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Pattaya
The beach city closest to Bangkok
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Currency
- THB
- Time zone
- UTC+7
- Country
- Thailand
A busy resort city on the Gulf of Thailand two hours from Bangkok, with islands offshore, big gardens and family attractions.
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Pattaya
- Phuket
- Hat Yai
Quick facts
- Country
- Thailand
- Capital
- Bangkok
- City population
- 120,000
- Population of Thailand
- 65.9M
- Country area
- 513,120 km²
- Official language
- Thai
- Currency
- Thai Baht (THB) · 1 USD ≈ 33.66 THB
- Time zone
- UTC+7
- Calling code
- +66
- Drives on the
- Left
- Elevation
- 5 m
- Plugs
- A / B / C / O · 220V
- Emergency numbers
- 1155 · 191 · 1669
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31° | 32° | 33° | 34° | 33° | 32° | 32° | 32° | 31° | 31° | 31° | 31° |
| Low | 22° | 24° | 25° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 21° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$32
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$85
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$260
Top things to do
- ≈ $10
Day trip: Koh Larn
A public ferry (about 45 minutes) to the Coral Island's clear-water beaches such as Tawaen and Samae.
- Full day
- Koh Larn
- Good for kids
- ≈ $15
Sanctuary of Truth
A huge temple carved entirely from wood by the sea, still being built; cover shoulders and knees.
- Half day
- Naklua
- ≈ $20
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Vast themed gardens with cultural shows, 30 minutes south of the city.
- Half day
- South of the city
- Good for kids
- Free
Pattaya Viewpoint and Big Buddha Hill
The hill between Pattaya and Jomtien bays, with a golden Buddha and the classic city view at sunset.
- Half day
- Pattaya Beach and Jomtien
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- ≈ $7
Pattaya Floating Market
Wooden walkways and boats selling food and crafts from Thailand's four regions.
- Half day
- South of the city
- Good for kids
- Free
Jomtien Beach
A long, calmer beach south of the centre, with water sports and seafood restaurants.
- Half day
- Pattaya Beach and Jomtien
- Good for kids
Before you go
Entry and visas
From 15 September 2026, visa-exempt entry to Thailand allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism only, and is normally limited to two entries per calendar year. Visa-exempt entry does not cover business travel, including conferences or meetings, so you need the appropriate visa for those. All foreign nationals must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th. Check the official Thai immigration and e-Visa pages for your nationality before booking.
Official websiteFrom the airport
Most visitors fly into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and take a bus or taxi, about 1.5 to 2 hours. U-Tapao Airport, 45 minutes south, has some flights.
Getting around
Songthaew 'baht buses' run fixed loops along the beach roads; Grab and taxis for other trips.
Local tips
- Walking Street is nightlife-heavy; families often stay in Jomtien or Naklua.
- Agree jet-ski terms carefully, or skip them; damage disputes are common.
- Koh Larn ferries leave from Bali Hai Pier; the last boats return late afternoon.
- Many visitors need to fill in the TDAC arrival card online before landing.
Areas worth knowing
- Pattaya Beach and Jomtien
- South of the city
- Naklua
- Koh Larn
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 28, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in Thailand
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Sources: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) · Tourism Authority of Thailand