Pattaya is one of the best tourist destinations in Thailand. It is popular among the tourists for its idyllic beaches and vibrant market. There are beaches like Pattaya beach which have many water rides. Then there is the famous Cabaret show where you get to watch shows that reflect Thai culture.
Enjoy shopping at the popular Pattaya floating market where you not only get to shop. But also indulge in the gastronomic journey. Pattaya is best for all kinds of travellers whether you are a family or a solo traveller. In this article, we have listed out the top 30 things that you can do while you are in Pattaya.
1. Visit the Sanctuary of Truth
Sanctuary of Truth is located on Naklua Road, north of Pattaya Beach. It is one of the popular museums that is visited by thousands of visitors. The museum takes most of its inspiration from the Ayutthaya kingdom. You can engage in a number of activities. You can take the Thai boat trip, elephant rides, horse carriage rides and speedboat rides. The best part is that you can even take the Thai costume in rentals and take good pictures.
2. Relax at Jomtien Beach
Jomtien beach is located on the east seashore of the Gulf of Thailand. Also referred to as the Chom Thian, it is a lesser known beach. Since it is not known by many people you will find a very small crowd. This beach is much bigger and spacious as compared to Pattaya beach. Some of the activities that you can engage in are water activities. There are popular water activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Apart from the water activities, you can shop in the night market and take traditional Thai massage.
3. Take a day trip to Coral Island (Koh Larn)
Koh Larn Coral Island is not very far away from the Pattaya coast.via speedboat.You can either relax on the beach or engage in some water activities.Whether you are looking to lounge on the white sand beach or go out for adventurous water activities, it has it all. Some of the water activities that you can participate in are parasailing, water-skiing and jet skis. You can go snorkelling and deep sea diving in the nearby islands of Koh Krok and Koh Sak.
4. Enjoy water slides at Ramayana Water Park
Ramayana Water Park is a water park in Pattaya. It is located in the Na Chom Thian area of Sattahip and is one of the largest water parks in Southeast Asia. The park has at least 21 waterslides for fun and adventurous activities. Some of the famous slides are Freefall, raft slides and Boomerango. On the dry land there are other activities like the floating market. You can also stroll on the banks of a river. It is also known for its safety measures, scenic surroundings and comfortable amenities.
5. Watch the Alcazar Cabaret Show
The Alcazar Cabaret Show is located in Pattaya, Thailand. You will be mesmerised with the glittering costumes, flashing lights and vibrant backdrops. You will thoroughly enjoy this spectacular show and will not be able to stop yourself from being the cheerleader. During this hour-and-a-half-long show.Towards the end of the show do not forget to take some pictures with the star performers. It is perfect for family and friends who want to have fun and create some memories.
6. Explore Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is one of the renowned parks in Pattaya. It is located in the Sattahip District, a short distance from the city center. The park has expansive botanical gardens and captivating elephant and Thai cultural shows. You will be impressed with the 14 different tropical gardens. Watch the Intelligent Elephant Show where you will see elephants playing football and basketball. If you are lucky, you also get a chance to play with them.
7. See marine life at Underwater World Pattaya
If you are someone travelling with family or a marine enthusiast. Then visiting the Underworld Pattaya is a must. Underwater World Pattaya offers a perfect mix of entertainment and education. It is the only aquarium in Pattaya.The ticket price is 550 Baht for adults and 320 for kids. It is a must visit because it offers a chance to immerse in marine life . You also get the opportunity to walk the 100 meter long water tunnel.The aquarium opens at 9 am. It takes around 2 hours to explore the entire place.
8. Visit Big Buddha Hill (Wat Phra Yai)
Big Buddha Hill is also known as the Wat Phra Yai It is one of the popular temples in Pattaya. It’s famous for the big golden Buddha statue. The best part is you can have a panoramic view of Pattya. The temple is located near a beach town called Bang Rak, now often called Big Buddha Beach. You can engage in numerous activities. Climb the steps to reach the temple and have a good view of the city. You can also visit nearby attractions like Po Lin Monastery and the Wisdom Path.
