DestinationsPattaya rolls out welcome mat for thousands of American sailors for their R&R after months at sea.

Make Pattaya great again? The US Navy is helping

By Travel Weekly Asia

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Sep 03, 2026

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Businesses are bracing for a surge in customers as US Navy sailors hit the town.

Businesses are bracing for a surge in customers as US Navy sailors hit the town. Photo Credit: iStock/Anatoly Kireev

Hospitality and entertainment businesses in Pattaya have enjoyed a massive boost this week with the arrival – after a record 286 days at sea – of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

The ship, which has been supporting US operations in the Middle East, has docked at Thailand’s Laem Chabang port to give its nearly 5,000 crew members shore leave.

The United States Navy and Pattaya have ‌enjoyed a close relationship since the Vietnam War when thousands of US personnel were based in the area.

The navy has placed some restrictions on the crew's activities during their low season stay, including a ban on visiting certain entertainment zones after sunset.

One food seller in Pattaya’s Walking Street told Reuters that port visits by the US military were good for business.

"They're here for drinks, having fun, and letting loose," he said.

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