How to plan a trip to Pattaya

Although Pattaya is wildly famous across the globe as the 'sin city' of the Asian region, Pattaya's true potential as a tourist destination is simply awe-inspiring. If you didn't already know, Pattaya is a popular east coast tourist city in the Gulf of Thailand. Since the early 1980s, its popularity has begun to soar and is a present-day tourist Mecca for those coming from all corners of the world! On this guide, find how to plan your much-awaited trip to Pattaya.

Image Credit: Avani Pattaya Resort

The Best Time to visit Pattaya

If you are considering a visit to Pattaya, there are three main periods to consider visiting during i.e., depending on your tolerance of the heat, the rain and most importantly of people, the most suitable time during the year may vary. Most travellers visit Pattaya between November and February and are officially known as the peak season. The weather during this time is at its most moderate out of all periods of the year. The only downside to visiting during this time of year is that every single restaurant, hotel and beach will be packed. Between March and May, the crowds begin to thin down as the temperatures begin to rise gradually. The heat does feel a little discouraging, but it is certainly much quieter at this point during the year. During June and October, the crowds die down next to nothing and so does prices of everything. There is not one Pattaya Beach Resort that you will find that does not have some intense offers going on during this time. Famous labels such as Avani Pattaya Resort put online some irresistible offers to make up for any damper that showers are going to put on your holiday!

Where to Stay in Pattaya

The busiest part of the city by far happens to be Central Pattaya. Its Beach road together with its many attractions draws ample beachgoers and holidaymakers over for downtime of pure relaxation. The beach is a 24-hour party-land not to mention the countless water activities that are on offer as well. If you are looking for a place to be around that is brimming with energy, you could put all your bets on this one. The North Pattaya region is a slightly upmarket destination as opposed to central Pattaya – but it really depends on perception mostly. To some, it may feel like a tidier, slicker and more developed as opposed to other areas of Pattaya. The Na Klua District is perhaps the most peaceful part of all of Pattaya. Specifically, Palm Beach and Phra Chan are well worth checking out and are also quieter than the main Pattaya hotspots. Pratuamnak on the other hand is exclusively for the social elite. From luxury hotels and beach facilities to fancy golf clubs, this part of the city has everything you could imagine – of course, if it fits your bill!

Staying Safe in Pattaya

Given Pattaya's high tourist and expatriate numbers, it has over tie developed a reputation as being an unsafe neighbourhood for travellers. But in truth, the fact is that it is only as scary as every other tourist city in the world. Statistically, it is safer than other similar destinations around the world. Violent forms of crime barely affect tourists but it is advisable to take the best possible precautions to avoid any such situation that feels uncomfortable. One thing that is advisable to be watchful about, however, is the dangerously loose rules of the road in Thailand. Always be aware of the high volumes of traffic – specifically more so of the drivers who don't really care for any of the formalities of the road.