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Travellers wondering about things to do in Pattaya, Thailand need not worry about whether there is enough to fill their schedules to collect as many experiences as possible. There is no shortage of attractions in Pattaya, be it beaches, shopping, temples, tours, or other activities.
Wildlife Activities
Things to do in Thailand with children include visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary to learn about these gentle giants and giving a baby elephant a mud bath or taking the flight of the Gibbon monkey zipline to experience a monkey’s viewpoint from the jungle canopy. Trekking some simple trails in various national parks scattered across the country to see native wildlife and beautiful waterfalls, are just a few of the activities, tours and experiences for both children and adults to enjoy.
Alcazar Cabaret Show
This world-famous female impersonator show that bills itself as the best of its kind in Thailand features high production values within a theatre capable of seating around 1,200 is a tourist attraction found only in Pattaya.
Khao Chi Chan
One of Pattaya’s landmarks and known as Buddha Mountain, the famous image of the Buddha, measuring a massive 109-metres in height and 70 in width, was carved into a limestone hill and filled in with gold. Nearby facilities such as eateries have opened nearby to take advantage of all the people travelling to the attraction.
Anek Kusala Sala
Another of Pattaya’s landmarks, Viharn Sien or Viharnra Sien, this former Chinese temple turned popular museum contains over 300 pieces of Chinese artwork, along with religious artefacts of the Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist sects. In addition, the exterior features a shrine for worshippers to pay respect to.
Hard Rock Café
One longstanding attraction in Pattaya, located on the beachfront of the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, visitors can dine or drink at the bar downstairs, cool off in the daytime pool, or hang out al fresco at the covered casual bar upstairs. Diners can enjoy both American and Thai cuisine while appreciating the music memorabilia. Live music is played in the evening, while foam parties are held on Saturday night.
Horizon Rooftop Bar
Located on the rooftop of the 34th floor of the Hilton Pattaya Hotel, this restaurant, on top of the food and drinks, features private dining rooms and a lovely view of the skyline.
Ban Amphur Beach
Located in Sattahip District, Pattaya, this beach features white sand and clear seas just right for a boat ride, paddling activities, and other water sports, along with a playground for children.
Central Festival Pattaya
The top shopping mall in Pattaya offers consumers international brands, a bevy of entertainment experiences for the entire family, and plenty in the way of eateries while giving them a panoramic view of the nearby Pattaya Bay.
Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark
The world’s first Cartoon Network water theme park gives visitors experiences of 30 rides and slides on top of mascots, shows, a food court, and other entertainment options catering to both audiences, children and older ones.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Here, visitors can learn all about the resident creatures while having an opportunity to get up close to bathe, feed, or play with them. In addition, the Pattaya venue has a ‘Feed Me’ program that allows people (children and adults) to observe the elephants, feed them, and learn about how elephant faeces is converted into paper.
Frost Magical Ice of Siam
Those looking for day tours to escape the heat are welcome to take a trip to this venue, where indoor temperatures can reach a freezing -10 degrees Celsius. Visitors can check out the ice sculptures and ever-changing coloured lights while getting drinks in an ice glass at an ice bar.
Flight of the Gibbon
At the Flight of the Gibbon zipline park, adventurers can get a scenic eyeful via zipline experiences of differing lengths and heights within a rainforest on the borders of the Chompoo Wildlife Reserve in-between Bangkok and Pattaya.
Khao Pattaya View Point
This place on Phra Tamnak Hill/Khao Phra Tamnak is the best viewpoint in Pattaya for those looking to get a panoramic eye of the sea on Pattaya Bay and Jomtien Beach. Other things to see include Wat Khao Phra Bat and a monument to Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak.
Wat Khao Phra Tamnak
This temple on Khao Phra Tamnak (Khao Phra Bat) features an 18-metre Buddha statue among several others, a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, as well as great views of the surrounding area and one of Pattaya’s famous landmarks. In addition, no monks live on the temple grounds, as it is simply a place of worship.
