Living 1 min read
Getting around Pattaya and the school run
How families get around Pattaya: driving, school buses, songthaews and motorbike taxis, and how Sukhumvit Road affects the school run.
Living
Where families live
A guide to the parts of Pattaya where families tend to live: Jomtien, Pratumnak, Naklua and East Pattaya, and what each is like.
The full neighbourhood guideJomtien
Jomtien runs along a long beach south of central Pattaya. It is quieter than the city centre, with condominiums along the beach road and houses further inland. Many families like its beach and its distance from the nightlife of central Pattaya.
More on JomtienPratumnak
Pratumnak is the hill between Pattaya and Jomtien. It is mostly residential, with condos and some houses, and has small beaches. It is close to both Pattaya and Jomtien.
More on PratumnakNaklua
Naklua is at the northern end of Pattaya. It is older and quieter than the centre, with a fishing-village history, local markets and newer high-rise condominiums by the sea.
More on NakluaEast Pattaya
East Pattaya, across Sukhumvit Road from the beach, is where many families with children live. It has many housing estates with houses and gardens, some with shared pools, at lower rents than beach-side condos. Several international schools are on this side of the city. The trade-off is that you will drive to most places.
More on East PattayaSchools
Schools and the school year
- Universities near PattayaHigher education options near Pattaya for older children and parents: Burapha University in Bang Saen and the main universities in Bangkok.
- Weather and the school year in PattayaHow Pattaya's hot, rainy and cool seasons line up with the international and Thai school calendars.
- Choosing an international school in PattayaHow to compare international schools in Pattaya and the wider Chonburi area: curricula, location, fees, transport and visits.
Family
A family weekend, planned
One way to fit the best-known days out into two days, using the timings from our days-out guide. Check ferry times and opening hours before you go.
Days out with childrenSaturday, early
Ferry to Koh Larn
Ferries leave from Bali Hai pier at the south end of Walking Street and take about 45 minutes. Go early at weekends, when the boats are busy.
Saturday, all day
Beaches on the island
Hire a songthaew or motorbike taxi to reach the quieter beaches. Allow a full day, or a long half day.
Sunday morning
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
South along Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip district. The garden is large, so plan for the whole morning.
Sunday afternoon
The Sanctuary of Truth
A short taxi ride to Naklua. Allow one to two hours; children usually enjoy watching the carvers.
Sunday, late afternoon
The viewpoint on Pratumnak Hill
Under an hour, and best in the late afternoon, looking out over Pattaya Bay.
More practical guides
Living 1 min read
Moving to Pattaya with children: a checklist
A practical checklist for families moving to Pattaya: school applications, documents, housing, health and the first weeks.
Schools 1 min read
Universities near Pattaya
Higher education options near Pattaya for older children and parents: Burapha University in Bang Saen and the main universities in Bangkok.
Family 1 min read
Rainy-day games for families
Card and table games to play at home when a Pattaya downpour keeps everyone indoors.