East Pattaya (Darkside)
พัทยาตะวันออก
Inland east of Sukhumvit. Cheap houses with gardens, international schools, need a motorbike or car.
Should I stay in East Pattaya (Darkside)?
Overview
East Pattaya (often called 'Darkside' by locals and expats) is the inland district east of Sukhumvit Road. It's dominated by housing estates with detached homes and gardens, international schools, gated communities, and a strong British/Scandinavian expat presence. Affordable house rents are the main draw — you can rent a 3-bedroom pool villa here for what a 1-bed condo costs in Central. The trade-off is total motorbike or car dependence.
Best for
- families
- long-stay expats
- house renters
- people with kids in international school
Avoid if
- short tourists
- you have no transport
- you want walkable amenities
East Pattaya (Darkside) at a glance
Average monthly rent
| Studio | 6,000 THB – 10,000 THB |
| 1 bedroom | 8,000 THB – 15,000 THB |
| 2 bedroom | 12,000 THB – 25,000 THB |
| House | 15,000 THB – 60,000 THB |
Hotel price bands (per night)
| Budget | from 800 THB |
| Mid-range | from 1,500 THB |
| Luxury | from 3,500 THB |
What's nearby
- Bangkok Hospital Pattaya~4-8 km depending on estate
- Regents International School Pattayavaries
- GIS Pattayavaries
- ISPvaries
- Tony's Gym East Pattayavaries
- Tesco Lotus Pattaya Klangvaries
- Big C Extravaries
- Makro Pattayavaries
- AD Bangsaray Lake Resort8-15k/mo
- Park Royal Sukhumvit10-18k/mo
- Various budget hotels along Sukhumvit800-1,500/night
- Mantra (close to Sukhumvit)Asian fusion
- House of WineEuropean
Who should stay here
Families with kids in international school, expats who want a house and garden, anyone driving long-stay.
Who should avoid it
Short-trip tourists, anyone without transport, beach-first visitors.
Pros
- Cheap house rentals
- International schools cluster
- Garden + pool common
- Quiet residential
Cons
- No walkability
- 10-25 min drive to beach
- Need car or scooter
- Flooding on some estates in rainy season