Koh Larn Coral Island
Coral Island, Koh Larn, one of the small island destinations in the Gulf of Thailand, is famed for its beaches and wooded hills. This escape from the rigours of society offers travellers choice attractions including Ta Waeng Beach, Samae Beach, Nual Beach, and Tien Beach and chalk up more sea experiences. The more affordable way to take a trip to Koh Larn is by ferry ride
Naklua Fish Market
This market has food stalls that sell a variety of seafood, be it cooked or fresh, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables for starters, and all at bargain prices. Visitors might appreciate how its popularity with the locals reflects the lives of those who shop there.
Mini Siam
Located behind Pattaya Boxing World Stadium, this place will make you feel like Gulliver given that it features nearly 100 miniature replicas of famous sites around the world spread over 46,400 square metres.
Mimosa Pattaya
Billing itself as the “City of Love,” this unique shopping place is a physical recreation of Colmar, France. Here, visitors can marvel at buildings built in the Renaissance style, over 300 shops, eateries, a musical fountain, a drag show, a Funland Amusement Park, and other tourist attractions among the various activities for both adults and children.
Pattaya City Sign
One activity that cannot be missed is a trip to the Pattaya City Sign. Located in the Bang Lamung District of Chon Buri, Pattaya, here one can not only check out the hillside where giant letters in neon lights welcome visitors to the city but also get a decent view of the surrounding area.
Pattaya Boxing World Stadium
The top Muay Thai stadium in the city not only features night flights from Wednesday to Friday but also offers visitors a chance to see a cultural show aimed to educate audiences about the sport along with exhibition fights. Ticket prices vary, depending on the place of purchase. Others get discount when they book tours.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
This 2.4 sqm. park features daily cultural shows, restaurants, accommodations, and themed gardens based in 17th-century France, Stonehenge, and the European Renaissance. Other gardens showcase particular species of plants such as cacti, orchids, or tropical palms, among others.
Pattaya Floating Market
The Pattaya Floating Market also goes by the name of four regions floating market due to having four sections that each represent and sell items from the north, northeast, central, and south of Thailand. This venue features eateries hawking local delicacies, art galleries, souvenir shops, and cultural shows, among a host of other things worth your interest.
Pattaya Night Bazaar
This all-day market is an air-conditioned and covered recreation of traditional Thai street markets, with over 250 stalls devoted to selling clothes, shoes, luggage, jewellery, and more, along with a significant number of tailor’s shops. Like a street market, prices are affordable, although there is a distinct lack of food vendors..
Ramayana Water Park
The Pattaya Ramayan Water Park is the largest water park in Thailand and was built on an ancient city, meaning that once done with the 50 slides and attractions, visitors can also marvel at the ruins, local scenery, and resident floating market, among the experiences to collect in the things to do in Pattaya bucket list.
Royal Garden Plaza
Located in Central Pattaya, the city’s original ‘entertainment mall’ features family-friendly fun, restaurants, and shops selling international brands.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Pattaya
Located on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza, this museum features over 300 fascinating exhibits such as The Infinity Maze, Ripley’s 4D Moving Theatre, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Tussauds Wax Museum.
Sanctuary of Truth
Arguably Pattaya’s most iconic of landmarks, this venue carved entirely from wood was designed as a place of appreciation for art, culture, faith, and philosophy without any explicit ties to a single particular religion. Construction has been ongoing since 1981 in the building, which also contains a shooting range, sword-fighting demonstrations, elephant and horse rides and souvenir stalls.
Silverlake Vineyard
This vineyard not only produces white, red, and rosé wines, but also is great for couples since it provides a romantic atmosphere with a scenic view. Visitors can lunch on both Thai and Western offerings at the onsite restaurant while admiring the vineyard’s Italy-inspired design, sampling some of the wine, or even stay overnight at one of the local cottages.
Soi Buakhao Market
Located on Beach Road Soi 7, one of the most popular markets in Pattaya is open each Tuesday and Friday, offering clothing, accessories, local produce, pets, plants, and other items at affordable prices.
Tiffany’s Cabaret Show
Pattaya’s original cross-gender and transgender cabaret show is world-famous, and visitors can make time to see at least one of the three shows played each night every day of the year.
Underwater World Pattaya
This aquarium features transparent tunnels that allow visitors to witness the lives of corals, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and a more totalling to about 2,500 marine creatures comprised of over 200 species (to say nothing of animals such as otters and reptiles, among others). In addition, the surrounding area is decorated with shores, beaches, and rapids.
