Pattaya Opposites that attract

A city that offers something for everyone and where day begins with night.

🌃 Pattaya, located about two hours southeast of Bangkok, is a seaside city as diverse as its visitors. It offers something for everyone – from adventure-seeking backpackers to night owls, families to foodies. This former fishing village has evolved over the past few decades into one of Thailand's most popular destinations – famous, notorious for its nightlife, but above all, surprisingly diverse.

For night owls and party lovers

🍹 🍺 Pattaya is world-famous for its exuberant nightlife. Young travelers who want to plunge into the vibrant nightlife will find a playground without limits here. The legendary Walking Street is the center of the action – a never-ending stream of music, neon lights, and vibrant energy. Clubs like 808 , Lucifer , and Insomnia 💃 🕺 offer electronic beats until the early hours. Soi Buakhao with the adjacent Tree Town, the Laydi ars, and For many , everything from go-go clubs 💋 💄 👠 to body foam massages 🧴🛁 is also part of the Pattaya experience – controversial, but part of the city's cultural reality. Anyone who's curious is sure to find what they're looking for here – from a simple beer with a sea view to a decadent show bar.

But Pattaya is much more than just red light

💬 Despite its reputation, Pattaya also has a surprisingly down-to-earth side—you just have to be willing to discover it. The city offers:

• Food markets 🍜 such as the Thepprasit Night Market or the Jomtien Beach Night Market , where you can sample Thai specialties – from satay skewers🍢 to fresh mango sticky rice to seafood straight from the grill.

• The fish market in Naklua 🐠🍤 invites you to buy fresh shrimp, squid or mussels and have them prepared on site.

• Countless cafes , many of them stylish and Western-inspired, invite you to relax. Rooftop cafes with ocean views are particularly popular, perfect for sunsets.

• Wellness offers 🧘♂️ 🪷 🌿 from classic Thai massages to luxurious spa experiences ensure relaxation after a long night of partying or a day of sightseeing.

  
  

Nachtmarkt, Runway Market an der Rai Song Rd (Second Rd)

Day trip to Koh Larn – The island on your doorstep

Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle can take a ferry or speedboat to the small island of Koh Larn in about 30–45 minutes . White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxed beach bars invite you to linger. Ideal for a day trip or even an overnight stay in a beach bungalow if you want to get away completely.

Here you can:

• 🏖️ Chilling on the beach

• 🏍️ Explore the island by scooter

• 🍤 Enjoy fresh seafood platters

  
  

Motorcycle trip to Pattaya? 🛵🇹🇭 A good plan!

If you're traveling in Thailand by motorcycle , Pattaya is an ideal stopover or base camp. It offers good roads, relaxed routes along the coast, and winding trails and tranquil temples in the hinterland. Bonus: Plenty of repair shops and affordable accommodations for bikers.

Buddha Mountain Khao Chi Can

Events-Culture and Adventure

Pattaya also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and sport:

• Events such as the Pattaya Music Festival and the Fireworks Festival attract thousands of visitors every year.

• Temple complexes such as the Sanctuary of Truth , a temple carved entirely from wood right by the sea, reveal a spiritual and artistic side of the city.

• Those who want to be active can enjoy jet skiing , parasailing , diving or motorcycling in the hilly hinterland.

  
  

Sanctuary of Truth

Accommodation

🏨 Whether hotel or apartment, what I can recommend to you from my own use and experience.

The Elysium – Phratamnak

🏨 The 4-star hotel

Hotel is located at the foot of a hill, in Phratamnak between Pattaya City and Jomtien – just a five-minute walk from the sea. The area is more reminiscent of a relaxed residential neighborhood than a tourist hotspot: quiet, charming, with small cafes, local restaurants, massage parlors, a currency exchange office, and, of course, a 7-Eleven. For those looking for something more upscale, beach bars and fancy restaurants are also nearby – just stroll towards the beach. 😉

As far as I know, it's opening in 2023 and looks modern and well-maintained. The lobby is very stylish, and the security guard at the gate lets you onto the hotel grounds 24/7.

🍽️ No restaurant – no problem

There's no on-site restaurant, but that didn't bother me. Less than two minutes away are good cafes offering a great breakfast menu and all sorts of other dishes—perfect for late risers and those looking to relax.

🛏️ Modern rooms with style

The rooms are elegantly furnished to a high standard—modern, comfortable, with balconies and attention to detail. Here, you can arrive and simply take a deep breath. A kitchenette with a bar for breakfast, a living area with a sofa, coffee table, and TV, a beautiful bathroom, and a bedroom with a very high-quality bed.

🏊♂️ Roof terrace with wellness factor

The rooftop pool area is small and manageable, but very stylishly designed—ideal for a morning dip or just relaxing. The gym is small, but it has everything you need. My highlight: the sauna , which I used every other day. I love saunas. Going to the gym in the morning, then to the sauna, showering, and breakfast—what better way to start the day?

🌆🍹 Rooftop bar

Although the hotel does not have its own restaurant, it does have a rooftop bar which is open in the evening and is a lovely place to start or end the evening.

✅ Conclusion: Pattaya in transition

Pattaya is a place of extremes, but also of possibilities. Those who only see the red light district are missing the other half of this fascinating city. Here, excessive nightlife meets beach idyll, street food meets fine dining, and adventure meets relaxation. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush, want to immerse yourself in the wild nightlife, or simply enjoy the sunset on the beach with a coconut shake.