Pattaya Chonburi Province, Thailand Travel Guide
Thailand has several entry options.
Many citizens (US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU) enter without a visa for up to 30 days when arriving by air or land. One extension for 30 days is possible at immigration offices.
Prepare the necessary documents.
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Thailand. Passport-sized photographs (typically 2) are useful for visa applications or Visa on Arrival. Airlines may ask for proof of onward/return travel for visa-exempt stays. Immigration officials may request accommodation proof or financial means (THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family for tourist entry).
Vary by visa type
No entry fee applies.
THB 2,000 fee (subject to change).
Standard processes
Undergo immigration clearance, biometric data capture.
Generally not needed for standard tourism; national parks may have fees.
No mandatory general requirements
No mandatory health-related entry requirements for tourism.
Consult a health professional before your trip for recommended vaccinations.
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Exchange booths are widely available in Pattaya, along Beach Road and in shopping malls. Banks also offer exchange. ATMs are prevalent and accept international cards (Visa, MasterCard). Rates prove better in Thailand than converting currency in your home country. ATMs incur a fixed withdrawal fee, typically THB 220 per transaction, plus home bank fees.
Hotels, major restaurants, and large retail stores widely accept credit cards. Smaller shops, street vendors, and local markets often prefer cash.
THB 1,000 - 2,000 (~$27 - $55 USD)
THB 2,500 - 5,000 (~$70 - $140 USD)
THB 6,000+ (~$165+ USD)
Hostel dorm (200-500 THB), 3-4 star hotel (1,000-2,500 THB), 5-star (3,000-10,000+ THB).
Street food (40-80 THB), mid-range (250-500 THB), fine dining (800+ THB).
Prioritize your well-being and safety while in Pattaya.
Consult with a health professional before your trip.
Take steps to avoid common ailments.
Pattaya is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, like pickpocketing or bag snatching, occurs. This happens specifically in crowded tourist areas.
Keep these numbers accessible.
Locate your country's embassy or consulate in Bangkok and keep their contact information handy.
For any general emergency situation.
Call 191 for immediate assistance.
This number handles police, fire, and general incidents.
For tourist-specific issues or assistance.
Dial 1155 for English-speaking operators.
They provide mediation and guidance for visitor concerns.
For medical emergencies or ambulance services.
Reach medical emergency at 1669.
Contact hospitals directly for non-emergency medical care.
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Emergency | 191 | Police, Fire, Ambulance |
| Tourist Police | 1155 | English-speaking operators |
| Fire | 199 | Direct Fire Department |
Pack with the climate and your planned activities in mind. Consider both comfort and cultural respect for a successful trip.
Antiseptic wipes, bandaids, sterile gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, scissors, tweezers, oral rehydration salts.
Carry a sufficient supply in original packaging. Include a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter.
Cold and flu remedies, motion sickness pills, mild laxatives.
Protect yourself from the tropical sun and insects.
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin is recommended. Consider permethrin for clothes. High SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must.
After-sun lotion with aloe vera helps soothe skin after sun exposure. Motion sickness medication is useful for boat trips, like to Koh Larn, or long bus journeys.
A portable water filter can be useful for sustainability or emergencies, though bottled water is widely available.
Bring your own Mask and snorkel if you prefer personal gear. Fins are usually rentable. For diving, carry your certification card (PADI, SSI). A Dive computer is useful if you prefer your own. Wetsuits and BCDs are generally rented.
A Quick-dry towel is a helpful addition. Pack Swimsuits and Rash guards for Sun protection.
Rent motorbikes (with experience/license), jet skis, most snorkeling/diving gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Bring your personal mask and snorkel for hygiene/comfort. Comfortable walking shoes are useful to bring.
Small items enhance your trip.
Certain items may be difficult or expensive to purchase locally.
Prescription medications of specific Western brands may be hard to find.
Particular personal hygiene products might be challenging to locate.
While common toiletries exist, exact familiar brands might not.
