City Guides
City Guide · Thailand
Pattaya
More liveable than its reputation suggests. What expats actually need to know.
Updated June 2026
Modern Expat Magazine
Getting Around
- Baht Bus (songthaew)10 THB flat on Beach Road routes. Jump on and off. Best value in any Thai city.
- GrabGood coverage in Pattaya. Most reliable option for non-Beach-Road destinations.
- Scooter200–350 THB/day. Busy roads — not for beginners.
- Minibus to Bangkok120–150 THB, 2 hours. Regular departures to Victory Monument/Ekkamai.
Where to Work
- The Hive PattayaBest dedicated coworking option in town.
- Terminal 21 area cafesCentral location, air-conditioned, multiple options around the mall.
- Condo / home wifiFibre widely available. Many expats work from home and use Pattaya as a base.
Eat & Drink
- Jomtien areaQuieter, local restaurants, beach-adjacent. Better value than central Pattaya.
- Naklua (north Pattaya)Local seafood, less touristy than Beach Road. Where expats who know tend to eat.
- Terminal 21 food courtGood value, air-conditioned, proper range of Thai options.
- Walking StreetNightlife-focused. Know what it is before you go.
Stay Healthy
- Bangkok Hospital PattayaMain private hospital. High standard, English-speaking, full service.
- Pattaya International HospitalSecond good option. Central location, widely used by expats.
- Bangkok Pattaya Hospital (BPH)Third major private option on the Sukhumvit Road corridor.
Activities
- Koh LarnIsland day trip, 30 min by ferry. Clear water, decent snorkelling, worth going once.
- Nongnooch Tropical GardenBotanical gardens, day out. Better than it sounds — genuinely impressive.
- Go-kart tracksSeveral options on the roads north of town. Good for a competitive afternoon.
- Koh Samet (National Park)2 hours from Pattaya via Rayong ferry. Prettier beaches, quieter. Weekend option.
Beaches
- Jomtien BeachCleaner and quieter than Pattaya Beach. Windsurfing, less chaotic. Where to actually swim.
- Wongamat (north Pattaya)Best beach in the area. Cleaner water, further from Walking Street.
- Koh LarnBest swimming near Pattaya. Take the public ferry, 30 min, 30 THB.

Meet people in Pattaya
SocialGryd connects expats through shared activities beyond the nightlife. Free on iOS and Android.