Pattaya Travel

Pattaya Weather Overview

The climate of Pattaya is tropical, hot all year round, with a dry season from December to April, and a rainy season from May to mid-November due to the southwest monsoon.

Annual precipitation amounts to about 1,100 millimeters (44 inches), so the rains are not that heavy, if not in the first phase (May) and the last (September-October): this happens because the bulk of the rains is released on the Burmese west coast, which therefore protects this area of Thailand. However, some strong downpours can not be excluded also from June to August, although in this period, rainfall remains on average around 95/120 mm (3.7/4.7 in) per month.

Here is the break-down of Pattaya weather during different periods of year

November to February: The best time to visit Pattaya is from November to February when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and remains mostly pleasant. This is also the peak tourist season and most beaches and other places of attraction are packed with visitors. One can expect short spells of rain and regular days of bright sunshine. But do try to make all your bookings in advance because places get sold out and prices tend to rise.

March to May: The weather becomes hot and humid during the months of March, April and May but nevertheless the influx of tourists remains high. While the beaches are busy during this period, they aren’t as crowded as during the peak season. Be sure to carry plenty of sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and a hat.

June to October: Pattaya experiences heavy rainfall from June to October and if you’re looking to enjoy Pattaya at its quiet best, then the rainy season is ideal. The beaches are much less crowded, temperature is not too high and hotel accommodation naturally becomes cheaper. Many people prefer to travel to Pattaya, especially during July and August, when rainfall is considerably lower and accommodation prices are more favourable. Don't forget to pack a sturdy pair of shoes to handle the rains!

Check the below table to have the general idea of Pattaya weather throughout the year

The Pattaya area of Thailand’s eastern seaboard is host to a beguiling range of attractions. The range includes anything from ancient Thai traditions to modern adventures. You can find the simple pleasures of the nation’s most lively party street or be humbled by unique religious treasures. Explore nature, art, science and culture in ways you would never have imagined. Enjoy the raw beauty of the rainforest canopy or the glitz and glamour of the cabaret stage.

1. Party The Night Away In Walking Street

When it comes to the sights and the sounds that you experience in Walking Street you will be amazed, no other street in Thailand even comes close (despite what the tourist guides may tell you.) Walking Street is 500m long and as the name suggests there are no vehicles allowed in the street after 6pm. The street as well as many side streets are full of bars, nightclubs, go-go bars, restaurants and beer bars. During the day the road is almost deserted but when darkness falls the neon lights, loud music and an army of girls hit the streets.

2. Relax Yourself At Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

If you are interested in flowers, trees and landscaped gardens this is a great place to spend a peaceful afternoon. The garden covers a space of 2.4 Square kilometers and have some of the most beautiful flowers in the world. The gardens have won many awards for their designs and will continue to do so because of the excellent condition the garden is kept in. It is not just flowers and trees though, there are also over 670 species of orchid and even an elephant talent show.

3. Experience The Pattaya Floating Market

There are various floating markets In Thailand but this one in Pattaya has something different about it. The actual name of the market is the ‘Four Regions Floating Market’ the reason for this is that the market is split into the four regions of Thailand, The north, northeast, south and central. Each section of the market sells products that represent that part of the country. Not all of the stalls are floating, some are in boats which move around the canals and some are stilted properties that stand at the sides on the banks. To experience the best of the market you should hire a small boat and discover all that is on offer.

4. Become Part Of The Art At Art In Paradise

This is no ordinary art gallery, instead this gallery takes the normal art gallery concept and turns it on its head. At Art in Paradise you become part of the artwork by a series of optical illusions and other clever tricks. The gallery is set up perfectly so you can take pictures in such a way that it looks like you are crossing an old bridge or flying over the dessert on a magic carpet. The building is split into ten sections and houses over one hundred pieces of art. It is great fun for children as well as adults and should be on any to-do list.

5. Amaze Yourself At Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

For those not in the know Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a chain of museums that show the visitor strange facts about the world we live In, most of these facts you would have no idea existed. This museum in Pattaya is home to over 300 items split over ten different subject areas. You will find a 1937 Jaguar that doubles as a motorboat as well as a replica of the Titanic made from a million matches. There is so much to do that it will take you an entire day, especially if you get lost for hours in the infinity maze. When you are finished with the museum and maze you still have the Tussauds Wax Works and the 4D Moving Theater to explore.