Wat Phra Yai
The Big Buddha Temple can be found on top of Pratumnak Hill, with the eponymous 18-metre Buddha, the largest in the region, being its claim to fame. However, the temple also includes smaller Buddha statues, lovely scenery, and a decorated pavilion hall.
Teddy Bear Museum Pattaya
This eccentric Beach Road venue should entertain kids big and small, as it houses around 1,000 stuffed animals in often interactive exhibits detailing both history and fantasy.
Thepprasit Night Market
Also known as Pattaya Weekend Market and Kankheha Thepprasit Market, this bazaar is one of the region’s most popular. Opening starting in the evenings from Friday to Sunday, its claim to fame is the street food, but shoppers can also find an at times odd variety of items on sale along with the usual trinkets and souvenirs..
Three Kingdoms Park
Known to locals as Suan Samkok, this venue serves as a monument to the 14th century Chinese epic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Three pagodas within the park feature art and information detailing the history and story of this legendary period in Chinese history and literature.
Wat Yansangwararam
This temple complex is made up of several buildings of differing architectural fashions (including Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Lanna Thai, and Swiss), gardens, and a lake. A popular attraction within is the Viharn Sien, while the main temple building of Wat Yan was built in a modern design. The temple also houses various Buddhist relics and a replica of the Buddha’s footprint.
Walking Street Pattaya
Thailand’s biggest party area comprises an area stretching from Beach Road to the Bali Hai Plaza, with most of the buildings within being nightclubs, bars, or restaurants. Other prominent spots include the Walking Street Tree, with the area toward the Bali Hai Pier featuring tailors, gem shops, hotels, and guesthouses..
Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is a large zoo and wildlife sanctuary located between Bangkok and Pattaya City. Divided in zones as the African Savannah, Cats Complex, Eld’s Deer Park. Over 8,000 animals and birds belonging to 300 species.
Pattaya was once a fishing village in the province of Chon Buri that was developed with establishments and became the R&R hub of US servicemen in nearby bases during the Vietnam War.
Travellers wondering about things to do in Pattaya, Thailand need not worry about whether there is enough to fill their schedules. There is no shortage of activities and attractions in Pattaya, be it on land and at sea with water sports like snorkelling, jet skiing and sea walking on the beaches and water parks, shopping in the malls or food stalls along the side streets, temples, or tours to an art gallery.
Pattaya nightlife Thailand is notorious. After dark, you can head to the main walking street, where party-goers gather within range of the waterfront to enjoy many bars to nurse a drink, clubs to dance the night away, and open arenas housing Muay Thai fights. If you’d like a show with your drink, there’s the Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya. Still, if you would like to have a great view to contemplate while you pick your poison, you can go to the Horizon Bar located on the 34th floor of the Hilton Pattaya.
Of course, the region is no one-trick pony, and there is much in the way of entertainment for more general audiences and places to visit in Pattaya. North Pattaya and Jomtien Beach both offer family-friendly options and Pattaya Thailand attractions in general aim for a more diverse market. Pattaya Beach is one of the most popular spots, spanning an area stretching parallel from the city’s centre all the way up to around Walking Street. There, visitors brave being crowded with both accommodations and hawkers trying to sell them something. Jomtien Beach, while comparatively tranquil, features accommodations, shops, bars, restaurants, and other venues.
All sorts of shops line the roads of Pattaya Beach. There are also large shopping venues for you, shopaholics, among them Central Festival Pattaya Beach, one of the largest of its kind in Asia. Beachfront stalls offer souvenirs, beach accessories, clothing, and other goods. At the Pattaya Floating Market, you can find local handicrafts and local delicacies.
As is the case with other regions of Thailand, a must-do activity on any traveller’s itinerary should be visiting at least one of the temples in Pattaya. At Wat Phra Khao Yai, visitors can climb the “Big Buddha Hill”, a spot 100 metres above sea level that features an 18-metre-tall Buddha statue. Other temples of note include Wat Yan Temple, Wat Khao Phra Bat Temple, and Wat Pa Pradu. In addition, other sites worth a trip include an area dedicated to the sages Confucius and Laozi, Chaloemphrakiat Park, the Sanctuary of Truth, and Wat Yansangwararam (the complex of which also houses the Anek Kuson Sala).
