[LATEST] Comprehensive Guide to Pattaya Travel Experiences

Introduction to Pattaya

Pattaya is a city located on the eastern side of Thailand, approximately 165km from the capital, Bangkok. It is the largest seaside city in the Land of Smiles, boasting modern and developed tourism services that attract millions of visitors every year.

Pattaya boasts a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. Once a quiet and unknown fishing village in Thailand, it gained prominence in the 1960s when the U.S. military stationed troops in some Thai provinces during the Vietnam War. Pattaya became an ideal coastal resort for the U.S. forces due to its cool climate and stunning natural seaside scenery. Since then, Pattaya has continuously evolved into a major tourist hub in Southeast Asia.

Pattaya is renowned as the 'City that Never Sleeps' in Thailand

Best time to visit Pattaya

Pattaya experiences four distinct seasons like many other Thai provinces: dry season from January to February, hot season from March to May, rainy season from June to October, and cool season starting from November to December.

Pattaya's average temperature usually ranges from 32°C in December to 35°C in April. June experiences cooler weather due to the rainy season, but it's an off-peak travel period, offering better hotel rates and services.

For an ideal Pattaya trip, choose pleasant weather without rain for easy exploration and sightseeing. The best time to visit Pattaya is from November to March, which aligns with Thailand's northern winter season. In Pattaya's coastal areas, the winter season provides refreshing weather, making it perfect for various tourist activities.

Pattaya's coastline in January (@goodtriptour)

What to prepare when traveling to Pattaya?

Essential documents for traveling to Pattaya

To meet entry requirements, prepare the necessary documents for Thailand travel as listed below:

- Carry a passport with at least 6 months validity and obtain a Thailand entry visa if your stay exceeds 30 days. For official travel or diplomatic passports, you must present the relevant authorization from your working agency.

- Vietnamese citizens and foreigners on tours from Vietnam to Thailand must have the original passport, Vietnam re-entry visa, and Thailand entry visa if they come from countries not covered by the visa waiver agreement between Vietnam and Thailand.

- Additionally, remember to carry your ID card and a copy of your passport. Alternatively, you can take photos of both sides of your ID card to prevent forgetting it anytime. When necessary, you only need to retrieve and print the photos.

In summary, what documents do you need when traveling to Pattaya? You must carefully remember the following documents: ID card, copy, passport valid for more than 6 months, copy of the passport, visa, and other personal documents such as re-entry visa, entry visa, etc.

A passport is one of the most important documents when traveling to Thailand

Furthermore, you also need to be aware of some immigration procedures in Pattaya, including:

- Thailand has signed an agreement exempting visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens. Therefore, when you arrive in Thailand, you do not need to go through the visa application process. However, you still have to complete the entry and exit procedures as required.

- When completing exit procedures to Thailand, you should cooperate closely with immigration officers and follow the procedures they request to avoid being denied entry.

- Upon returning, you need to fill out the declaration form with your passport for customs officers to check and stamp for confirmation before returning it to you. If you bring antiques and Buddha statues back to the country, you need to obtain an export permit.

Preparation of luggage when traveling to Pattaya

What to prepare for Pattaya travel? Let's go through some essential items to bring:

- Prioritize lightweight and breathable clothing if traveling during temperatures ranging from 28 – 33 °C. Bring swimwear for beach use when needed.

- Carry an umbrella to be prepared for unexpected rainy days. Don't forget to negotiate when renting beach chairs or participating in beach activities.

- Personal items to bring: Various types of medications, toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste, low shoes or sandals for easy walking.

- If carrying scissors or any sharp objects that may cause harm, make sure to pack them in checked baggage to avoid customs confiscation.

- If booking economy class tickets, you are only allowed to bring a maximum of 3 pieces of luggage weighing around 20kg each for free transport with airlines like Vietnam Airlines.

>> Check out more tips for preparing luggage when traveling to Thailand

Preparing luggage for Pattaya travel

Exchanging Thai Baht in Pattaya

Thailand uses the official currency Baht, with an exchange rate of approximately 1 Baht ~ 770 VND when converted to Vietnamese currency.

While Thailand doesn't specify the amount of foreign currency travelers are allowed to bring into the country, it needs to be declared to customs. You are not permitted to carry more money than declared when returning. Additionally, taking out of Thai territory more than 50,000 Baht is prohibited.

For your Pattaya trip guide, it's recommended to bring US dollars and exchange them to Baht in Thailand for a better rate. Alternatively, you can exchange Baht directly at banks in Vietnam.

