Pattaya: what to see and do in Thailand’s city that never sleeps?
Are you young? Do you want to party on dream beaches? Do you dream of discovering all Thailand ‘s secrets? Buy a ticket to Pattaya and get ready for a vacation you’ll never forget. A seaside resort some 150 kms from the capital Bangkok, Pattaya is a dream come true for party-goers in search of blue waters and palm trees. This is one of the main reasons why thousands of tourists flock here every year.
From temples and tropical gardens to nightclubs, theme parks and dreamy landscapes, Pattaya has plenty to please. Even if the resort is a far cry from Koh Phangan (in the off-season), Pattaya has plenty of new places to explore, something to please children and adults alike.
What to do in Pattaya Which temples to explore? Which restaurants not to miss? Where to go day or night? Here are the top 10 things to do in Pattaya.
1. The Great Buddha
Photo credit: Flickr – Sheila Dee
Sitting atop a hill, the Big Buddha is located inside Wat Khao Phra Bat. Sitting 18 metres high, it stands out with its brilliant golden color. You can get there on foot (the hike is a bit tricky), by motorcycle cab or even opt for a guided tour in a pick-up truck, including a visit to the Big Buddha!
2. Jomtien beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Richard Barton
A must-see in Pattaya, Jomtien beach is a popular spot for young people and retired foreigners. The beach is very popular during the day for its clear blue waters and magnificent coral reef. Its success is also due to the shows and parties organized in the evening. It is located 4 kilometers south of Pattaya.
3. The Mini Siam
Photo credit: Flickr – Pictoluck
What to do in Pattaya with your children? Go to Mini Siam. The park features all of Thailand’s best-known monuments, all in miniature. Enough to fill the little ones with wonder. If you want to admire the little Leaning Tower of Pisa, you can also go to Mini Europe.
4. Nong Nooch Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Flickr – Denis Mikhaylov
Located outside the city, far from pollution, the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is one of Pattaya’s favorite tourist spots. It’s home to exotic species never seen before. There’s even a butterfly hill. Nature lovers will be delighted.
5. Cartoon Network’s water park
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Trainity14
This is the place kids love in Pattaya. Cartoon Network’s water park is just a few kilometers from the city’s botanical gardens, making it ideal for combining the two visits in one day and ending with a moment of relaxation.
6. Koh Larn Island
Photo credit: Flickr – waychen_c
What can you do in Pattaya if you love the ocean and coral reefs? Visit Koh Larn Island, 7.5 kilometers off the coast. Popular with tourists, it is home to numerous beaches, typical restaurants and boutiques. Take a ferry from Pattaya harbor to get there in 45 minutes. If you’re staying in Bangkok, opt for a full-day package including a guided tour of Pattaya and several hours on Koh Larn Island. While you’re there, try the famous Pad Thaï, a typical Thai dish of fried noodles and peanuts.
7. The floating market
Photo credit: Flickr – Les
Visiting Pattaya without visiting the floating market is inconceivable. It’s best to stroll through the market by boat, but you can also visit the stores on land. Fruits and vegetables, spices, restaurants, clothes… You’ll find it all here, and at very affordable prices. This is the place to go for souvenirs, rather than the city’s shopping malls.
8. The Sanctuary of Truth
Photo credit: Flickr – Praveen
The Shrine of Truth is an architectural feat. With its divine floral details, it’s one of the places not to be missed if you visit Pattaya. It is said to be under construction until 2050. It is sumptuous, rising to over 105 meters above sea level. Like many temples in Thailand, it is built of wood to withstand the salt air and the sun’s rays.
9. The Beach road
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Kimmam
Beach Road is Pattaya’s most popular place for partying and shopping. Meet up with friends in the evening for a drink in one of the street’s many bars. Evenings generally end in the early hours. There are also numerous shopping malls for fashion bargains.
10. Cabarets
Photo credit: Flickr – Pranav Bhasin
Visiting Pattaya means stopping off at one of the city’s famous cabarets. Symbols of Thailand, cabarets are famous the world over. They are an integral part of Pattaya’s nightlife. The « ladyboys » gather to perform before the eyes of impressed tourists, the costumes glitter and the shows are breathtaking. If you want to see it all, head for the Cabaret Alcazar, which has enjoyed an unrivalled reputation since 1981, with a large-scale show featuring almost 400 artists! If you want to avoid the long wait (this is a very popular venue), don’t forget to buy a queue-cutting ticket , which will allow you to skip this kind of problem and enjoy this unique moment as it should be.
How to get to Pattaya
It’s very easy to get to Pattaya by plane from Paris – Charles de Gaulle. On the website of our partner Ulysse, you’ll find direct flights to Bangkok. From Bangkok, we recommend taking a bus to Pattaya. They are direct and the journey time is 2 hours (depending on traffic jams). Once there, you can use public transport or scooters, the preferred means of transport for tourists in Thailand.
Where to stay in Pattaya?
Thailand’s second-largest city after Bangkok, Pattaya is characterized by four distinct districts: the beach, the south, the center and the north. It’s best to find a rental near the beach and Beach Road. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, avoid this area. It’s important to choose the right place to stay in Pattaya, depending on your vacation wishes and your budget. Whatever your choice, you’ll find a cheap hotel by doing a search on this hotel comparator; or you can opt for an apartment on Airbnb (prices remain accessible).
There are many luxury hotels in the center, but younger guests can book a room or bed in more affordable hostels. Jomtien beach is one of the tourist’s favorite places to stay.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Pattaya,th