Pattaya

Pattaya isn't just a beach destination, it’s also an international business hub and a popular vacation spot for Thai people. Its proximity to the Gulf of Thailand makes the beaches and climate ideal for tourists looking for warm weather and beautiful scenery.

The sandy shorelines, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches create a picturesque view that attracts visitors to this coastal town. With dozens of shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions, Pattaya is bursting with things to do.

In addition to being famous for its golden sands and crystal clear water, Pattaya is also known for its entertainment industry. Thousands flock here each year to watch the latest Bollywood films, attend live theater performances, visit art galleries, and enjoy local festivals.

Despite its popularity as a vacation destination, Pattaya has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. In fact, it was once called “Raja Town”, named after King Rama I who commissioned construction of the Old Royal Palace in 1883.

Today, Pattaya is a bustling cosmopolitan city offering a mix of Asian cuisine, Western fast food, and everything in between. There are plenty of fun spots to spend time exploring in this diverse city, whether you're looking to shop, eat, relax, party, explore, or simply have some fun.

Suggested activities in Pattaya

Go snorkeling at Koh Larn, where you can swim with tropical fish and coral reefs. Snorkelers have reported seeing hundreds of colorful fish including barracuda, butterflyfish, sea turtles, moray eels, and even sharks!

Visit a floating market for great bargains on souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and art. You'll find everything from Thai silk sarongs to wooden elephants.

Take a cooking class. Learn how to make delicious Thai dishes in a local home kitchen. You'll learn about ingredients, herbs, and spices and get a chance to taste your creations.

See the sunrise at Khao Yai National Park. Take a hike around Khao Yai National park, Thailand's oldest national park. There are many trails to choose from so take your time and enjoy nature.

Explore Buddhist temples.Buddhist temples are scattered throughout Pattaya and its suburbs.

Shop for antiques. Pattaya is filled with vintage markets selling everything from furniture to clothing to artwork.

Eat street food. Street food is cheap, fresh, and nutritious. Try Pad Kee Mao, sticky rice noodles with chicken, pork, and vegetables; Or go for Pad Pong Sua Kaew, grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce.

Retirement in Pattaya

Pattaya is considered to be a paradise for tourists and expats alike.

Living costs in Pattaya range from $300-$600 per month depending on where you live. Rent prices vary significantly between locations. A typical 1 bedroom apartment in Pattaya starts at $400 a month. If you want to live near the beach, expect to pay about $500 per month.

Transportation in Pattaya is affordable and convenient. There is no need for a car since public transportation is cheap and reliable. Buses run frequently throughout the day and night. Taxis are inexpensive and easy to find.

The weather in Pattaya is tropical year round. Expect warm temperatures and lots of rain during the wet season.

Popular areas

North & South Siam D road is considered to be the best area in Pattaya and is where many expats choose to settle down and start their own family. There are plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, medical centers, schools, banks etc. to choose from. In addition, there are some nice beaches (Koh Klang) close by.

Central Moo 2 is considered to be the second best area in Pattaya. Like N&S Siam D Road, it also has a lot of shops, restaurants, schools, parks, banks and even hospitals! However, unlike N&S SiamD Road, it is not near any beach.

South Chonburi is considered to be the third best area in Pattaya, although it is less populated than both the above two areas. Many of the expats who have settled here were originally from Thailand or Cambodia. One thing about this area is that it is very clean and safe compared to other parts of Pattaya. However, it is still quite expensive.

East Beach is very popular amongst the locals. It is located just south-east of central Pattaya in Soi 1, Pratunam. Most of the residents here are Thai or Chinese.

It is home to several popular nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Although it is quiet at night, it gets extremely busy during the day; especially on weekends and holidays.

To get a better idea about property prices in the different areas of the city I would like to recommend that you take a look at this website for the latest Pattaya property information.

If Pattaya is too hectic for you take a look at Phuket