Your visit to Thailand would be incomplete without a trip to the vibrant city of Pattaya! Apart from the very happening nightlife that Pattaya promises, there is a lot up for grabs in this city. From beautiful temples to beaches, art galleries to floating markets, Pattaya has enough in store to keep you entertained during your entire stay. With all these things to do and see in Pattaya, you can easily spend at least 2 days (if not more) in this city. Below are 12 best things to do.
1. Chill out on Pattaya Beach
Head over to Pattaya beach which is just perfect for lounging on as the beach has ample lounging chairs up for grabs. You could head out for a swim in crystal clear blue water that has designated swimming zones. In the evening the beach is lined by a number of beach bars and restaurants that serve delicious Thai food.
2. Marvel at the Sanctuary of Truth
We used the word marvel because the Sanctuary of truth is truly an architectural marvel. Sitting right at the edge of the ocean, this striking Buddhist temple is 105 meters high and made entirely out of teak wood. The entire temple is a collection of intricate wood carvings and detailed designs that will have you enthralled by its beauty.
3. Hike up to Pattaya Viewpoint
Hike your way up to Pattaya viewpoint in time to see a picturesque sunset overlooking the Pattaya Bay. This is the highest point in the city and offers a panoramic view of the scenic Bay. Watch the mesmerizing sunset right before the city lights come to life!
4. Watch a Cabaret Show
Pattaya is best known for its highly entertaining cabaret shows where staggeringly beautiful ladyboys, dressed up in shimmery ball gowns and vibrant headgears perform a cultural show all with music, dance and even celebrity impersonations! Do not leave Pattaya without attending a cabaret show!
5. Party at Walking Street
Walking Street is the biggest party hub in all of Thailand! At night, it becomes a pedestrian only street that is lined with hip pubs, flashy bars, open air cafes, restaurants and a number of street food vendors. The entire street feels like the inside of a nightclub!
6. Splash away your time at Waterparks
Pattaya has a number of spectacular waterparks which are also the biggest in all of Thailand. Ramanyana Water Park, Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark and Pattaya Park are just a few among others. These parks have a number of waterslides which offer varied levels of thrill. Visiting a waterpark is a great way to beat the heat and also is an enjoyable experience to have especially if you’re travelling with your family.
7. Visit Coral Island
Get away from the hustle-bustle of Pattaya and escape to an island with a long stretch of pristine white sandy shore, surrounded by sparkling turquoise water. Welcome to Coral Island which is situated about 7.5 km away from Beach and can easily be reached by a short speed boat ride. Coral island is a hub for watersports. Banana rides, jet skis, parasailing and even a seabed walk is what you can indulge in apart from soaking in the warm sun! The water is pristine and is perfect for swimming and even snorkeling.
8. Visit the Art in Paradise Museum
Art in Paradise is an illusion art museum wherein the walls are painted in a way that everything seems to be in 3D! The museum is a great place to click some goofy pictures and is definitely a place that will be loved by kids and adults alike!
9. Head to Wat Phra Khao Yai
This temple that is situated in the south of Pattaya houses the biggest Buddha statue in the region giving it the name of Big Buddha Hill. The golden Buddha statue is 18 meters high and is seated about 100 meters above sea level. The stairs that lead up to the Buddha are lined with dragons gliding around the stairs. The whole temple is quite striking and the view from the top is spectacular.
10. Experience the local life at Pattaya Floating Market
There are floating markets all over Thailand. The floating market in Pattaya is lined by hundreds of traditional wooden houses. You can purchase fresh grocery from the floating market or buy some delicious Thai food which you can enjoy as you cruise past the wooden houses.
11. Visit the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden
The Nong Nooch Garden is a beautifully landscaped park and can easily make for an all-day trip because of the sheer size of the garden. The entire area is more like a theme park, with daily cultural shows, restaurants and accommodation as well as a vast area showcasing individually themed gardens. A stroll through the botanical park is like taking a journey around the world, through its many famous gardens, such as the 17th-century French garden, Stonehenge, or European Renaissance garden. The garden houses a huge variety of plants, trees and flowers. Don’t miss out on visiting the orchid nursery which houses over 670 species of the flower! The best way to explore the park would be to hire a bicycle!
