Pattaya offers a refined coastal escape of uncrowded beaches, artisan dining, and wooden architectural wonders just outside Bangkok. (Image by Ryutaro Uozumi)
Thailand remains one of Malaysians’ favourite holiday destinations, whether for shopping weekends in Hat Yai or beach escapes to Phuket, Koh Samui, Khao Lak, and Krabi. Yet one of the country’s easiest coastal getaways often receives less attention than its better-known beach destinations. Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya combines beach resorts, waterfront dining, family-friendly attractions, and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal seaside escape for travellers with a few extra days in the Thai capital.
On my most recent visit to Bangkok, I had a few days to spare and was looking for a seaside retreat. The city is located just inland from the Gulf of Thailand, and the nearest beaches are to the south-west (Hua Hin) and south-east (Pattaya). Having previously travelled to Hua Hin, I was curious to see how Pattaya had changed since my last visit.
It had been some time since I had visited this popular seaside destination, so I was eagerly anticipating seeing how it had changed during the van journey south from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Pattaya first came to the attention of holidaymakers when American soldiers took time out here from the Vietnam War in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. It developed a raunchy reputation, and while parts of Pattaya still retain its famous nightlife scene, the expansive resort area has become more family-oriented, with Bangkok residents and international travellers being lured here. Resorts, attractions, shopping, and a variety of activities appeal to a broad spectrum of tourists.
Choosing the right beach area as your base
Pattaya extends over 40 km, north to south, taking in Pattaya North, Pattaya City, Pattaya South, Jomtien, and Bang Saray to the far south. International hotel brands such as Meliá, ibis, InterContinental, Hilton, Mercure, and Mövenpick Siam adjoin leading Thai brands such as Centara, Amari, and Avani.
It’s important to pair your hotel/resort with the type of holiday you want and the people with whom you are travelling. Pattaya has a wide range of options, with Pattaya City being urbanised with a vast range of shopping, dining, and lifestyle outlets. Areas on the coastal strip’s extremities have fewer high-rises, more gardens, and fewer people.
Bang Saray, a quieter fishing town just south of central Pattaya, is somewhere I have returned to regularly over the years. I enjoy it as it welcomes fewer holidaymakers, and there is an emphasis on resort landscaping. The near-deserted beach here is home to the Sea Sand Club.
Resort gardens also appear to be more expansive away from the city centre, and I especially enjoyed strolling through those in my resort. Here, I admired ponds, croaking frogs, flourishing flowers, and rays of sunlight that cast interesting shadows.
I enjoyed basing myself at the Sea Sand Club, as I could enjoy its peaceful setting while heading north into busier Pattaya as and when required.
Resort dining: Seafood, Thai cuisine, and rooftop dining
We all know how important food is on a holiday, and no one goes hungry in Pattaya. As a beach destination that attracts world travellers, Pattaya offers a global palate of dining options, with multilingual menus available in many restaurants.
Pattaya’s dining scene also extends well beyond beachfront seafood restaurants, with everything from traditional Thai cuisine to rooftop bars and international restaurants.
Pupen Restaurant, overlooking the beach in central Pattaya, has a menu as large as its seating capacity. I especially enjoyed a crab omelette and the Crabb craft beer that is available from the adjoining brewery.
Speak to your hotel about organising a memorable dining experience if you are celebrating a special anniversary. The Sea Sand Club made a special effort to meet my request.
Thai food is the natural choice for most visitors to the kingdom, especially those who choose to drop by the well-positioned Avani Pattaya Resort. Other possibilities in this property include Benihana for its theatrical teppanyaki and Dicey Reilly’s Irish pub, which delivers a fun combination of pub fare, beers, cocktails, and live music.
The Meliá Pattaya Hotel, just to the north, offers a vibrant selection of restaurants and bars. The hotel’s Yitong Chinese Restaurant and Sky Bar, on the 12th-floor rooftop, serve Cantonese and Sichuan dishes (the Peking duck is amazing, as is the weekend dim sum). The sunset views from the adjoining bar are part of what makes it a popular spot. For something different, try the hotel’s Den Restaurant for its Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine.
The 234-room hotel is set back from the main beach in central Pattaya, but guests have access to the Lay Beach Club (11 am to midnight), overlooking the beach and a short walk from the hotel lobby. Patrons can relax in poolside daybeds and enjoy the music and party atmosphere.
Activities and adventures: Attractions beyond the beach
Beyond the beaches, Pattaya offers cultural landmarks, botanical gardens, and family attractions that make it suitable for longer stays.
Bang Saray is close to two attractions that I wanted to discover. Sometimes, the beach itself is not enough. I found that Columbia Pictures at Aquaverse, with its movie characters, massive wave pool, themed rides and a go-kart track, added a fun change of pace.
For something more Thai, I crossed the road to visit Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Be warned; you will need to allocate a day to take in all that is offered in the 269-hectare garden. Rated one of the best gardens in the world, this huge expanse of themed gardens and Thai cultural activities stands out for its imaginative and family-friendly attractions. Visitors, especially those with children, will enjoy the cactus gardens, fruit orchards, dinosaur parks, and the sheer palette of colours on display.
The Sanctuary of Truth in northern Pattaya is another essential attraction. This evolving project is a massive temple-like structure carved from wood and pieced together without any nails. Although I didn’t uncover the meaning of life as its creators perhaps intended, I was captivated by the sheer scale and craftsmanship.
After visiting the sanctuary, I lunched in the seafront restaurant at the Pattaya Modus Beachside Resort and can recommend it and its location, especially for those who want to spend a few days admiring the crafted wood at the sanctuary.
Pattaya is one of the most accessible seaside escapes from Bangkok, and while it still has a colourful reputation, it now appeals to a wide range of tourists seeking some fun in a range of impressive resorts while enjoying value-for-money dining, shopping, and relaxation.
Zafigo Pro Tips: Planning a beach escape to Pattaya
Best time to visit: November to February offers cooler, drier weather, while May to October can bring afternoon showers but fewer crowds.
Getting there: Bangkok is well served by airlines from Kuala Lumpur and several other Malaysian destinations. Flights arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (for full-service airlines) or Don Mueang Airport (for budget airlines). Pattaya is a two-hour drive south of Suvarnabhumi and three hours from Don Muang. There are direct buses from both airports to Pattaya. While the train connection is not as direct from the airports, it could be another option for adventurous travellers. Small groups should consider hiring a van at either airport.
Getting around: Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate widely in Pattaya, while songthaews (shared pick-up taxis) are an inexpensive way to travel between beaches and attractions.
Women travellers: Pattaya is generally straightforward to explore, especially around resort areas, shopping districts, and major attractions. As with any busy tourist destination, keep an eye on personal belongings, use licensed transport after dark, and choose accommodation in well-reviewed areas, especially if travelling solo.
Dress code: Beachwear is appropriate by the coast, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or cultural sites such as the Sanctuary of Truth.
Currency: Carry some cash for local markets, beach vendors, and smaller restaurants, although most hotels, shopping centres, and larger eateries accept cards.
Emergencies: Save key numbers before your trip. Tourists in Thailand can call 1155 for the Tourist Police, which assists in multiple languages, while 191 connects to the general police emergency line and 1669 to medical emergency services. Keep your travel insurance details and accommodation address easily accessible, especially if travelling independently.
