Pattaya Districts: Which is the Best Place to Stay, and Why
Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most famous resorts, although not long ago it was a small coastal settlement. Today, the city is a major tourist hub offering a wide range of leisure formats and demonstrating stable international demand for real estate.
At the same time, Pattaya is far from uniform. The city stretches along the coastline and is conventionally divided into several districts that differ significantly from one another. Some areas are better suited for a short and active holiday, while others are ideal for a relaxed stay or even long-term living.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the main districts of Pattaya and explain where it is better to stay and why.
Pros and Cons of Holidays in Pattaya
Pattaya is unique because it combines a seaside resort with a fully developed city rather than being limited to a beach strip. This makes the city comparable in atmosphere to Miami and other large cities in Florida and California, but with significantly lower costs of real estate and everyday living.
Pros of Pattaya:
- A popular beach destination. Pattaya is among the leaders in terms of tourist numbers among Thailand’s beach destinations. In rankings of major resorts, the island of Phuket attracts around 9.89 million visitors per year, while Pattaya receives approximately 9.44 million tourists annually. As a result, the city has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and rental properties demonstrate high occupancy rates.
- An international destination. Due to strong foreign demand, the city offers large shopping malls, international hospitals, and international schools. Knowledge of English is sufficient for permanent residence.
- Easy access from Bangkok. Pattaya is located about 150 km from Bangkok. Travel from the capital’s main airport takes roughly two hours.
Cons of Pattaya:
- Not the cleanest beaches. Unlike Phuket, Samui, or Krabi, the central urban beaches of Pattaya are difficult to describe as exemplary. Many tourists note that for swimming and high-quality beach recreation they travel to nearby islands such as Koh Larn, where the water is significantly cleaner than along Pattaya’s main coastline.
- Pattaya attracts a high volume of tourists, which intensifies existing urban issues such as heavy traffic and overcrowded streets during the peak tourist season.
- Although Pattaya remains among the top three destinations by visitor numbers, other resorts such as Samui, Krabi, Cha-Am, and Hua Hin are also actively attracting new visitors. As a result, demand for local real estate may decline in the future.
Top Deals in Pattaya's Real Estate Market
Popular Districts of Pattaya
Pattaya is conventionally divided into several large districts, each of which has developed around different types of leisure and target audiences. Unlike compact resort towns, a distance of just 3–5 km here can mean a fundamentally different experience, ranging from a noisy tourist center to a calm coastal area focused on families and long-term living.
Central Pattaya
The central district is traditionally the liveliest and most tourist-oriented part of the city. For most foreign visitors, this area shapes their first impression of Pattaya.
This is where the main nightlife venues are concentrated, and overall urban activity such as shopping and entertainment is at its highest. As a result, Central Pattaya has a high concentration of hotels and short-term rental properties.
The area operates on a 24/7 cycle. During the day, people fill the beaches and shopping malls. In the evening, restaurants and markets become busy. At night, clubs open and evening shows take place.
The beach in Central Pattaya is suitable for walks, but for swimming it is better to travel to Jomtien, the northern part of the city, or Koh Larn island. This is due to heavy overcrowding and reduced water clarity near the shore caused by urban runoff.
Central Pattaya is rarely chosen for long-term living because of dense development and constant noise, including at night. Therefore, this area is best suited for:
- tourists on short-term visits;
- visitors primarily interested in the city’s nightlife;
- those who do not plan to spend much time in their accommodation.
Jomtien
Jomtien is located approximately 4–5 km south of the city center and is considered a quieter alternative to Central Pattaya. The area is popular among families and is one of the most suitable districts for permanent residence.
The long-term rental market offers up to 1,200 properties with lease terms ranging from 1 to 12 months. These are mainly condominiums and serviced apartments, although luxury beachfront developments have been actively emerging in recent years.
Jomtien is distinguished from other districts of Pattaya by its extended coastline. With a length of over 6 km, it has the longest beach within the city limits. This results in:
- a lower density of vacationers compared to the city center;
- more space for walking and outdoor activities;
- more comfortable swimming conditions even during high season.
The beach here is oriented toward daytime and family recreation rather than evening entertainment, which makes the area noticeably quieter than Central Pattaya. Markets, supermarkets, and cafes are within walking distance, and a well-developed public transport system allows access to any part of the city within 15–20 minutes.
