Pattaya, a former seaside town, is a popular beach resort town in Thailand with beaches that are constantly brimming with water activities and life. It is also considered one of the better scuba diving destinations in the country, having consistently calm waters throughout the year.
But apart from the amazing shipwrecks to discover or the attractions to explore, Pattaya is well known for its vivid nightlife.
If you are planning on visiting Pattaya, here is everything you need to know!
Much like the rest of Thailand, Pattaya has three seasons: the cool season, rainy season and hot season. Having said that, Pattaya’s weather all year round has an average peak temperature of 84 degrees.
In this section, we’ll explore the various seasons in Pattaya and help you decide the best time to set your trip.
During the monsoon season or the wet season, Pattaya sees an average of 12 days of rain. Although it does rain a good number of days, the rain rarely lasts more than a few hours. At best, you’ll only likely encounter light showers.
If you choose to visit Pattaya during this season, there is no guarantee when you’ll see sunshine hours and when you’ll face the occasional rain. However, the low season is best for people on a budget as you are likely to get amazing deals.
Jun
32°C
Avg.Rain
9mm
Jul
32°C
Avg.Rain
15mm
Aug
34°C
Avg.Rain
10mm
Sep
34°C
Avg.Rain
10mm
Oct
34°C
Avg.Rain
10mm
Tourists are guaranteed good weather when they visit Pattaya during the cool season. The climate during these months are perfect for outdoor activities and visiting beautiful beaches. Tourists can also spend the days without worrying about any chances of rain.
With that being said, the good weather makes this season the peak tourist season. During the high season, Pattaya is the most crowded and most expensive. This means tourists should expect accommodations to book up weeks or even months in advance. In addition, regular attractions, the Walking Street and secluded beaches are likely to be busy with tourists.
Nov
32°C
Avg.Rain
9mm
Dec
32°C
Avg.Rain
15mm
Jan
34°C
Avg.Rain
10mm
Feb
35°C
Avg.Rain
50mm
During the transitional season, the average daytime temperature reaches 89 degrees. However, the weather can be extremely hot during April when the average high temperature reaches 104 degrees.
There is almost no rain during this season. But despite the high average temperature, you are most likely to find the streets of Pattaya filled with tourists joining water festivals and fights. This season is the perfect time to visit popular attractions such as Ramayana Water Park, Columbia Picture’s Aquaverse (set to open July 2022) or Pattaya Beach.
Note: The Ramayana Water Park only opens on weekends and during Thai public holidays.
Mar
32°C
Avg.Rain
9mm
Apr
32°C
Avg.Rain
9mm
May
32°C
Avg.Rain
10mm
The best time to visit Pattaya is between November to February. The climate during these months is the best weather to enjoy daytime activities and night time events.
Key events:
Loy Krathong Festival
Wonderfruit Music and Arts Festival
Pattaya New Year Countdown
The hot season is the best season if you enjoy water sports and water festivals. There are also plenty of other attractions to enjoy when visiting Pattaya during the hot season, including off-road drives and ziplining.
Key events:
Pattaya International Music Festival
Pattaya Songkran Festival
Top of the Gulf Regatta
Located on the Eastern Gulf Coast, the seaside resort of Pattaya is at least 150 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. The city was once known as a quiet fishing village. However, it now boasts a line of resort hotels, condominiums, shopping malls and 24-hour clubs.
Pattaya has an airport called “U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport.” The airport mainly services Bangkok Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Thai Lion Air. Having said that, most flights to and from the airport are domestic. Most international flights also come from Vietnam. As such, it is recommended that tourists living who come from Western countries fly to Bangkok, Thailand, to reach the city.
There are plenty of transportation options available from Bangkok to Pattaya.
By Car RentalRenting a car is one of the fastest ways to get to Pattaya from Bangkok. If you are flying into the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (Suvarnabhumi International Airport), you will find several car rental booths like Budget, Hertz and Aviz.
If you have an international driving license and you are set on renting a private car, it would be ideal to arrange your rental through the company’s website. In doing so, your chosen vehicle would be ready when you arrive at the Bangkok airport.
Shuttle BusThere are a few buses that leave the Transport Centre of the Suvarnabhumi Airport. These shuttle buses leave every two hours and take one and a half hours to reach the North Pattaya Bus Station. From there, you may need to get additional transportation to get to your hotel.
The shuttle buses from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya leave every two hours.
BusesIn general, Bangkok residents often board a bus to get to Pattaya. Most buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal, located near Sukhumvit Road. Air-conditioned buses leave the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes, beginning at 5 a.m. The last bus leaves at 11:30 p.m. each day.
Buses also leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit) between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. in 30-minute intervals.
Some buses from Bangkok to Pattaya depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) at set times. Buses leave at 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. If you are from Khao San Road, the Southern Bus Terminal would be the easiest to access.
Bus trips from Bangkok may take two hours to reach Pattaya. However, the travel time will vary, depending on the traffic.
