Pattaya is an active resort city known for Pattaya Beach, the Big Buddha Temple, and the Sanctuary of Truth. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Pattaya that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Pattaya?
You should plan to spend around $88 (฿3,012) per day on your vacation in Pattaya. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $41 (฿1,402) on meals
- $13 (฿429) on local transportation
- $51 (฿1,737) on hotels
A one week trip to Pattaya for two people costs, on average, $1,232 (฿42,168). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$616
฿21,084
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,232
฿42,168
-
One Month
Per person
$2,641
฿90,360
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,232
฿42,168
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,465
฿84,336
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,282
฿180,720
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Pattaya cost?
A one week trip to Pattaya usually costs around $616 (฿21,084) for one person and $1,232 (฿42,168) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Pattaya on average costs around $1,232 (฿42,168) for one person and $2,465 (฿84,336) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Pattaya will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Pattaya on average costs around $2,641 (฿90,360) for one person and $5,282 (฿180,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Pattaya expensive to visit?
Pattaya is a popular resort city that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Pattaya can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $44 (฿1,449) per day, mid-range travelers spend $91 (฿3,012) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $185 (฿6,119) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pattaya.
Within Asia, Pattaya is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Bali or Siem Reap.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Pattaya Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Pattaya?
The average Pattaya trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pattaya travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pattaya cost?
Pattaya on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(฿359)
|
$25
(฿868)
|
$57
(฿1,965)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(฿188)
|
$13
(฿429)
|
$24
(฿819)
|
|
Food 2
|
$17
(฿597)
|
$41
(฿1,402)
|
$85
(฿2,907)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9
(฿308)
|
$22
(฿752)
|
$51
(฿1,735)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(฿66-197)
|
$4-13
(฿150-450)
|
$8-25
(฿287-860)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Pattaya. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $44 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Pattaya has plenty of hostels like Nonze Hostel, The Bedroom Hostel Pattaya, and Baan Wararin Hostel. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Pattaya, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Pattaya, you'll want to see Pattaya Beach, the Big Buddha Temple, or the Sanctuary of Truth. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $91 per person, per day.
Pattaya offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Wave Hotel is an excellent option for kids, and Rabbit Resort Pattaya is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Pattaya here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $185 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the resort city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Rayong Adventure Full day Trip from Pattaya - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Pattaya
Pattaya offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $27, but during peak winter season, they can average $50. Prices range from $15 to $121, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Pattaya for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $51 (฿1,737). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $25 (฿868) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Pattaya include:
- Wave Hotel starting at $82
- Crystal Suites Pattaya starting at $21
- Rabbit Resort Pattaya starting at $113
- The Agate Pattaya Boutique Resort starting at $29
- Way Hotel starting at $39
Pattaya offers a good public transit system, so staying farther from the resort city might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
Pattaya is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.
In this resort city, you can find a number of resorts available. You might be able to find a place that offers meals or at least breakfast, and many have restaurants onsite.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip winter), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Pattaya
Pattaya has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.
Regrettably, a significant part of the resort city isn't easy to navigate on foot. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (฿429) per person, per day, on local transportation in Pattaya. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Pattaya is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
฿429
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Hotel in Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfer for $72 details
- Pattaya Hotel to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) transfer (upto 8 passengers) for $70 details
- Airport transfer in Rayong from Airport to Hotel (UTP) for $36 details
How much does it cost to go to Pattaya? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Pattaya will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Pattaya
In Pattaya, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Pattaya can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pattaya is $41 (฿1,402) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$41
฿1,402
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pattaya is around $42 (฿1402) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $88. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Pattaya are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $13 to $30
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Pattaya is full of restaurants, food carts, markets, tuk-tuks selling coffee, fruit stands and even motorcycle sidecar hotdog and meatball vendors. There are dishes for just about any traveler – the experienced, the adventurous and the safe. Be sure to seek out Pattaya specialty dishes that include fresh seafood and dried fruits. Don't miss out on the papaya salad and spicy-sour chopped pork salad.
When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Pattaya, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya for $70 details
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner for $49 details
- Ocean Pattaya Dinner Buffet Cruise for $50 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pattaya
It's not a shock that Pattaya draws crowds, as it is known for its nightlife, food, resorts, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pattaya typically cost an average of $22 (฿752) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
฿752
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Pattaya Beach (Free)
- The Big Buddha Temple (Free)
- The Sanctuary of Truth for ฿700 ($20)
- The Pattaya Floating Market (Free)
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden for ฿600 ($16)
- Walking Street Pattaya (Free)
The center of life in Pattaya is the Pattaya Beach. With hotels, restaurants and malls along the roads, this area of is vibrant and filled with culture. Just south of Beach Road is an area that springs to life at night with the sounds of rock music.
For a more family friendly lounging spot, head to Jomtien Beach. Located at the southern part of the city, this region is more calm and serene than other places.
This city is full of sacred spaces to see. Buddha Hill is one of the highest points in Pattaya. Once you've climbed to the top, you'll find the largest Buddha statue in the city. Wander around and find the gorgeous, sacred area dedicated to Confucius and Lao-zi.
A larger area of peace and tranquility is Chaloemphrakiat Park. This 6 acre stretch of land located at the foot of Khao Pattaya was built in honor of the King's sixtieth birthday in 1988. There are dozens of plants to stroll through, ad winding trails are perfect for joggers and walkers alike.
If you're traveling with children, there are plenty of options to keep your little ones entertained in Pattaya. There are theme parks like the cartoon-themed waterpark Cartoon Network Amazone. Mini Siam is also a novelty attraction as a park with miniature replicas of iconic structures from all over the globe. Celebrating the heritages of Thailand, this is one of the most famous model villages in the world.
Another popular activity while in Thailand is visiting with the majestic elephants. The Pattaya Elephant Village is a camp that focuses on the daily life of elephants. Shows are held daily, and one hour elephant rides are available.
Beaches:
Lots of folks head to Pattaya just to kick back at the beach. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.
Shopping:
Make sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.
A nice way to explore destinations in Pattaya is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full-Day Historical Park and Countryside Tour in Sukhothai for $47 details
- Elephant Sanctuary Pattaya half day tour for $105 details
- Bangkok Temples Private Tour from Pattaya – Full Day for $155 details
Nightlife Budget in Pattaya
The nightlife in Pattaya is extremely popular, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.77 (฿300) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Pattaya per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.77
฿300
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Travel cost data last updated: Oct 30, 2024
Traveling in Pattaya
Pattaya, Thailand
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
Neighborhoods & Around
Pattaya's coast is divided into five sub-districts with names that typically cause a lot of confusion. In the middle are the three regions that share the main bus route. They are very similar and create a sort of downtown zone. North Pattaya is not the most northern part of Pattaya, but is adjacent to the most northern region. It is the northern section of the downtown area. South Pattaya is also not the most southern region – just the most southern part of downtown. Central Pattaya is also not in the dead center of Pattaya. In fact, some maps disregard Central Pattaya altogether.
Just outside the beaches are two more districts. Naklua is actually the most northern part of Pattaya. This area as the least expensive transportation, and is often the area of Pattaya that is skipped. Buddha Hill is between South Pattaya and the city's southernmost area, Jomtien.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We found a cheaper hotel a bit back from the main stretch of beach to save money. The beach was lined with larger resort style hotels that were reasonable for what they were, but not within our budget. We also found plenty of more affordable restaurants away from that main stretch, too.