How Much Does Pattaya Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Pattaya offers a diverse financial landscape, catering to both extreme budget travelers and those seeking high-end luxury. It is significantly more affordable than Phuket but slightly more varied than Bangkok due to the proximity of beach activities. While visitors can navigate the city on as little as $38 / ฿1,182 per day by utilizing street food and local transport, luxury seekers may spend up to $395 / ฿12,309 per day on beachfront resorts and private excursions. Costs are largely driven by the proximity to the ocean and the type of nightlife or entertainment chosen. With standard local meals priced around $3.79 / ฿118, maintaining a modest budget is straightforward for those who avoid high-end international dining.
Is Pattaya expensive to visit?
Pattaya is an exceptionally affordable beach destination, with daily costs ranging from $38 / ฿1,182 to $395 / ฿12,309 depending on the level of luxury and nightlife involvement.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Pattaya
$38
per person /day
$120
per person /day
$395
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $114 | $360 | $1,184 |
| 5-Day Trip | $189 | $600 | $1,973 |
| 7-Day Trip | $265 | $839 | $2,761 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A buffer of 15% is recommended to cover the $6.94 / ฿217 ATM withdrawal fees and the 17% 'plus plus' (service charge and VAT) added to bills at upscale restaurants and hotels. This should also account for the $3.15 / ฿98 fee for beach chair rentals during day trips to the coast.
How Does It Compare?
See how Pattaya stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Pattaya
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Typical price for a single Thai dish (e.g., Basil Pork or Fried Rice) with water. | $3.79 ฿118 |
| Mid-Range Dinner for Two (3-Course) Price for a full meal excluding alcoholic beverages. | $32 ฿985 |
| Large Beer (640ml) in Restaurant Expect ~$3.15 / ฿98 for local brands like Chang or Singha. Prices spike to ~$4.71+ / ฿147+ in nightclubs. | $3.15 ฿98 |
Transport (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bus ticket: Mochit to Pattaya (Motorway) Standard air-conditioned coach service taking ~2.5 hours. Purchase at Mochit 2 Terminal. | $4.41 ฿138 |
| Bus ticket: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya (Jomtien) Direct transfer. The 22:00 bus terminates at North Pattaya station instead of Jomtien. | $4.51 ฿141 |
| Songthaew (Baht Bus) Local Ride Standard fare for fixed routes (Beach Rd/Second Rd). Longer distances or private hires cost more (~$0.64–$1.58 / ฿20–฿49). | $0.32 ฿9.91 |
| Public Ferry to Koh Larn (Coral Island) Leaves from Bali Hai Pier. Journey takes ~45 minutes to Naban or Tawaen Pier. | $0.94 ฿29 |
| Shared Speedboat to Koh Larn Faster 15–20 minute journey. Departures are frequent once the boat is full. | $9.47 ฿296 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 18 Coins Cafe & Hostel (Dorm Bed) Premium boutique dorm in central Pattaya. Standard dorms elsewhere can be found for ~$5.89–$12 / ฿184–฿367. | $48 ฿1,493 |
| Amethyst Hotel Pattaya (Mid-Range) High-quality mid-range option with modern amenities and pool. Located near Second Road. | $90 ฿2,807 |
| Wave Hotel Pattaya (Beachfront Luxury) Art-deco style luxury beachfront hotel on Beach Road. | $176 ฿5,491 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ramayana Water Park Entry Highest standard adult price. Tourist walk-in discounts often available for ~$35 / ฿1,083. | $47 ฿1,467 |
| Sanctuary of Truth Museum Ticket Standard adult price for international visitors is 500 THB (~$16 / ฿492). | $16 ฿492 |
| Tiffany's Show Cabaret Ticket (VIP) VIP Gold seats cost ~$41 / ฿1,285. Standard Mezzanine seats start at ~$27 / ฿845. | $41 ฿1,280 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| AIS 5G Tourist SIM (60 Days) Premium plan with massive data. 8-day plans available for ~$13 / ฿393. | $50 ฿1,575 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Pattaya is highly accessible, with simple Thai meals like fried rice or basil pork at inexpensive restaurants costing just $3.79 / ฿118. For those seeking a more formal experience, a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range establishment typically costs $32 / ฿985. Drinking is also budget-friendly, with a large 640ml local beer in a restaurant averaging $3.15 / ฿98, though prices rise sharply in nightclubs.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Mae Sri Ruen
$1.89–$4.73 / ฿59–฿148Central Pattaya / Jomtien · Local chain
Must try their signature Sukhothai-style chicken noodles for ~$1.88 / ฿59.
Jomtien Night Market
$1.58–$6.31 / ฿49–฿197Jomtien Beach · Street market
Great for cheap seafood and fresh fruit shakes while enjoying the sunset.
Kiss Food & Drink
$2.53–$7.89 / ฿79–฿246Second Road / Jomtien · Local chain
The ultimate 24/7 spot for late-night cravings after Walking Street.
Lung Sawai Seafood
$4.73–$16 / ฿148–฿492Na Jomtien · Local chain
Far cheaper than beachfront restaurants in Central Pattaya; order the Curry Crab.