Other attractions include Pattaya’s offshore islands of Ko Larn, Ko Krok, and Ko Sak. The islands are excellent locations for scuba diving and snorkelling activities. You can also try out the local waterparks, notable names being RamaYana and the Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark. Take a trip to the Flight of the Gibbon zipline park and slide through forest canopies as a monkey would.
Outside of typical beachside attractions, there’s a whole host of things to do in Pattaya. The city features several different golf courses within its vicinity, so feel free to work on your stroke in an exotic location. If you’d like to stop and smell the flowers, check out the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, featuring 500 acres of orchids, garden displays inspired by European designs, and local wildlife.
Animal lovers might want to make time for a nature activity in a trip to the Pattaya Elephant Village, a wildlife sanctuary for rescued elephants, as well as the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, where a large number of tigers and crocodiles make their home. Tickets can be bought at the Ticket Counter. Those preferring marine life have the option of visiting Underwater World, the area’s largest aquarium. Here, tickets are priced differently for children, adults, foreigners and local Thais
To add to the already exhausting list of things you can do, there’s also the Teddy Bear Museum, the Three Kingdoms Park, Mini Siam, the Hard Rock Café, the Tuxedo Illusion Hall, and Art in Paradise, all of which should be fine places for the entire family.
Time your trip right, and you can also take part in various celebrations and festivals. The large local Chinese population celebrates the holiday spectacularly with lion dances, fireworks, and dragon parades. Or perhaps you’re big on music, in which case, there’s the annual Pattaya International Music Festival, which features performers both local and international. You could also try the Songkran Festival in April, during which beauty pageants, live music, fireworks, water games, and cultural displays are put on.
As you can see, there is no lack of things to do in Pattaya. Read on!
RELATED INFORMATION
Pattaya is best known for its nightlife and beaches, both of which have contributed greatly to its becoming a major tourist spot in Thailand. However, as the rest of this page can attest, there is far more to it than adult fun and sand for things to do in Pattaya.
Whatever you want to fit into a single day. That’s what we’re here for. Still, if you want to be more specific, consider your priorities. If you just want to relax, try the beaches and more laid-back attractions and activities. If you’re open to day trips, consider arranging a tour. Or maybe you want to party, in which case, wait for the sun to set before heading to Walking Street.
Yes. But to be more detailed, our website should convince you of that.
According to TravelTriangle.com, some of the most recommended things tourists can do for free in Pattaya include visiting Big Buddha Temple, seeing the Pattaya City Sign, hanging out at the Royal Garden Plaza, and checking out Jomtien Beach Night Market.
As far as the top Pattaya attractions go, TheCrazyTourist.com recommends Walking Street, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, a trip to the Pattaya Floating Market, viewing the exhibits at Art in Paradise or Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Pattaya, or see the Big Buddha at Wat Phra Khao Yai, among other popular attractions.
Tripadvisor lists some of the best outdoor Pattaya activities as underwater diving with Dive Pattaya Info, training with Kombat Group Thailand, going to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, among other things to do in Pattaya.
Like anywhere else in Thailand, Pattaya is safer in some places than others. As with other parts of Thailand, a constant risk is reckless drivers due to lax enforcement of laws. As always, keep track of your documents and cash, especially in case of thieves who might be seeking to exploit a tourist, as well as any attempts to con you. When getting a taxi or some other form of public transportation, keep track of the meter. Consider getting travel insurance. Depending on the weather, floods can be an issue, and you should not entirely discount natural disasters like tsunamis by the oceanside.
Ithaka.travel suggests enjoying the nightlife on Walking Street, partaking in a foam party at the Hard Rock Café, seeing the Alcazar Cabaret Show, dine at the Horizon Rooftop Bar, witness a Muay Thai match at the Pattaya Boxing World Stadium, have drinks at a bar in Soi Bukhao or perhaps one on Beach Road Soi 7, shop at the Thepprasit Night Market, and party at the Planet Earth Beach Club.
