By Kylian Dev
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Sanctuary of Truth
A huge temple carved entirely from wood, under construction since 1981, facing the sea.
Destination guide · East
Pattaya: the 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
Things to do in Pattaya
The beach resort two hours from Bangkok, beyond the clichés
2
Koh Larn island
30–45 min by ferry: Tawaen, Samae and Nual beaches, with much clearer water than in town.
3
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.
From Bangkok → Pattaya
Road
~131 km · ~2 h by road
Nearest destinations
Pattaya → Koh Samet
Road
~96 km · ~2 h by road
Pattaya → Bangkok
Road
~131 km · ~2 h by road
Pattaya → Ayutthaya
Road
~218 km · ~3.5 h by road
Times and tickets Bangkok → PattayaPartner link
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.
Food
What to eat in Pattaya
Seafood from Naklua market
Pad thai and skewers from the night markets
Mango sticky rice
Combine with
Similar destinations
Health and safety
Healthcare and useful numbers in Pattaya
The numbers to call, the hospitals and clinics on site and, when the nearest hospital is elsewhere, how long the transfer takes. Save this before you go.
Hospitals and clinics
- Bangkok Hospital PattayaPrivate hospitalDirections
- Pattaya Memorial HospitalPrivate hospitalDirections
- Banglamung HospitalPublic hospitalDirections
Private hospitals ask for a payment guarantee on admission: keep your insurance certificate and assistance number on your phone.
Choose your travel insuranceFAQ
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 do you get to Pattaya from Bangkok?
By bus from the Eastern terminal at Ekkamai, about 2 to 2.5 hours; by direct coach from Suvarnabhumi airport; or by taxi, about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Details in our Bangkok to Pattaya guide.
Is Pattaya good for families?
Yes, if you pick the right area: Jomtien and Pratumnak are calmer than the centre and Walking Street. The Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch garden and Koh Larn island make good outings with children.
How do you get to Koh Larn?
Ferries and speedboats leave from Bali Hai pier, south of Pattaya, for a 15 to 45 minute crossing. The last ferries back leave in the late afternoon.
When is the best time to visit Pattaya?
November to February is cooler and drier. March to May is the hottest period; from June to October showers are more frequent but often short.
Plan your trip
Tools to plan your stay in Pattaya
Compare with the other destinations
Pattaya is one of the 28 destinations covered in detail on the site. The destinations hub sorts them by traveler profile, by month of travel and by daily budget, to help you decide where to go and how many days to stay.