Pattaya: 6 places to see - Central Pattaya to Koh Larn
Explore Pattaya's diverse coastal areas and attractions across Central Pattaya, Jomtien, Pratamnak, Wongamat, and nearby Koh Larn island. This route covers the main beaches and neighborhoods of Thailand's most debated resort destination, plus the botanical Nong Nooch Garden for a contrast to the city's beach scene.
- Distance
- 45.3 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Central Pattaya
- End
- Nong Nooch Garden
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Central Pattaya — Downtown Pattaya with central districts and city atmosphere.
- Jomtien — Alternative beach area quieter than central Pattaya.
- Pratamnak — Hillside area offering a different perspective of Pattaya.
- Wongamat — Northern beach area with reportedly better sea conditions.
- Koh Larn — Island excursion offering cleaner waters and beaches.
- Nong Nooch Garden — Large botanical garden with extensive landscaping and attractions.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Speedboat to Koh Larn costs 300 baht round-trip (~750 RUB); ferry is cheaper at ~150 baht. Speedboats are faster and sometimes dock directly on beaches, bypassing the main pier.
- Transport
- Songthaew (shared minibus) costs around 25 baht and connects Jomtien area along Central Pattaya. Taxis are significantly cheaper than Phuket or Samui.
- Transport
- Koh Samet is 1-1.5 hours from Jomtien area to the pier, then 10 minutes by boat to the island. Many visitors stay 2-3 days or longer.
- Save money
- Pattaya has significantly lower prices than Samui or Phuket. It's one of Thailand's most affordable resorts, making it ideal for long stays (1-2+ months) rather than short holidays.
- Where to stay
- Choose Jomtien (south of Central Pattaya) for a quieter atmosphere while maintaining amenities, or Wongamat for premium comfort resort-style experience. Both are 15-20 minutes from Walking Street.
- Where to stay
- Pratamnak offers a middle ground: a small beach accessed by stairs, surrounded by greenery, more peaceful than Central Pattaya but still within the city. Great for escaping noise.
- Tip
- Koh Larn has multiple beaches (Twaen, Tien, Samae) with different atmospheres. One day is insufficient to explore the whole island; plan 2+ days if staying overnight.
- Avoid
- Central Pattaya beaches have dirty sea water and litter (cigarette butts, debris). Better beach options: Jomtien, Pratamnak, Wongamat, or take a day trip to Koh Larn.
- Tip
- Currency exchange: Many street exchangers accept rubles, but rates aren't always favorable. Better to bring USD for exchange.
- Tip
- Nong Nooch Garden and floating market are quiet attractions worth visiting. Terminal 21 Shopping Center is a major evening/shopping destination.
- Tip
- 2-day Koh Samet excursion package cost 3,500 baht including hotel accommodation. Island has ~20 beaches spread along its length; some accessible by walking, some require tuk-tuk.
- Food
- Street food, night markets, and restaurants throughout Pattaya offer affordable meals. Menus often displayed on streets, making it easy to check options beforehand.
Video on this route
PATTAYA: A dirty sea and noise… but why, then, do tourists from all over the world come here?