The ultimate guide to Dentists in Pattaya

Last fact-checked: 24 February 2020

Can't afford a holiday this year because of expensive dental treatment? Have both and book an appointment with one of our quality-checked dentists in Pattaya, where on average you will save 60% on the cost of your dental care. Check out our website and start planning your dental holiday.

Pattaya–In Brief

Holidaymakers visiting Pattaya in Thailand for dental treatment have plenty of choices on hand to make the most of their dental vacation. Although Pattaya is technically located in Thailand’s industrial center, it is surrounded by low-key islands, miles of sandy beaches and relatively tranquil waters to enjoy activities such as sailing and diving. A major tourist destination, there's no shortage of sporting and cultural activities, not to mention the legendary nightlife of restaurants, bars and clubs to keep you entertained round-the-clock.

Pattaya itself became popular in the 1960s when American servicemen from the Vietnam War began arriving here on. Since then, fisherman’s huts have been replaced by hotels which now command the narrow beaches. Pattaya’s nightlife is centered around Walking Street and Beach Road with countless bars and Vegas-style cabaret shows.

Getting away from the madding crowds in the city is just a short boat ride away. Laid-back islands, such as Ko Samet and Ko Chang are relatively unspoiled, with miles of long, white sandy beaches and untouched mangrove forests.  Other islands are great for diving and spotting sharks, turtles and diverse marine life. Nightlife on the islands tends to be much more subdued, with informal dining in beach restaurants and live music playing in relaxing bars the order of the day.

Some estimates put more than 15,000 Aussies a year going to Thailand for dental care, making the most of low-cost dental care and the change to enjoy a holiday at the same time.

Where Is Pattaya?

Pattaya is a beach resort town of around 300,000, some 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Bangkok.

Although there is no international airport in Pattaya, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a mere 75 miles away, less than a 90-minute drive. Buses regularly depart from Bangkok’s airport to Pattaya throughout the day, and taxis are reasonably inexpensive.

Why Visit a Dentist in Pattaya?

If you wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the nearest beach destinations to reach. Its heady mix of exciting nightlife, relaxing islands, cultural sights and things to do is appealing on many levels, especially if you are undecided as to what type of holiday you want.

For many decades, Thailand has enjoyed its reputation as a center of excellence for medical and dental tourism. Fortunately, this expertise is not just confined to Bangkok, and you will find equally high-quality dental clinics throughout the Kingdom, especially in the tourist resorts.

Pattaya is no exception. The steady influx of foreigners, and particularly the increase in dental tourists, has seen more clinics springing up to cater to them. While this has created healthy competition, you will want to carefully vet your clinic and dentist for quality and customer service. Dental Departures can help you compare prices, search clinics, read verified patient reviews and book an appointment.

Many clinics are new and equipped with the most up-to-date accouterments modern dentistry has to offer. Numerous Western patients often comment their first impressions of the facilities and cleanliness at clinics here are far superior to those back at home, and any misgivings they may have had about a dental treatment abroad are soon laid to rest, once they have experienced the standard and quality offered by dental clinics in Pattaya.

From minor procedures to major dental work, all dental procedures are carried out expertly in Pattaya – for a fraction of the cost back home. Discounts are so substantial that even including the cost of a holiday, patients still see significant savings. Furthermore, Dental Departures guarantee we will offer you the best prices available. Some examples are shown below:

• Average cost of a single dental crown in Australia $952 AUD; Aa a dentist in Pattaya $249 AUD
• Average cost for root canal inc build-up and crown in Australia $2,094 AUD; at a dentist in Pattaya $700 AUD
• Average cost of dental implant and permanent crown in Australia $3,700 AUD; at a dentist in Pattaya $1,750 AUD 

(Image by Sullivan)

Where to Stay?

As a resort town, Pattaya boasts a wide array of lodging to suit all budgets in and around the town and the neighbouring islands, from top-class spa resorts to beach villas and bungalows.  Hotel accommodation starts from around $15AUD for a budget one-star to around $100AUD for a five-star, dependent upon the time of year.

