Pattaya City Guide 2025

Complete guide to living in Pattaya. From beach resorts to nightlife, condos to golf courses, everything expats need to know.

August 20259 min readPattaya

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

Dining & Food Scene

Pattaya's diverse culinary scene ranges from street food to Michelin-quality dining, with exceptional British pubs, seafood restaurants, and international cuisine from around the world.

🏆 Best Sunday Roast: Hemingways Lakeside

Location: Lake Mabprachan | Price: 425 THB all-you-can-eat

Pattaya's premier Sunday roast destination by Lake Mabprachan. All-you-can-eat carvery every Sunday 12:30-17:30 featuring 5 different meats, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, and traditional accompaniments. The lakeside setting provides a tranquil escape from the city. Book by Saturday for guaranteed table. Also offers plated options until 8 PM.

Other British Pubs

Price Range: 250-600 THB for Sunday roast

Robin Hood Tavern (The Avenue, 399-599 THB), Nickey's (best lamb roast), Casa Pascal (fine dining option 600+ THB). Many pubs offer traditional British fare throughout the week including fish & chips, pies, and full English breakfasts.

Thai & Seafood

Price Range: 60-300 THB per meal

Excellent seafood at Naklua Fish Market, beachfront restaurants along Beach Road. Street food throughout the city 40-80 THB. Terminal 21 food court offers air-conditioned dining with local prices.

International Dining

Price Range: 200-800 THB per meal

Large Russian, German, Italian, and Indian communities mean authentic international cuisine. Walking Street for upscale dining, South Pattaya for mid-range options. Many restaurants offer happy hour specials 4-7 PM.

💡 Dining Tips: