One-Day Ultimate Tour Guide to Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya, Thailand

1 days

A tourist climbing up the stairs of the Sanctuary of Truth
Nong Nooch tropical botanical garden
Panorama of the city and the beach
Floating market
Sanctuary of truth and the adjascent beach

About Pattaya, Thailand

Experience the vibrant city of Pattaya, Thailand - a perfect blend of sun, sea, and sand. This bustling coastal city is renowned for its stunning beaches, water sports, and nightlife. Explore the Walking Street, a lively party hotspot after sunset, or visit the tranquil Wat Phra Yai Temple, featuring a majestic 18-meter tall Buddha statue. Discover the beauty of Coral Island with its clear waters and rich marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Enjoy a unique cultural experience at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, showcasing Thai cultural shows and an impressive elephant show. Pattaya also offers a variety of shopping options, from local markets to high-end malls. With its diverse attractions and activities, Pattaya promises an unforgettable Thai holiday.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Best of Pattaya

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Pattaya Floating Market. Here, you can experience the traditional Thai way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other items from small boats. You'll also get a chance to taste some local delicacies.

Lunch

Enjoy a local Thai lunch at a beachside restaurant. Try some of the famous Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and Mango Sticky Rice.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Sanctuary of Truth. This all-wood building filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs is a sight to behold. Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and symbolism behind each carving.

Dinner

For dinner, head to a local seafood restaurant. Pattaya is known for its fresh seafood, so don't miss the chance to try dishes like grilled prawns, steamed fish with lime and chili, and crab curry.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Pattaya Viewpoint on Pratumnak Hill. The view of Pattaya city and its crescent bay is breathtaking, especially during sunset. It's the perfect spot to relax and reflect on your day.

Attractions in Itinerary (4)

Pattaya Floating Market

1
Pattaya Floating Market

A bustling market where vendors sell their goods from boats, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.

Attractions
Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Sanctuary of Truth

2
Sanctuary of Truth

A stunning wooden structure filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs.

Attractions
Monuments
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Pattaya Viewpoint

3
Pattaya Viewpoint

Offers panoramic views of Pattaya Bay and the city. It's especially beautiful at sunset.

Attractions
Landmarks
Pattaya Beach

4
Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach is a stunning beach destination that offers a variety of water sports, sunbathing opportunities, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It's also lined with a variety of restaurants and shops.

Beaches
Landmarks
Tours

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Som Tam

Som Tam

A spicy green papaya salad that is a staple in Thai cuisine. It's a must-try when visiting Pattaya.

Pad Thai

Pad Thai

A popular stir-fried noodle dish that is a signature of Thai cuisine. It's commonly found in street food stalls in Pattaya.

Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong

A hot and sour shrimp soup that is a classic Thai dish. It's a common dish in Pattaya and is known for its distinct spicy and sour flavors.

Massaman Curry

Massaman Curry

A rich and flavorful curry dish that is a fusion of Thai and Indian cuisine. It's a popular choice among locals and tourists in Pattaya.

Khao Pad

Khao Pad

A Thai-style fried rice that is often served with a variety of toppings. It's a common street food in Pattaya.

Mango Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice

A traditional Thai dessert made from glutinous rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk. It's a sweet treat that is popular in Pattaya.

Satay

Satay

Grilled skewers of meat served with a peanut sauce. It's a popular street food in Pattaya.

Chang Beer

Chang Beer

A popular Thai beer that is often enjoyed in the beach bars of Pattaya.

Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea

A sweet and creamy beverage made from tea, milk, and sugar. It's a refreshing drink to enjoy in the hot Pattaya weather.

Roti Gluay

Roti Gluay

A sweet snack made from bananas and flatbread. It's a popular street food dessert in Pattaya.

Kai Jeow

Kai Jeow

A Thai-style omelette that is often served with rice. It's a simple and delicious dish that is common in Pattaya.

