U-Tapao International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

U-Tapao is a repurposed military base in the Ban Chang district, designed above all for those flying to Pattaya, a different town about 40-50 km away, not to Rayong, which actually gives the airport its name and is in fact closer. Those who stay in the Rayong area save a good hour of transfer but give up beach life; those aiming for Pattaya must accept shared minivans that are not always punctual, or a pricier but direct private taxi.

Rayong

Nearby town · The airport is in the Ban Chang district; central Rayong is about 25-30 km away, 30-40 minutes by car or taxi.

Best for: Those with work commitments in the Map Ta Phut industrial zone or who want the shortest possible transfer, with no need for the Pattaya beach.

Pros

A much shorter and more predictable transfer than the one to Pattaya
International chain hotels at lower prices than on the tourist coast

Cons

No beach life: Rayong town is a commercial and industrial centre, not a tourist destination
In the evening there are few venues besides the hotel restaurants

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Rayong: On Bangna-Trad Road in the central district of Choeng Noen, with a shopping centre attached to the hotel; handy as a base for those working in the Map Ta Phut industrial zone.
Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre: Recent property in central Rayong with an outdoor pool and gym; breakfast is often singled out as a strong point in reviews.

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Na Jomtien and Sattahip

Neighbourhood · About 38 km, 25-40 minutes by car: closer to the airport than the word "Pattaya" in some properties' addresses would suggest, but still 20-25 minutes from Jomtien's public beach and from central Pattaya.

Best for: Those who already want the sea and a quality resort but prefer a shorter transfer than the one to central Pattaya.

Pros

A calmer stretch of coast, with private beach and less foot traffic than Pattaya
A shorter transfer than the one to central Pattaya, despite the hotels' names

Cons

Walking Street and Pattaya's nightlife remain 25 minutes or more away, a car is needed
An isolated area: few restaurants or shops outside the resorts themselves

Recommended hotels in this area

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, By Hyatt: Despite the name, it is in Na Jomtien, in the Sattahip district, on a calmer stretch of coast: private beach, three pools and about 20-25 minutes from central Pattaya.

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Pattaya

Nearby town · About 45-55 km from the airport: private taxi 45-50 minutes, shared minivan 40 minutes-2 hours because it makes more stops at different hotels; AirAsia passengers have a dedicated free minivan to the Central Festival Mall.

Best for: Those who want the real Pattaya, with beach, restaurants and nightlife, and accept the longest transfer of the three.

Pros

Beach, restaurants, Walking Street and shopping centres all within easy reach
A much denser network of taxis and Grab than in the other two areas, handy for getting around in the evening

Cons

The longest transfer of the three, especially with the shared minivan that stops at several hotels
Room and restaurant prices higher than in Rayong

Recommended hotels in this area

Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya: In Naklua, 7 minutes on foot from the beach and from the Terminal 21 shopping centre; outdoor pool and gym open around the clock.
Best Western Plus Nexen Pattaya: Art-deco style hotel in north Pattaya, near Walking Street; the beach is about 3 km away, 17 minutes on foot or a few minutes by Grab.

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