Is Pattaya Safe?

Yes–Pattaya, along with all the major tourist destinations in Thailand, is safe. Aside from largely alcohol-related incidents, violence against tourists is nearly non-existent. Follow the basic precautions and common-sense rules of the travel road, and you should be quite safe in Pattaya.

Is the Quality of Dental Care in Pattaya the Same as Back Home?

As long as you have treatment in a reputable clinic, the quality of dental care in Pattaya is as good as anywhere in Thailand and equals the level of treatment you would expect to receive at home.  

Dentist training in Thailand is thorough. All dentists who have successfully completed their training are members of the Dental Association of Thailand. Dentists are regulated by their professional organization – here they are registered with the Thai Dental Council – which ensures that all dentists have the required degree from a recognized institution and that they follow established codes of practice.

Medical standards are high throughout the country, and it is intrinsic to Thai culture to be hospitable and customer-oriented.  The best international dental clinics pride themselves on offering outstanding services and making sure their facilities are first-rate. Thus, ultra-modern technology tends to be the norm rather than the exception to the rule.

Some of our most-visited dentists in Pattaya include The Dental Design Center, Ortho Smile Dental Clinic, and Pattaya International Dental Center, to name a few.

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?  Do Dentists in Pattaya Guarantee Their Work?

Warranties are provided by all our clinics for procedures as well as any lab work required. While our clinics are committed to delivering the highest quality care, sometimes things can go wrong. In these rare occurrences, if you have booked your appointment through Dental Departures, we will do our utmost to get any problems resolved.

At all times you are assured of not only receiving the highest standard of treatment at a quality-checked clinic and warranties on the treatment received, but also the security of having an advocate in Dental Departures to intervene should you experience any problems.

(image by Zhaffsky)

Do Pattaya Dentists Speak English?

Pattaya is a major tourist resort and dentists here are reliant on treating international patients and thus speak English well. Similarly, staff in popular hotels and restaurants tend to speak English reasonably well and are otherwise quite accommodating to English-speaking visitors.

What Payment Methods are Accepted by Pattaya Dentists?

• Cash (in Thai baht)
• Mastercard
• Visa

Most dental clinics prefer credit/debit cards as payment; you will want to check with your selected clinic as to which ones they accept. A small service fee of 3-4% may apply to credit card charges.

When Is the Best Time to Visit a Pattaya Dentist?

Pattaya is fortunate to enjoy a tropical climate throughout the year, so anytime is a good time to visit a dentist here, depending on your tolerance for heat, rain, peace and quiet.

While the summer season may be too hot for some, it is quieter and you are likely to find bargains on flights, accommodation and other activities. For most, the cooler winter season from November to February is a good time to visit. However, this is the most popular season so you will need to book accommodation and activities in advance. June to October is the rainy season, although rains tend to be brief, followed by sunshine.

Look out for national holidays, festivals and events taking place throughout the year which have a bearing on the density of tourism. For example, the Pattaya Music Festival in March and the Chonburi Buffalo Races in October are well attended, so be sure to book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

Is Pattaya Wheelchair Accessible?

Some hotels and shopping malls have acceptable wheelchair access, although streets and sidewalks are generally challenging, with either steep ramps or none at all. You will find Thai business people quite accommodating, and our best clinics will be happy to assist with patients requiring wheelchair access and related services. 

What is the Downside? What Should I Know about Visiting?

Pattaya’s beaches – Jomtien and Pattaya – are typical of city beaches – narrow, overcrowded strips in no way resemble the miles of shimmering white tropical sands depicted in travel guides. These beaches are primarily about water activities, with the nearby islands of Koh Samet and Koh Chang providing the characteristic tropical island paradises.

Noisy motorboats and jet-skis, as well as scores of beach vendors, may not be everyone’s idea of peace and tranquility on these main beaches. However, the chance to get-away-from-it-all is never far away.

