A dark blue baht-bus — a songthaew pickup truck with a covered rear, two bench seats and open sides — driving away from the camera along…
Pattaya guide

Plan your trip to Pattaya

Getting to Pattaya from the Bangkok airports or U-Tapao, getting around by baht bus, taxi and app, the best months to come, what things cost, the scams to avoid and the practical side of a long stay.

The arrivals kerb of a large modern airport in Thailand in daylight

Bangkok airports to Pattaya: bus, taxi, transfer and train

How to reach Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang: the direct airport bus from Gate 8, taxis and app rides with typical fares and tolls, city bus terminals, the train, late arrivals and the trip back.

Read the guideUpdated November 12, 2026
Pattaya Bay on a clear dry-season morning

Best time to visit Pattaya: weather, seasons and festivals

Pattaya month by month: temperatures and rainfall from the official climate normals, sea conditions, crowds and prices, Songkran and Wan Lai, Loy Krathong, the fireworks festival and the best months for each kind of trip.

Read the guideUpdated November 12, 2026
A dark blue baht bus, the open-backed pickup truck with a roof and two bench seats used as shared transport in Pattaya, seen in full…

Getting around Pattaya: baht buses, taxis, apps and rentals

How to move around Pattaya without overpaying: the baht bus routes and the 15 THB fare, motorbike taxis, Bolt and Grab, metered taxis, scooter and car rental rules, walking and the Koh Larn ferry.

Read the guideUpdated November 12, 2026
The balcony of an ordinary condominium flat in Pattaya on a sunny morning

Living in Pattaya: a practical guide for long stays

The practical side of a long stay in Pattaya: SIM cards and home internet, banking, the Jomtien immigration office, 90-day reports and TM30, driving licences, shopping, schools and clubs.

Read the guideUpdated November 12, 2026
Close view from above of a simple wooden table at a street-food spot in Pattaya in daylight

Pattaya prices in 2026: what things cost and daily budgets

What a room, a meal, a ride, a massage and a SIM card cost in Pattaya in 2026, with daily budgets for three travel styles and plain advice on cash, ATMs and tipping.

Read the guideUpdated November 12, 2026
A traveller seen from behind walking calmly along the beach promenade of Pattaya at dusk, wearing a t-shirt and long shorts, a small bag…

Pattaya scams and safety: what to watch for and what to do

The tourist traps that actually happen in Pattaya, from jet ski damage claims to padded bills, and the rules that keep you safe on the road, on the beach and on boats.

Read the guideUpdated November 12, 2026
A small regional airport on the eastern coast of Thailand

U-Tapao Airport to Pattaya: flights, transfers and fares

U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is 40 km south of Pattaya. Which airlines use it in 2026, how to reach Pattaya and Jomtien by minivan, taxi or transfer, what it costs and what the terminal offers.

Read the guideUpdated November 12, 2026