Pattaya City Guide 2025
Complete guide to living in Pattaya. From beach resorts to nightlife, condos to golf courses, everything expats need to know.
About Pattaya
Pattaya, just 90 minutes from Bangkok, has transformed from a fishing village into Thailand's most diverse beach resort city. With a population of over 120,000 (swelling to 1 million with tourists), it offers everything from family beaches to wild nightlife, golf courses to shopping malls.
Known for its vibrant entertainment scene, affordable living, and large expat community, Pattaya attracts retirees, digital nomads, and families seeking beach life with city conveniences.
Best Areas to Live
Jomtien
Best for: Families, retirees, quiet beach life
Quieter beach area south of Pattaya with family-friendly atmosphere. Popular with long-term expats. Good restaurants, condos with sea views, and less hectic than central Pattaya.
Central Pattaya
Best for: Nightlife, entertainment, short stays
The heart of the action with Walking Street, Beach Road, and endless entertainment. Higher prices, crowded, touristy, but convenient for everything. Best for those who like city beach life.
Pratumnak Hill
Best for: Views, upscale living, peace with proximity
Elevated area between Pattaya and Jomtien with stunning views. Quieter but close to both beaches. Popular with expats, good restaurants, and upscale condos.
Wongamat/Naklua
Best for: Beaches, upscale condos, families
North Pattaya with the best beach in the area. More expensive but cleaner, quieter, and more family-friendly. High-rise condos, good restaurants, and less seedy than central areas.
East Pattaya
Best for: Families, budget living, local life
Inland area with housing estates, international schools, and shopping malls. More suburban feel, better value for money, but need transport to reach beaches.
Transportation
- •Baht Bus (Songthaew): ฿10-20 for shared routes, ฿100-200 for charter
- •Motorbike Taxi: ฿20-100 for short trips
- •Grab/Bolt: ฿60-200 for most trips within city
- •Motorbike Rental: ฿2,500-3,500/month
- •Car Rental: ฿12,000-20,000/month
- •Bangkok Bus/Van: ฿120-150 to Bangkok (every 30 minutes)
Climate & Weather
Tropical climate with year-round warmth:
Hot Season
Mar - May
33-38°C, very humid. April is hottest.
Rainy Season
Jun - Oct
28-32°C, afternoon storms. September wettest.
Cool Season
Nov - Feb
25-31°C, perfect weather. Peak tourist season.
Things to Do
- •Beaches: Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, Wong Amat, Koh Larn island
- •Entertainment: Walking Street, Tiffany's Show, Alcazar Cabaret
- •Family: Cartoon Network water park, Ramayana water park, Nong Nooch Garden
- •Culture: Sanctuary of Truth, Big Buddha Hill, Wat Phra Yai
- •Golf: 20+ golf courses within 30 minutes
- •Shopping: Central Festival, Terminal 21, Outlet Mall
Cost of Living
Budget Lifestyle
฿25,000-35,000
Studio apartment, local food, simple life
Comfortable Lifestyle
฿35,000-60,000
Nice condo, dining out, entertainment
- •Studio Rent: ฿6,000-15,000/month
- •1-Bedroom: ฿10,000-25,000/month
- •Food: Street ฿40-80, Restaurant ฿150-400
- •Utilities: ฿2,000-4,000/month
Healthcare
- •International Hospitals: Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pattaya International
- •Doctor Visit: ฿800-2,000 at international hospitals
- •Dental Care: High quality, 50-70% cheaper than West
- •Pharmacies: Widely available with most medications
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- • Close to Bangkok (90 minutes)
- • Huge expat community
- • Everything available 24/7
- • Excellent healthcare
- • Great value accommodation
- • Lots of activities
- • International food everywhere
Disadvantages
- • Very touristy
- • Seedy reputation
- • Beach water quality issues
- • Traffic congestion
- • Less Thai culture
- • Can be noisy
- • Hot and humid year-round
💡 Living in Pattaya Tips:
- • Jomtien or Wongamat better for families
- • Join "Pattaya Expats Club" for community
- • Avoid Walking Street area for living
- • East Pattaya offers best value
- • Check condo management before renting
- • Baht buses are cheapest transport
- • Koh Larn island great for beach days
Need Help?
Join our community for personalized advice