According to rental market data, the average cost of living in Jomtien is 20–40% lower than in central tourist districts while offering comparable housing quality. On the downside, access to major entertainment venues and nightlife still requires traveling to the city center.
Pratumnak
The Pratumnak area maintains a balance between the city center and the quieter southern districts. It is typically chosen by visitors who want to stay close to Central Pattaya while avoiding its noise and constant congestion.
Geographically, Pratumnak is located between Central Pattaya and Jomtien and sits on a hill, which already sets it apart from most coastal areas of the city. Although the maximum natural elevation within the city limits is only 98 meters, the district features several well-known viewpoints with panoramic views.
The beach situation here is more complex. Instead of one long beachfront, Pratumnak consists of several enclosed beaches and small bays, including Cozy Beach. The surrounding areas are actively being developed with sea-view condominiums. These are typically mid-range to high-end projects priced at approximately $200,000–300,000.
The key advantage of Pratumnak is its location. Central Pattaya can be reached by public transport in just 5–10 minutes, while Jomtien Beach is about a 5-minute ride away. As a result, the area experiences relatively low transit tourist traffic.
Overall, tourist infrastructure in Pratumnak is less intensive. There are fewer bars and nightlife venues, but more small cafes, local shops, and everyday services, which makes the district comfortable for both short stays and longer-term living.
Wongamat
Wongamat is considered a premium district. Luxury beachfront developments are concentrated here, including both high-end condominiums and private villas. This status is reinforced by the structure of local projects, such as high-rise luxury condos and exclusive seaside residences. As a result, the area is primarily chosen by tourists and residents with above-average budgets who prioritize maximum comfort.
The district is notable for the near absence of:
- bar streets;
- noisy tourist crowds;
- heavy transit traffic.
At the same time, Wongamat Beach is regarded as one of the best urban beaches in Pattaya. Its total length is only about 1.3 km, but it offers significantly cleaner water and a well-maintained shoreline compared to central areas.
According to real estate market data, rental and purchase prices here are above the Pattaya average. Property values range from $3200 to $3500 per square meter, which is comparable to the upper segment of the Phuket market, while long-term rental rates typically fall within the $2000–2700 range.
Naklua
Naklua is the northern district of Pattaya and often remains outside the attention of mass tourism. It is better suited for travelers seeking a more authentic experience, as the area historically developed as a fishing community, and this character is still clearly felt today:
- fewer tourists;
- a higher proportion of local residents;
- fewer hotels and bars;
- more markets, small shops, and temples.
At the same time, Naklua offers all the essentials for everyday living:
- one of Pattaya’s best-known seafood markets;
- local cafes and restaurants;
- schools and medical centers;
- convenient access to the northern parts of the city.
Naklua’s beaches are not designed for a classic resort experience, which is why they are used mainly by locals. For tourists, these beaches may appear less maintained, especially when compared with the coastline of Wongamat.
The median rental level in Naklua is around $510 per month, which is roughly half the average rate in Wongamat at about $1115. This aligns with the citywide average, while purchase prices in the range of $2700–3300 per square meter are already above the Pattaya mean.
Na Jomtien
Na Jomtien is located south of Jomtien, beyond Pattaya’s dense urban development. By 2025, major international brands such as The Standard and Pattaya Na Jomtien have entered the area, launching projects in the upscale residential segment.
The main reason people choose Na Jomtien is beach quality. The area offers a wide coastline and a lower density of visitors. According to tourist feedback and hotel operator data, Na Jomtien’s beaches are considered among the most comfortable on Pattaya’s mainland. They are only slightly behind selected sections of Wongamat in terms of water quality, while offering more space and a greater sense of openness.
Development in Na Jomtien differs noticeably from the rest of Pattaya. Due to its premium positioning, the area is dominated by 4–5 star hotels, resort-style complexes, and modern beachfront condominiums.
In 2025, the district continues to develop actively as a resort real estate zone. Average price levels are higher than in Jomtien but are often comparable to or slightly below Wongamat, while offering better beaches and a stronger sense of privacy.