12. Time for some Adventure sports
Pattaya will have your adrenaline pumping in no time with its long list of adventure sports. If heights don’t scare you, you can choose to go skydiving, bungee jumping, or become a human slingshot! And if you prefer the depths of the ocean than being high up in the sky, you can go fly boarding or scuba diving!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pattaya
Q. How are the Pattaya beaches?
A – Pattaya Beach is the most famous beach of Pattaya. It is a hub of maritime activities for those who come to relax such as sunbathing and water sports. The entire 3 kilometers along the beach is filled with hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Q. What is the average package cost of Pattaya?
A – You should plan to spend approximately around 1,937 ($ 62) per day on your holiday in Pattaya, which is the average daily price based on other visitors’ expenses. Previous travelers have spent an average of 648 ($ 21) on food for a day and 343 ($ 11) on local transportation.
Q. What is the name of Pattaya Airport?
A – Pattaya Airport, also known as U-Tapao International Airport, is a small airport with about three to four operations of domestic and international flights per week.
Q. How is the Pattaya nightlife?
A – Pattaya is for people who wants to enjoy the nightlife, below are the things to do –
- Party at Walking Street – the wildest street in all of Asia.
- Get wet and wild at the raging foam parties at Hard Rock Café.
- Be entertained by ladyboys at the legendary Alcazar Cabaret Show.
- Dine in the skies overlooking the Pattaya Bay at the Horizon Rooftop Bar.
Q. How is Pattaya walking street?
A – This nightlife hub is famous for its sex industry which is growing day by day and that is why Pattaya is known as Sin City; But there is more than just this which makes it one of the favorite tourist destinations of all time.
Q. What are the best hotel options available in Pattaya hotels?
A – Below are the best hotels
- Centara Hotels & Resorts
- Oakwood Hotels
- OYO Hotels
- Accor Hotels.
- InterContinental (IHG) Hotels
- Amari Hotels
Q. What are the major Pattaya attractions?
A – Below are the major tourist attractions –
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
- Jomtien Beach.
- Sanctuary of Truth.
- Wat Yansangwararam.
- Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
- Koh Larn (Coral Island) Day Trip.
- Art in Paradise.
- Ramayana Water Park.
Q. What is the distance between Pattaya and Phuket?
A – Pattaya is about 619 KM from Phuket, so if you travel at a consistent speed of 50 KM per hour you can reach Phuket in 19 hours and 17 minutes. Your Phuket travel time may vary depending on the speed of your bus, the speed of the train, or the vehicle you use.
Q. How is the weather in Pattaya?
A – It has a tropical climate, warm all year, with a dry season from December to April, and a rainy season from May to mid-November due to the southwest monsoon.
Q. What is the best time to travel Pattaya?
A – November to February: The best time to visit is November to February when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and mostly pleasant. It is also peak tourist season and most of the beaches and other attractions are filled with visitors.
Q. Why is Pattaya popular?
A – This nightlife hub is famous for its sex industry which is growing day by day and this is the reason why Pattaya is known as the sin city.
Q. Is Pattaya safe?
A – Overall, Pattaya is a completely safe place to visit. Of course, there is an element of risk (as with any place in the world) – but overall, it is a safe destination to visit. It is always fun and lively.
Q. What should I avoid in Pattaya?
A – Avoid fraudulent artists, thieves and the night scene when traveling in the “Murder Capital of Thailand,” keep your trip short, stick to the big hotels and nearby markets, and stick with groups. Use caution when enjoying Pattaya’s night view, which is not fam.
Q. Do people speak English in Pattaya?
A – In the most central and tourist areas some people will speak at least some basic broken English. Summary – There are a limited number of people in Thailand who can speak very basic English, which is equivalent to a few words. You’re most likely to find these in big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.
Q. Is Pattaya open for tourism?
A – Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Hua Hin can also welcome vaccinated travelers from 1 October. The capital of Thailand is once again gearing up to welcome tourists. “More destinations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya, are planned to reopen from October 1, 2021,” tourism ministry officials said on Monday.
Q. How much should I budget for a trip to Pattaya?
A – The average price for a 7-day trip is $2,127 for a solo traveler, $3,820 for a couple, and $7,162 for a family of 4. Hotels in Pattaya range from $18 to $96 per night with averages averaging $35, while most vacation rentals will cost $90 to $300 per night for a full house.
Q. Is Pattaya Thailand expensive?
A – Summary about the cost of living in Pattaya, Thailand: The estimated monthly cost of an individual is 547$ (17,686฿) without rent. Pattaya is 45.79% less expensive than Los Angeles (without rent). Fares are on average 79.39% lower than in Los Angeles.