Singha Beer

Singha Beer

Another popular Thai beer that is widely available in Pattaya. It's a great choice for those looking to try local beverages.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Pattaya, Thailand is during the cool and dry season, which is from November to February. During this time, the weather is most pleasant with less rainfall and temperatures averaging around 24-31 degrees Celsius. This is also the peak tourist season, so it's the perfect time to enjoy the beaches, water sports, and outdoor activities. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, the shoulder months of March to May also offer good weather, though it can be a bit hotter.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 24

Sat

Makha Bucha

February 26

Mon

Day off for Makha Bucha

April 6

Sat

Chakri Day

April 8

Mon

Chakri Day observed

April 13

Sat

Songkran

April 14

Sun

Songkran

April 15

Mon

Songkran

April 16

Tue

Songkran Observed

May 1

Wed

Labor Day

May 4

Sat

Coronation Day

May 6

Mon

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day

May 6

Mon

Coronation Day observed

June 3

Mon

Queen Suthida's Birthday

July 20

Sat

Buddhist Lent Day

July 22

Mon

Day off for Buddhist Lent Day

July 28

Sun

King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday

July 29

Mon

King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday observed

August 12

Mon

The Queen's Birthday

October 13

Sun

Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol

October 14

Mon

Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol observed

October 23

Wed

Chulalongkorn Day

December 5

Thu

King Bhumibol's Birthday/Father's Day

December 10

Tue

Constitution Day

December 31

Tue

New Year's Eve

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Taxis are a common way to get around in Pattaya. They are available 24/7 and can be hailed from the street or booked in advance. They are metered but some drivers may negotiate a flat rate.

Motorbike taxis are a quick and efficient way to navigate through Pattaya's traffic. They are easily identifiable by their colorful vests. Always agree on the fare before the ride.

Baht Buses or 'Songthaews' are a popular mode of transport in Pattaya. These are pickup trucks converted into passenger vehicles. They follow specific routes but can also be hired for private trips.

Renting a car is a good option if you're comfortable driving in Pattaya. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular choice for many visitors. It provides flexibility and convenience. Remember to always wear a helmet and carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

For short distances or leisurely exploration, renting a bicycle can be a great option. Pattaya has several bike rental shops offering daily or weekly rates.

Ridesharing services like Grab are available in Pattaya. It's a convenient option as you can book and pay for your ride using the app. Choose from a car, taxi, or motorbike ride.

Many of Pattaya's attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. Walking is a great way to explore the city at a leisurely pace.

Ferries are a great way to travel between Pattaya and nearby islands like Koh Larn. They operate on a regular schedule and tickets can be purchased at the pier.

There is a daily train service from Bangkok to Pattaya. It's a slower mode of transport but offers a scenic route if you're not in a hurry.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency฿ THB

Time zoneUTC+7

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 191; Fire: 199; Police: 191

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type BPower socket type C

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Pattaya, Thailand as a first time visitor

1

Pattaya is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 miles southeast of Bangkok.

2

The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

3

The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.

4

Thailand is known for its street food. Try local dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tam (papaya salad), and Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup).

5

Pattaya has a tropical wet and dry climate. The average temperature ranges from 77°F to 89°F (25°C to 32°C).

6

The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, nightclubs, and entertainment shows.

7

Respect the local customs and traditions. For example, it's considered disrespectful to touch someone's head or point your feet at someone.

8

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country. Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites.

9

Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it's appreciated. A tip of 10-15% is common in restaurants.

10

Bargaining is common in markets and some shops. However, it's not acceptable in malls or high-end stores.

11

Be aware of scams. Don't accept offers from strangers for free tours or discounted tickets.

12

Thailand has strict laws against disrespecting the monarchy. Avoid discussing politics or the royal family.

13

The tap water in Pattaya is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water.

14

Thailand uses 220V AC electricity. Power outlets most commonly feature two-prong round or flat sockets.

15

Pattaya has a good public transportation system. The most common form of transport is the 'songthaew', a shared taxi or truck.

16

Thailand is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).

17

Thailand has a strict dress code for government and official buildings. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves, while women should wear long skirts or pants and tops with sleeves.

18

Thailand has strict laws on drugs. Possession, trafficking, and consumption of drugs can lead to severe penalties, including death.

19

Healthcare in Pattaya is good, with several international-standard hospitals. However, it's recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

20

Thailand's emergency number is 191 for police, 1669 for medical emergencies, and 199 for fire.

