Pratumnak Hill, Pattaya

Pratumnak Hill is the hilly residential headland between central Pattaya and Jomtien, with the Big Buddha and a viewpoint over the bay. It is quieter than the city and popular with long-stayers who want a calmer base. Songthaews and Grab link it to the bars in a short ride.

Quiet compared with the center. Evenings here center on small bars, beer bars and the odd club rather than a major strip, and the crowd is a mix of long-stayers and locals. The hill suits a relaxed drink close to your room, with Walking Street and Soi Buakhao a ride away when you want more.

No named hub is listed, but there are 3 gogo bars: Cozy Beach Club, Lat Si and Venom. There are also 3 beer bars and 2 nightclubs, Kinnaree Place and Secret Lounge. It is a spread-out neighborhood rather than a red-light street, so most punters do their bar-hopping in the center.

Of 74 places, 45 are bars, 15 are massage shops, 3 are gogo bars, 3 are beer bars, 3 are attractions, 2 are nightclubs, 2 are markets and 1 is a rooftop. The mix is typical of a residential district, with plenty of everyday bars and massage shops.

Pratumnak Hill is calmer, greener and better for longer stays, while Central Pattaya has five times the listings, Soi 6 and the beer bar sois on foot. The hill trades bar choice for quiet and views. Choose the center for a short nightlife trip and the hill if you plan to stay several weeks.

Stay on the hill if you want a quieter room and a rental that suits a longer stay, understanding that you will ride to the main bar areas. A drink at a local bar is a gentle start before heading into town. Ask about the guest policy before you book a room.

By songthaew or Grab from central Pattaya or Jomtien, since the hill sits between the two. The road is steep in places, so walking back from the center is tiring in the heat. Agree a songthaew fare first if the truck is not on its normal loop, and use the app late.

Steep roads and quiet streets. Walking back uphill late at night after drinking is not a good idea, so book a ride. Scooter hire is common, but riding the hill after a few beers is risky, so ride sober. Keep your phone secure and agree any fare before the ride.