Infrastructure in Na Jomtien is primarily oriented toward short-term stays. For large shopping malls, markets, and major medical facilities, residents typically travel to Jomtien or Central Pattaya.
The average property price in the area remains near the upper end of the city’s median range at $2600–2650 per square meter. Entry-level studios are priced at around $1949 per square meter, while premium villas often exceed $3000 per square meter.
North Pattaya
North Pattaya is effectively a transitional area between Central Pattaya and the northern districts of Wongamat and Naklua. The area features a high concentration of urban condominiums and hotels designed for residents and visitors who need fast access both to the city center and to the northern beaches.
North Pattaya starts at the northern boundary of the central district and extends toward Naklua. Travel time to Central Pattaya is typically 5–10 minutes, and Wongamat can be reached in roughly the same time. The area also offers convenient access to Sukhumvit Road and highways leading toward Bangkok.
The key characteristic of North Pattaya is its dense urban infrastructure. The district includes:
- large shopping malls;
- supermarkets, markets, and restaurants;
- hotels across multiple categories;
- office buildings and service zones.
In terms of service availability, North Pattaya is second only to the city center, while being less focused on nightlife. Beach quality here is closer to Central Pattaya and remains inferior to Wongamat and Na Jomtien.
The average sale price for apartments and condominiums in North Pattaya is approximately $3537 per square meter. This figure reflects a broad range of properties, from compact studios to large multi-bedroom units in high-rise buildings.
In the small studio segment, prices are often slightly lower, around $3000 per square meter, while two-bedroom units typically reach $4056–4422 per square meter. This positions North Pattaya between central districts and premium coastal locations in terms of pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pattaya Districts
Which area of Pattaya is best for a first-time stay?
For a first visit, Jomtien and Pratumnak are the most balanced options. They are quieter than the city center while offering convenient transport access, with travel times of 15–20 minutes to key locations.
Where are the best beaches in Pattaya?
Within the mainland city limits, Wongamat consistently ranks highest in beach quality. Na Jomtien comes next, largely due to lower crowd density and wider beaches. Many visitors also travel to Koh Larn island for swimming.
Which area should be chosen for nightlife?
For nightlife enthusiasts, Central Pattaya remains the only realistic choice. This is where the city’s most popular bars and clubs are located, and a constant flow of events and shows ensures an active social scene year-round.
Why is it called the dark side in Pattaya?
The «Dark Side» is the eastern part of Pattaya, located on the opposite side of Sukhumvit Road from the sea. The name has nothing to do with a higher crime rate; it originates from the 2000s, when street lighting in this area was limited.
Today, it is a predominantly residential district with gated housing estates, international schools, and sports centers. Rental prices here are on average 20–40% lower than in coastal areas, while the average property size is noticeably larger.
What is the safest part of Pattaya?
The safest areas of Pattaya are Pratamnak Hill and Wongamat. In Pratamnak, this is primarily due to low tourist density, gated condominiums, and a high proportion of long-term residents. Most residential complexes provide 24-hour security and CCTV surveillance.
Wongamat is considered one of the safest districts because of its concentration of luxury condominiums and five-star hotels. Any decline in security would undermine the area’s prestige, so municipal authorities invest substantial resources in maintaining safety in this district.
Which is the richest area in Pattaya?
The wealthiest area of Pattaya is Wongamat. It has the highest average property prices in the city, with beachfront condominiums typically priced 30–60% higher per square meter than comparable units in Central Pattaya or Jomtien.
Wongamat features a higher concentration of luxury residential developments than any other district, often with private beach access. These projects are primarily targeted at affluent buyers from Thailand as well as from East Asia as a whole.
What is the difference between Central Pattaya and North Pattaya?
Central Pattaya is home to the main shopping malls, bars, and nightlife venues, which makes the area active around the clock. The building stock is mostly older. There are many 2–3 star hotels and condominiums without gated территории. Housing here is poorly suited for long-term living due to noise and heavy traffic, so the market is mainly focused on short-term rentals.
North Pattaya is a quieter residential area with newer developments. Medium- and high-end condominiums dominate the market. Hotels are also present, but with a higher average rating of 4–5 stars. Rental prices are generally higher, but the area offers far more options for permanent residence and has the necessary infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
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