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There’s no denying that Thailand’s beautiful beaches are popular, especially icons like Phuket.
But there’s one beach town that has undergone a deliberate transformation into a more welcoming place in an effort to move away from its global reputation as a 24/7 party zone.
Besides the famous Walking Street, which is equal parts Amsterdam and Bangkok (if you know what I mean), there are cheap resorts, beautiful beaches and breathtaking temples for some of the country’s best photo opportunities.
Now that Pattaya has become more family-friendly, local reports Confirm that tourism is flourishing beyond the nighttime rager scene, where visitors can enjoy the nicer side of this misunderstood city.
In fact, all types of travelers will enjoy their trip this winter, as temperatures consistently hover in the 80s, perfect for beach days, and a friendly community is eager to welcome you.
Cheap resorts and picturesque beaches
Pattaya has a small airport, which is perhaps the only negative point now that the nightlife has dampened down.
There are some easy connections via Phuket, Dubai or Kuala Lumpur. Otherwise, the easiest way to reach Pattaya is to take a train from Bangkok that takes two and a half hours.
It’s well worth the extra bit of adventure if you know what to expect. Once you arrive, you can head straight to luxury resorts with rates that may not be available at a Motel 6 in many US cities.
Many of them are located on the beach, which makes Pattaya even more attractive. I’ve done some digging since I felt like going back to Thailand.
These are the 5 cheapest resorts in Pattaya this winter: (prices in December 2024 and January 2025)
- Garden Cliff Resort & Spa –$50
- Pattaya Modus Beach Resort – $53
- Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort – $57
- A-ONE Pattaya Beach Resort – $60
- Siam Bayfront Resort Pattaya – $70
Keep in mind that it’s usually best to compare bookings directly with the hotel before third-party sites to save with promotions.
Local publication Pattaya Mail notes Jomtien Beach is currently buzzing as the place in town for epic sunsets.
A local resident said: ‘Pattaya is coming back to life like before.’
The problem is that tourism is increasing so much that traffic can become a problem in reaching Pattaya’s slice of paradise.
On the plus side, there are plenty of beachfront hotels in the area that are even cheaper than luxury resorts.
Get a boutique hotel Yomtien Twelvefor example, with winter rates as low as $20 listed on Agoda.
Stunning temples and amazing culture
Visiting almost anywhere in Thailand brings incredible cultural experiences and fascinating sights.
While you can certainly island hop to the south of Thailand, temple hopping is just as fun and truly unique.
Pattaya is home to some of Thailand’s best wonders such as Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple), Wat Chai Mongkol, Wat Chai Mongkol and the unmissable Shrine of Truth on the beach.
The latter looks almost otherworldly, and the most interesting aspect is that it has remained incomplete for many years and, despite its appearance, actually serves as a museum rather than a temple.
However you classify it, it is truly a sight to behold and a very popular spot for Instagrammers and TikTokers.
Another thing you must do in Pattaya is explore local markets, especially floating markets.
Zoom through the canals guided by boat and enjoy the unique daily lives of the locals and enjoy hearty (and cheap) street food, such as classics like Pad Thai and various curry dishes for more adventurous palates.
Perhaps the most popular floating market in Pattaya is impossible to forget, simply mentioned Pattaya Floating Market.
Don’t sleep on night markets either for the night owls who want to skip the madness of Walking Street.
Pattaya clean-up campaign
While there is certainly a wild nightlife here, Pattaya has cleaned up its image, so what does that mean?
The city used to fit into the ‘dark tourism’ mold, but heavy police presence and increased scrutiny have halted sketchy activities, making the city more attractive for the whole family.
Instead of spending wild nights in bars and clubs, there are night markets, dinner cruisesand bougie rooftop bars to enjoy Pattaya’s famous sunsets.
There are also rumors that Pattaya will do so opening soon it’s the first casino, so keep that in mind as they keep rebranding.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