6. Climb The Hill At Wat Phra Khao Yai

Wat Phra Khao Yai is also known as Big Buddha Hill, it is referred to as this because it is the biggest Buddha in the region, it stands at 18 meters tall and sits about 100 meters above sea level. When you get to the top of the hill and stand next to the Buddha you can see Pattaya beneath you and Jomtien Beach if you look outwards. As well as the Buddha there is a temple complex as well which has incense burning all day long as well many bells. The temple is still used to this day so expect to see monks and praying locals.

7. Go Ziplining At Flight Of The Gibbon

Not strictly in Pattaya but half way between there and Bangkok sits Flight of the Gibbon, a complete adventure for the whole family. An excellent opportunity to have a lot of fun whilst taking in some beautiful views of the jungle. The course is three kilometers long and consists of twenty two zip-lines as well as two abseiling stations. With an impeccable safety record this is the one place in Thailand where you should feel completely safe whilst doing something you would not do back at home.

8. See The Buddha Engraving At Khao Chi Chan

Khao Chi Chan or Buddha Mountain as English speakers refer to it is the biggest engraving of Buddha in the world. The Limestone hill that has the Buddha engraved on it used to be an active site for the construction industry before it was closed down. In 1996 a laser was used to etch the carving into the rock as part of a celebration for His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 50th year on the throne.

9. Go Back In Time At Anek Kusala Sala

Originally built to build friendships between the Chinese and the Thai’s Khao Chi Chan is a museum showing over 300 pieces of Chinese artwork, most of the pieces are brass and bronze statues of historical figures from various deities including Buddhist and Taoist. Split over the two floors the second floor has some much larger statues, the most noticeable being the Shaolin monks that have been created to depict various martial art poses. You can see statues of dress makers, fortune tellers and liquor sellers which tourists often place one baht coins on.

10. Take A Trip To Khao Phra Tamnak

Sitting at the top of a forested hill between South Pattaya and Jomtien is a giant Buddha statue known as Wat Phra Yai, The statue has its origins at a time when Pattaya was just a small fishing village, and a long way away from the world Pattaya finds itself in now. From the top of the hill you have panoramic views over Pattaya City and Bay.

11. Volunteer At Pattaya Orphanage

Founded nearly fifty years ago Pattaya Orphanage has continued to do good works for the less fortunate. The orphanage was founded by a priest called Father Ray in the 1970’s when a local gave their child to Father Ray as they were unable to look after the child themselves. Word soon spread among the people and so the orphanage had its beginnings. Originally the children were ones born as a result of the US military being in the area during the Vietnam War, now the children are from misfortunate mothers who suffer from drug abuse, poverty or HIV/Aids. You can either sponsor meals at the orphanage or completely give up your time and volunteer for extended time periods.

12. Spend A Day At Koh Larn

Sitting seven kilometers away from Pattaya is the island of Ko Larn, boats leave Pattaya several times a day for the island and are always full of tourists eager to explore somewhere new. The island is only small (4km long and 2km wide) but there are six different beaches to see, each beach having its own unique personality. If you wish to stay a few nights there are various resorts and hotels on the island but due to the islands size they fill up quickly.

13. Be Amazed At Tiffany’s Cabaret

Taking place each evening, Tiffany’s Cabaret entertains over two thousand people and has been doing so for over thirty years. The performance usually lasts for an hour and the show is non-stop excitement from start to finish, the entertainers perform scenes that represent every part of the world, including Indian, Korean Thai and many more. The ladyboys are all dressed in exquisite costumers and perform with such finesse that it is hard to spot that they are not real ladies. The raunchiness of the show has been toned down for what you might expect to get in Pattaya ensuring that the show is also suitable for children.

14. Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Every major place in Thailand has tourist attractions including elephant. Some of these are really cruel, like those that offer you to ride on an elephant. So make sure you make an ethical choice like the Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.

15. Sunbathe At Ban Amphur Beach

Ban Amphur is a quiet fishing village that happens to have a beautiful beach with gorgeous sand and lots of palm trees. The beach is quiet and uncrowded with ample parking unlike many of the other beaches in Pattaya, because it is a fishing village the various seafood restaurants that are located in the fishing harbor sell the most delicious and fresh fish imaginable. Tourism has not yet caught up here as much as so many places so prices are still quite low and the area uncrowded.