9. Shop at Pattaya Floating Market
There are an endless number of stalls mainly divided into four regions. Each region provides different goods. The different region also tells us about the diverse lifestyle of the Thai people. In the North region you will get silverwork, beautiful local fabric, and silk. In the central you will get accessories and woven bags. The shops are made of teak wood and decorated with flowers and fruits. One thing that you must shop for is the silk products which are quite famous here.To add to a lively atmosphere there are also cultural shows and performances, which just makes the place even more happening.
10. Experience nightlife at Walking Street
Walking Street is a famous walking area for the people in Pattaya. Its vibrant nightlife and entertainment is what attracts people from all across the globe. At night it turns into only a pedestrian walking street. You will find lively bars, clubs and restaurants all open at night. While the street is known for its vibrant nightlife, it is also a destination for the shopaholic. You get everything from clothes, accessories to mobile gadgets and electronics. Additionally you can also enjoy the live music and cabaret shows. There is also a wide variety of options for seafood lovers.
11. Ride a speedboat at Pattaya Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Pattaya is the Pattaya beach. Lined with palm trees, lounge chairs, and a variety of activity and entertainment centers. The beach offers something for everyone. Pattaya beach is awake day and night. You can engage in other activities on the Pattaya beach like the jet-skis, water scooters and speedboats. The speedboat experience gives you the unique opportunity to soak in the atmosphere of Pattaya. Whether you are an adventure seeker or a family, a speedboat experience is for all types of travellers.
12. Visit Art in Paradise 3D Museum
The 3D art museum located in the Esplanade Mall. It is more of an interactive experience. You can take photos and become part of the artwork. It was discovered by a Korean man, Jang Kyu Suk. Interestingly, the creation of the museum was the effort of 14 South Korean artists. Inside the Paradise is decided into 5 main zones. For example, there are themed zones like Fantasy, Underwater World, and Ancient Civilisations. You can pretend to ride on the magical red carpet. Cruise the canals of Venice in Gondola or even escape a hungry crocodile.
13. Watch the dolphin show at Pattaya Dolphinarium
If you love marine life then you will fall in love with the Dolphinarium. You will get to watch the famous dolphin and other sea creature shows. Not only these you also get once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with these creatures.Best for families and people travelling in small groups.You are sure to visit this place more than once. You can also swim along with the dolphins. The aquarium also educates people about marine conversation. You can get the tickets online. The price is 600 Baht for adults and 490 for kids. It is open from 10 am to 7pm everyday except on Wednesdays.
14. Ride the sky tower swing at Pattaya Park Tower
The Pattaya Park Tower is located in the main city, facing the beach on one side. And it faces the cityscape on the other.The park starts its operation from 8 am in the morning. You will have to go to the 55th floor. The view from the top is really breathtaking. You can see the entire Pattaya city. Some of the activities that you can engage in are Skywalk, and visit the revolving restaurant. Apart from this you can also enjoy the musical carousel. The ticket is quite reasonable. It will cost you around 200 Baht for adults. It is best to visit the site on the weekdays when there is less of a crowd.
15. Visit Khao Chi Chan (Laser Buddha Mountain)
Khao Chi Chan is an important landmark in Pattaya due to its 109m long Buddha Statue. The Buddha statue is carved on the slide of the limestone cliff. It is in gold and is highly revered by the people of Pattaya. It marks the 50th anniversary of the coronation of the king Bhumibol Adulyadej. The mountain is also used for other purposes like meditation, celebration and dance performances. The temple is open for all visitors. It is best to dress respectfully wearing clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.
16. Explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
The museum is located on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza shopping complex. You can learn and observe from the 350 artefacts from around the world. To make the experience more enriching there is the 3D cinema. The cinema also has moving seats with good sound. The effect of sound gives the feeling that you are a part of the play. Most of the items in the museum are different and unusual. Some of them are a real deformed human head, archaic demonic creatures, and a wax figure of a four-eyed man. There is no entry fee to the museum. The museum is open from 11am to 11pm.
17. Watch the Tiffany’s Show Pattaya
The Tiffany’s Show Pattaya attracts tourists from all around the world. It ranks number 4 in the Top Ten Best Shows to See around the World. What impresses people the most is the performances. The show reflects the daily life of the Thai people. The entertaining show is filled with humour. One of the key person involved in the business is Mr. Jim Mcdonald. He is one of the best producers of his times. At least 100 can comfortably watch the show. There are separate seats for the handicapped and elderly people.There is an entrance fee which ranges from 800 – 1500 Thai Baht.
18. Relax at Dongtan Beach
The beach is located in the heart of Pattaya. It is not a very well known beach. So you will find that the beach is generally less crowded. When compared to Pattaya beach, Dongtan Beach is much cleaner and picturesque. It is the perfect spot to unwind and relax after a long and tiring day. The beach has golden sand and is surrounded by lush greenery all around. The water is crystal clear which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to swim.You can engage in a number of water activities like Jet skiing and banana boat rides. There are also ample restaurants lined up which serve authentic Thai cuisine.You can unwind your day at the beach by taking a Thai Spa.
19. Stroll through Thepprasit Night Market
Famously known as the Kankheha Thepprasit Market You will find this night market usually crowded with people. It is visited by both the locals and the foreigners since you can buy cheap stuff in the market. You will find all kinds of products in the market. Right from front-shirts, shorts, skirts, jewellery, sneakers, make-up, and toys. Other items include vegetation, purses, hats, sun shades, watches, cell phones, cosmetics, electronics, first copy designer items, trinkets, souvenirs and even pets. It is not just a shopping hub, but a cultural destination where people from all walks of life come to celebrate the best of Pattya.
20. Explore Frost Magical Ice of Siam
Have you been to the Arctic yet? If not then do not worry you can experience the chill snow in the Frost magical ice of Siam. The temperature in the amusement park is less than 10 degree celsius. It’s the only ice dome in Pattaya, featuring breathtaking ice sculptures, creative exhibits, and fun-filled activities, all set in a frozen wonderland. There are 4 different zones in the Frost Magical Ice of Siam.The Himmapan Zone ( where you will find white structures that look like they are made of snow). The Siam Heaven (this is the indoor zone where you will find temperature below zero degree celsius. The frost village (where you will find white sand statues of different combinations of animals). The last one is the food zone (where you get complementary food and drinks for rejuvenation).
21. Try Muay Thai at Max Muay Thai Stadium
The best way to spend time in Pattaya would be to watch a Thai Muay match in one of the Thai Stadium. The place can accommodate around 600 people. You will get to watch the fighter of international fame in the Stadium. There are different events that you watch in the Theatre. There are matches like the Muay Thai battle, Muay Thai fighter or The Champion Muay Thai. You can also visit nearby places like the Rubberland Rubber Museum and St. Nikolaus Church. The cost to enter the stadium would be 600 Baht for the adults and 250 Baht for the kids.
22. Take photos at Love Art Park
Love Art Park is a unique tourist destination. You will be fascinated by the art sculptures and other art installations. You will find a fusion of contemporary and Thai art that will catch your attention. It is best for families and art enthusiasts who want to spend a day learning about Thai art. The area is divided into different themed zones. Each zone has a different style of artistic display. There is no entry fee charged to enter the Park. The place is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The best time to visit the place would be in the morning when there is less crowd.