>> Explore more: Thai Baht denominations and currency exchange tips

Getting to Pattaya

As Pattaya is relatively close to the capital city Bangkok, there are currently no direct flights from Vietnam to this city. However, the transportation system between Bangkok and Pattaya is excellent, offering various options such as buses, coaches, taxis, or booking domestic flights for your convenience.

Currently, there are multiple airlines operating flights from major cities in Vietnam to Bangkok with attractive ticket prices. Booking a flight from Bangkok to Pattaya, you can consider budget-friendly airlines such as Nok Air, AirAsia, Scoot, etc. Ticket prices vary depending on your travel time, ranging from 900,000 VND per one-way ticket during the low season to 2-3 million VND per one-way ticket during peak season.

Nok Air is one of the domestic airlines in Thailand operating flights to Pattaya

To find affordable airfares to Thailand and Pattaya, consider these tips:

- Stay updated on the websites of budget airlines you're interested in and make your booking early. The earlier you book, the cheaper the fare. It's advisable to book around 2-3 months in advance.

- To save costs, avoid booking flights on Saturdays, as prices are higher by 1-2 million VND. Opt for Tuesdays for departure and return. If you purchase tickets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays, the prices tend to be lower. Additionally, prioritize choosing night flights to save expenses.

- Avoid traveling during peak tourist seasons to minimize airfare and other expenses. Besides, you'll enjoy better services. Choose Bangkok as your first stop, as flights to Bangkok are usually the most affordable. If you land at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you'll save around 4 million VND compared to landing at Phuket Airport.

Here are Mytour's suggestions if you want to fly to Pattaya:

Flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya

Suvarnabhumi Airport is approximately 100km from Pattaya, and you can use various means of transportation such as taxis, buses, or coaches with a travel time of about 2 hours. Below are some basic transportation options with fares and travel times from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya for your reference:

From Don Muang Airport to Pattaya

Traveling from Don Muang Airport to Pattaya is approximately 40km farther than from Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, for many passengers arriving at Don Muang Airport, transportation from here to Pattaya is more convenient. Mytour suggests some convenient transportation options for you:

Transportation in Pattaya

Similar to Bangkok, getting around Pattaya is also straightforward with the following common means of transportation:

In Pattaya, motorbikes stand out as the most popular means of transportation. Their ease of maneuvering allows you to explore every nook and cranny effortlessly. If you're in a large group, taxis or tuk-tuks can be convenient and cost-effective, with fares negotiable. When opting for a Pattaya tour, transportation is seamlessly included, requiring you only to immerse yourself in the coastal city.

Wondering where to stay in Pattaya?

Pattaya hotels offer a variety of rooms at different prices. Depending on your travel purpose, choose a convenient location for sightseeing. If budget is not a constraint, indulge in luxurious or mid-range hotels. Budget-friendly options, ranging from 400 to 900 baht/night, provide essential amenities like refrigerators and hot showers. Areas with many affordable accommodations include Soi LK Metro, Soi Honey Inn, and Soi Buakhao. Once you've decided on the location and room type, booking is a breeze.

Affordable accommodations in Pattaya range from 400 to 900 baht/night, featuring amenities such as refrigerators and hot showers. Budget-friendly options are concentrated in areas like Soi LK Metro, Soi Honey Inn, and Soi Buakhao. Once you've determined your preferred area and room type, booking becomes a straightforward process.

In Pattaya, the coastal area is a hub of hotels, albeit the most expensive. The refreshing air and splendid views make seaside accommodations pricier. For those with a generous budget, trying a stay in the Pattaya Beach area promises intriguing experiences in this beautiful coastal city.

Looking for tips on booking budget-friendly hotels in Pattaya? Book well in advance, about 1-2 months before your trip, choose affordable hotels, and conveniently book online for various discounts. Consider these top-quality hotels in Pattaya:

Where to go and what to do when you're in Pattaya?

Wondering where to go and what to explore in Pattaya? Here are some popular attractions in Pattaya that captivate many tourists:

- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: Located about 20km from the center of Pattaya, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is known for its vast orchid cultivation covering an area of 2.4km2. Surrounded by lush green mountains, the magnificent natural scenery will keep you immersed in Nong Nooch Tropical Garden all day.