Basic Thai to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

สวัสดี

Sawasdee

Greeting someone

Goodbye

ลาก่อน

La korn

Leaving or saying goodbye

Thank you

ขอบคุณ

Khob khun

Expressing gratitude

Yes

ใช่

Chai

Agreeing or confirming

No

ไม่

Mai

Disagreeing or denying

Please

โปรด

Proht

Making a request

Sorry

ขอโทษ

Khor thot

Apologizing

I don't understand

ฉันไม่เข้าใจ

Chan mai khao jai

When you don't understand something

Where is the bathroom?

ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน

Hong nam yoo tee nai

Asking for directions

How much?

เท่าไหร่

Tao rai

Asking the price of something

I need help

ฉันต้องการความช่วยเหลือ

Chan tong kan khwam chuay leua

When you need assistance

Call the police

โทรหาตำรวจ

Tho ha tamruat

In case of an emergency

I'm lost

ฉันหลงทาง

Chan long thang

When you can't find your way

Can you speak English?

คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม

Khun poot pasa angkrit dai mai

When you need someone to speak English

Water

น้ำ

Nam

When you want to order water

Food

อาหาร

Ahaan

When you want to order food

Beer

เบียร์

Bia

When you want to order beer

Check, please

เช็คโปรด

Check proht

When you want to ask for the bill

Good morning

สวัสดีตอนเช้า

Sawasdee ton chao

Greeting someone in the morning

Good night

ราตรีสวัสดี

Ratri sawasdee

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Swimwear

  • Flip flops or sandals

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat or cap for sun protection

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-sized body wash or soap

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Travel-sized first aid kit

  • Prescription medications (if any)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or other ID

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in Thai Baht

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Headphones or earbuds

  • Camera

  • Memory card for camera

  • Travel adapter for Thai outlets

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Water bottle

  • Travel guidebook for Pattaya

  • Travel pillow for the journey

  • Earplugs and eye mask for sleeping

  • Small backpack or daypack for carrying items while exploring

  • Reusable shopping bag for any purchases

Weather Conditions

Pattaya, Thailand is a tropical paradise that experiences warm weather throughout the year. However, the climate can be broadly divided into three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The hot season, from March to June, sees temperatures ranging from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C). It's a great time to hit the beach, but remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection to avoid heatstroke and sunburn. The rainy season, from July to October, is characterized by heavy but brief showers, usually in the afternoon or evening. The temperatures during this period range from 77°F to 89°F (25°C to 32°C). If you're visiting during this time, it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat and plan indoor activities during the afternoon. The cool season, from November to February, is the most comfortable time to visit Pattaya. The temperatures range from 70°F to 86°F (21°C to 30°C), and the weather is mostly dry with a cool breeze. It's the perfect time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Regardless of the season, Pattaya's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before planning your day. Also, remember that Thailand is a tropical country, so even in the cool season, the sun can be strong. Always wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and wear light, breathable clothing. Enjoy your trip to Pattaya!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

32° / 22°

January is a great time to visit Pattaya, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. It's the perfect time for outdoor activities.

February

33° / 23°

February is still relatively cool and dry, making it a good time for beach activities and exploring the city.

March

35° / 25°

March starts the hot season in Pattaya, with temperatures rising. It's a good time for water activities to beat the heat.

April

36° / 26°

April is the hottest month in Pattaya, with the Songkran festival taking place. Be prepared for high temperatures and water fights!

May

36° / 26°

May sees the start of the rainy season, but the showers are usually short and provide a welcome relief from the heat.

June

36° / 26°

June is a good time to visit if you don't mind occasional rain. The city is less crowded and the nature is lush and green.

July

36° / 26°

July is similar to June, with occasional rain showers. It's a good time for indoor activities and spa treatments.

August

36° / 26°

August is in the middle of the rainy season, but the rain is usually short-lived and followed by sunshine.

September

35° / 25°

September is the wettest month in Pattaya, but there are still plenty of sunny periods. It's a good time for indoor activities and shopping.

October

34° / 24°

October sees the end of the rainy season, with temperatures starting to cool down. It's a good time for sightseeing and exploring the city.

November

33° / 23°

November is a great time to visit Pattaya, with less rainfall and cooler temperatures. It's the perfect time for outdoor activities.

December

32° / 22°

December is one of the best months to visit Pattaya, with cool temperatures and little rainfall. It's a great time for beach activities and celebrating the holidays.

Did you know?

Did you know that Pattaya, Thailand is known for its vibrant nightlife and is often referred to as the 'Sin City' of Asia?

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