues, beer bars, clubs, sports bars, go-go bars, clubs, and hotels. It is also home to a small gay village known locally as Boyztown.
The street is pedestrianized and closed off to motor vehicles from 07:00 pm to 03:00 am. Although the closing hour of bars and clubs is officially at 04:00 am, some remain open illegally until later.
In addition to a large group of venues offering adult entertainment, a significant number of sex workers, both women, and men offer their services on the street.
Because of its sordid nature, this area is not at all recommended for families, but it is the best area for nightlife in Pattaya.
Best Hotels on and around Pattaya Walking Street
Avani Pattaya Resort
Avani Pattaya Resort is located in Pattaya city center and boasts a 650 m² outdoor pool and a spa. Spacious rooms feature a private balcony with sea, pool, or garden views. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
M Casa Hotel Pattaya
Situated within 700 m of Pattaya Beach, M Casa Hotel Pattaya features accommodation with a restaurant and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.
W14 Pattaya
Situated just steps away from Walking Street Pattaya, W14 Pattaya boasts a rooftop pool and cozy fully-furnished rooms with air conditioning. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
Galaxy Suites
Well set in the Pattaya Walking Street district of Pattaya South, Galaxy Suites is located 300 m from Pattaya Beach. Featuring a bar, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk and room service.
Kokotel Pattaya South Beach
A few minutes walk from the beach and the popular nightlife on Walking Street, Kokotel Pattaya South Beach offers an outdoor pool. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.
Tuk’s Sports Bar
Tuk’s Sports Bar in Pattaya Central provides adults-only accommodation with a restaurant and a bar around 200 m from Pattaya Beach.
Nightstar
Featuring a bar, shared lounge, and free WiFi, Nightstar is located in Pattaya South, 300 m from Pattaya Beach and 2.6 km from Cozy Beach.
2. Jomtien & Dongtan: Best Location in Pattaya for a Beach Holiday
Located about half an hour south of Walking Street, Pattaya’s southern beaches offer a quieter alternative to this Thai city’s legendary sordidness.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Pattaya, Thailand:
- Beach area
- Luxury hotels
- More upscale and less crowded than the city center
- LGBT beach
- High-end restaurants
- Great area for families
This area is located in the south of the city, half an hour from the crowded center of Pattaya.
It is a beach area dotted with high-class residential buildings, some green areas, and shopping centers.
The Jomtien and Dongtan beaches are generally less crowded than Pattaya Beach and are much more pleasant overall.
Dongtan beach offers a curious mix of Russian and LGBT tourists, while Jomtien Beach is more family-oriented.
The waters of the south coast of Pattaya are usually calm, ideal for water sports.
Hotels in the area tend to range from luxurious to very luxurious, but cheaper alternatives can be found.
In general, this beach area is a good option for tourists who want to avoid, as much as possible, the excesses of the city center.
Best Hotels on Pattaya’s Southern Beaches
Welcome World Beach Resort & Spa
Welcome World Beach Resort & Spa is a 2-minute walk to Dongtan Beach and a 5-minute walk to Jomtien Beach. It offers modern air-conditioned rooms with a balcony. An outdoor pool is available for guests to enjoy.
Rabbit Resort Pattaya
Located on Dongtan Beach of Pattaya, Rabbit Resort features a Thai-style resort set in lush tropical gardens. It offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and two outdoor pools. Other facilities include a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of a tropical garden.
Zing Resort & Spa
A 5-minute walk from the beautiful Jomtien Beach, Zing Resort & Spa offers a variety of recreational facilities, including an outdoor pool, sauna, and steam room. It features free high-speed Wi-Fi and rooms with wooden floors and 40-inch flat-screen TVs.
East Suites
East Suites offers accommodation in Jomtien and is a short walk from Dongtan Beach. Free WiFi is available.
3. North Pattaya: Best Location for Sightseeing
Home to the famous Sanctuary of Truth, North Pattaya offers a great mix of attractions, beaches and wonderful hotels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Pattaya, Thailand:
- Beach area
- Luxury hotels & resorts
- Close to the city center
- Sanctuary of Truth
- Mini Siam
- Best area for families
As the name suggests, North Pattaya is in the north of the city. It covers the entire area north of Pattaya Walking Street, where the road changes its name to become Beach Road.
It is one of the best areas to stay in Pattaya due to its central location and its less sordid but equally vibrant character.
North Pattaya includes Hat Pattaya or Pattaya Beach, the city’s most popular and central beach. Although it is not the best beach in Thailand, this is still a good option if you do not want to go by tuk-tuk or taxi to the furthest beaches (which are usually more beautiful and less crowded).
In this area, you’ll find a large number of restaurants, as well as medium and high-end hotels and residential buildings.
North Pattaya also stands out for having superior quality accommodations and many backpacker boutique options.
As expected, beachfront hotels tend to be more luxurious, with the budget options somewhat more hidden in the inner alleys.
North Pattaya is one of the best areas to stay in Pattaya if you are looking for comfort and tranquility but still want to remain close to everything.
Best Hotels on Pattaya North
Golden Tulip Pattaya Beach Resort
Set in Pattaya North, the Golden Tulip Pattaya Beach Resort offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service, and free WiFi.
Woodlands Hotel and Resort Pattaya
Situated at the northern end of Pattaya, Woodlands Hotel & Resort offers a quiet retreat with cozy accommodations, 2 outdoor swimming pools, and a French bakery.
COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach
Set in Pattaya North, 400 m from Wong Amat Beach, COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a shared lounge.
Paradise Resort
Set in Pattaya North, Paradise Resort offers accommodation with a garden and free WiFi throughout the property, and free private parking for guests who drive. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace.
Where to Stay in Pattaya: A Personal Take
During my latest trip to Pattaya, I had the pleasure of staying at the Rabbit Resort Pattaya, a charming boutique hotel that offered a refreshing alternative to the hectic atmosphere of the city center. Nestled on the tranquil Dongtan Beach, this quaint resort has a sense of peacefulness with its traditional Thai architecture and gardens, ideal for anyone looking to unwind. The rooms were spacious and well-appointed with all the necessary amenities.
Personal tip: For travelers seeking a less tumultuous experience in Pattaya, I wholeheartedly recommend basing yourself near Jomtien & Dongtan beaches. The ambiance here is markedly more serene compared to Pattaya’s bustling city center, known for its vibrant and sordid nightlife.
Where to Look for Accommodation in Pattaya: Useful Info
Pattaya is a tourist city in Thailand. It is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.
The city is at the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 1,000,000 inhabitants.
Pattaya is famous around the world for being a “City of Sin,” the capital of sex and debauchery in Asia.
In recent years, the authorities have tried to shake off the sex-related reputation that the Thai city has earned, making a great effort to promote family-friendly tourism.
In addition to its more popular attractions, Pattaya has beautiful beaches, a calm bay ideal for water sports, and nightlife shows where cabaret and stunts are the stars.
When choosing the best areas to stay in Pattaya, you should consider the reason for your trip. If you travel to Pattaya for nightlife, Pattaya Walking Street is the best option. If you are looking to relax in a family-oriented environment, the Dongtan Beach area, in the south of the city, is a more elegant alternative, with a large number of luxury hotels.
