Airport bus (Level 1, Gate 8)
Buses to Pattaya leave from the Level 1, Gate 8 area of Suvarnabhumi's main terminal. One checked bag up to 20 kg plus one personal bag is usually free; extra or oversized bags cost more.
Korean MOFA travel advisory: Your destination: Level 1 (exercise caution) · some areas of the country have advisories
Elsewhere in the country: Level 3 (leave the country) — some regions: L3 (leave): southern Songkhla (Malaysia border), Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, within 50 km of the Thai-Cambodian border / L2: Tak / Special advisory: Chiang Saen (Laos border) and Mae Sai (Myanmar border) checkpoints / L1: rest of the country
Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).
since 2025-12-10 · checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Pattaya Travel Guide
Pattaya is a beach city on the Gulf of Thailand about 150 km southeast of Bangkok. Hop between the city beach, quieter Jomtien and the island of Ko Larn by boat for swimming and water sports, and take in sea views from hilltop viewpoints and temples. Its closeness to Bangkok makes it an easy short beach trip or add-on.
Plan your Pattaya trip
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Flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)Find staysTours & ticketsLocal mode (taxi, delivery, SOS)
✈ Most flights from Korea land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), so we show Suvarnabhumi prices. Pattaya is about 150 km southeast of Bangkok, roughly a two-hour drive, and buses and taxis run from the airport. U-Tapao Airport (UTP) is also near Pattaya; check airline information for routes. Check official information for timetables and fares.
Lowest fare: Seoul (ICN) → Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Based on recent searches — the price may change when you book.
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Check prices →Seoul Incheon → Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) flights →
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At a glance
- Currency
- THB (฿)
- Power & plugs
- 220V · Type A/B/C/O
- Driving side
- Left
- Tipping
- Optional (small, for good service)
- Local language
- ภาษาไทย
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
November-February is somewhat cooler and drier, the easiest time to visit. March-May is very hot, and in the May-October rainy season showers are frequent and boat services can change on rough days.
Airport to the city
Intercity bus (Public Transportation Center)
Intercity buses to Pattaya run from the airport's Public Transportation Center (bus terminal), roughly 06:30-21:00. Take the airport shuttle to reach the center.
Airport taxi or limousine
Public taxis leave from Level 1 of the main terminal between Gates 4 and 7, charging the meter plus an airport surcharge of about 50 THB. Airport limousines are booked at Level 2 counters. Handy with luggage or late at night.
Getting around
Songthaews (baht buses)
Shared pickup trucks loop along the beach roads and through town. They are cheap on set routes, but going off-route or hiring the whole truck costs more, so confirm the destination and fare before boarding.
Ride-hailing apps
Fares are set in advance, which helps in the evening or for longer trips to Jomtien or the viewpoints.
Boats to Ko Larn
Boats to Ko Larn leave from piers in south Pattaya (check locally where to board), with regular ferries and speedboats; check official information for times and fares. On the island, minibuses and motorbike taxis get you around.
Scooter rental
Popular but accidents are common. Check you hold a licence valid in Thailand and what your travel insurance covers, and always wear a helmet.
Where to stay
Pattaya Beach (city center)
Good for: First visit, transport, dining
Restaurants and shops line the beach road, making it easy to get around. It can be busy and noisy late into the night.
Jomtien
Good for: Quieter beach, families
A long beach south of Pattaya Beach, calmer than the center and suited to a relaxed stay.
Pratumnak Hill
Good for: Views, quieter stays
A hilly area between Pattaya Beach and Jomtien, close to the viewpoint and not far from the Ko Larn pier.
Naklua
Good for: Local feel, quiet breaks
A calmer area north of the center with the seaside Lan Pho Naklua Public Park. Reach town by songthaew or car.
Map of stays in Pattaya
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Pattaya in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Pattaya Beach
The curved city beach, good for walks and sunsets. Swim only in designated zones and always check the warning flags.
Jomtien Beach
A long beach south of Pattaya that is quieter than the center and sometimes hosts beach sports events.
Jomtien Beach · Photo: nakhon100 / CC BY 2.0 Ko Larn (Koh Lan)
An island reached by boat and a popular day trip, with clear water and sandy beaches. Minibuses and motorbike taxis link the beaches.
Ko Larn (Koh Lan) · Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / CC BY-SA 4.0 Sangwan Beach wooden bridge, Ko Larn
A wooden walkway of about 150 m running from Sangwan Beach toward Tawaen Beach — a fairly quiet photo spot.
Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint
A hilltop viewpoint looking over Pattaya Bay and the sea, especially lovely at sunset.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
Known as the Big Buddha Temple, it gives a glimpse of Thai Buddhist culture. Cover shoulders and knees.
Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
A Buddha image about 30 m high and 70 m wide laser-etched into a cliff to mark King Rama IX's 50th year on the throne, with gardens kept by the Royal Thai Marine Corps. You'll need a car from town.
Walking Street
A famous nightlife street in south Pattaya. It gets very crowded at night, so watch out for pickpockets.
What to eat
Grilled seafood
Pick prawns, fish, squid or crab priced by weight and have them grilled. Check whether prices are per 100 g or per kg before choosing.
Tom yum goong
Hot and sour prawn soup. Ask for less spice if needed.
Som tam
A sweet, sour and spicy pounded green papaya salad, often eaten with grilled chicken and sticky rice.
Pad thai and fried rice
Everyday staples that are easy to find at stalls and small restaurants.
Mango sticky rice and fruit shakes
Sweet dessert and cold fruit shakes that suit the hot weather.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout 1,200-1,800 THB per day: guesthouse, street food, songthaews
Mid-rangeabout 3,000-5,000 THB per day: beach hotel, a Ko Larn day trip, restaurants
Comfortabout 10,000 THB+ per day: resort, private car or boat
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Bus or taxi from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya, check in, a sunset walk on Pattaya Beach, then seafood for dinner.
- Day 2
Morning boat to Ko Larn for the beaches and the Sangwan Beach wooden bridge, back late afternoon, then a stroll on Walking Street (early evening is best).
- Day 3
Wat Phra Yai and the Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint in the morning, a lazy afternoon on Jomtien Beach, then dinner at sunset.
- Day 4
Khao Chi Chan in the morning, then head to Suvarnabhumi Airport (about 2 hours by road, so leave plenty of time).
Local tips
- Always follow warning signs at sea, especially red flags, and swim only at designated beach zones. Avoid the sea after heavy rain or at night.
- Rent jet skis and water sports gear only from registered, insured operators. Agree the price and time first and photograph any existing damage — disputes over repair charges do happen.
- Confirm the destination and fare before boarding a songthaew, and agree a price in advance if you hire the whole truck.
- The sun is strong and it's hot. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and drink water often.
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded places such as Walking Street, and wear your bag in front.
- Check your own government's travel advice for Thailand before you go.
- Thai entry rules (visa exemption periods, digital arrival card, etc.) can change. Check official Thai government or embassy information before you travel.
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