Pattaya, Thailand’s
well-known beach resort town, has earned a colorful reputation through the years. It’s a convenient area to enjoy the sun, beach, and sea because it’s less than 200 kilometers from Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok.
Since US Marines “discovered” the once-sleepy vacation location during the Vietnam War, Pattaya has drawn tourists and expats from all over the world. Pattaya’s popularity has continuously grown since then, and it is currently one of Southeast Asia’s most popular beach resorts. The government has made an effort in recent years to encourage families to Pattaya, and there are a number of kid-friendly facilities, such as water parks and an aquarium. It is still mostly a destination for adults, particularly the area surrounding Walking Street, the town’s primary entertainment centre.
Check out Jomtien Beach or Naklua if you’re traveling with the family or looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. These regions are still touristy, but they are quieter than the city center. Our list of the greatest attractions in Pattaya will help you plan your trip.
Explore Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Nong Nooch (pronounced “nung nut”) Village’s vast park offers a variety of activities for the whole family. A topiary garden, a 17th-century French garden, a European Renaissance garden, and species-specific gardens with tropical palms, succulents, and bonsai are among the colorful themed gardens.
Anyone’s inner gardener will be awakened by the spectacular orchid garden. Traditional Thai dancing, sword fighting, Thai kickboxing, and an elephant display of dubious ethical character are among the live events at the Thai Cultural Hall.
Bicycles can be rented to explore the park’s various parts, and door-to-door transportation is also offered.
Work on Your Tan at Jomtien Beach
Jomtien Beach, which stretches for six kilometers, is one of Pattaya’s most popular attractions and a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of the main city, which is only four kilometers away. You can sunbathe along the golden sands or seek shade from the trees that line the beach’s edge. Jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing, and windsurfing are just a few of the water sports available.
When you’re hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the beach that provide fresh fish and local delicacies.
Cartoon Network Amazone, a family-friendly water park with spiraling slides, expansive pools, splashing fountains, and cartoon-themed rides and characters, is conveniently located nearby.
Discover the Sanctuary of Truth
This gigantic structure, built entirely of wood and billed as “the splendor of heaven recreated on Earth,” is a study in Thai architectural styles. The entire tower was created to pay tribute to ancient religions and ideas, and every accessible space is intricately embellished with wooden carvings.
The artwork here explores topics such as the circle of life, utopia, and humanity’s relationship with the universe. You may watch Thai traditional acts and Thai boxing, do elephant trekking or horseback riding, or take a speedboat trip while visiting the refuge.
Wat Yansangwararam
Wat Yansangwararam (also known as Wat Yan) offers insight not just into Thai architecture and architectural traditions, but also into the society’s ideals, as do all of Thailand’s remarkable wats (temples). The temple was dedicated to King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1988 to honor the 42nd year of his reign and is surrounded by extensive palm-studded grounds.
The main complex houses priceless Buddhist relics, and a lake with spectacular Chinese pavilions filled with antiques and artifacts can be seen on the right-hand side of the path going to the temple. The shrine of Wat Yansangwararam is located on a hill and is accessible via a staircase of 299 steps lined with Naga snakes.
Take a Day Trip to Koh Larn (Coral Island)
Koh Larn (also known as Koh Lan) is a relatively calm respite from tourist-heavy Pattaya, only a 30-minute speed boat trip or 45-minute ferry ride away. Several white-sand beaches along the island’s shoreline, complete with food kiosks, restrooms, and a variety of water activities. Some of the most popular activities include parasailing, banana boat rides, and underwater Sea Walking.
Tien Beach is one of the most beautiful, and Nual Beach is home to monkeys. Motorbikes can be rented for tours of the island, and you can even stay overnight at one of the many resorts along the beach at Samae and Tawaen. This is a popular spot for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya for the day.
Four Regions Floating Market
This bustling hive of business, Pattaya’s first and only floating market, is organized into different sections selling products from Thailand’s four major regions. Souvenirs, arts and crafts, and apparel are among the numerous products available here, and it’s also a perfect location to taste some strange cuisine, with scorpions, bugs, and crocodile meat on the menu.
Renting a boat is a terrific way to get around the markets. Unlike more authentic floating markets, here you must pay to enter. However, your ticket includes more than simply a boat ride. Sea boxing, traditional Thai dances, and even a zipline above the water are among the events and activities available.
Mini Siam
Mini Siam is a wonderful way to explore the marvels of Thailand and the world by displaying miniature replicas of some of the world’s most famous landmarks. The Victory Monument and Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of the Dawn) in Bangkok, the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Tower Bridge in London, the Sydney Opera House, and the L’Arc de Triomphe in Paris are among those on show.
Children, in particular, will love viewing some of these well-known structures in one location. Arrive in the late afternoon to see the sunset, which is illuminated by special soft lights. Reservations should be made at least one day ahead of time.
Underwater World Pattaya
Although Underwater World is not as large as other aquariums, it is home to a diverse collection of sea species from various underwater environments. You may feed koi fish from bottles, come up close to sharks and rays, feel the texture of marine creatures in the touch pool, and experience Thailand’s largest collection of jellyfish at Thailand’s first contemporary aquarium.
The Sleepover with Sharks & Rays Camp, where kids can spend the night in the underwater glass tunnel learning about marine animals, is one of the special events for kids.
Shop for Keepsakes at Thepprasit Night Market
This lively market, open from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, attracts both locals and tourists. While there are other markets in Pattaya, the ones in the city center tend to be more expensive, so taking a tuk-tuk to Thepprasit is worthwhile. Although the market has both indoor and outdoor stalls, the indoor section is by far the largest and most attractive.
The way the booths are set up, like with other Thai markets, has little rhyme or reason, with sellers offering hot food standing next to those selling gadgets or T-shirts. You’ll need to walk the length and breadth of the market and perfect your negotiating abilities to secure the greatest deals.