It is also worth remembering that although the majority of dentists in Thailand are well-trained, you should still make sure you find and an established clinic with an appropriate specialist for your needs. Dental Departures' screening process simplifies this procedure, enabling you to find the best dentist in Pattaya for your requirements. Our dentists specialize in all areas of dentistry from simple fillings to extensive procedures such as dental implants and sinus lift surgery, so you can be certain we will find you an experienced and well-qualified dentist.

 (Image by Mattmangum)

What Else is There in Town?

The northern end of the three-kilometer Pattaya beach road is the quieter, with the southern end packed with street stalls, restaurants, bars and clubs. Jomtien Beach is quieter with its coastline fringed with palms and coconut trees. Wong Amat Beach is the cleanest and most secluded.

For trips outside the city centre, the Sanctuary of Truth, a massive wooden carved Thai style building, and the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, offer some respite from the city crowds. The giant Buddha statue on Buddha Hill is worth a walk, especially in the evenings, and offers breathtaking views. Mini Siam exhibits miniature replicas of well-known Thai tourist sites, as well as foreign wonders including the Statue of Liberty.

Offshore, numerous islands, hidden coves and quiet beaches are just a boat ride away. While Pattaya is a full-on tourist destination, catering to every Western decadence, it is surprisingly easy to find a quieter, more reflective scene just moments away.

Sports and activities are well covered. Scores of water-sports companies operate in and around Pattaya and the surrounding islands. Diving, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or day-long tours on board a catamaran around the islands offer thrills, relaxation, or a bit of both. Close to the center of town are bungee jumping and go-karting parks for adrenaline junkies. Pattaya is also blessed with several top-class golf courses in the surrounding countryside. 

Traveling to Pattaya

The nearest international airport to Pattaya is Suvarnabhumi International in Bangkok.  

Buses travel to Pattaya regularly from the airport throughout the day, or a taxi is around 1,300 bahts (about 40AUD/42US/26UK).

Visitors fly to Bangkok direct from all over the world, as well as other major tourist destinations, including Phuket, Chiang Mai and Krabi. For domestic flights, U-Tapao Airport, around 45 minutes from Pattaya, has daily flights to most other Thai resorts.

Getting Around Pattaya

Song Taew (Baht bus): These are the cheapest way of getting around the city, but you will need to understand the orientation of the city to make sure the Song Taew you are getting on is going to your destination. The driver will confirm where they are going in any case.

Motorbike Taxis: More expensive than the songtaew, but quicker, and found on practically every street corner.

Self-drive: Motorbike and car hire are great ways to get around the area, with weekly car hire rates very inexpensive at around 1,200 bahts. An international driving licence is required, and most of the roads are in good condition, with both Thai and English road signs.

(Image by Daviddje)

Distances to Pattaya from Airports and Other Metropolitan Areas

• U-Tapao Airport: 27 miles, 45 minutes
• Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok: 75 miles, 1.5 hours
• Bangkok: 90 miles, 1.75 hours
• Ayuthaya: 126 miles, 2 hours
• Hua Hin:  200 miles, 4.5 hours
• Phuket: 600 miles, 12 hours

How Do I Book?

Find your quality-checked dentist online with Dental Departures. Compare our prices, read patient reviews, view clinic photos and schedule your appointment online quickly and conveniently. If you prefer to talk to us about any aspect of your dental care you can phone our toll-free number, use our online chat or drop us an e-mail– we are happy to answer any questions you have about our dentists in Pattaya.

(Image by: Herry Lawford)

Sources:

Welcome to Pattaya Guide. Kayak. https://www.kayak.co.uk/Pattaya.25054.guide 

Hales, Holly and Darvall, Kate. How Australians are Saving Thousands Getting Their Teeth Fixed Overseas. Daily Mail. 26 August, 2018. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6081311/How-Australians-saving-THOUSANDS-dental-bills-getting-Thailand-holiday-side.html