The quieter, more upscale north — Naklua and North Pattaya, with a local fishing-village feel, seafood restaurants, the beautiful Sanctuary of Truth, calmer beaches and a more sedate, family-friendly atmosphere away from the neon. Relaxed, authentic and greener, a short ride from the centre; the base for travellers who want peace, good seafood and a more genuine, low-key stay near (but not in) the action. Pattaya's calm, cultured side. Quiet and characterful.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€50–120
typical per night in Thailand
The sensible middle
Typical prices for Pattaya — neither steal nor splurge.
Where it sits
The circle is Naklua & North Pattaya and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- A cabaret show27 min walk2.3 km
- Pattaya Beach & the bay13 min taxi4.2 km
- Walking Street17 min taxi5.5 km
- Big Buddha Hill (Wat Phra Yai)22 min taxi7.3 km
- Jomtien (beach)26 min taxi8.7 km
- Jomtien Beach26 min taxi8.7 km
- The Floating Market32 min taxi10.8 km
- Koh Larn (Coral Island)40 min taxi13.2 km
- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden68 min taxi22.8 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 2.The Sanctuary of Truth — Pattaya's most extraordinary sight — the Sanctuary of Truth, a colossal, entirely hand-carved wooden temple-palace rising from the sea at Naklua, every inch covered in intricate carvings of Buddhist and Hindu mythology, still being built by hand after decades. Towering, ornate and utterly unique, it's a breathtaking labour of devotion and craftsmanship, with woodcarving demonstrations and dolphin shows in the grounds. Wander the astonishing carved halls and admire the seaside setting; it's a magnificent, only-in-Pattaya highlight. A stunning, unmissable cultural gem. Awe-inspiring.
- 3.Big Buddha Hill (Wat Phra Yai) — Perched on Pratamnak Hill overlooking the bay — Wat Phra Yai, home to a serene 18-metre golden seated Buddha, one of Pattaya's most revered landmarks, surrounded by smaller Buddha statues, ornate temple buildings and bells, with lovely views over the city and sea. A peaceful, spiritual and scenic escape from the neon below (dress modestly); climb the steps to the great golden Buddha, ring the bells for luck, and take in the panorama. A calm, uplifting and photogenic highlight. A serene must-see; go for the Buddha and the views.
- 9.Fresh seafood — Pattaya sits on the Gulf, and its seafood is a highlight — feast on fresh prawns, crab, squid, fish and shellfish, grilled or cooked Thai-style with garlic, chilli and lime, at the seafood restaurants of Naklua's fishing harbour, Jomtien's beachfront and the markets. Point at your catch, have it cooked to order, and dig in with your toes near the sand; it's superb, abundant and great value. Don't miss the local specialities alongside classic Thai dishes; the seafood is a delicious reason to visit. A tasty, essential highlight. Superb and cheap; come hungry.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Naklua & North Pattaya; flights via Google Flights.