Mini Van ServicesMinivans are a less crowded alternative to buses. While minivans are also air-conditioned vehicles, they do cost more than buses. Additionally, minivans have somewhat of a poor safety record.
If you are looking for speed and comfort, you can book a minivan from the Chatujak Minibus Station. Do keep in mind, however, that you cannot book a minivan in advance. Drivers would also only accept payment in cash.
You can go from Bangkok to Pattaya by hailing a cab. But while the trip takes less time than you would by bus, it may set you back ten to twenty times than if you rented a minivan.
In general, a trip from Bangkok to Pattaya may cost around 1,500 to 2,000 Thai Baht (THB).
Ride-Sharing AppYou can go from Bangkok to Pattaya by hailing a cab. But while the trip takes less time than you would by bus, it may set you back ten to twenty times than if you rented a minivan.
In general, a trip from Bangkok to Pattaya may cost around 1,500 to 2,000 Thai Baht (THB).
By TrainTrains are not the most convenient or comfortable way of travelling from Bangkok to Pattaya. However, it offers tourists the chance to experience Thailand’s local transportation.
There are two trains that connect Bangkok and Pattaya, both of which leave before 7 a.m. on weekdays. The trains do not operate on the route during the weekends.
If you are planning on boarding a train, do note that they are all third class. This means the trains do not have air conditioning. The seats would also likely be made of wood.
It is not possible to reserve a seat for these trains. As such, it is advised that you arrive at the station early to secure a seat.
Pattaya, and Thailand in general, is still fairly cheap when it comes to local travel. This is because getting around the city is pretty straightforward. There are also a lot of different options you can choose from. We will go through each of the available transportation options in this section.
Ride-Sharing AppThere are two ride-hailing apps you can use in Pattaya.
Grab Taxi App
The GrabTaxi App has made getting around Pattaya more convenient and safer, especially for solo travellers. The app allows you to choose between hailing a private taxi or a private car for your trip.
The GrabTaxi App prevents users from being ripped off. It also sends users a photo of the driver, their ID and license number and the license plate of their vehicle upon confirmation of the booking. This system works to ensure the safety of each passenger.
Having said that, booking Grab Taxis may not be the ideal choice if you are not a Thai speaker. Many taxi drivers do not have a good command of the English language, which could make it harder for both of you to communicate directions or instructions.
GrabCar
A four-seater private vehicle
GrabTaxi
A four-seater cab
GrabVan
Fits up to 10 people
JustGrab
Books the nearest taxis and cars for a reduced fare
GrabSUV
A premium vehicle that seats four people with enough space for luggage
With Grab, tourists can decide on a mode of transport that fits their budget and pay for the ride through the app or with cash on arrival. Fares fluctuate depending on which vehicle is chosen and are typically higher during peak hours.
Bolt Taxi Pattaya
Bolt Taxi works similarly to the Grab Taxi App. However, transportation fares are quite cheaper.
As with Grab Taxi, you may find it difficult to communicate with the driver if you do not speak Thai.
However, using a ride-hailing app prevents being over-charged, as happens so often with regular taxis.
Baht Bus / SongthaewBaht Buses are the main form of transportation in Pattaya. Also known as songthaews, these vehicles are pickup trucks that have been re-purposed to accommodate two benches in the back.
Baht Buses are cheap and efficient. The price for most journeys is only cost 10 THB. The fare would increase depending on the distance, reaching a maximum of 50 THB. You pay the driver when you get off the songthaew. You can hail a baht bus simply by overextending your arm and wave.
Baht buses run on a pre-determined route. You will often see songthaews passing through Pattaya Beach, Jomtien and Naklua.
Note: Check the price before boarding an empty baht bus as the driver may assume that you want to charter the vehicle privately. Depending on how far the driver has detoured from his route, you may be charged a fee of 100 THB or more.
Motorbike TaxiIf you want to explore Pattaya the “fast” way, motorbike taxis could be the option for you. There are lots of motorbike taxis around Pattaya, most of which have drivers wearing bright vests.
Some drivers have their prices advertised. However, it is still wise to negotiate the price of service before the start of the journey.
Motorbike taxis are more expensive than a Baht Bus. However, they can easily weave through slow-moving traffic. If you do hire a motorbike taxi, it would be best if you hold on to the bar behind you and remember to wear a helmet.
Metered TaxisPrivate taxis are usually found outside shopping malls and various destinations in Pattaya, such as the North Pattaya Bus Terminal, Pattaya Train Station, Pattaya Beach Road, Sukhumvit Road and Thappraya Road.
While these vehicles are called “metered taxis,” many drivers refuse to turn on their meters and would instead charge tourists a steep fare, even for short journeys.
If you are set on taking a taxi around Pattaya, Thailand, make sure you negotiate a good rate before the start of the journey. If you can’t agree on a price, do consider hailing a cab using ride sharing apps instead.
Car RentalIf you want the freedom to explore Pattaya independently and you have an international driving permit, you should consider renting a private car instead.
Renting a car is great for families or tourists who plan to go on plenty of day trips outside the city.
