How to find the best place to live in Pattaya? Everyone has different needs, and our article will help you choose the best place to stay.
When visiting Pattaya, choosing the right area to stay is as important as picking the right hotel. Those who want to dive into the nightlife and energy buzzing in Pattaya will want to stay in a different area than those seeking a quiet and relaxing stay.
That is why this guide was created – to help you choose the best district in Pattaya that suits your needs. We also included a few recommended hotels in each area for you to check out.
The Best Area to Live in Pattaya
The most ideal place to live is Central Pattaya . It is located in a great area with restaurants, nightclubs, and shops within walking distance. If this is your first trip to Pattaya, choosing Central Pattaya is perfect.
Below, we will go through each area so that you have a good understanding of what to expect and can decide which part suits you best.
North Pattaya
The further north you go in Pattaya, the quieter it becomes. At the same time, the area is home to some major international hotel brands and is generally a quieter part of the city with less noise. On the downside, Soi 6, which has many nightlife bars, is not far away.
North of Soi 6, life slows down a bit. Nevertheless, there are beer bars and massage parlors (for example, Honey 2 or Sabai Dee).
This area is best for those seeking a quiet stay but still close enough to transportation hubs. There are many motorbike taxis and songthaews, providing good access to other parts of Pattaya.
Pros:
- Quiet location
- Soi 6
Cons:
- A bit away from central Pattaya
- Not ideal for nightlife
Nearby:
Shopping: Central Beach, Harbour Shopping Center, Big C Extra
Nightlife: Soi 6, beer bars
Attractions: Tiffany’s Cabaret, Alcazar Cabaret
Recommended Hotels:
Siam @ Siam Design Hotel Pattaya
August Suites Pattaya
March Hotel
Central Pattaya
If you want to stay in a place where everything you need is just a few minutes away, Central Pattaya is the place for you. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby.
This area is the center of nightlife. Streets are filled with beer bars from Beach Road to 3rd Road. The busiest areas are Soi Buakhao, Soi Diana, and LK Metro.
If you want to get to Soi 6 or Walking Street, songthaews run for 10 baht in any direction.
This is a recommended area for regular visitors to Pattaya.
Pros:
- Close to everything
- Center of nightlife
- Wide variety of restaurants
- Near shopping centers and markets
Cons:
- Very crowded
- Hotels can be noisy because nightlife goes until 3 AM
- Higher prices in cafes and restaurants
Nearby:
Shopping: Central Festival, Royal Garden, The Avenue, Harbour, Big C
Nightlife: Soi Buakhao, Soi Diana, Soi Made in Thailand, LK Metro, and more
Hotels:
Adelphi Hotel
Sea Me Spring Tree
Areca Lodge
(All hotels allow bringing guests to rooms)
South Pattaya
South Pattaya starts from the south road and extends toward Jomtien. Not an ideal place to stay if you don’t like Walking Street and want to sleep peacefully.
South Pattaya becomes much quieter and more suitable toward Sukhumvit. There are also secluded spots closer to Pratumnak.
This area is best for those who want peace with occasional trips to the city. It still has access to Walking Street and Bali Hai Pier.
Pros:
- Close to Walking Street (may be negative for some)
- Quiet areas available
- Good hotel choices
Cons:
- Nightlife fades toward Sukhumvit
- Need transportation to reach city center
Jomtien
Jomtien Beach is located south of Pattaya, offering a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere. The area feels like a calm resort region with many locals as well as tourists.
Jomtien has some of the best beaches in Pattaya and several major attractions, such as Nong Nooch Gardens. It stretches far south of Pattaya, and depending on your hotel, you may take 30–40 minutes to get to central Pattaya.
There are many hotels and condominiums where Russians live. There are cafes and night bars, but for nightlife, it’s better to go to Central Pattaya.
Pros:
- Best beaches
- Quiet location
Cons:
- Far from central Pattaya
- Limited nightlife
Naklua – Wong Amat
Naklua and Wong Amat are popular among families, tourists, and those who are not interested in Pattaya’s lively nightlife. They are located north of Pattaya, beyond the Dolphin Circle.
Although it’s not far from Central Pattaya, you will need transportation to get there. There are no direct songthaews, and taxi drivers often charge 20 baht instead of 10.
Not very suitable for nightlife, or for first-time visitors to Pattaya.
Pros:
- Good beaches
- Peaceful and relaxing stay
Cons:
- Poor transport access to Pattaya
- Almost no nightlife
Which area to choose in Pattaya is up to you. If you are visiting for the first time, Central Pattaya is ideal. If you don’t like nightlife, then Jomtien is better.
