Living in Pratumnak
The quiet hill between town and Jomtien. My honest verdict after 20 years in Pattaya.
I'm biased, because I live here. Pratumnak sits between Pattaya and Jomtien and suits people in the middle: quieter than Central, but closer to the action than Jomtien.
Town is about a five-minute drive. Jomtien is just as close, since the road from Pratumnak Soi 5 now runs along Dongtan Beach, and I often head down that way for breakfast at Hemingways.
Who it suits
- Couples who want quiet without being far out
- Condo buyers thinking about long-term value
- Runners: the hill loop is always in the shade
Who should look elsewhere
- Tight budgets
- Anyone who wants a house
- Pet owners, as few condos allow them
What does ฿20,000 a month get you?
A small one-bed. Pratumnak is mostly high-rise condos.
My Pratumnak picks
Short answers
Is Pratumnak a good place to live?
Yes, and I'm biased, because I live there. It's quieter than Central but closer to the action than Jomtien. Town and Jomtien are both about a five-minute drive.
Is Pratumnak a good place to buy a condo?
Anyone who bought in Pratumnak ten years ago is very happy now, because values there have only gone up. As anywhere, look for areas on the way up, and rent before you buy.
What's the nearest beach to Pratumnak?
Dongtan Beach. It starts at the bottom of Pratumnak Soi 5 and runs along to Jomtien Beach. Of the beaches close to the city, it's the one I'd recommend.
Read more
The Best Area to Live in Pattaya Depends on Who You Are
Central Pattaya, Pratumnak, Jomtien, Wongamat or East Pattaya? Where I'd live at each stage of life, and what ฿20,000 a month rents in 2026.
Buying a Condo in Pattaya as a Foreigner: What I Tell Every Buyer
Can foreigners own a condo in Thailand? Yes. Here's how the 49% rule really works, the buying steps, the fees, off-plan vs resale, and how to buy smart in Pattaya.
Where a Restaurant Owner Eats in Pattaya
A Pattaya restaurant owner's own favourite places to eat, from Italian on Thappraya Road to steak in Pratumnak, plus the three things he checks to judge any restaurant.
Staying Fit and Active in Pattaya: Padel, Running and Why I Quit Drinking
A 45-year-old Pattaya business owner on staying active: the growing padel scene, running in the heat, why he fell out of love with golf, and what giving up alcohol changed.
The Best Beaches In and Around Pattaya
A Pattaya local's pick of the best beaches nearby: Dongtan Beach in town, the Navy Beach, Koh Lan, and quiet Koh Si Chang.

Ask Shane
Thinking of buying in Pattaya?
Get the next article by email
One short email a week on property, business and life in Pattaya. Free, no spam.