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This Pattaya Travel Blog is written in such a way to help solo travelers and backpackers to navigate through the chaotic world of this unique Thai travel destination. Pattaya, the sin city of the east, is a must visit destination for anyone backpacking Thailand.
My Experience | Pattaya Solo Travel
I arrived Pattaya not from the usual Bangkok to Pattaya link but from Cambodia. I was backpacking Cambodia and was on my final destination Kampot.
The new year was knocking on the door and since I had ruled out going back to the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, I decided it was probably best to hit somewhere in Thailand. And what best than Pattaya! A perfect destination for singles and solo travelers, there are plenty of things to do in Pattaya alone.
Also read how to get from DMK airport to Pattaya
After a back breaking journey of more than 6 hours (if memory serves me right) which included four transfers (yes!) across a mini bus, tuk-tuk, a van, and to mark the completion of the journey a moto-taxi.
Luckily, I had my hotel booked for the night, The Siam Guest House ($20 for a double room). The room was large enough for it’s price, was squeaky clean and came equipped with an a/c. What else the hotel was right across the beach only five minutes walk. Both 7/11 and subway were nearby to support my vegetarian lifestyle.
If you are traveling alone in Pattaya and looking for a cheaper but good accommodation, here are few of my hotel and hostel recommendation in Pattaya:
Hostels | Pattaya Solo Travel
1. Anna Hostel – booking.com/anna
One of the most affordable place in Pattaya also comes with a very high user rating of 8.9 (from 70+ reviews). If you book early enough you can grab the $5 fan mixed dorm. A near perfect place to stay for solo travelers in Pattaya.
2. Chilling Home – booking.com/chilling
Quite true to its name, Chilling Home is quite a chill out place. The hostel also includes a cafe where you can hang out with your old buddies or newly made travel pals. Surely a good place to stay for a single guy in Pattaya. Dorm – $9. Double room – $14
3. Happy Live – booking.com/happy
Another very highly rated (8.6) hostel in Pattaya. Bunk bed starts at $9.
4. Qinglian Youth Hostel – booking.com/youth
Swanky, contemporary and minimalist is how I would descript Qinglian Youth Hostel, if you are in Pattaya for few days do check this one out to get a unique experience. Bunk bed – $7
Hotels | Pattaya Solo Travel
1. Kingfisher House and Bar – booking.com/kingfisher
No, this is in no way affiliated to Mallaya and it can be called anything but sexy. Tidy and value for money best describe this guesthouse. Rating: 9+ (though only 17 reviews). Deluxe double room: $22
2. Ben & Lek Gay Friendly Guesthouse – booking.com/ben
Just as the name say, it is a guest house which doesn’t differentiate. Private double room: U.S. $11
Places to visit | Pattaya Solo Travel
Though Pattaya isn’t really the kind of place where you’d like to indulge in ticking off a sightseeing checklist but if you do have a few days to kill check out these top places to visit in Pattaya:
1. Sanctuary of Truth
At the top of the list of places to visit in Pattaya is the beautiful temple of Sanctuary of truth. Located on the shores of Wong Amat beach, Sanctuary of Truth is a magnificent structure made entirely of teak wood, and a fine addition to the beautiful thai architecture. Interestingly, the building isn’t a temple but more of a philosopical refuge that stresses on the importance of righteous living – with belief in God and kindness to all human beings.
Commissioned by a Thai businessman, the construction of the sanctuary, which towers to a height of 105 m, started in the year 1981. The unique point of the sanctuary of truth is that the construction wood remains untreated and has to be continuously replaced. This is intentional as it is symbolic of the wheel of samsara, the cycle of life and death as per the Sanātana Dharma (Hinduism) philosophy (and hence Buddhism too). Visit to sanctuary of truth is a must while on solo trip to Pattaya.
Sanctuary of Truth Entrance Fee: 450 THB adults; 225 THB children.
2. Jomtien Beach
One of the main beaches of Pattaya lined with lots and lots of palm trees to keep you from scorching Sun. If you are into water-sports choose one (or many) of the activities from parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides and windsurfing.
While backpacking in Pattaya the seemingly endless stretch of the golden sand is your perfect getaway to spend your day leisurely. Try the seafood snacks from the walking food vendors or head to a beach shack or a restaurant on the road. A perfect alternative to the pattaya beach.
