Is Pattaya Safe - Neighborhoods to Avoid and Best Place to Stay

Are there areas to avoid in Pattaya? Is Pattaya safe in 2024? Where is the best place to stay? Here are the questions that many tourists ask themselves before arranging a stay in Thailand's major seaside resort.

Location of neighborhoods to avoid and best place to stay in Pattaya

Pattaya is a city located on the east coast of Thailand just 150 kilometers from Bangkok. It is world famous for its districts whose animations are mainly intended for entertainment for adults. But Pattaya is not only red light districts, it is also beautiful beaches, temples to visit, amusement parks, markets and nice shops.

So if you decide to go to this seaside resort, here is a guide on safety, red light districts, neighborhoods to avoid for families or for tourists looking for something other than bars or massage parlors.

Sources: Studies, statistics and rankings on crimes and offences, press articles, forums, publications

Is Pattaya dangerous in 2024?

Thailand as a whole is not considered a dangerous country. But some of its big cities like Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya are less safe than the rest of the country.

To find out if Pattaya is a dangerous city in 2024, you have to compare its crime index with other cities around the world.

Pattaya crime rate

However, when we look at the Numbeo global ranking , Pattaya has a crime index of 45.25 in 2024, which is a moderate index. In comparison, Pattaya is less crime-ridden than Jakarta , Delhi , or Western cities like Paris , Rome , London , Barcelona , Miami , or New York.

But crime in Pattaya is not the same as crime in certain neighborhoods of some cities in Mexico or South Africa . In fact, crime in Pattaya is mostly corruption, theft, scams, drug use, and petty crime. Homicides and violent assaults are very rare.

Finally, it should be emphasized that crime in Pattaya is often not generated by the city's residents but by certain tourists, traffickers, mafias, or gangsters from other countries who have settled in Pattaya in recent years. See the article: " Thai city attracts the most notorious gangsters and bikers from the West ."

Is Pattaya safe to visit?

Yes, Pattaya is considered a fairly safe city for tourists, but visitors should exercise caution. Indeed, as in all tourist areas, tourists are targets of petty crime (pickpockets, phone thefts, scams). This is confirmed by the official French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website , which indicates that cases of credit card fraud have been reported by tourists in Pattaya.

On the other hand, the risk of insecurity for tourists in Pattaya depends mainly on the neighborhoods.

Pattaya neighborhoods map

The city of Pattaya is divided into three main areas: the city center , Jomtien in the south, and Naklua in the north. But as you can see below, these three areas comprise several neighborhoods.

Map of neighborhoods

The thing to know is that the majority of tourists stay in the city center in a small area between Walking Street and Beach Road. However, other areas of Pattaya are interesting for tourist stays.

Let's see below which areas to avoid in Pattaya and the best areas for your vacation.

Are there dangerous neighborhoods in Pattaya?

There is no dangerous neighborhood in Pattaya where tourists would be unsafe. However, there are some places that may be less safe, particularly at night. Without being very dangerous areas, they are still areas to avoid when choosing your hotel or apartment (see list below).

Neighborhoods to avoid in Pattaya

The only neighborhoods to avoid in Pattaya are those that are too far from tourist sites or beautiful beaches and the red light district of Pattaya.

Pattaya Red Light District

Like Amsterdam or Phuket , Pattaya also has its red-light district. It's located in the city center, in and around Walking Street. It extends to Soi 6, a small street lined with hostess bars, and to Soi Buakhao, which is also a street to avoid in Pattaya.

This entire area, known as Pattaya's red-light district, is notorious for its numerous bars, go-go clubs, and other disreputable adult establishments. It goes without saying that it's best to avoid choosing a hotel in this seedy area.

Beach Road to avoid at night

Although Beach Road is very touristy and not at all dangerous during the day, some secluded or poorly lit areas may seem less safe at night for tourists. In fact, this road which runs along the beach, is also an extension of Walking Street. So watch out at night for partygoers and other tourists who don't come to Pattaya to visit the temples.

Pattaya safe city guide of neighborhoods to avoid

Best places to stay in Pattaya

Here are the top 4 best places to stay in Pattaya according to your desires and your holiday style:

Pattaya South – Jomtien and Dongtan : Best areas in Pattaya for a beach holiday. Indeed, the best and cleanest beaches in Pattaya (Jomtien Beach and Dongtan Beach) are located south of the city. Note that there is also the Big Buddha, Pattaya Park (water amusement park) and small night markets.
Koh Larn ou Coral island (Small island 8 km from Pattaya) – Best place for heavenly beaches
North Pattaya–Na Kluea Wong Amat : Best place to stay in Pattaya you visit the city. Indeed, it is north of the city that is the Sanctuary of Truth and family attractions like Mini Siam.
Pataya city center : For those who want to enjoy entertainment and nightlife

Which hotel in Pattaya outside the neighborhoods to avoid?

According to my tastes, the best place to stay away from the areas to avoid in Pattaya is Jomtien Beach. Indeed, it is a nice, quieter place, only 15 minutes from the city center and with a beautiful beach.

And, for a luxury holiday, the hotel I recommend is located right on the beach, 800 meters from the historic Wat Khao Phra Bat temple and just a 10-minute drive from downtown Pattaya: Royal Cliff Beach Hotel Pattaya

Hotel Pattaya South