Pattaya areas · Where to live

Living in Pratumnak

The quiet hill between town and Jomtien. My honest verdict after 20 years in Pattaya.

By Shane RuddlePattaya resident since 2007
Rentals in Pratumnak
Map of Pattaya showing PratumnakKOH LANGULF OF THAILANDSUKHUMVIT RDWongamat& NakluaCentral PattayaPratumnakJomtienNa Jomtien& Bang SarayEast PattayaN ↑ · NOT TO SCALE
My verdict

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
Rent in Pratumnak, 2026

What does ฿20,000 a month get you?

A small one-bed. Pratumnak is mostly high-rise condos.

1-bed condo฿22,000a month, roughly
2-bed condo฿35,000a month, roughly
House, no pool฿40,000a month, roughly
House with pool฿55,000a month, roughly
Full monthly budget for Pratumnak Rentals in Pratumnak
Where I'd send you

My Pratumnak picks

Pattaya Rent a CarMy businessOur office has been in Pratumnak for years.
GooseberriesMy go-to for a steak. It's owned by my friend Kenneth, a chef himself.
The Forest by the Sky and The Sky GalleryUp the hill towards Cosy Beach, if I want Thai food.
Pratumnak Hill loopA purpose-built circuit of just over a kilometre, always in the shade. I run it most days.
Dongtan BeachStarts at the bottom of Soi 5. Of the beaches close to the city, it's the one I'd pick.

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

Ask Shane

Thinking of buying in Pattaya?

I'll know you're asking about Pratumnak.

Get the next article by email

One short email a week on property, business and life in Pattaya. Free, no spam.

One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.