Driving in Pattaya can be very frustrating. You would need to have the patience to contend with heavy traffic, reckless drivers and limited parking.
When choosing where to stay in Pattaya, you should consider the reason for your trip. Are you visiting Pattaya for its nightlife? Are you travelling to Pattaya for relaxation? Knowing what you want to experience during your trip will help you choose the best areas to stay in Pattaya.
This section was written for all types of travelers visiting Pattaya, be it those looking for a budget hotel or those looking to stay in a five-star hotel with an outdoor pool.
Jump to location
Running along four kilometres of Thailand’s eastern Gulf coastline is the famed Pattaya Beach. This destination is the ideal place to stay if you are visiting Pattaya for the first time. The neighbourhood is located in Central Pattaya, which means it is packed with a wide range of attractions, restaurants, shops and accommodation options from mid-range to high-end.
Pattaya Beach offers tons of exciting places for individual travellers and families, including family-friendly attractions like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.
Pattaya Beach is not an ideal place for families with children at night. This is because the area becomes a partying scene when the sun goes down and is usually packed with people.
The famous Walking Street Pattaya, also known as Soi Buakhao, is the place to be for people who enjoy the nightlife. It is also a popular destination for tourists hoping to experience Thailand’s sex industry.
The Walking Street area houses rows of seafood restaurants, live music venues, beer bars, go-go bars, clubs and hotels.
The neighbourhood is closed to vehicles from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Most bars and clubs “officially” close at 4 a.m. However, some remain open, illegally, until much later.
The Walking Street, also known as the Red Light District, is home to a large group of businesses offering sexual entertainment. Additionally, the streets are peppered with a significant number of sex workers. If you are travelling with family, Pattaya Walking Street may not be the best place to go to.
Located in South Pattaya, Jomtien Beach offers a more subdued alternative to Pattaya Beach. Technically, this beach area is not part of Pattaya. However, the two are located close enough to form one municipality.
Much like Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach offers a wide selection of luxury hotels, air-conditioned rooms and budget hotels. But unlike Pattaya beach, accommodation options are generally much cheaper in the area.
Some of the most famous attractions are also near Jomtien Beach, including the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, the Floating Market, Buddha Mountain and the Cultural Center Viharn Sien.
The Dongtan Beach is famous among Russian tourists and the LGBTQIA+ community. The waters along the beach are also usually calm, making it perfect for people who enjoy water sports.
Dongtan Beach is home to some of the best hotels in Pattaya. However, the prices range from luxurious to very luxurious.
Ask any local and they will tell you that Pattaya City is the place to be if you enjoy life after dark. Once a small fishing village, the city is a dream destination for people who enjoy attending parties and revelling in the nightlife. There are thousands of clubs and gogo bars lining the streets of the city, most especially along the Walking Street.
While Pattaya is known as Thailand’s sin city, it’s also made a reputation for being a great destination for families looking for more fun and exciting kid-friendly adventures.
Anyone visiting Pattaya would be treated to a spectacle of a wide range of arts and cultures. The city is not just a tourist destination, it is also a hub of innovation and inclusion. There are many places to be in Pattaya, whether you want to go jet skiing or traditional Thai dancing.
Experiencing the Thai culture is bound to give you plenty of memorable experiences. Here are some you should try when you visit Pattaya.
Here are some of the places in Pattaya worth seeing:
No holiday in Pattaya is complete without shopping in our local shops and trying out the best of Thai cuisine. What better way to experience what makes Pattaya the destination to be than by visiting our sprawling shopping outlets and the popular Thepprasit Night Market. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try out Thailand’s famous mango sticky rice sold in stores at floating markets around the city.
Here are our recommended places for shopping in Pattaya:
No matter the season, water sports and swimming are perfect at any time. Do you want to explore more of Pattaya? The city also offers access to boats that would take you around Pattaya and near the towering limestone hill sprouting out of the ocean.
Here are the best places in Pattaya to beat the summer heat:
Tourists visiting Pattaya may expect themselves to spend time experiencing Thai city life. However, there is more to Pattaya than skyscrapers. The city also offers a world full of thrilling rides, heights, and adrenaline. If you have an inner daredevil, here are some activities you should try.
Religious Sites || Wat Phra Khao Yai Temple Complex – Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain or Big Buddha Hill) – Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – Sanctuary of Truth – Wat Chai Mongkon
Nature Sites || Nong Nooch Tropical Garden – Mini Siam – Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier – Koh Larn Island – Koh Samet Island – Sriracha Tiger Zoo – Khao Kheow Open Zoo – Pattaya Bay – Monster Aquarium
Other Sites || Upside Down House (Upside Down Pattaya) – Beach Road – Mini Europe – Pattaya Orphanage – Art In Paradise
Pattaya Vegetarian Festival – Pattaya Marathon – Wonderfruit Music and Arts Festival – Pattaya Windsurfing Championship – Burapa Pattaya Bike Week – Miss Tiffany’s Universe – Chonburi Buffalo Races – Pattaya International Fireworks Festival
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