23. Visit Wat Yansangwararam temple
Wat Yansangwararam is located in Huay Yai Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. It spreads across an area of 58.64 acres of land. The land was donated by Dr. Kajorn and Khunying Nithiwadee Ontrakarn in 1976. The temple consists of the relics of Buddha. It is a must visit for people who want to expense the culture and relevance of the place in Pattaya. The architecture of the temples takes inspiration from other countries like India, Japan and China. You can explore the temple grounds and climb to the top to have a panoramic view of the city. The temple is open all day long but the best time to visit would be in the morning.
24. Chill at Sky Gallery Café with Sea Views
Sky Gallery café is a famous restaurant in Pattaya known for its sunset views. It is located on the Pratumnak Hill and offers a wide variety of cuisine. There is an option for both International and Thai cuisine. It is visited by both the locals and international tourists. The place is usually crowded during the evenings and weekends. So it is best to arrive early to make reservations. You can chill in the outdoor area from where you can view the beautiful sunset. Do not forget to take photos here because its worth it for instagram.
25. Visit the Mini Siam
Kasem Kasemkietsakul the founder of the mini siam was a famous businessman. He had great interest in architecture and design. Since he was a frequent traveller to the foreign countries, he was inspired to get all the important sites in Thailand in one place. He spent 5 years of his life studying about all the important sites across the world .He had a vision to transform them into a miniversion. Today you can see the mini version of most of the historical sites. Some of them are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), and the majestic Wat Arun.You can explore miniature versions of European landmarks. Some of them are the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and London Tower Bridge. And do not forget to take good pictures of the miniature.
26. Explore the Elephant Village
If you are a wildlife enthusiast and a nature lover then you will fall in love with the Elephant Village. Just like the tiger kingdom in Krabi where you are allowed to interact with the tigers in the same way you are permitted to interact with the elephant in a safe environment. Here you will get to witness the daily life of the elephants and their caretakers. The village also features captivating stage shows that showcase traditional elephant training techniques, elephants at work in the jungle, elephants playing football, grand war reenactments, and impressive elephant parades.
27. Try Parasailing and Banana Boat Rides
Pattaya is well known for its beaches. Some of the popular beaches in Pattaya are Pattaya beach and Jomtien beach. Both these beaches offer an endless number of water activities. You get to do parasailing and go for banana boat rides. You will be charged around 600 Baht for Parasailing and 400 Baht for banana boat ride. It depends on which beach you are doing the activity. You can also combine it with other activities like jet skiing and snorkelling. The best time to visit the beaches and do the activities would be early in the morning when there is less sun.
28. Enjoy Seafood at Local Beach Shacks
Pattaya will serve you the best seafood as it is near the coastal area. There are many options from the cozy small shacks to the upscale high end dining places. Some of the must try seafood in Pattaya would be grilled river prawn, and salt-grilled fish. You will also get the authentic taste of the seafood in the Pattaya market. Some of the famous markets to try the seafood are Lanpho Nakluea Market and the Naklua Fish Market. Here you can take the sea animal and get it cooked in the nearby restaurant. The prices of the seafood are quite reasonable.
29. Attend a Thai Cultural Show at Legend Siam
Legend Siam is located at Sukhumvit Road, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip. There is an entry fee to enter the Legend Siam. The charge is 290 Baht for adults while for kids the prices are a bit cheaper. You can enjoy cultural performances like Thai dance, martial arts, folklore, and khon. The best way to explore the park would be through the train and river boat. The place is open on almost all the days except on wednesday. The opening time is 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The best time to visit the place would be in the morning when the crowd is less.
30. Take the Spa Experience in Pattaya
There is no better way to wind up in Pattaya than to take a traditional Thai Spa experience. It will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed. You will find Thai spa in almost all corners of Pattaya. The prices of Thai Spa may vary from one place to another. Some of the well known Spa in Pattaya are Oasis Spa Pattaya, and Yunomori Onsen.Spa . Other spas are Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa, Health Land Spa, Aisawan Spa, and 7 Spa Luxury Pattaya. If you do not have this in your wishlist yet, then you are definitely missing out on something.
