The resort town of Pattaya lies about 100 miles south of Thailand's legendary capital, Bangkok.
Combining a sumptuous mix of tropical beaches, vibrant nightlife, affordable living, and cheap beer, it's easy to see why expatriates from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. have made Pattaya their home away from home.
Pensioners in particular flock to the city, soaking up the sun during the day and enjoying the nightlife long after dark.
From V-War R&R to Modern Resort Town
Pattaya first gained its reputation as a resort hub when American troops used the fishing village for Rest and Relaxation (R&R) during the Vietnam War. The town has grown exponentially ever since.
In recent decades, Pattaya has tried hard to shed its strict "adult playground" label in favor of family-friendly tourism. While the beaches and go-go bars remain a huge draw, the city has successfully expanded into more wholesome forms of entertainment.
Former booze hounds can trade in their tallboys for a set of clubs, with over 20 golf courses within an hour's drive.
Animal lovers can visit the Sriracha Tiger Zoo—famous for its large population of tigers and crocodiles—while horticulture enthusiasts can explore the sprawling Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden nearby.
World-class fishing, boating, and shopping are all readily available, making Pattaya far more affordable than traditional Western snowbird enclaves in Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
Real Estate and the 2014 Baht
Many expats find Pattaya's beachfront property to be an incredible bargain.
Because land ownership in Thailand is strictly limited to Thai citizens, foreign nationals generally rent or buy condominiums. Numerous local real estate agencies specialize in helping expats navigate condo purchases online.
At current 2014 exchange rates, $1 USD gets you roughly 32 Thai baht, giving Western retirement dollars substantial purchasing power.
Nightlife on Walking Street
Despite efforts to diversify, Pattaya's go-go bars and neon-lit strip along Walking Street are as lively as ever.
The street gets its name from being closed to vehicular traffic every evening, transforming into a massive pedestrian party zone packed with restaurants, live music venues, nightclubs, and cabaret shows.
While food and drinks are amazingly cheap, it’s best practice to pay on an "as received" basis to avoid any tab confusion later in the night.
Crime against tourists is generally low and locals are welcoming, though minor disputes can occasionally arise simply due to language barriers.
Healthcare Facilities
According to the U.S. State Department, healthcare in Thailand is generally adequate, with modern facilities available for routine, long-term, and emergency care.
While Bangkok remains Thailand's primary hub for international medical tourism, Pattaya has developed a strong regional reputation for affordable, high-quality medical care of its own.
Key local facilities include:
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
Pattaya International Hospital
Pattaya Memorial Hospital
Banglamung Hospital
Visa Requirements and Travel Safety
For American travelers planning a visit, entry requirements remain straightforward:
Visa-Free Entry: U.S. tourists staying under 30 days do not require a visa, provided they hold a passport with at least six months of remaining validity and proof of onward travel.
Travel Advisories: While the State Department issued a temporary travel alert during the political "Red Shirt" demonstrations in 2010, safety conditions have stabilized and warnings were lifted as security improved.
Be sure to check travel.state.gov for the latest official travel updates before booking your trip.
