The International Fireworks Festival is one of the major annual events in Pattaya, and if you enjoy a beautiful spectacle of any kind, it’s one you don’t want to miss.
The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival is an event organized by Pattaya City, usually in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It’s an international competition, with teams from several countries taking part. Each evening features several spectacular fireworks displays, with each display typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
When is the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival? The festival is usually held over two evenings in November. The exact dates, along with a schedule of the fireworks displays on each evening, are published well in advance of the event.
Where in Pattaya does the International Fireworks Festival take place? The fireworks are launched from pontoons positioned just offshore in Pattaya Bay. Anywhere along Pattaya Beach is a good place to watch, but for the best visual effect, the area in front of Central Pattaya shopping mall is hard to beat.
Some hotels on Pattaya Beach Road also offer excellent views from their sea-facing rooms, but you’ll need to book well in advance if you want to secure one. Some of the bars along Beach Road also offer great views if you can find an empty seat.
Is it free to watch? Yes. The beach is open to everyone as usual so there is no entry fee, but if you want to use a deck chair, expect to pay from around 50 baht upwards. You can also bring your own chair or a beach mat.
There is usually a wide variety of food and drink available from vendors that set up along the beachfront promenade for the festival. Public toilets are usually provided, but in their absence, most nearby bars allow visitors to use their facilities for a small fee, typically around 5 or 10 baht.
TIP: The festival attracts huge crowds. If you want a deck chair in a prime viewing spot or hope to park in one of the shopping mall parking lots, arrive early.
More events: Pattaya hosts events and festivals of all types and sizes throughout the year. For more information on the major ones, read this guide to annual events and festivals in Pattaya.