PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite its reputation as a bustling beach city, many long-term foreign residents are speaking up to defend Pattaya as a relatively peaceful place to live — especially when compared to other parts of Thailand.
While complaints about noise, traffic, and over-tourism often make headlines, expats say that the reality on the ground tells a different story, particularly for those who know where to stay.
“There are plenty of hotels in quiet areas of Pattaya,” said one expat, who emphasized that peace and quiet are easy to find just outside the busiest nightlife zones. “I stay in a hotel between Soi Buakhao and Second Road and hardly hear any noise,” he added, countering the widespread perception that central Pattaya is always chaotic.
Others compare Pattaya favorably to the rest of the country. One long-term visitor shared their experience of Songkran, the Thai New Year: “Try spending Songkran in a typical Isaan village — then you’ll know non-stop, drug-fuelled, deafening noise. Pattaya is calm in comparison.”
Some also noted that the problems associated with tourism aren’t unique to Pattaya. “Hua Hin is getting just as bad,” said another expat, pointing to increasing crowds and noise in what was once considered a quiet alternative.
While Pattaya’s nightlife and party image remain strong in the public imagination, many residents stress that it’s a city of many faces — offering everything from vibrant entertainment to laid-back beachside living, depending on where you go.
As one expat put it, “If you know Pattaya, you know how to enjoy its peace.”
