Pattaya, Thailand 🇹🇭
#392
,
Nomad Score:
72%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pattaya is a coastal resort city located in Thailand, known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and water sports. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 320,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds range from 50 to 100 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering strong connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.029 USD, 1 USD ≈ 34.48 THB. Major banks include Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets are standard. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove, offering prepaid packages widely available at the airport and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Digital banks like Revolut and Wise are useful; local banks also offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, apartments, and guesthouses; Airbnb and local agencies provide various listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, especially tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide a wide range of options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Pattaya and The Loft in South Pattaya, starting around 400 THB per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Pattaya offers the most amenities, attractions, and is close to the beach. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Jomtien Beach and Naklua are popular among digital nomads for their quieter environment and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workspace Pattaya offers a professional environment with dedicated desks and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Club provides reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a variety of food options. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Pattaya Expats Club and groups on Meetup.com regularly host events for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as Pattaya Expats and other local forums are active, offering social gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Pattaya. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Numerous shops offer scooter rentals, with prices starting around 200 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jomtien Beach is the most popular beach, just 10 minutes from central Pattaya. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways operates flights to nearby islands and regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways and AirAsia both provide international flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Pattaya is accessible via the Sukhumvit Highway (Route 3), connecting major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pattaya Railway Station serves regional trains, with a primary bus terminal located near central Pattaya. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Songthaews (shared taxis) are the main public transport; no formal pass system exists, fares are typically 10-20 THB. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses regularly connect Pattaya to Bangkok and surrounding areas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is an internationally accredited facility with comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Unity Yoga Pattaya offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym are popular choices for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services are abundant, with prices around 30-50 THB per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood and Foodpanda are widely used for food delivery across Pattaya. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pad Thai or Som Tum (spicy green papaya salad) which are locally popular. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Cafe Pattaya offers a range of healthy and delicious options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Häagen-Dazs and local dessert cafes serve various ice cream and dessert options. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Food markets and several supermarkets, such as Big C and Tesco Lotus, provide budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shopee and Lazada are popular for online shopping in Thailand. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Metro and Yasuda offer grocery delivery services in Pattaya. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Walking Street is the most famous nightlife area, known for its bars and entertainment options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hiso Craft Beer offers locally brewed beers and is popular among both locals and expats. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Bottle Shop provides a selection of wines from around the world. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food stalls can be found all over Pattaya, offering dishes from curry to grilled seafood. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Baguette serves a variety of international dishes, including French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sanctuary of Truth and Pattaya Floating Market are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Art in Paradise offers an interactive 3D art experience. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Khao Phra Tamnak, the viewpoint, provides a glimpse of Pattaya's history and scenery. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Phra Yai is famous for its large Buddha statue and tranquil environment. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pattaya Music Festival in March and the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival are popular events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Pattaya’s cultural side can be explored in local markets and art fairs, particularly on weekends. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Tiffany's Show is a well-known cabaret show that highlights Thai culture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Thepprasit Night Market is a popular spot for street food and shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Many bars along Beach Road host live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various mural art can be found in urban areas; local artists showcase their talents. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Thai Cooking School offers classes where you can learn to cook traditional Thai dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Art Pattaya features local artists and hosts regular exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old quarter of Pattaya showcases some traditional Thai architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural influences from the area's fishing village history can still be seen today. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Koh Larn (Coral Island) is a beautiful nearby island perfect for day trips. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khao Sam Muk National Park is a short drive from Pattaya, offering scenic views and natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along Jomtien Beach provide great routes for exercise and leisure. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Pattaya Hill offers panoramic views of the city and is a great photo spot. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pattaya Bird Park hosts various species and is a lovely escape. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Jomtien Beach allow bonfires; check local regulations before use. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Thai Post offer reliable shipping and parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide tech repair, including those for phones and laptops, like Tech Repair Pattaya. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports complexes in Pattaya like Pattaya Sports Club have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Pattaya Language School offer Thai language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Pattaya City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Pattaya Community Centre hosts various events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming zones in shopping malls provide a fun escape for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Royal Garden Plaza features a gaming hall for enthusiasts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 90,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 2,700,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 1,800,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 80,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,800,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,000,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 70,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 5,600,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 45,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,600,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The standard rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Thailand has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Thailand offers multiple visa options that support a favorable tax environment for digital nomads. |