Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya, Thailand is one of the most famous coastal cities in Southeast Asia, located around 150 km southeast of Bangkok. It’s a versatile tourist destination offering a mix of lively nightlife, serene beaches, cultural landmarks, and family-friendly activities. Here’s a detailed guide to everything Pattaya has to offer:

 

Tourist Attractions in Pattaya: Detailed Information

  1. Pattaya Beach

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Opening Hours: Always open
    • Highlights: Pattaya Beach is a bustling stretch of sand lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. Popular for water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented for a small fee.
    • Tips: Best to visit early in the morning for a more peaceful atmosphere, or in the evening to enjoy the sunset.

  2. Jomtien Beach

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Opening Hours: Always open
    • Highlights: Quieter and more relaxed compared to Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is ideal for families. It’s also a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach has plenty of seafood restaurants and street food vendors nearby.
    • Tips: A great place to enjoy a more peaceful beach experience with fewer crowds.

  3. Sanctuary of Truth

    • Entrance Fee: 500-600 THB for adults, 250-300 THB for children
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Highlights: This awe-inspiring, all-wood temple is intricately carved to represent the fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism. It’s a unique blend of art, culture, and philosophy, all symbolized in beautiful carvings.
    • Tips: The temple offers guided tours, horse carriage rides, and boat tours around the temple area. Dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship.

  4. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

    • Entrance Fee: 300 THB for adults, 150 THB for children
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Highlights: This sprawling park features a wide variety of themed gardens, from traditional Thai to French and European-style landscapes. There are daily cultural performances showcasing Thai dance and martial arts, as well as an elephant show.
    • Tips: Allocate at least half a day here to fully explore the gardens, watch the shows, and enjoy the serene environment.

  5. Pattaya Floating Market

    • Entrance Fee: 200 THB for adults
    • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Highlights: A large market featuring wooden walkways and boat vendors, offering a variety of traditional Thai products, handicrafts, and food from different regions of Thailand.
    • Tips: It’s a great place for sampling Thai street food like grilled meats, coconut pancakes, and mango sticky rice. Boat tours within the market are also available for an additional fee.

  6. Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Opening Hours: Always open
    • Highlights: The most famous viewpoint in Pattaya, offering a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay. It’s particularly popular at sunset for the stunning colors over the city and the sea.
    • Tips: There’s a small temple near the viewpoint where visitors can pay respects to the large golden Buddha statue.

  7. Art in Paradise (3D Art Museum)

    • Entrance Fee: 400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children
    • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    • Highlights: A fun, interactive art museum where visitors can take photos with 3D artwork that creates optical illusions. It’s a great place for families and those looking for quirky, creative photo opportunities.
    • Tips: Bring a camera or smartphone with good photo capabilities, as the exhibits are designed to be interactive.

  8. Coral Island (Koh Larn)

    • Entrance Fee: Ferry ride costs around 30-40 THB each way; speedboats cost around 150-250 THB
    • Opening Hours: Always open
    • Highlights: Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Pattaya, Coral Island offers pristine beaches with clear turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boating are also available.
    • Tips: Many tours offer day trips to Coral Island that include lunch and activities. There are multiple beaches to choose from, with Tawaen Beach being the most popular.

  9. Big Buddha Hill (Wat Phra Yai)

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Highlights: Home to a 12-meter tall golden Buddha statue, this temple is one of Pattaya’s most spiritual and serene locations. The hill also offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
    • Tips: It’s a religious site, so dress modestly, and take the time to explore the smaller statues and temples surrounding the main Buddha.

  10. Tiffany’s Show Pattaya

  • Entrance Fee: 1,200-2,500 THB, depending on seating
  • Showtimes: 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 9:00 PM
  • Highlights: One of the most famous cabaret shows in Thailand, Tiffany’s Show features stunning performances by transgender artists, with elaborate costumes, music, and dance routines.
  • Tips: Book tickets in advance, especially during high season. It’s a great show for all ages, including families.

Getting Around in Pattaya

  1. Songthaews (Baht Buses): The most common and economical way to get around Pattaya. These shared pickup trucks follow fixed routes around the city. Just hop on and press the buzzer to get off. The fare is usually around 10-20 THB.

  2. Motorbike Taxis: Fast and affordable for short distances. Prices vary depending on the distance but typically range from 30 to 100 THB. Always negotiate the price beforehand.

  3. Grab (Ride-Hailing App): The safest and most convenient option for taxis. You can book via the Grab app, and prices are fixed.

  4. Motorbike Rentals: Motorbikes can be rented for around 200-300 THB per day. It’s an easy way to explore the city, but make sure you have a valid license and wear a helmet.

  5. Walking: For those staying near the beach or central areas, walking is a good option to enjoy the city’s vibrant streets and beachfront.

Where to Eat Local Food in Pattaya

  1. Thepprasit Night Market: A bustling weekend market offering a wide variety of Thai street food such as grilled seafood, pad thai, som tam (papaya salad), and Thai desserts.

    • Location: Thepprasit Road
    • Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

  2. Pattaya Floating Market: A great spot to sample traditional Thai dishes from various regions of the country, including snacks like coconut pancakes and grilled meats.

    • Location: Sukhumvit Road
    • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  3. Mum Aroi Naklua: Known for its fresh seafood, this restaurant offers a variety of local dishes in a relaxing, seafront setting.

    • Location: Naklua Soi 4
    • Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  4. Leng Kee: Famous for its late-night dining and a mix of Thai and Chinese dishes. Popular choices include seafood and noodle soups.

    • Location: Central Pattaya Road
    • Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 5:00 AM

  5. Terminal 21 Pattaya Food Court: A modern food court with a range of affordable Thai and international food options, including classic Thai dishes like tom yum and pad kra pao.

    • Location: Terminal 21 Shopping Mall
    • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  6. Jomtien Beach Street Food: In the evening, vendors line Jomtien Beach Road, offering grilled seafood, local curries, and snacks at affordable prices.

    • Location: Jomtien Beach Road
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – late

Pattaya offers a rich mix of experiences from beach relaxation to cultural immersion and vibrant nightlife, making it a must-visit destination in Thailand.