Pattaya is a city on the east coast of Thailand. It’s been nicknamed “The City of Fun” and has been voted as one of the best tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. With its beautiful beaches, modern shopping malls, and lively nightlife, Pattaya is not only an attractive destination for travelers but also for investors seeking to capitalize on tourism. To help you plan your trip, I’ll be giving you a list of 14 Best and Fun Things to Do in Pattaya and activities that are some of the most popular in town.
Things to Do in Pattaya
1. Explore Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a place where you can relax and enjoy the natural side of Thailand, then Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden should be at the top of your list of things to do in Pattaya.
As the name suggests, this place is a paradise for plant lovers, and you can find the most beautiful flowers in the world here. The gardens are divided into several different areas, each with its own unique theme. You take a stroll through a European rose garden, topiary garden, 17th-century French garden, and more.
Not only do you get to enjoy their amazing flora, but you can also watch trained elephants dance and interact with tourists in a majestic display of nature and culture combined into one captivating show. There are also plenty of activities on offer, such as Thai kickboxing, Sword fighting, Traditional Thai dancing, and more.
So, if you’re looking for a fun day out surrounded by beautiful nature, then be sure to check out Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
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2. Sanctuary of Truth
This massive construction is one of the best tourist attractions in Pattaya and looks like a giant wooden temple. The main structure is covered with intricately carved wood designs, and it’s actually one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. So it’s definitely an eye-catching sight.
What makes the Sanctuary of Truth so special is not just the impressive architecture, it also has a lot to offer visitors in terms of the cycle of life and humanity’s relationship to the universe.
A lot of care was taken to maintain this Thai architecture, so it really feels like you’re stepping back into history when you enter this place. Everything about the place gives off a magical vibe, from the sounds of birds chirping outside to the many plants and flowers that lay in each corner.
3. Have fun at Jomtien Beach
There are many beaches in Pattaya, but Jomtien is the one I would recommend to any traveler. It’s not too crowded like some of the other places, yet it still offers all the amenities you could want.
This long stretch of white sand and clear blue water is an ideal place for swimming or relaxing under a shaded umbrella. And if you just want to sit back and enjoy a nice cold drink, there are plenty of restaurants and bars lining the shoreline offering friends and drinks in addition to tasty Thai cuisine. I loved my time spent here, so I recommend adding this place to your list of things to do in Pattaya.
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4. Become Part Of The Art at Art in Paradise
If you’re looking for something a little more fun and light-hearted, then I recommend checking out Art in Paradise. This is one of the best tourist attractions in Pattaya and home to some of the best art in Southeast Asia.
This 3D art museum is home to some of the most creative and mind-bending exhibits I’ve ever seen. It’s basically an interactive art gallery where you can pose for photos and literally become part of the artwork.
There are exhibits featuring everything from famous Thai landmarks to animals to movie scenes. It’s a lot of fun to explore, and I spent over an hour here just marveling at all the different pieces. So if you’re looking for something quirky and different, then be sure to add Art in Paradise to your list of things to do in Pattaya. It’s definitely one of the unique attractions in the city.
5. Visit Wat Phra Yai Temple
This temple is known locally as the Big Buddha Temple, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Pattaya. The temple is home to a massive 18-meter-tall Gold statue of the Buddha, and it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. The surrounding grounds are just as beautiful as the statue itself and make for a great place to relax and take in some peace and quiet.
I recommend taking a guided tour and learn about Buddhism and Thai history during your visit to this beautiful temple. There are also impressive collections of Buddhist statues and artwork that will help you reflect on life and its meaning. Or maybe just offer some quiet time alone if that’s what you’re after.
This is a very peaceful place that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Pattaya, so be sure to add it to your list.
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6. Visit Pattaya Floating Market
This floating market is one of the best tourist attractions in Pattaya, and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant market is set along the banks of Chaopraya River, and it is home to hundreds of shops and stalls selling all sorts of Thai souvenirs, handicrafts, and food.
Visitors can enjoy a ride on a traditional long-tailed boat as they make their way through the market, taking in all the sights and sounds. There’s also a stage where cultural shows are held throughout the day.
There’s also food galore at the floating market, so be sure to come hungry. I had a great time exploring all the different stalls and trying out some local delicacies. They’re some of the best I’ve tasted in Thailand. So I recommend this place if you’re looking for a fun and unique experience. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in the city.
