Budget-Friendly Pattaya: Enjoying the City on an Expat's Budget

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Pattaya is often seen as an expensive party city, but with some insider knowledge and planning, it can be enjoyed on an expat budget. In this video, I'll share my top tips for having a great time in Pattaya without breaking the bank.

Accommodation

Pattaya offers a surprising number of affordable accommodation options if you know where to look. The key is getting away from the main tourist drags of Beach Road and Walking Street. Neighborhoods like Naklua, Jomtien, and Pratamnak have good transportation connections but lower rents and room rates.

In Naklua, you can find basic apartment rooms from 8,000 to 12,000 baht per month. Check around the Naklua market area as well as Soi 16 and 18. Rooms may be simple, with just a bed, TV, wifi, and en-suite bathroom. But you'll have access to local markets, shops, restaurants, and songthaews nearby.

Jomtien is a mix of budget hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. With major roads like Thappraya Road and Jomtien Beach Road meeting here, transport links are excellent. Guesthouses offer rooms from as low as 300 baht per night with shared bathrooms and fans instead of aircon. But still include free wifi and breakfast. Apartments in the banana-pancake area behind Jomtien Beach can be rented monthly for less than 10,000 baht.

In Pratamnak, there is a peaceful local vibe despite being minutes from Walking Street. The hill area has smaller studio apartments perfect for solo expats available to rent long-term for around 5,000 to 15,000 baht per month. Shop around for newer or larger spaces with better facilities like pools and gyms. Just prepare for the climb up the hill - or see it as free exercise!

Transportation

Affordable transport options connect all areas of Pattaya for budget travelers and expats. While using taxis or tourist coaches may seem convenient, they eat into your daily funds unnecessarily.

Songthaews function as shared public transit trucks with routes across the city. Flags down one anywhere along its route, hop on the bench seats in the back, then ring the bell when you want to hop off. Trips cost a fixed rate of just 10 to 50 baht. Though you'll be packed in with other passengers and their market sacks or beach supplies.

For quicker point to point travel, motorbike taxis are readily available across Pattaya. Agree on the rate before setting off, then just enjoy the ride as the driver navigates traffic. Expect to pay around 50 baht for short trips up to 100 baht to cross Pattaya. Always wear the provided helmet for safety.

Renting a motorbike monthly gives the most freedom at 2,000 to 4,000 baht. Just ensure your license covers motorbikes, you have the proper paperwork, and obey all traffic laws - especially concerning helmets. Police in Pattaya have a reputation for targeting foreign riders. Factor in the cost of gas and potential parking fees too.

Eating & Drinking

Enjoying Pattaya's famous cuisine doesn't need to be expensive if you eat like the locals. Street food stalls and markets have food just as delicious as many restaurants for nearly half to a quarter of the price. Become a regular to your nearest street food stand for classics like pad thai, fried rice, som tam papaya salad, grilled skewers of meat, and fresh tropical fruit shakes.

For quick and varied eats, grab a tray and browse the bustling Naklua market. Heap it high with stir-fries, curries, noodles, grilled meats, and spicy dips for just 30 to 60 baht a plate. Don't forget the mango sticky rice for dessert either. Jomtien and Pratamnak have similar local markets as well.

Night markets mean bbq delights alongside clothing and souvenir stalls. Try squid, mussels, sausages, chicken skewers for around 50 baht a stick. Sit at plastic tables sunk beers from nearby convenience stores for the cheapest night out. Quality can vary dramatically stall to stall though - follow the crowds to spot the tastiest traders.

In restaurants, basic Thai dishes like green curry, pad thai, and tom yum soup will cost around 100 baht. Seafood mains are where costs jump higher quickly. Best value local restaurants gather in clusters down small sub sois rather than being street facing.

For drinking, entry and bar prices get exceptionally inflated in the tourist centers. On Walking Street, even just a beer will cost around 200 baht, mixed drinks 300 plus. Instead, get supplies from 7-Eleven for as little as 45 baht a can to pre-drink before going out. Or party like students and locals sharing a bottle of 100 Pipers whiskey from 300 baht. Many bars down small sub sois offer drinks under 100 baht too. Look for happy hours and lady drink promotions to save.