Pattaya Night Bazaar Food Court
$1.89–$3.79 / ฿59–฿118Central Pattaya · Food court
Best spot for a quick lunch while shopping; the Som Tum (Papaya Salad) is ~$2.24 / ฿70.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is very economical thanks to the 'Baht Bus' (Songthaew) system, which charges a flat rate of $0.32 / ฿9.91 for standard fixed routes along Beach Road and Second Road. Transfers to nearby islands are equally affordable, with public ferries to Koh Larn costing only $0.94 / ฿29 from Bali Hai Pier. For faster travel, shared speedboats are available for $9.47 / ฿296.
Accommodation Overview
The lodging market ranges from boutique hostels like 18 Coins Cafe & Hostel at $48 / ฿1,493 per night to high-quality mid-range hotels such as the Amethyst Hotel Pattaya for $90 / ฿2,807. Beachfront luxury at iconic properties like Wave Hotel Pattaya costs approximately $176 / ฿5,491, offering a premium experience right on the main strip.
Accommodation Budget in Pattaya
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Stick to the 'Baht Bus' fixed routes for just $0.32 / ฿9.91 rather than hiring a private taxi or Grab.
- 2 Take the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn for $0.94 / ฿29 instead of paying for a speedboat.
- 3 Eat at the Jomtien Night Market or the Pattaya Night Bazaar Food Court for authentic meals around $3.79 / ฿118.
- 4 Avoid the premium 60-day SIM card and opt for the 8-day tourist plan for approximately $13 / ฿393 if staying for a week.
- 5 Purchase water and snacks at local 7-Eleven or Family Mart locations instead of buying from beach vendors.
- 6 Use the standard air-conditioned coach service from Mochit 2 Terminal for $4.41 / ฿138 rather than a private taxi from Bangkok.
- 7 Visit the Sanctuary of Truth during the day to avoid the higher costs associated with some evening entertainment venues.
- 8 Dine at Mae Sri Ruen for high-quality, inexpensive noodles and Thai staples.
- 9 Arrive at the airport bus station before 22:00 to ensure a direct drop-off at Jomtien for $4.51 / ฿141.
- 10 Skip the expensive VIP seats at cabaret shows and choose standard mezzanine seating to save roughly $14 / ฿435.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
+30–50%
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
-25–40%
Mar, Apr
The cool season (Nov–Feb) offers perfect ~28°C (82°F) weather but peak prices. The monsoon (June–Oct) sees significant room discounts but brings afternoon downpours.
Events to Watch
- ● Songkran (Mid-April): Water festival causes massive hotel surges
- ● Pattaya Fireworks Festival (Nov): Beach Road hotels double prices
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Visit Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) to see the 18-meter golden Buddha and enjoy views of the bay.
- 2 Walk the length of Pattaya Beach for sunset views and people-watching.
- 3 Explore the Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint for the most famous panoramic shot of Pattaya's crescent bay.
- 4 Admire the Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain) where a giant Buddha image is etched in gold on a cliff face.
- 5 Stroll through the Wang Sam Sien Chinese temple complex near Big Buddha Hill.
- 6 Window shop and experience the neon atmosphere of Walking Street after 19:00.
- 7 Visit the serene grounds and gardens of Wat Yansangwararam, a royal temple complex.
- 8 Relax on the sand at Jomtien Beach, which is generally quieter than the central beach area.
- 9 Browse the local handicrafts and watch the sunset at the Thepprasit Night Market (Friday–Sunday).
- 10 Hike up the trails of Pratumnak Hill for exercise and varied coastal viewpoints.
- 11 Visit the Pattaya City Sign above Bali Hai Pier for a classic photo opportunity.
- 12 Explore the grounds of Silverlake Vineyard to see the European-style architecture and landscaping.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Dinner at Horizon Rooftop (Hilton)
Unbeatable 34th-floor views of the entire Pattaya bay. Cocktails are ~$16 / ฿496, but the sunset view is worth the cost.
Private Yacht Charter to Koh Phai
Escape the crowds of Koh Larn for pristine, deserted islands. Includes snorkeling and lunch for groups.
Sanctuary of Truth Private Guided Tour
Detailed explanation of the complex wood carvings and philosophy makes the structure much more meaningful.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Pattaya
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Pattaya and what they cost
Koh Larn (Coral Island)
$1.89 / ฿59 by Ferry
Free
$19 / ฿591
Sanctuary of Truth
$3.15 / ฿98 by Bolt/Taxi
$16 / ฿492
$25 / ฿788
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Thai Baht (THB)
1 $ ≈ 31 ฿
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants. Cash is mandatory for songthaews, street markets, and small bars.
Not mandatory but appreciated. Round up taxi fares. Small tips of ~$0.59–$1.18 / ฿18–฿37 for cleaning staff or ~$1.53–$3.18 / ฿48–฿99 for massage therapists are common.
Thai ATMs dispense cash first, then return the card. Always select 'No Conversion' to get the better rate from your home bank. AEON ATMs sometimes charge lower fees (~$4.71 / ฿147).
Expected in markets and with independent motorbike taxis. Never bargain for food or in malls. Smile and stay polite—aggression will lose you the deal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $21–$29 for 30 days (Unlimited Data) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12–$21 / ฿367–฿661 for 30 days at city shops
WiFi: Excellent in malls and most cafés. Hotels offer reliable high-speed connections.
Buy a local AIS or True SIM at a 7-Eleven; it's much cheaper than airport kiosks or international eSIMs.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Pattaya.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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