Where to stay in Chon Buri – Pattaya, Jomtien and Bang Saen
Pattaya, Jomtien, Naklua, Bang Saen and Ko Larn compared. Where to stay in Chon Buri province, the closest beach area to Bangkok.
Chon Buri province stretches along the eastern Gulf coast south of Bangkok. It includes Pattaya, one of Thailand’s biggest resort cities, as well as the more local seaside town of Bang Saen and the industrial port of Laem Chabang. With Suvarnabhumi Airport about two hours away by road, it is the easiest beach escape from the capital.
Choosing an area
- Central Pattaya and Beach Road put you close to the shopping centres, the Walking Street nightlife zone and the busiest part of the beach. It is lively and noisy.
- Naklua and Wong Amat, north of the centre, are calmer, with larger resorts, a cleaner beach and family-friendly hotels.
- Pratumnak Hill, between Pattaya and Jomtien, is quiet and residential, with small beaches and viewpoints.
- Jomtien has a long beach, condo-style stays and water sports, popular with long-stay visitors and Thai families.
- Bang Saen is a short drive from Bangkok and feels more Thai, with seafood restaurants, a beach promenade and weekend crowds from the capital.
- Ko Larn is a small island about 30–45 minutes by ferry from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. Most people visit for the day, but a few small hotels allow an overnight stay.
When to go
The coolest, driest months are November to March. April and May are hot, and the rainy season runs from about June to October, though Pattaya receives less rain than the Andaman coast and is visited all year. Weekends and Thai public holidays are busy with visitors from Bangkok.
Getting there and around
Buses and minivans run from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and from Suvarnabhumi Airport. U-Tapao International Airport, south of Pattaya, has a limited schedule of domestic and international flights. Within Pattaya, baht-bus songthaews run fixed loops along Beach Road and Second Road, and ride-hailing apps are widely used.
Things to do
Popular sights include the Sanctuary of Truth, a carved wooden temple-like building in Naklua; Nong Nooch Tropical Garden; Khao Chi Chan, a cliff with a giant Buddha image; and the viewpoint at Pratumnak Hill.
Where to stay
JomtienA long beach south of Pattaya, popular with families and long-stay visitors. What Jomtien is like and how it compares with central Pattaya.
PattayaCentral Pattaya, Naklua, Wong Amat and Pratumnak compared. Who Pattaya suits, family-friendly areas and getting around.
Festivals and events
SongkranWhen Songkran happens, where the biggest celebrations are, what to expect and how to book hotels around the Thai New Year holiday.