- Coral Island Pattaya is acclaimed as a coral paradise, featuring crystal-clear blue beaches and expansive white sandy shores. Alongside the coastline are rock formations to the west and the romantic Koh Samet island in the distance, especially enchanting during sunrise and sunset. Just diving to admire the coral reefs in Pattaya is enough to make your visit unforgettable. Additionally, engaging in parasailing and surfing on the sea with friends and family adds to the excitement.

Coral Island Pattaya

- Cabaret Shows are the playground for male transgender artists in Pattaya. The shows feature various captivating performances, including traditional dances and street circus acts. Learn more about distinguishing between transgender shows and sex shows in Thailand to avoid confusion.

Cabaret Shows, showcasing transgender artists, are organized on Pattaya Road and attract many evening visitors. You can take photos with transgender artists for $2/photo. Cabaret Shows are divided into two stages: Tiffany show, featuring transgender performers from various countries, including Vietnam; and Alcazar show, presenting Thai transgender artists.

- Wooden Castle in Pattaya: On the northern coast of Pattaya, there's a small wooden castle called the Sanctuary with distinctive Thai architecture. Built entirely of wood, the connections within the castle are made with wooden pegs. Thai sculptors and architects spent 25 years to complete around 90% of the castle. It's a must-visit spot for young enthusiasts of virtual living.

- The Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya is undoubtedly familiar to Thai tourists. When you visit, indulge in local specialties and buy dried goods as souvenirs. Additionally, the market frequently hosts lively and vibrant cultural shows.

The Four Regions Floating Market is divided into 4 zones representing the east, west, south, and north of Thailand. Each zone reflects the unique cuisine and culture of its region through products such as household items, clothing, specialties, and more. You can fully experience the 4 regions of the Land of the Golden Temple within this special market.

- Pattaya Night Markets: Pattaya boasts numerous night markets, with Night Bazaar Pattaya standing out as the liveliest and most famous in the coastal city. Here, you can shop for a variety of souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and diverse cosmetics. The market is open from 5 pm to midnight and is located near Second Pattaya Road.

Pattaya Night Market

A small note to consider is that there are relatively few food stalls in this night market, so it's advisable to eat outside before entering. Besides Night Bazaar Pattaya, you can explore other popular night markets like Jomtien Beach Night Market, Pratumnak Night Market, or Pattaya Thep Prasit Night Market.

What to eat when traveling to Pattaya?

Thai cuisine, much like the food in Pattaya, is familiar to the majority of tourists. Scams against tourists are almost nonexistent in Pattaya, and the food here is undeniably diverse. You can savor delicious Thai specialties in Pattaya, such as:

- Tomyum Seafood Soup: One of Thailand's traditional specialties, this soup is considered the best in Pattaya. The aromatic and flavorful soup combines spicy and sour tastes with the essence of ginger, lemongrass, and galangal. Tomyum soup is often enjoyed with rice, noodles, or as part of hotpot meals. The price for this dish ranges from 80 to 150 baht.

- Thai-style Water Spinach Stir-Fry: Despite being a simple vegetable dish, it's incredibly enticing. Made from familiar water spinach, it is stir-fried with garlic and chili, served with white rice. A slight difference from Vietnamese water spinach stir-fry is the addition of a bit of spice and sourness, cooked with shrimp. Although a humble dish, you should still indulge in and appreciate the distinct flavors compared to Vietnamese water spinach stir-fry.

- Fried Insects: A unique dish in Pattaya not for the faint-hearted, as it is prepared from various insects such as beetles, worms, ants, grasshoppers, but surprisingly delicious. Insects can be seasoned or not, then fried to a crispy perfection. Although it may not look appealing, it is one of the most interesting snacks in the Land of the Golden Temple that you shouldn't miss.

Shrimp Vermicelli Salad

- Shrimp Vermicelli Salad suits the taste of many, beautifully presented with dried shrimp, onions, lime, and fragrant garlic. This dish has the characteristic salty, sour, and spicy flavors of Thailand. Shrimp Vermicelli Salad is often favored in colder seasons due to the ingredients' inherently spicy and sour tastes. If you're not accustomed to it, you might develop a rash or feel heat in your body.

Moreover, you can enjoy many other traditional Thai dishes in Pattaya, such as Som Tam, Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Gaeng Daeng & Gaeng Keow (Thai Curry), Tom Kha Kai, Khao Niew Ma Muang, Khanom Krok,...

Regarding dining options in Pattaya, depending on your preferences, you can choose from upscale and luxurious restaurants or budget-friendly ones. According to the Pattaya travel guide, to experience the culinary diversity here, you should try street food. If you're not looking for an extensive meal, you can opt for food courts in shopping centers. Here are some famous dining spots in Pattaya:

- Thai Ruen Restaurant at 485/3 Pattaya 2nd Road, South Pattaya.

