Best Place to Stay in Pattaya – Area & Hotel Guide
So you’ve decided to visit Pattaya. Once you’ve figured out how to get from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya, the next step is to determine where to stay in Pattaya.
To select the best place to stay in Pattaya, you’ll need to consider:
- What you would like to do in Pattaya.
- Which part of the city is best for which activity.
- How peaceful (or happening) should the area around your hotel be.
- The amount you are willing to spend.
Pattaya’s main touristy areas in order of popularity are: South Pattaya, Central Pattaya, North Pattaya, and Jomtien. Consider finding accommodation in one of these areas.
South Pattaya – Stay Here to Enjoy Pattaya’s Nightlife
Thailand’s Craziest Walking Street, the infamous Pattaya Walking Street, is in South Pattaya. So, as you can imagine, this area is a hub for nightclubs, bars, and all kinds of night time entertainment. South Pattaya is the best place to stay for single people, looking to live it up.
Walking Street comes alive around midnight. The street’s ‘official closing time’ is 3:00 am. If you plan to spend much of your time partying in Pattaya, proximity to this late night hangout area is important. Finding your way back to your hotel at night can be a hassle and unsafe as well.
Best for: Nightlife, partying, those who enjoy being in the centre of the action, and those eager to discover why Pattaya is nicknamed ‘Sin City’.
Positive: Lively, close to walking street, Pattaya Pier (ferries to Coral Island leave from here), Big Buddha, and Pattaya’s view points. well connected with the rest of the city, walking distance from the beach.
Negative: Very noisy (at night), very crowded (at night), unsafe, not the place to stay with family.
Hotels in South Pattaya (Near Walking Street)
- Best Luxury Hotel in South Pattaya – Siam Bayshore Resort Pattaya
- Best Hotel in Walking Street Under $ 100 – W14 Pattaya
- Best Budget Hotel in Walking Street – Walking Street Guest House
If you plan to stay for a few days or longer, it makes sense to reserve an apartment instead of booking a hotel. Some excellent options can be found on rooms in South Pattaya.
Central Pattaya (Beach Road Area) – Overall Best Place to Stay in Pattaya
This area is best to find accommodation, set up base, and then explore the city. We always stay in Central Pattaya.
It’s the perfect place to stay for a balanced holiday: Central Pattaya is busy, but not overcrowded; It’s lively, but not too noisy; It’s not as wild as Walking Street, but the area has plenty of places to enjoy Pattaya’s nightlife. It’s a short walk to Pattaya beach, fun and lively, well connected, and near most areas of interest.
Best for: Nightlife, restaurants, water sports, shopping, some of everything Pattaya has to offer.
Positive: Beach facing accommodation, excellent dining options, well connected with the rest of Pattaya, safe.
Negative: Can get noisy, the beach is dirty and crowded.
Hotels in Central Pattaya
- Best Luxury Hotel in Central Pattaya – Hilton Pattaya
- Best Hotel in Central Pattaya Under $100 – Discover Beach Hotel
- Best Budget Hotel in Central Pattaya – Siam View Residence
North Pattaya – Best for budget accommodation
Accommodation and food in North Pattaya is the most affordable. The area also has a few secluded beach facing resorts, which makes it popular with honeymooners and couples as well.
North Pattaya is quiet, apart from the area North of Soi 6. This bit is known for its outrageous nightlife. There are a few shopping malls – including the posh Terminal 21 Pattaya mall – in this area as well.
Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, couples, those staying in Pattaya for long.
Positive: Cheap accommodation and food, quiet (compared to Central and South Pattaya), close to the venue of the city’s famous cabaret shows and the Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya’s favourite cabaret show and Pattaya’s famous wood carved temple.
Negative: Away from the action (you’ll need transportation to get to most places), limited activities and entertainment.
Hotels in North Pattaya
- Best Luxury Hotel in North Pattaya – Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort
- Best Hotel in North Pattaya Under $100 – Golden Tulip Pattaya Beach Resort
- Best Budget Hotel in North Pattaya – Asleep by Lantana
Jomtien – Best Place to Stay with Family in Pattaya
Jomtien is best for those looking to spend a quiet family holiday in Pattaya. It’s a peaceful part of the city, close to the picturesque Jomtien Beach.
The area is more affluent and non-touristy compared to the rest of Pattaya. Jomtien is known for its many resorts and relaxed feel. Jomtien beach is much cleaner and quieter than the rest of Pattaya’s beaches.
Best for: The beach, resorts, those travelling with family, and those that have their own transport.
Positive: Excellent accommodation options, away from the crowds and Pattaya’s hustle and bustle, Jomtien Beach is great to swim in. Close to Buddha Mountain, Floating Market, and Nong Nooch Gardens.
Negative: Secluded, limited public transport, quiet after dark, few activities, limited entertainment.
Hotels in Jomtien
- Best Luxury Hotel in Jomtien – Achawalai Residence Village By Song
- Best Hotel in Jomtien Under $100 – Sea Crest by Jomtien
- Best Budget Hotel in Jomtien – Thai Orchid Guest House
Most visitors have a great time in Pattaya – the city has everything you can expect from a holiday in Thailand. If, however, being on a stunning beach is most important to you, consider staying in Koh Larn (Coral Island).
Koh Larn is a small island, 7 km (4.5 miles) off the coast of Pattaya. Here’s more about things to do and accommodation in Koh Larn.