Pattaya is the closest beach resort town to Bangkok, and this makes it very easy to reach for people from all over the world, as well as for Bangkok residents themselves. It’s known mostly for the sex tourism industry, which does dominate the economy, but there are family attractions and nice hotels, so it’s also popular with all ages.
| Population | 120,000 |
| Area | 120,000 |
| Timezone | UTC+7 |
| Currency | Thai baht |
| Airports | Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) |
In addition to having an anything-goes flavor for adults, Pattaya is also a great bargain as a destination. Hotels tend to be quite cheap, especially those a few blocks from the beach, and food and drink bargains are also easy to find if you are looking.
Pattaya hotels have their high season from November through March, and their peak season during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday weeks. Outside of these times it’s low season, and bargains are possible, especially at the higher-end places.
| Rating | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
 | 11.00 - 32.00 |
| 16.00 - 75.00 |
| 32.00 - 121.00 |
| 40.00 - 130.00 |
| 77.00 - 193.00 |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel Bed | 6.00 - 9.00 |
| Location | Description | Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underwater World aquarium | This large and popular aquarium is one of many newer family attractions in Pattaya. | adults children | 14.43 8.66 |
| Pattaya Elephant Village | This park outside of town educates about how elephants are used in the area, plus rides and shows. | 3 hour elephant ride and rafting 1 hour elephant ride | 51.96 25.98 |
| Food Type | Description | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget breakfast | As with elsewhere in Thailand, filling meals at street stalls are very cheap, and sit-down restaurants cost much more. | 0.72 - 2.89 |
| Budget lunch | There are street stalls and fast-food places in this price range, plus some of the cheaper restaurants. | 1.15 - 3.46 |
| Budget dinner | We'll assume you're tired of street stalls by dinner, though they are always there, including late at night. | 2.89 - 5.77 |
| Beer (pint) | Draft beer can be found at these prices in some bars, but bars with adult performers can be double or more. | 1.44 - 2.31 |
| Cocktails (glass) | Simple drinks using local rum are cheap, but top-shelf spirits are anything but. | 1.15 - 4.33 |
| Coffee (glass) | Local street stands serve decent instant coffee for cheap. Restaurants and Starbucks cost way more. | 0.87 - 2.31 |
| Pad Thai | The country's signature dish of noodles, chicken, shrimp, and spices is easy to find. | - 3.46 |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Taxi from BKK airport to Pattaya | 22.52 - 40.42 |
| Express bus from airport to Pattaya | 5.77 - 7.22 |
| 1st-class bus from Bangkok to Pattaya | 3.38 |
| 3km taxi ride in Pattaya | 1.50 - 2.02 |
| Local bus ride in Pattaya | 0.87 |
| Songthaew | 0.29 |
| Month | High F | Low F | Precip (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87 | 73 | 0.5 |
| February | 88 | 76 | 0.5 |
| March | 89 | 78 | 2.1 |
| April | 91 | 80 | 2.4 |
| May | 90 | 80 | 6.1 |
| June | 89 | 80 | 4.1 |
| July | 88 | 79 | 3.4 |
| August | 88 | 79 | 3.9 |
| September | 88 | 77 | 8.5 |
| October | 87 | 76 | 9.6 |
| November | 87 | 74 | 3.3 |
| December | 86 | 72 | 0.3 |
Pattaya has a warm tropical climate that is similar to that of nearby Bangkok, but usually slightly cooler due to its coastal location. Winters are dry with the most comfortable temperatures, and by April it’s incredibly hot. Rainy season lasts basically from May through November, but its most intense during September and October. Even then, rain tends to come in brief downpours rather than long drizzles.
| 21 Mar | 6:20am | 6:27pm |
| 21 Jun | 5:52am | 6:45pm |
| 21 Sep | 6:06am | 6:14pm |
| 21 Dec | 6:33am | 5:55pm |