3. Nong Nooch Village
Pronounced as nung nut the huge park of Nong Nooch makes for a perfect day trip from Pattaya. The park is spread over 600 acres the park includes several themed gardens, buildings which houses daily events , restaurants and hotels.
Highlights include the bonsai and orchid gardens, and Muay Thai matches. Orchid nurseries houses one of the biggest collection (~700 species!) in the entire country and is a undoubtedly a must see. If you haven’t been to a Thai cultural dance, check out such events in the Thai Cultural Hall
I appeal to fellow travelers to strictly avoids events involving animals including any shows put up with elephants. It is advisable to rent a bicycle rather than tiring yourself by walking around. Backpacking in Pattaya is so much fun but I’d still recommend you take out time for this wonderful day trip.
Timings: Open everyday 8am-6pm
Admission: 500 THB adults which covers everything!
4. Walking Street Pattaya
Let’s be honest people make solo trip to Pattaya for a reason, to enjoy the (in)famous nightlife the city offers. If you really looking go deeper into the rabbit hole or just want to stare the glitters from a distance head to the the walking street of Pattaya. I’ve not been to Vegas but I wonder would be able to match with the openness of Pattaya,
The one km. stretch starting from the beach road to Bali Hai Plaza at the other end is stacked with rows after rows of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and no hold go-go bars. It is impossible to walk on the streets without getting bombarded with menus and offers of the ‘exclusive’ events. Walking street surely deserves a mention in this Pattaya travel blog.
If you are planning to come by car, take a taxi instead, as you might find impossible to find a parking spot. Alternatively, take a songthaews, they are just everywhere, get on and get off wherever you want.
5. Floating market
If you have missed the floating market in Bangkok then Pattaya floating market makes for a mandatory visit. Interestingly, the floating market in Pattaya consists of four different sections, each belonging to a zone in Thailand.
If shopping for local craft and souvenirs is not your thing, check out the awesome sea food, veggies too can enjoy by relishing the taste of tropical fruits.
Highlights include noodle soups, pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles), kanom jean (rice vermicelli) with different kinds of curries, ka nom krok (coconut pancake), foi thong (golden threads), thong yip (sweet egg yolk) and more. Postcards, Thai handicrafts and some ancient toys made from wood or die-cast metal are widely available within the market, too.
Enjoy the boat ride while you soak in the views of the paddy fields and the slow pace of rural life, also watching old Thai houses is a delight too. All the great fun you can have here makes the floating market one of the best places to visit in Pattaya. Undoubtedly, floating market is a must visit while backpacking Pattaya.
Timings: Everyday from 0800 – 1800
Admission: Free, boat would typically cost about 300-400 THB
If you are in rush, you can also go for a day trip to Pattaya from Bangkok. And if you are backpacking Thailand, add to your itinerary at-least 3 days in Pattaya.
Itinerary | Pattaya Solo Travel
There are so many things to do in Pattaya, that one day or 2 days are not enough. Ideally you will need five days to go to the top places to visit in Pattaya. But here, given you might have time crunch, I suggest a 3 days Pattaya Itinerary.
Whether you are backpacking Pattaya, or on solo trip, or perhaps on a trip with friends and family, here’s an itinerary to spend 3 days in Pattaya:
Day One
- Daytime: Sanctuary of Truth, Art in Paradise
- Evening: The beach/ Walking street
Day Two
- Daytime: Nong Nooch Village
- Evening: The beach/ Walking street
Day Three
- Daytime: Pattaya Floating market
- Evening: The beach/ Walking street
Hope you enjoyed reading this Pattaya blog, as well as found it informative. I have tried to include as many travel tips to make it easier for you to plan your trip to Pattaya. This is specially helpful if you are backpacking Thailand alone.
Thank you for your insight…
I can plan my trip easy now.
hey you have missed coral beach full day trip.. Any reason please
No, reason, did you like the visit to Coral beach?
Pattaya has a lot to offer and has really improved over the years. We conduct a lot of team building in Pattaya city as there is so much on offer.
Hi Thanks for sharing the details it’s really helpful for my upcoming Solo travel to Pattaya, Just want one help it’s good to book Hotel or Hostel for a solo travelers.
Hostels, of-course.