Is It Better to Stay Near Pattaya Beach or City?

Visitors often wonder: is it better to stay near Pattaya Beach or Pattaya City? Both have their benefits, depending on the type of vacation you want. That said, much of Pattaya is easily accessible from either the beach or the city. 

The most convenient way to get around, regardless of where you stay, is with a car hire at U-Tapao international airport with Drive Car Rental. We have locations across Thailand’s major airports and provincial capitals, so visitors can fly in and drive away. Once you’re behind the wheel, it’s time to see which areas of Pattaya are best. 

Pattaya Beach

The beach is the primary reason visitors come to Pattaya, and it’s easy to see why. There are tons of activities both day and night along this busy stretch of seaside. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, rent jet skis or paddle boards, and even take to the skies with parasailing. 

Along the road that runs beside the beach are hundreds of shops, restaurants, hotels, and night markets. Every street offers something a little different, and there are incredible sunset views every evening as the sun drops below the horizon and into the sea. Hotels in this area typically offer balcony rooms with extensive seaviews. Their close proximity to the beach also means most activities and food are easily within walking distance.  

Whether this is the right area to stay depends on how much you like crowds. Visitors looking for something quieter may wish to stay away from the beach. If a lively area isn’t a problem, the beach is an excellent place to pass time in Pattaya. 

Pattaya City 

Set back a few kilometres from the beach, Pattaya City is where most locals and expats live. The primary reason is lower costs. The beach neighborhood carries a price premium for everything from food to shops to hotels. In the city, these same things often cost far less. 

Those staying in Pattaya City can expect cheaper hotel prices compared with the beach, including several large new hotels and resorts built in the last decade. The restaurants and shops are also more reasonably priced to fit locals’ budgets.

There’s plenty to do in the city, including shopping malls, small attractions, temples, and more. Supermarkets and other everyday essentials can also be found in the city, which makes it ideal for those staying longer than a week or two.  

The primary advantage to the city is quieter streets at night with fewer crowds. Each evening, most of the foot traffic moves towards the beach and its night markets and activities. This leaves evenings in the city free for relaxing walks through the neighborhoods. 

Staying in the city also means closer access to main roads, so visitors can quickly get out of town to see attractions outside of town. Things like the zoo, the Pattaya Floating Market, water parks, museums, and nearby towns are far more accessible from the city for travellers who have a rental vehicle from a company like Drive Car Rental. 

Visitors can also choose to fly to Pattaya and stay in another nearby city such as Rayong. Many first time tourists ask which is better for beaches, Pattaya or Rayong? There are locals from each that will say their town is the best, and both have their strong points. If you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, you can’t go wrong with a few nights in Rayong.

Go Further With Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental has locations across Thailand’s major airports and provincial capitals, providing a wide selection of vehicles to fit your needs. We also offer booking flexibility, with the option to pick up in one location and drop off in another. We have a large fleet of vehicles including sedans, luxury vehicles, electrics like BYD and Tesla, SUVs, and compact cars. 

Anyone visiting during the tourist high season from November to April should book as far in advance as possible for the best selection and prices. You can also get better rates by opting for a week-long rental. 

For even larger discounts, expats, business travellers, and long-stay tourists can opt for monthly or annual rentals. All long-term rentals come with free vehicle maintenance, roadside assistance, and repairs!