Planning a Pattaya trip from India: visa, money, food and tips

Pattaya is one of the most popular holiday spots for Indian travellers: short flights, great nightlife, beaches, and Indian food on almost every corner. Here is what you need to know before you go.

Visa rules for Indian passport holders

• Visa-free entry for 30 days. From 15 September 2026, Indian passport holders visiting for tourism can enter Thailand without a visa and stay up to 30 days. Before that date the limit was 60 days.
• Extensions. An extension of up to 30 more days may be possible at a Thai immigration office, but it is at the officer's discretion.
• Longer trips. If you plan to stay more than 30 days, apply for a Thai e-Visa before travelling.

Rules change, so check the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi before booking. Immigration can also ask to see your return ticket, hotel booking and funds, so keep them handy on your phone.

Fill in the TDAC before you fly

Every foreign visitor must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. It is free, takes a few minutes and can be filed within three days before you arrive, on the official site tdac.immigration.go.th or the immigration app. Ignore websites that charge a fee.

Flights

Most travellers fly from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and other cities to Bangkok, either Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). From there Pattaya is about 1.5 to 2 hours by road. U-Tapao airport is about 50 km south of Pattaya but has far fewer international routes, so check what is flying when you book.

Read our Bangkok airport to Pattaya guide for every transfer option and price.

Money

• Currency: Thai baht (THB).
• Cash: carry some baht for the bus, street food, markets and baht buses. Exchange a small amount at the airport and the rest in town, where rates are usually better.
• Cards: a forex card or low-fee travel card works in hotels, malls and most restaurants.
• ATMs: Thai ATMs charge a fee on foreign cards each time, so withdraw larger amounts less often.

Food

You will never be far from Indian food in Pattaya. Central and South Pattaya have dozens of Indian restaurants, with North and South Indian menus, vegetarian thalis and Jain options. Second Road and the streets around Walking Street have plenty, many open late.

Also try Thai dishes that suit Indian tastes: pad thai, green curry, massaman curry, mango sticky rice and fresh fruit shakes. Ask for "mai phet" if you want it less spicy, or "phet nit noi" for a little spice.

Getting around

• Baht buses: 15 to 20 baht a ride along Beach Road and Second Road.
• Bolt and Grab: set prices, no haggling.
• Walking: central and South Pattaya are compact, and many hotels are walkable to the beach and Walking Street.

Practical tips

• SIM card: buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport. You need your passport.
• Plugs: Thai sockets often take two-pin plugs, but bring a universal adapter to be safe.
• Rules: vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand, and drug laws are very strict. Do not bring them.
• Temples: cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes.
• Respect the monarchy: criticising the Thai royal family is a serious offence.

When to go

November to February is the most pleasant weather. Late November is special: the fireworks festival on 27–28 November. Our month-by-month guide has more.