Pattaya for First-Timers
Everything you need to know before your first trip to Pattaya, Thailand. No fluff — just honest, practical advice from people who live here.
- Learn basic Thai: 'Sawadee khrap/ka' (hello), 'Khop khun khrap/ka' (thank you)
- Remove shoes before entering temples and some shops
- Don't touch anyone's head — it's considered sacred
- The Thai King is deeply respected — never disrespect the monarchy
- Carry cash — many street vendors and small shops don't accept cards
- Sunscreen is essential — you WILL burn, even on cloudy days
- Negotiate prices at markets, but never at restaurants or malls
- Sunday is the best day for Jomtien — locals head to the beach
1. Getting to Pattaya
Fly into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) — the main international hub. From there, Pattaya is just 1.5–2 hours south.
Best options: Airport bus (143 THB, ~$4), private taxi (1,200–1,500 THB, ~$35), or Bell Travel minivan (300 THB, ~$9).
U-Tapao Airport (UTP) is 30 minutes from Pattaya and serves some international routes from China, Russia, and domestic flights.
Avoid touts at the airport offering 'special deals' — always use official taxi meters or pre-booked transfers.
Full Getting There Guide →2. Where to Stay
Central Pattaya — walkable to everything, nightlife, malls, and Beach Road. Best for short trips.
Jomtien — quieter, cleaner beach, more family-friendly. 10 min from central by songthaew.
Naklua / Wongamat — upscale condos, quiet beachfront, Thai-Chinese culture. Great for long stays.
Pratumnak Hill — between Pattaya and Jomtien. Peaceful hill area with sea views.
Budget: 500–1,500 THB/night. Mid-range: 1,500–4,000 THB. Luxury: 4,000+ THB.
Accommodation Guide →3. Money & Costs
Thailand uses Thai Baht (THB). In 2026: $1 ≈ 34 THB, €1 ≈ 37 THB, £1 ≈ 43 THB.
Daily budget breakdown: Budget traveler: 1,000–1,500 THB ($30–45). Mid-range: 2,500–4,000 THB ($75–120). Luxury: 6,000+ THB ($175+).
ATMs charge 220 THB ($6.50) per withdrawal. Bring a travel card with no foreign ATM fees (Wise, Revolut).
Street food meals: 40–80 THB. Restaurant meals: 150–400 THB. Beer at a bar: 80–150 THB.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated — round up or leave 20–50 THB.
Currency & Money Guide →4. Getting Around
Songthaews (red/blue trucks) are the cheapest option — 10 THB on fixed routes along Beach Road and Second Road.
Motorbike taxis — 20–100 THB for short trips. Wear a helmet (they provide one).
Grab / Bolt — app-based ride-hailing. Fair prices, no negotiation needed. Always use the app.
Renting a scooter: 200–300 THB/day. You NEED an International Driving Permit (IDP). Police checkpoints are common — fines are 500 THB without a license.
Never rent a jet ski from beach vendors — this is the #1 tourist scam in Pattaya.
Full Transport Guide →5. Food & Dining
Pattaya has incredible food at every price point. Street food is safe and delicious.
Must-try dishes: Pad Thai (40–60 THB), Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad, 40–60 THB), Khao Pad (Fried Rice, 50–80 THB), Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers, 10 THB each).
Best food markets: Thepprasit Night Market (Fri–Sun), Soi Buakhao Market (Tue & Fri), Naklua Fish Market.
7-Eleven is everywhere and has surprisingly good hot food, sandwiches, and drinks.
Tap water is NOT safe to drink — always buy bottled water (7–15 THB).
Food & Dining Guide →6. Nightlife
Pattaya's nightlife is legendary. Walking Street is the epicenter — 500m of bars, clubs, and live music.
Soi Buakhao — more local, cheaper drinks, popular with expats.
LK Metro — compact entertainment zone off Second Road.
Beer prices: 60–100 THB at local bars, 150–250 THB at clubs.
Bars typically open 6 PM – 2 AM, clubs until 3–4 AM. Dress code is relaxed everywhere.
Nightlife Guide →7. Beaches & Activities
Pattaya Beach is fine for walking but not the cleanest. Head to Jomtien Beach or take a boat to Koh Larn (30 min, 30 THB ferry) for crystal-clear water.
Top activities: Snorkeling at Koh Larn, Sanctuary of Truth temple, Nong Nooch Garden, Big Buddha Hill viewpoint.
Waterparks: Ramayana (Thailand's biggest), Columbia Pictures Aquaverse.
Day trips: Koh Samet (3 hours), Khao Kheow Zoo, Sriracha Tiger Zoo.
Attractions Guide →8. Safety Tips
Pattaya is generally safe for tourists, but use common sense.
Avoid: Jet ski rentals (scam), unmetered taxis (negotiate first or use Grab), buying gems/jewelry from strangers, carrying your passport (use a copy).
Watch out for: Pickpockets on Walking Street, drink spiking at some bars, motorbike accidents (the #1 risk).
Police Tourist Hotline: 1155 (English-speaking). Tourist Police station is on Beach Road.
Carry travel insurance — hospital visits can be expensive (3,000–10,000 THB for minor issues).
Full Safety Guide →9. Health & Medical
Thai hospitals are excellent. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and Pattaya International Hospital have English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies are everywhere and sell most medications over the counter (cheaper than home).
Common health issues: sunburn, dehydration, food-related stomach issues, mosquito bites.
Get travel insurance before you come. Medical evacuation without insurance costs $50,000+.
Health Guide →10. SIM Cards & Internet
Buy a Thai SIM card at the airport or any 7-Eleven. AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC — all good.
Tourist SIM: 299–599 THB for 8–30 days with 15–50 GB data. Unlimited data plans available.
Free WiFi is available at most hotels, cafes, and malls.
Download these apps: Grab (rides & food), Google Maps (offline maps), Google Translate (Thai translation with camera).
Internet & Mobile Guide →Ready to explore more?
Dive deeper into specific topics with our comprehensive guides.