7. A Day Trip to Koh Larn
Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, is a small and beautiful island located just off the coast of Pattaya. It’s easily reached by boat and makes for a perfect day trip if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The island is well known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundance of coral reefs. It is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. There are plenty of beachfront resorts and bungalows to choose from, or you can simply bring a picnic lunch and find a spot on the beach.
The island also offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking. I had a great time exploring the island and swimming in the crystal clear waters. You can also explore the island by bike or hire a taxi to take you around.
8. Cool Down at Ramayana Water Park
Ramayana Water Park is a great option if you’re looking for a fun day out with your family or friends. This massive water park is home to dozens of thrilling rides and attractions, including waterslides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
There’s also a section dedicated to kids, with plenty of kiddie pools and rides to keep them entertained. And the best part is that there’s also a large selection of food and drinks available, so you can stay refreshed all day long.
So if you’re looking for a perfect place to cool down and have some fun on a hot day, then the Ramayana Water Park is a great option. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Pattaya with family and friends. And be sure to come early, especially on weekends, because it gets pretty crowded later in the day.
9. Mini Siam
Ok, so this is a little different from the other places on my list of top tourist attractions in Pattaya. Mini Siam is actually a miniature theme park that celebrates all of Thailand’s and Europe’s major landmarks and attractions in one convenient location.
Inside, you’ll find scaled-down replicas of some of the country’s most famous structures such as Wat Arun, London’s Tower Bridge, New York’s Statue of Liberty, a statue of liberty, and much more.
There were also displays showcasing Thai culture and traditions, which was interesting to see. You will also find tons of other fun things to do here too which makes this place perfect for families who want to spend a full day exploring famous landmarks in one convenient location.
10. Be Entertained at Tiffany’s Cabaret
If you’re looking for a night out on the town, then Tiffany’s Cabaret Show is one of the top things to do in Pattaya. This show offers up an incredible mix of Thai culture, visual art, and theater that’s unlike anything you’re going to find anywhere else.
The performances feature plenty of singing and dancing as well as breathtaking displays of acrobatics. The show is also full of humor and surprises, so it’s sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
The venue is also very beautiful and luxurious, so it’s worth checking out, even if you’re not into the shows. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as the shows tend to sell out quickly.
11. Sunbathe at Ban Amphur Beach
Ban Amphur Beach is a hidden gem in Pattaya. It’s a quiet and secluded beach that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of Thailand. The sand here is white, and the water is crystal clear, making it a perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or just relax and take in the views.
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, so you can easily spend a whole day enjoying everything this beach has to offer.
So if you’re planning a trip to Pattaya soon, I recommend checking out Ban Amphur Beach. It’s probably one of the best tourist attractions in Pattaya with plenty of things to do and see.
12. Ripley’s Believe It or Not
If you’re looking for something a little bit different to do in Pattaya, then Ripley’s Believe It or Not is the place for you. This strange and wacky museum is home to all sorts of bizarre exhibits, including a shrunken head, a three-headed calf, and even a vampire killing kit.
There’s also a haunted house and 4D Theater where you can experience things like flying through space and being chased by dinosaurs.
This is not your average museum, so be prepared for some surprises. I had a lot of fun exploring all the different exhibits and trying to figure out what on Earth was going on. I’m sure you will too have fun.
13. Wat Yansangwararam
This beautiful temple is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Pattaya. The temple is famous for its striking architecture and intricate carvings, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other Buddhist legends.
The temple is also home to some of the most intricate and beautiful Buddhist murals in all of Thailand. There are also several statues of Buddha that are worth seeing.
I had a great time exploring the temple and taking in all the amazing architecture. It is the perfect place to relax and take in some Thai culture. So be sure to add it to your list.
14. Party at Walking Street
If you’re looking for a place to let loose and have some fun, then Walking Street is the place for you. This famous nightlife district is packed with bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues that stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of establishments here, catering to all sorts of different tastes. You’ll find everything from rowdy sports bars to upscale nightclubs. So if you’re looking to party the night away, then Walking Street is the place to be. Just be sure to drink responsibly and always have a plan for getting home safely.
In summary
If you are considering a trip to Thailand, Pattaya is an excellent place to visit. The city has plenty of entertainment that will keep any traveler busy for days. I hope this list of the best tourist attractions in Pattaya helps you plan your next vacation. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!