- Leng Kee Restaurant at 341/3-6 Moo 9, Central Pattaya Road, South Pattaya.

- Flying Vegetables Restaurant on Pattaya Central Road, North Pattaya.

- Boat Bakery Restaurant at 194/11–14 Moo 10, Pattaya 2nd Road, South Pattaya.

- Suttangrak Pattaya Restaurant at 99 Moo 1, Jomtien Beach Road, Na Jomtien.

Shopping Experience in Pattaya

What to buy as souvenirs when visiting Pattaya? While in Pattaya, you can shop for a variety of items such as clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, as well as items like aromatic oils, soaps, and souvenirs to give to your loved ones and friends.

When it comes to shopping in Pattaya, it's essential to note that the shopping centers typically open from 11 am. So, make the most of your time by strolling the streets, enjoying the beach, or dining before heading for shopping. You can explore some renowned shopping destinations such as:

- Mike Shopping Mall: This place offers a variety of shopping items, including fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, footwear, and more. With frequent promotional programs, it attracts a large number of visitors. Located at Beach Road – Second Road. Operating hours are from 11 am to 11 pm.

Mike Shopping Mall in Pattaya

- Central Festival: This is the largest shopping center in Pattaya, offering a comprehensive range of shopping, entertainment, and dining services. It is situated along Beach Road. Operating hours are from 11 am to 11 pm.

- Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya is an entertainment complex combined with a museum and a house of mirrors, making it an attractive play area for children. Located in South Pattaya, it opens from 10:30 am to 11 pm.

Suggestions for a 3D2N self-guided Pattaya travel itinerary

For your Thailand trip, you have various choices for destinations and itineraries. Travelers often opt for exploring either Bangkok or Pattaya or combining both. Below is a suggested 3 days 2 nights self-guided Pattaya travel itinerary for your reference:

Day 1: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City - Bangkok - Pattaya

Travelers take a flight from Vietnam to Bangkok. Subsequently, they embark on a journey to Pattaya, making a stop to explore Sriracha Tiger Zoo (enjoying crocodile performances, pig racing, pig math shows, etc.).

Next, you'll delve into the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya, experiencing the unique culture and cuisine of the Land of Smiles.

After dinner, relax with a traditional Thai massage and explore Pattaya's vibrant Walking Street.

Day 2: Explore Pattaya

Morning: Explore Coral Island - one of Thailand's most famous destinations and participate in entertaining activities on the island such as banana boat rides, beach relaxation, snorkeling to admire coral reefs, and sea parachuting.

Have lunch and take a break.

Afternoon: Visit the gemstone center, the elephant village in Pattaya, and the Millionaire's Mansion.

Evening: Enjoy the spectacular Colosseum Show featuring performances by transgender artists.

Day 3: Pattaya - Bangkok - Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City

The capital city Bangkok, Thailand

Depart for Bangkok, along the way, visit the Specialty Center representing the products from the 3 regions to shop for Thai specialties.

Upon returning to Bangkok, tourists attend a Buddhist ceremony at Wat Yanawa temple. Afterwards, take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.

Finally, prepare your luggage to go to the airport for the departure procedures back to Vietnam, concluding your 3 days 2 nights self-guided trip to Pattaya.

Travel tips for Pattaya

Whether in Pattaya or anywhere else, remember these small tips to make your trip more complete!

- Consider getting a Pattaya map or buying a 4G SIM card, keep online 24/7 for easy navigation during your self-guided tour. If you're on a guided tour of Thailand, you may not need to worry about this as the tour guide will assist you throughout the journey.

- Passport and cash should be placed in a compact, lightweight pouch and carried with you. Avoid leaving them in the hotel room to prevent theft.

- Regularly update and refer to travel experiences in Thailand on travel forums and communities to gather useful knowledge and tips for your upcoming trip.

Here is a comprehensive guide to Pattaya travel experiences compiled by Mytour.vn for your reference. Take the time to plan your trip in detail for the most complete journey. If you lack experience in self-guided foreign travel and want to organize a family trip, check out the affordable all-inclusive Thailand tours at Mytour Travel now.

With over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, ensuring 100% departure, Mytour organizes successful tours both domestically and internationally every year. We design smart tour schedules, making your journey easier and more flexible than ever.

Mytour Travel

Image Source: Instagram, Internet