Thailand’s most famous destination, Pattaya, may soon become the largest cruise port in Asia. The Department of Marine is planning to give $ 211 million to the port of the ships in Pattaya to the cabinet.
When this project is completed, it will significantly increase travel to the Southeast Asian country, as it aims to improve the popularity of tourism around the world. Pattaya will also be one of the few deep-water ports in Thailand with a dedicated port and terminal.
Pattaya’s Best Future Plan
The Department of Marine will award a $211 million project to the Thai government, which will see a dedicated port built in Pattaya, a popular town south of the capital Bangkok.
If approved, construction of the port will begin in 2026 and be completed by 2029. The new port will be located on the coast, and will be able to handle two ships at a time. A bridge will be built to connect the one kilometer long port with the land.
With more than 31.5 million people traveling by cruise ship worldwide this year, and expected to rise to 36 million by 2024, the industry is poised to benefit from increased cruise traffic from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghaiand Manila.

According to Mr. Wannachai Butthongdee, Director of the Engineering Division of the Marine Department, Thailand is in third place as the most popular destination in Asia for large cruise ships and luxury yachts:
“Thailand has been receiving up to 500 yacht cruises a year. Most of these vessels can carry around 1,000 people,” Father. Wannachai said.
“In the case of large luxury cruise ships, they need temporary moorings and small boats to carry passengers to the beach, which is not suitable for navigation,” he said. he added.
The new port will solve this problem, giving cruise visitors a convenient and enjoyable experience.
Currently, Thailand does not have a major port, most of its ports are ports or cargo ports. Ports such as Ko A Dang, Ko Kood, Ko Lanta, and Ko Phi Phi Island, known as a tropical paradise, serve as permanent ports for more than 1,000 ships.
Laem Chabang and Phuket are two major ports that host large cruise ships, although the distance to the attractions is significant from these ports.
Small cruise ships can dock in central Bangkok, although these trips are rare for ships with more than 450 passengers.
Handling Cruise Guests
The planned Pattaya Port is expected to handle 1,500 visitors per hour as a domestic port and between 3,500 and 4,000 visitors per hour when operating as a port.
This volume exceeds other ports in Thailand and should establish the port as expected traffic from Chinese travelers especially.

For those unfamiliar with the area, Pattaya is a tourist city on the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. The city’s transformation into the world’s largest seaport could attract millions of seafarers from around the world.
Pattaya is not just about its nightlife; this city has a lot to offer. Visitors can soak up the sun on Pattaya’s sandy beaches, participate in water sports or participate in local and international entertainment.
The city is also rich in culture with its temples, markets, and museums showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of Thailand. In addition, Pattaya is the starting point from which to explore nearby areas such as Coral Island, the world-famous Sanctuary of Truth, and Bangkok.