It depends on your ability to stick to a schedule and your willingness to imagine the possibilities. To be more specific, Hotels.com recommends spending the first day starting out at the Sanctuary of Truth before moving on to the local museums and shopping. At night, visitors are recommended to see a ladyboy cabaret show such as the Tiffany Show, with seeing a boxing match being another option. The second day should start with seeing the natural sights in Jomtien, along with attractions such as Mimosa Pattaya, the floating market, Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark or Ramayana Water Park (for children), in addition to lesser-known places like Wat Yangsangwararam and Viharn Sien. For adults, the second night can thus be spent partying along Walking Street. For places that need tickets, your hotel could assist with information or actual booking.
Families can take a trip to such attractions as Frost Magical Ice of Siam, eat at Pizza Plaza Pattaya, get soaked at Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark, and check out the Silver Lake Vineyard, among other things to do in Pattaya with your family. Book and purchase your tickets as soon as you arrive.
On top of the usual tourist attractions and other things to do in Pattaya, there is also the famous local nightlife, where clubs and bars of all kinds can be found on Walking Street. Aside from that, other bars can be found in Soi Bukhao and Beach Road Soi 7. In addition, there are ladyboy cabaret shows and Muay Thai venues.
There are various options for those wondering what things to do in Pattaya to get in the romantic mood. Given the location, a beachside date can work wonders if you manage to avoid getting mobbed by crowds. Jomtien Beach is one such location. Also try visiting Koh Lan, shopping at the four regions Floating Market, visiting Nong Nooch Village, or finding something in the nightlife on Walking Street, among other things.
Here is a list of what to avoid or not do in Pattaya.– Avoid offending the locals. Do not your feet to point anywhere or anyone. Take off your footwear before entering any place with a Buddha. Avoid rubbing anyone’s head or passing anything over the head, also of the Buddha’s.– When offered wares to buy, avoid bargaining too low. If you are not interested, just say “no, thank you.”– Avoid visiting the night scene alone. If you want to chalk it up among your Pattaya experiences, go with a group.– Avoid taking a taxi without a metre. Or if you are taking a tuk-tuk, firm up the price before getting on. Either transportation you will take, be sure the driver knows where you want to go.– Don’t drink tap water anywhere in Pattaya. Pattaya has no water treatment facilities so it’s best to take only boiled or bottled water.– Do not bring or use drugs. Thailand laws are very strict on drugs, it is also the case in Pattaya. Don’t risk your holiday becoming a stay in prison.– Avoid Pingpong shows. This is an infamous type of sex show in some of Thailand’s popular tourist destinations, like Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya.
The distance from Bangkok to Pattaya is 150 kilometres, taking around 2 hours. If you want a convenient trip, you can book a grab or taxi. You can also ride a Minivan. But the cheapest and most popular transport to Pattaya is by bus, which takes two and a half hours.Taxi or Grab. This is the easiest, and most convenient way to travel because it is hassle-free and therefore most expensive. You can ask your hotel or hostel to do the booking for you.MInivan. A minivan is also an easy way, with a pick-up and drop off options. This costs a bit less than a taxi but more than a bus fare. terminals. There are Thailand tourist booths all around the city and tickets can be purchased there or from your hotel.Bus. Still by far, the cheapest way. The trips take about two and a half hours, from different terminals, departing every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. Although most buses are now air-conditioned, it is better to double-check.
You have two options, a taxi or a bus to get to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The airport taxi would be quicker and more convenient. A cheaper option is the Airport Pattaya bus to the North Pattaya station. There is also the complimentary shuttle bus to the Transport Centre and frorm there take the bus to Pattaya.The Bangkok Airport taxi is convenient because it is a comfortable, air-conditioned and door-to-door trip to the city centre of Pattaya in less than 2 hours, around an hour and a half. Just be sure to use a metered taxi to get an accurate cost of your trip based on the distance and time travelled. Include in your budget the payment of airport surcharge and the Expressway toll.The bus option is also an air-conditioned trip, cheaper and longer by only 30 minutes or so to reach Thappraya Road office in the Pattaya city centre. From here you can take a taxi or the songthaew (local transport) to your hotel.
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