Are you thinking about visiting Pattaya, Thailand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Pattaya worth visiting?
Pattaya is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the resort city has to offer. Pattaya has long been one of the most popular resort cities in Thailand. It has a party hard reputation that is well earned, but in recent years there has been an effort to promote family-friendly activities. These days you'll find plenty of amusement parks around town, but you'll still find the wild side as well, particularly around the Walking Street.
Pattaya, Thailand
Reasons to Visit Pattaya
Nightlife
Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.
Food
Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.
Resorts
If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.
Beaches
There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.
Shopping
The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.
Museums
There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Pattaya might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Pattaya here or see if Pattaya is expensive here.
Is Pattaya worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 29°C (84°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
The low season for travel in Pattaya is during the summer. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Pattaya looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, browse the museums, and enjoy the amenities of a resort. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Pattaya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| September | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
Is Pattaya worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Pattaya. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Pattaya looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, lounge on the beach, and relax at a luxurious resort.
Autumn Weather in Pattaya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| December | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
Is Pattaya worth visiting in the Winter?
The high season for travel in Pattaya is the winter, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 27°C (80°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Pattaya looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Also, you can check out the beaches and the resorts.
Winter Weather in Pattaya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| February | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| March | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Pattaya worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 30°C (86°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Pattaya, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Pattaya looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar. Also, you'll be able to relax at the beach and enjoy the amenities of a resort.
Spring Weather in Pattaya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) |
| June | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Pattaya
Lots of Tourists
Pattaya sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Pattaya most famous for?
Pattaya is most famous for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. People visit this impressive resort city for its great nightlife. It's also known for food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. And many travelers come for the museums and scuba diving & snorkeling, as well. It is often described as colorful, active, vibrant, and high energy.
What is the most famous sight in Pattaya?
The most popular sight in Pattaya is the Sanctuary of Truth. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Pattaya on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Sanctuary of Truth and other attractions here.
How touristy is Pattaya? Is it a popular resort city to visit?
Pattaya is a very touristy resort city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Full-Day Historical Park and Countryside Tour in Sukhothai: $45
- Pattaya Coral Island Tour with Lunch Joint Tour: $24
- Pattaya Air Adventures Microlight: $223
- Pattaya : Full Day Yacht Catamaran Island tour and Snorkeling with lunch: $97
- Enduro Madness - Half Day Dirt Bike Tour From Pattaya: $128
- Bangkok Temples Private Tour from Pattaya – Full Day: $155
- Colosseum Cabernet Show Pattaya (Ticket Only): $9.74
- Entry Ticket to the Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya: $14
How long should I spend in Pattaya?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Pattaya is two to three days. Since Pattaya has a variety of activities such as nightlife, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Pattaya?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Pattaya?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Pattaya?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.