By Kylian Dev
Sanctuary of Truth
A huge temple carved entirely from wood, under construction since 1981, facing the sea.
Destination guide · East
Pattaya: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
A big beach resort two hours from Bangkok, famous for its nightlife but also home to real heritage and calmer beaches at Jomtien or on Koh Larn island. A handy sea break without a flight, as long as you pick your neighbourhood.
- Best: November to March
- €35 - 70 / day
In short
Pattaya (East) — The beach resort two hours from Bangkok, beyond the clichés. Best time to go: November to March; average temperatures 30°C. Budget: about €35 - 70 / day. Weather: 30°C • Sunny and dry from November to March
RegionEast
TypeCity & culture
Best seasonNovember to March
Avg. temperature30°C
Budget / day€35 - 70 / day
Suggested stay2 to 3 days
Thai nameพัทยา
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Pattaya
The beach resort two hours from Bangkok, beyond the clichés
Koh Larn island
30–45 min by ferry: Tawaen, Samae and Nual beaches, with much clearer water than in town.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
A vast landscaped park south of the city, with themed gardens and cultural shows.
More things to do in Pattaya
- 4
Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)
ViewpointAbout 1 hThe hill between Pattaya and Jomtien gives a view of the whole bay, especially at sunset.
- 5
Wat Yansangwararam
Temple2 to 3 hA vast temple complex south of Pattaya with pavilions in several architectural styles and a lake.
- 6
The Floating Market
Market2 to 3 hA recreated floating market with boats and stalls, touristy but pleasant.
- 7
Jomtien Beach
BeachHalf a day or moreQuieter than Pattaya beach, popular with families and watersports lovers.
- 8
The Walking Street at night
NightlifeEveningThe famous nightlife strip of Pattaya, with bars and shows. Adult-oriented, lively after 10 pm.
- 9
Khao Chi Chan
CultureAbout 1 hA giant golden Buddha engraved into a cliff, surrounded by a garden.
- 10
Diving and snorkelling trips
Sea & islandsFull dayBoat trips visit the islands off Pattaya for diving and snorkelling, including wrecks.
Great forNightlifeBeaches & RelaxingTemples & Culture
Weather
When to go to Pattaya?
30°C • Sunny and dry from November to March. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprFair
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Pattaya: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €35 - 70 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-range
35–70 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~21 €
Food
~13 €
Activities
~11 €
Local transport
~8 €
Transport
How to get to Pattaya
Transport tip
Bus from Bangkok's Ekkamai station or a direct shuttle from Suvarnabhumi airport (about 2 h). In town, shared songthaews run along Beach Road.
Where is Pattaya?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Pattaya
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Jomtien
Longer, calmer beach, good for families.
Naklua / Wongamat
Quiet northern beach and resorts, near the Sanctuary of Truth.
Central Pattaya
In the thick of it, near Walking Street and the malls.
See hotels in PattayaPartner
Full guide: where to stay in PattayaFood
What to eat in Pattaya
Seafood from Naklua market
Pad thai and skewers from the night markets
Mango sticky rice
Combine with
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Pattaya
What are the best things to do in Pattaya?
The must-sees are Sanctuary of Truth, Koh Larn island, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Also worth your time: Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak), Wat Yansangwararam, The Floating Market, Jomtien Beach.
How many days should I spend in Pattaya?
2 to 3 days
Build an itinerary with PattayaWhat is the best time to visit Pattaya?
The best season is November to March. 30°C • Sunny and dry from November to March. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Pattaya?
Plan on roughly €35 - 70 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for PattayaHow do I get to Pattaya?
Bus from Bangkok's Ekkamai station or a direct shuttle from Suvarnabhumi airport (about 2 h). In town, shared songthaews run along Beach Road. From Bangkok, Pattaya is about 101 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to PattayaWhich area should I stay in, in Pattaya?
The most popular areas are Jomtien, Naklua / Wongamat, Central Pattaya. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in PattayaPlan your trip