How to Plan a Trip to Pattaya

A tropical paradise of sun, sand and sea; planning a trip to Pattaya is exciting. The thought of chilling in one of Thailand's most vibrant tourist hubs is quite a lure for many. From savouring the exciting party atmosphere of Pattaya Beach Road to enjoying the tropical beauty of Pattaya Bay, there are endless activities to relish there. In this article, you can learn about travel options, accommodation and leisure activities to plan a trip to Pattaya!

1. Getting To Pattaya

When flying-in to Pattaya the nearest airport is U-Tapao which is located about 45 minutes from the city. You can choose to fly via Bangkok Airways or AirAsia. Both airlines offer routes from Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and other less popular destinations. You can choose your options, depending on where your international flight is arriving in Thailand. There are a few transfer options from U-Tapao Airport to your Pattaya beach resort. You can hire a taxi or book a hotel shuttle service. Pattaya is home to world-class hotel chains like Avani Pattaya Resort, located in the very popular Pattaya Beach Road area, offer top amenities when it comes to accommodation, thus making it easy to transfer from airport to hotel.

If you arrive in Bangkok and wish to head out to your Pattaya resort immediately, you may do so via taxi, bus or hotel shuttle service from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

2. What Tourists Visiting Pattaya Must Know

You can find a wealth of tourist information at the Pattaya office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The office is located at Pratamnak Road in south Pattaya. You can buy the Pattaya Mail for local news as it is the cities locally published English newspaper.

The heart of the city and tourist hub is Pattaya Beach Road. This is the areas longest stretch of tourists friendly attractions consisting of top beach resorts, restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops. Pattaya is defined as North and South Pattaya. North Pattaya is the more elegant upmarket neighbourhood and perfect for a relaxing holiday, while South Pattaya is more of a party central home to a bevvy of nightclubs and entertainment centres.

Further south, you will find popular Jomtien Beach, about 15 from the city centre. This beach is a good place to indulge in some water sports such as windsurfing and plenty of swimming. For those of you seeking solitude and the bliss of sun sand and surf, the Nakula area located to the north of Pattaya Bay will prove to be a quiet haven.

3. Options For Travelling Around Pattaya

There are several options for getting about in Pattaya. If you favour privacy, then opt for car hire. You will find international chains like Avis operate an office in Pattaya. There is also a Budget Car Rental offering competitive rates. And should you travel to Pattaya during the off-season, avail yourself of the special discounts on offer.

Motorbikes too are up for hire in Pattaya, which really only appeals to the party-loving lot of tourists visiting the vibrant town. Motorbike riding in Pattaya should be attempted at your own risk and is a thrill for the adrenaline hungry individual to brave the roads, risky traffic and crowds.

There are also mini-vans or Songtaew for hire in Thailand. A make-shift pick-up truck where the back has been modified to include a roof and seats is the most common type of songtaew. Ideal for the budget traveller, these mini-vans run to popular beaches, attractions and party zones. The vehicles leave only when full and fares are cheap since the ride is shared.

4.What To See And Do In Pattaya

Pattaya is predominantly a party town, and you won't be disappointed with the nightlife and endless array of entertainment on offer. However, it is worth taking time off from the beach and club to explore the area.

Wat Khao Phra Yai, located to the south is a small temple located at the top of a hill. The area boasts stunning viewpoints. And a chance for you to understand the Thai way of life centred around religion and ancient traditions.

You may want to visit the Sanctuary of Truth. A complex built with no nails. Started by a Thai millionaire in the 80s, the place is still an on-going project. The structure is considered a statement and expounds the balance between various cultures through its four wings dedicated to Khmer, Thai, Chinese and Indian cultures.

And for that added bonus of sun sand and sea, make a trip to Ko Lan; a small island located 7kms offshore and easily reached via a 15-minute boat ride. The island boasts 5 beaches of stunning white sand and lots of cafes and restaurants to relax and enjoy a bite.