Pattaya's Pier Buzzes as 2,700 Cruise Guests Boost Local Vendors

On a crisp December morning, Bali Hai Pier transformed into a hive of activity as nearly 2,600 people disembarked from a Vista-class cruise. For Pattaya — which has seen cruise visits plummet by almost 90% this year — the arrival of the Westerdam injected a rare burst of energy into the seaside city.

Quick Snapshot

• 2,695 total arrivals: 1,898 passengers and 797 crew stepped ashore

• Cruise calls down 88% year-on-year in November 2025

• Westerdam weighed anchor near Koh Lan at 4am, next port: Koh Samui

• Hybrid terminal project slated for 2026–2030, until then tender operations continue

A midweek surge in Pattaya’s port routines

At first light on Saturday, local speedboats ferried visitors from the 280-metre Westerdam to shore. Immigration officers from Chon Buri and staff from the Marine Department opened extra counters to handle the unexpected influx. Tourist Police and sea-rescue teams formed human chains along the pier to keep foot traffic flowing smoothly. By breakfast, groups were already winding their way to Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth and beachfront cafés in Jomtien.

Orchestrating a seamless landing

Cooperation among agencies proved vital in processing arrivals in under 20 minutes. Marine patrol boats shuttled visitors; border control used facial-recognition gates; and ambulance crews stood by in case of seasickness. This impromptu “green lane” approach highlighted Pattaya’s ability to handle large cruise calls — even though most vessels now bypass the Gulf of Thailand in favor of deeper harbors.

A welcome injection for local businesses

Stallholders on the pier reported sales on par with peak holiday weekends. Day-trippers spent an average of ฿2,300 each, fueling income for tuk-tuk drivers, souvenir artisans and seaside restaurants. Hotels pitched spa packages and half-price upgrades to convert day visitors into overnight guests. Yet operators caution that one day of bustle cannot replace months of lean bookings: cruise traffic remains a sporadic lifeline rather than a steady stream.

The tendering bottleneck persists

Without a proper berth, large ships like the Westerdam must anchor offshore and rely on tender boats — a process that can add up to 45 minutes per journey. City planners warn this inefficiency may drive future itineraries toward ports in Vietnam or the Philippines that offer direct dockage. Until the hybrid terminal is built, Pattaya will continue to juggle convenience, safety and the rising expectations of cruise lines.

Charting Pattaya’s maritime future

A 7.4 B-baht hybrid cruise terminal at Laem Bali Hai is in the final environmental review stage. When complete around 2030, it will boast a 420 m quay wall, multiple immigration halls and coach parking for over 80 buses. Meanwhile, Laem Chabang in Chon Buri has begun positioning itself as a new home port for Asian-themed voyages. For residents of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, the challenge is clear: turn episodic ship visits into a predictable dock schedule and secure lasting benefits for coastal communities.