16. Have Mango Sticky Rice At Mae Sai Thong

You can get mango sticky rice all over Thailand and it is hugely popular with tourists and locals, not many places selling just that one item make it onto Lonely Planet though. Mai Sai Thong is the exception to this and is said to be the best place in Pattaya to eat mango sticky rice. Mango’s ripen in the hot-dry season but this little food stand next to the day market has managed to find suppliers of ripe mango all year round ensuring a steady to supply to their many happy customers.

17. Take Time To Reflect At The Sanctuary Of Truth

Rising 105 meters into the sky and made from teak wood which has been carved in the most intricate wat The Sanctuary of Truth is a beautiful sight to behold. This is not a Buddhist temple as you may expect, it was designed by a business owner as a place to go and reflect on oneself. Every part of the building both inside and out has incredibly detailed carvings that need to be seen to be believed, the building itself is still a work in progress which some say will never be finished. There are so many beautiful buildings across Thailand but this one has to come near the very top of the list.

18. Take A Cooking Class

Now that you have been to Thailand and eaten original and authentic Thai cooking maybe you will want to learn how to do it for yourself at home. With supermarkets everywhere selling ingredients from Thailand you just need to learn the basics and you are on your way. Pattaya plays host to many cooking schools each taking the time to show you how to make the Thai classics such as Green Curry and Pad Thai. Normally set over a half day slot the classes allow you to sit down for lunch or dinner afterwards and relax with a drink and the food you have just created.

Pattaya is a resort town with accommodation both in the central downtown area, which extends from the beachfront back for a few kilometers, and in a few different areas south of the city center. If you want to be away from the hustle and bustle and on a lovely beach, consider heading south to the Royal Wing Suites & Spa or Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, which is part of a four-hotel complex on two private beaches, about 10 minutes from downtown Pattaya. Another popular beach, especially with families, in the Pattaya area is Jomtien, which is about five kilometers south of downtown Pattaya, and is a prettier and less chaotic option than Pattaya Beach. Here, you'll find good-value properties like Tara Court Hotel.

Luxury options

Royal Wing Suites & Spa

If you're looking for luxury and privacy right on the beach then check out Royal Wing Suites & Spa, which is set on a private beach just about 10 minutes drive south from the city center. Part of a 64-acre resort complex, Royal Wing Suites offers 85 opulent suites, which are spacious and done up in gold and marble. Many also feature terraces with ocean views. On-site amenities include two private beaches for guests, a spa with a steam room and sauna, and multiple dining options. There is also a lovely freeform swimming pool with butler service. Royal Wing is a family-friendly property, with plenty of amenities for kids of all ages.

The Wave Hotel

The Wave Hotel is another luxury option and a good bet if you're looking to stay in downtown Pattaya. Situated right on Beach Road with ocean views, this Art Deco, boutique hotel has just 18 rooms and suites and is styled to feel like sleeping on Miami's South Beach. Rooms and public spaces are beautifully designed, with plenty of color and meticulously chosen furnishings and accessories. There is also an on-site restaurant, serving a mix of American comfort food and Asian favorites, and a swimming pool with sea views.

InterContinental Pattaya Resort

InterContinental Pattaya Resort is also located on a private beach about three kilometers from downtown Pattaya. This hotel offers elegant rooms and swanky villas done up with Thai-style decor, which are spacious and comfortable. Many come with perks like butler service, soaking tubs made for two, and even private plunge pools in the case of the villas. On-site amenities include three different restaurants, three swimming pools set amid manicured tropical gardens, a fitness center, gym, and on-site parking. There is also a free shuttle to downtown Pattaya and a speedboat to Ko La island for a fee.

Mid-range options

Holiday Inn Pattaya

If you're looking for a modern, mid-range sleep by a trusted brand then check out the Holiday Inn Pattaya, which features rooms and suites overlooking Pattaya's main beach. The decor is ocean oriented, and all accommodations come with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with views. For families, kids under 18 stay free, and amenities include a kids' club. You'll also find five restaurants, a spa, outdoor pool, and fitness center among the on-site amenities.

Tara Court Hotel 

This is a good-value, apartment-style boutique property just one kilometer inland from Jomtien Beach to the south of Pattaya town. You can choose from studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments, which come with kitchenettes, dining tables, living space, and sofa beds to sleep extra people — it's a great choice for families. On-site amenities here include an Irish restaurant, bike rentals, and an outdoor swimming pool off the 7th floor.

Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya 

This is another solid good-value pick. This modern tower property features colorful, modern rooms with panoramic city and sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as free bottled water and Wi-Fi and comfortable beds. Away from the rooms, on-site amenities include three restaurants, free parking, a rooftop swimming pool, a hot tub with awesome city views, a spa and fitness center. Breakfast is also included in the rate. Staff members are super friendly.

Budget options

Travelodge Pattaya 

This is a great budget pick, which is just under a 10-minute walk from Pattaya Beach and 15 minutes from downtown's buzzy Walking Street. The rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable and come with flatscreen TVs built into walls; crisp white sheets; and splashes of color in the form of bed-runners, pillows, and wall art. There are family rooms available, and children under 15 stay free with their parents in these. On-site amenities include a restaurant, outdoor pool with Gulf of Thailand views, gym, and laundry service.

Red Planet Pattaya

For no-frills, budget lodging on a buzzy street in a convenient city center location, check out Red Planet Pattaya, which has friendly and attentive staff members. Rooms are clean and tidy with comfortable beds and wood floors. The hotel is kid-friendly and features perks like free Wi-Fi, parking, and an on-site restaurant. It is also just a five-minute walk from the beach.

The range of restaurants in Pattaya is fantastic. The selection includes a cornucopia of national cuisines and a full spectrum of prices. Enjoy Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, British, American, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, French, Italian, German, and even Scandinavian dishes, with first-rate ingredients, sublime preparations and unbelievable value to be found. The settings of these Pattaya restaurants are equally varied and unique. Eat like a local from the vendors on the street or enjoy the breath-taking beach views from the highest floors of the city’s tallest buildings; taste the freshest seafood, caught by local fishing communities, right on the beach or savour sumptuous surroundi

Caprice Restaurant and Bar

Located in the famous Royal Cliff Beach Resort high above the Gulf of Thailand, the award-winning Caprice has been setting the local bar for 5-star dining options for years. A chic ambiance and sophisticated décor welcome diners, who can choose to sit out on the terrace overlooking a swimming pool and the ocean, or within its elegant interior. The prix fix menu starts at just 850 THB for a 4-course menu, which itself changes weekly, or diners can order a la carte dishes like Iberico pork’s neck steak, curry spiced monkfish medallion, or basil pasta timbale.

Caprice Restaurant and Bar, Pattaya City, Chon Buri, 20150, Thailand

Mantra Bar and Restaurant

This concept restaurant features an extensive menu perfect for even the choosiest diners. Dishes combine Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Thai, and more. Each cuisine type has its own team of specialists preparing your food, so you never have to worry about a sushi chef tackling your pizza order or vice versa. Located right in front of the Amari Orchid Hotel, the restaurant is elegantly decorated with a color scheme of deep red and black. Try the wagyu steak or the freshly made sushi. A dress code is enforced, so don’t show up in shorts and flip-flops, and reservations are recommended.

Mantra Bar and Restaurant, Beach Road , Banglamung, Pattaya, 20150, Thailand, +66 38 429 591

Indian by Nature

This quirky yet classic family-run Indian restaurant offers up innovative traditional dishes with modern flair, with a menu designed by the Executive Chef Av Khanijou, recipient of the Reader’s Digest “Asia’s Upcoming Chefs” designation in 2010. The massive menu includes all the staples you’d expect for Indian fare, with plenty of vegetarian options, all with creative twists. The Shashi kofta curry is a traditional Mughlai dish of minced lamb meatballs with the chef’s special filling simmered in cream sauce, while a favorite among vegetarians is the Achari Gobhi — cauliflower florets and potatoes in a mélange of spices, with the chef’s mango pickle masala.

Indian by Nature, 306/64-68 Thappraya Road, Chang Wat Chon Buri, 20150, Thailand, +66 38 364 656

Yes Vegan Pattaya

The first 100% vegan restaurant in Pattaya, this brand-new establishment serves up Asian-fusion dishes that are completely plant-based. The menu, featuring mock meat staples like fried vegan duck with basil leave sauce and Hainanese vegan chicken rice, and light snacks like deep fried vegan dumplings and deep fried sunflower sprouts, is continually expanding and passes the satisfaction test of meat-eaters and plant-based patrons alike. Prices are incredibly reasonable, and with a new, highly rated hostel that sits above the restaurant, this is truly a one-stop-shop for all your health-fueled needs!

