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Pattaya islands review
Pattaya might have started as a sleepy fishing village, but it woke into full city potential after the Vietnam war. Welcoming American veterans slowly, but inevitably, this led to the expansion of the small village into a cosmopolitan Pattaya City, boasting floating markets, glamorous shopping, gourmet dining, and one of the best nightlife scenes in all of Thailand. Blessed with a wide array of beaches and befitting parties, the full range of tourists and locals from different backgrounds contribute to this intriguing Thai holiday destination today.
If you are in Pattaya and wish to escape the frantic crowds, noise, debauchery, and overcrowding, you do not need to go far. Just a few kilometers away from the extravagant coastal city of Pattaya, there is a myriad of Pattaya Islands waiting for you. Be prepared to discover the hidden tropical beauty, swim in clear waters, and unwind on pristine beaches that you cannot find in Pattaya City. And those who want to spend more time exploring the beauty of nearby islands may opt for the largest of Pattaya Islands at Koh Larn (Coral Island), instead of vacationing in Pattaya City itself.
Seven islands around Pattaya are the most popular getaways for island-hopping day trips. From bathing on softest sands, snorkeling coral reefs, diving with seahorses of visiting island monkeys – Pattaya Islands Tour can have it all. These include the most famous island Koh Larn (Coral Island), Koh Phai (Bamboo Island), Koh Ped (Monkey Island), divers-friendly Koh Rin, Koh Sak (Horseshoe Island), and the most beautiful Khram Noi and Khram Yai islands.
- AIRPORT Pattaya
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Nov - May
Beaches
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Snorkeling
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Boat Tour
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Holiday
Why visit Pattaya
How to reach Pattaya
Covering a landmass of 22.2 square kilometers, Pattaya finds a nestling place on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This resort city is about 100 km close to Bangkok, connected via fast highway. Nevertheless, Pattaya has managed to form an independent identity in all the years since its inception. There is an international airport in Pattaya with an abundance of domestic flights as well. And it is easy to explore dozens of beautiful Pattaya islands while on vacation in Sin City. You can discover each corner of the Pattaya nearby islands by chartering a private boat with Islander, where you can tailor a trip specifically for your preferences.
Best time in Pattaya
The best time to visit Pattaya is during the dry season from November until May. Pattaya and nearby islands is blessed with three different weather types. The first, between December and February, is a warm and dry season and is perfect for snorkeling and diving. It gives way to the warm and humid season, which lasts from March to sometime in April. Although it can get boiling outside, underwater conditions around Pattaya Islands are terrific. Once the sky allows a rainy season from May until November, stay away from Pattaya and try Koh Samui and neighboring islands instead.
Rainy season in Pattaya
Rainy season in Pattaya is in full swing during June-September. If your reason to visit is purely big-city shenanigans, you probably won’t notice much, while being stuck in a shopping mall. The experience will not be likable for those wanting to explore the Pattaya Islands and more of pristine beaches and snorkeling. Many boat tours won’t be running during the rainy season because the rough and unpleasant sea will make it challenging to enjoy Pattaya Islands. Nevertheless, Pattaya’s big-city appeal attracts visitors year-round for more reasons than just weather.
Pattaya or Phuket
Pattaya’s proximity to Bangkok means it is bound to see a lot of human traffic and bustle, making it a less relaxed location than Phuket. Pattaya city feels like Bangkok indeed, although with some beaches around. Likewise, Phuket is famous for its assortment of stunning and pristine beaches, quickly edging Pattaya out when it comes to the ultimate beach experience. There is way more to see around Phuket island by boat despite a nice collection of Pattaya islands. On the flipside, Phuket is behind Pattaya when it comes to the quality and richness of shopping, dining and wine establishments. While the nightlife, oh well..
Pattaya or Koh Samui
Just like it is with every other location here, the beach life on Koh Samui is way better than the crowd situation we have at Pattaya. This is not a huge drawback for those seeing the Pattaya beaches for the first time, and they get rewarded with a much better nightlife than they could get over at Koh Samui too. For a romantic getaway, however, Pattaya pales to Koh Samui with its authentic tropical island feel. Ultimately, the choice depends on your lifestyle, taste, and personal preference.
Pattaya or Krabii
Not to overflow the issue of population, but Pattaya is not the place to be if all you want is a laid-back location for your vacation. Of course, Krabi is a much smaller town in-land, but it has its coastline perks at Ao Nang Beach and breathtaking Railay Beach. But you won’t get to enjoy all the fantastic sights and extras (café and restaurant treatment, amazing nightlife, and more), which Pattaya has to offer. At the same time, Krabi promises more of the exciting eco-adventures and island-hopping itineraries due to its proximity to Koh Phi Phi and the islands across Phang Nga Bay.
