Life As An Expat In Pattaya: The Pros And Cons

Pattaya has long been one of the most attractive expat destinations in Thailand, but paradise always comes at a cost. In this article, we’re going to look at both the pros and the cons of living in Pattaya, to help you determine whether or not this is the location for you. Here’s everything you need to know…

 

The pros of living in Pattaya 

 

• Beautiful scenery: Pattaya is a gorgeous coastal city with gorgeous beaches and plenty of stunning surrounding greenery for you to enjoy. If you are a beach lover and relish ‘outdoorsy’ excursions, then you’ll find plenty to satisfy your desires in Pattaya. 

• Multicultural community: Pattaya is home to a thriving, multicultural community, giving you a unique opportunity to mix and make friends with people from all over the world! 

• Exceptional food: it’s no secret that Thailand is home to one of the finest cuisines with so much variety! And even if you aren’t one for Thai food, the international cuisine is on point, with plenty of 5-star restaurants and fast-food joints for you to enjoy. 

• Friendly people: Thailand is often affectionately referred to as “the land of smiles”, and this is large because the locals are so incredibly friendly. If you want to feel welcome and at home, Pattaya is a great place to settle. 

• Plenty to do: from the bustling nightlife and plethora of water sports, to massage parlors and Muay Thai arenas, you’ll find no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Pattaya – not to mention the beautiful cultural delights and gilded temples in the area. 

• Low cost of living: Thailand is comparatively cheap to most western countries and can offer expats a superior quality of life for less. What might be considered a low monthly income in the UK for example, would afford you a decent quality of life in somewhere like Pattaya. 

• Stunning accommodation options: Pattaya, like many of the top tourist destinations in Thailand, has many stunning accommodation options for you to choose from. From luxury beachfront villas to gorgeous condominium complexes like The Cloud Pratumnak (Pattaya), you’ll be certain to find the perfect property to suit your tastes and budgetary requirements.  

 

The cons of living in Pattaya 

 

• Extreme weather: while the weather in Thailand is wonderful most of the year round, a tropical climate is not without its drawbacks. For example, during the rainy season, you can expect some seriously frightening storms and monsoons! While it is relatively safe and the country is built to handle the weather rather well, it can still be quite scary for some people who aren’t used to it. Then again, once you are used to it, it can actually be rather thrilling to witness! 

• It can feel too ‘touristy’: if you are looking to enjoy a quiet life, Pattaya might not be for you. It’s a busy tourist spot that sees a lot of action all year round and might be overwhelming to some people. 

• Visa complications: unless you have work lined up, plan to teach, or will be on a retirement visa, staying in Thailand comfortably (and legally) can be complicated, and frustrating. 

• Inferior infrastructure: the public transport system in Pattaya doesn’t work quite as well as what you might be used to in say, the UK or US, so many visitors opt to rent affordable vehicles from car hire Rayong or other rental companies with stellar reputation for flexibility and reliability.

 

Conclusion 

 

All in all, the pros far outweigh the cons. Nowhere is perfect and there’s always a little bit of ‘getting used to’ when you move to a new location. However, if you are looking for a vibrant spot with plenty of stunning accommodation options, great food, wonderful weather, and tropical beaches to boot, life in Pattaya is worth a look!