Yes Vegan Pattaya, Phra Tam Nak 6 Alley, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri Muang Pattaya, 20150, Thailand, +66 858 066 579

The Bistro

This Swiss-run eatery specializes in an impressive selection of fine wines and cheeses. The kitchen is open daily with a set menu of fresh sandwiches, salads, and trays of different meats and cheeses. Diners eager for a more substantive meal can choose from rotating daily specials like chicken madras with wild rice, or pan seared duck breast on green pepper corn sauce with gratin.

The Bistro, Pattaya, 20150, Thailand, +66 33 045 360

Cafe des Amis

Cafe des Amis is a French Haute cuisine restaurant located in a charming Thai-Balinese-style house. This exclusive experience offers a selection of fresh seafood, foie gras and other French favourites, paired with an excellent selection of fine wines and more than 300 spirits. The outside garden is beautiful, and inside, the piano music and jazz vocals add to the romantic yet cosy atmosphere.

Cafe des Amis, 10 Thanon Thap Phraya, Muang Pattaya, Chang Wat Chon Buri, 20260, Thailand, +66 840 264 989

BRONX Pizza

This no-frills, unassuming storefront is reminiscent of exactly the kind of gem you’d hope to stumble upon hunting for a slice in its New York City namesake. Promising authentic New York thin crust pies, their pizzas are made out of high-quality ingredients – many freshly sourced – either by the slice (a rare find itself in Thailand), or as a whole 18-inch pie. The owner’s recipe is a combination of “Pop’s dough”, passed down through generations, and “Mom’s sauce”, itself a smooth, complex, slightly sweet tomato sauce, characteristic to a slice from New York.

BRONX Pizza, 317 Soi Lengkee, Muang Pattaya, Chang Wat Chon Buri, 20150, Thailand, +66 80 0418 560

Beefeater

This pub-style restaurant has been open since 2004, offering up Scandinavian, Mexican, Thai, and a variety of other dishes to cater to the masses. Their specialty is obvious, however. Meat-lovers continue to return to this local haunt as the go-to place for great steak in Pattaya. The service and menu quality have remained consistent for years, and there’s even a great value-for-money Sunday Buffet if you simply can’t choose what to order.

Beefeater, 216/30-31, Chang Wat Chon Buri, 20150, Thailand, +66 38 720 926

Five Star J Restaurant

Keeping current with the region’s growing plant-based trend, this small restaurant serves mostly vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Its set menu is enormous, with everything from pizza, burgers, and pasta, as well as plenty of incredible Thai options. The owner features daily and monthly specials as well, like the spaghetti al funghi ostrica grigliati, and all dishes include organic, clean ingredients with no MSG. Some items like pizzas contain dairy cheese.

Five Star J Restaurant, 313, 37 South Pattaya Road, Muang Pattaya, Chang Wat Chon Buri, 20260, Thailand, +66 38 421 105

By flights

The nearest airport to Pattaya is the U-Tapao Airport located 30 kilometres away from Pattaya at Sattahip and offers limited connectivity to a handful of destinations. The Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is about 120 km away from Pattaya and a drive of an hour and a half approximately. There are taxis available from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya and are fairly reasonably priced. An international airport serving the popular holiday destination of Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi is well-connected with most international and domestic airlines operating in and out of the airport.

By road

Pattaya is located 147 kilometres (2-hour drive) away from Bangkok. One can hire cars to drive between the two cities and for travel within Pattaya and Bangkok. A frequent bus service (2 hours) plies between Pattaya and Bangkok connecting the main bus terminal of Pattaya with other bus terminals of Bangkok. Buses connecting Pattaya to the North-East region of Thailand, known as Isan, run from a bus terminal on Sukhumvit Road. Several long-distant buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) every half an hour. Air-conditioned buses leave every thirty minutes between 5:20 a.m. and 11:20 p.m. daily. Many buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit) between 5:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), buses leave at 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.,4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. 

By train

Pattaya is well-connected to Bangkok by rail. A daily train service operates between the main train station in Pattaya and the Hualamphong Station of Bangkok. Although third-class and without air-conditioning, this daily train service is an economical way to travel between Bangkok and Pattaya. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station and must be bought at least 30 minutes prior to departure.