There’s no denying it: Pattaya has something of “a reputation”. For my part, I had only ever used it to break the long journey to Koh Chang, one of my favourite Thai islands. However, on this occasion I was travelling with a friend who was keen to see what this famous – perhaps in some ways infamous – city was all about.
Pattaya beach resort Thailand CC0
Where to stay in Pattaya & Jomtien
I needed to do a little work while in Pattaya, so I needed a desk, a fast internet connection, and proximity to restaurants – oh yes, and an affordable price. We Residence fit the bill. The large rooms were a little outdated – however at 600 baht (£14) I wasn’t complaining. A big plus was the proximity to Pattaya Central Road, which meant we could hop on a “baht bus” for 10 baht (24p) and get to Beach Road in minutes.
After a few nights in Pattaya – which in many ways was not what we expected – my friend and I felt it was time to move down the coast to Jomtien: a more laid back resort town. Here we stayed in Sorot Darika (750 baht/ £18), a recently refurbished guest house located on one of the many streets (“sois”) that run from the beachside road. The room itself was very modern and comfortable, although the AC unit for the adjacent room seemed to be fixed outside my balcony – which meant my sleep was disturbed by my neighbour turning their cooling system on and off through the night. Sorot Drika was managed by an affable German man, who also owned a hotel in Spain (he said he much preferred Thailand due to the better-behaved tourists!).
After a couple of nights enjoying the more placid environment of Jomtien, and its long, Miami-esque beachfront, we returned to Pattaya (where we’d board a bus to Bangkok the next day). We found affordable rooms in Peter’s House (700 baht/ £16.50). For some reason, my room had a serious over-supply of plug sockets! Otherwise, the guest house was only a short walk from Beach Road and many good places to eat. There was a 7-Eleven next door, too, which made it easy to get my morning coffee – and something called a “Choco-Pie”!
© Craig Hindmarsh
What to do in Pattaya
Pattaya is nothing if not surprising. The eye-popping “Walking Street” is perhaps the main draw: a thoroughfare of nightclubs, drinking spots and go-go bars – each of which had very loud and competing sound systems. There were street performers and various funfair-like games. One game involved two (clothed) women sitting above a large bath of water, behind a kind of grill. Tourists would pay to throw rubber balls at a tiny target which, when successfully hit, would cause the women to fall – very suddenly – into the bath. Walking Street was a little over-the-top for my friend and I, and we decided to leave.
Even more “over-the-top” was Soi 6, which we stumbled upon the next evening. We didn’t even manage to get to the end of this daunting street, which is quite unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Aside from the risque night life, there were many “weed cafes” dotted around the city. This is despite the fact that cannabis is technically illegal in Thailand. The potency of their wares, my friend assured me, was beyond question!
The best thing about Pattaya, arguably, is the food. You can eat everything from Middle Eastern to Indian to Italian cuisine here – as well as some top-notch Thai dishes. There’s also a huge choice of fresh seafood on offer.
The shopping is also very good. Of the 10+ shopping malls, Central World is one of the biggest and most modern. My friend felt that shopping in Pattaya was a lot more convenient than in Bangkok, because so many outlets were concentrated along the Beach Road, unlike the labyrinthine capital where stores were more spread out.
© Craig Hindmarsh
Jomtien
After Pattaya, we were delighted to reach the relative peace and quiet of Jomtien. Although I’ve never been to Miami, this resort town was what I imagine the Floridian ocean-side metropolis might resemble (although, perhaps, considerably safer).
The nightlife here was much more up our street – particularly as regards live music. A case in point is the Country Club, where the friendly band encouraged guests to perform on stage with them. My friend, who recently released his first music video, was up on stage like a shot.
Later that night, as we walked back to our guest house, we came across a very jovial busker, who let my friend give another live performance! There’s no denying, Thailand is a very friendly, welcoming place, even in tourist hot spots like this.
© Craig Hindmarsh
What I loved (and didn’t love) about Pattaya and Jomtien
As mentioned, the choice of food in Pattaya was incredible – and that’s speaking as a vegetarian. One of my favourite finds was Five Star J, where I tried a meat-free Penang-style curry with pleasantly chewy brown rice. Another favourite was Sizzler. This is actually a chain of eateries that specialises in steak. However, they also have a very large all-you-can-eat salad bar, which is 90% vegetarian-friendly. Access to this smorgasbord costs just 199 baht (£4.50), although the staff will try to upsell drinks and main meals.
Normally I would gravitate towards Indian cuisine, but to be honest this seemed a bit over priced compared to other options.
As far as beach relaxation – and nightlife – went, Jomtien certainly had the edge over Pattaya.
Both resorts were very easy to get around, either on foot, or by using the local “baht bus’ – a kind of Hilux vehicle with seating in the back. When you want to get off you simply ring the buzzer.
What about the bad?
While it was certainly interesting to see Pattaya’s legendary nightlife, it was all a little overwhelming for us. Indeed, although we saw a fair number of families on holiday here (mostly from Russia and India), this city might not be considered “family-friendly” by most Brits.
Undeniably unique, the neon lights of Pattaya are worth visiting for a night or two – just so you can say you’ve been there – before moving eastwards towards islands like Koh Chang and Koh Samet.
© Craig Hindmarsh
Top Tips for Visiting Pattaya and Jomtien
Reach Pattaya from Bangkok’s Ekamai bus station: Ekamai is the eastern bus station of Bangkok, located along Sukhumvit Road. A single to Pattaya cost just 160 baht (£3.50). These are regular-sized coaches – and are a good option if you get claustrophobic in minivans (as I do).
Take advantage of the ‘baht bus’: These Hilux-based vehicles make it easy to get around, and cost just 24p per trip! Simply raise your arm to flag one down.
Use the grab taxi booking app: If and when you decide to move hotels, or transfer from Pattaya to Jomtien, Grab makes it easy and affordable to get from A to B. As well as regular taxis, you can also book motorbike taxis – if you feel brave!
There are lots of fancy hotels with pools and more: While we stayed in budget-friendly accommodation, it’s worth noting that there are many top-notch hotels with big pools, gyms, and other facilities – available for much less than you’d pay in Europe.
Would I go to Pattaya again?
If only for the huge array of food options and bargain shopping opportunities, I would consider visiting Pattaya again. It makes for an “illuminating” pit stop on the way to the Koh Chang or Koh Samet, and will doubtless contribute to your sense of worldliness!
Writer Bio
Craig enjoys exploring exotic places globally, but has a particular affection for Southeast Asia. From his base in the steamy backwaters of Cambodia, he strikes out in search of adventure, wisdom – and excellent coffee.
© Craig Hindmarsh
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