Over the years, Pattaya, Thailand’s well-known beach vacation town, has gotten a bad name. The beach is less than 200 kilometers from Bangkok, Thailand’s main city, making it easy to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Pattaya has been a popular vacation spot for people from all over the world since US forces “discovered” it during the Vietnam War. That was a long time ago, but Pattaya has become one of the most well-known beach spots in Southeast Asia since then.
In recent years, the government has worked to bring families to Pattaya. There are many kid-friendly sites and things to do, such as an aquarium and water parks. It is still mostly a place for adults to go, especially the area along Walking Street, which is the town’s main nightlife hub.
Check out Jomtien Beach or Naklua if you are going with your family or want to find a place with less noise. These spots still get a lot of tourists, but they are less noisy than the town center. Our list of the best things to do in Pattaya will help you plan your trip.
1. Take a Day Trip to Koh Larn (Coral Island)
From Pattaya, Koh Larn (also called Koh Lan) is a 30-minute speed boat ride or a 45-minute ferry ride away. It’s a nice place to get away from all the tourists in Pattaya. There are several white-sand beaches on the island, some with food stands, bathrooms, and lots of water sports. Some of the most famous are parasailing, banana boat rides, and walking on water.
Nual Beach is where monkeys play, and Tien Beach is one of the most beautiful. You can take motorbikes to get around the island, and there are many resorts on the beach at Samae and Tawaen where you can stay the night. Families like to spend the day here to get away from the noise of Pattaya.
- Address: Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
2. Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Sitting atop the wooded Pratamnak Hill south of Pattaya, this 18-meter-tall golden figure of the Buddha looks calm and at ease. Climb the narrow stairs with golden Naga snakes on both sides to get a better look at the figure and the smaller Buddhas that are all around it.
Many people from the area come here to ask for health, happiness, and wealth. In addition, the top of the hill has lovely views of Pattaya and the bay. There is a cab service that will take you up the hill if you don’t want to walk. Then you can save your energy for the stairs that lead to the statues.
- Address: 384 Regent Soi 2, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
3. Wat Yansangwararam
Like all of Thailand’s beautiful wats (temples), Wat Yansangwararam, also called Wat Yan, shows not only Thai design and architecture but also the country’s beliefs. The temple was built in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1988 to mark the 42nd year of his rule. It is surrounded by large gardens with lots of palm trees.
In the main building are very important Buddhist relics. On the right side of the path that leads to the temple is a lake with beautiful Chinese houses that are full of old things. To get to the shrine at Wat Yansangwararam, you have to go up 299 steps that are covered in Naga snakes.
- Address: 999 Moo 11 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand
4. Discover the Sanctuary of Truth
It is said to be “the magnificence of heaven recreated on Earth,” and this huge structure made of wood is a great example of Thai architecture. The building was made to honor old religions and philosophies, and every available area is decorated with intricate wooden carvings.
The cycle of life, Utopia, and how people fit into the world are some of the ideas that come up in this art. You can see Thai boxing and traditional shows, ride an elephant, ride a horse, or go on a speedboat ride while you’re at the sanctuary.
- Address: 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12 , Naklua, Banglamung
5. Work on Your Tan at Jomtien Beach
As the longest beach in Pattaya, Jomtien, at six kilometers long, is the best place to relax after a busy day in the city, which is only four kilometers away. Beaches with golden sand are great for sunbathing, and trees at the edge of the beach offer shade. Sporting activities in the water are plentiful and include jet-skiing, kitesurfing, paragliding, and windsurfing.
On the beach, there are many restaurants and cafés featuring fresh seafood and local food.
Adjacent to the family-friendly Cartoon Network Amazone is a thrilling water park with spiraling slides, large pools, splashing fountains, and rides and figures based on cartoons.
- Address: Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, Thailand
6. Explore Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Nong Nooch (pronounced “nung nut”) Village has a big park with lots of fun things for the whole family to do. Some walkways go through colorful themed gardens, such as a topiary garden, a French garden from the 17th century, a European Renaissance garden, and species-specific gardens with plants like bonsai, tropical palms, and succulents.
Anyone who loves plants will feel inspired by the beautiful orchid garden. There are also live shows at the Thai Cultural Hall, where you can see traditional Thai dancing, sword fights, Thai kickboxing, and an elephant show that I don’t think is very moral.
You can rent bikes to get around the park and see more of it, and there is transportation from door to door.
- Address: 34/1 Moo 7 Na Jomtien, Sattahip
7. Underwater World Pattaya
While Underwater World isn’t as big as some zoos, it has a huge collection of sea creatures from all over the world. This is Thailand’s first modern aquarium. You can feed koi fish from bottles, get close to sharks and rays, use the touch pool to feel the roughness of sea monsters and see the most jellyfish in Thailand.
Sleepover with Sharks & Rays Camp is a special event for kids where they can spend the night in the underwater glass tube and learn about sea creatures.
- Address: 22/22 Moo 11,Sukhumvit Road, Nongprue, Banglamung
8. Mini Siam
Some of the most famous places in the world are shown on models at Mini Siam. It’s a fun way to learn about Thailand and the world. The New York Statue of Liberty, the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Tower Bridge, the London Tower Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the Paris L’Arc de Triomphe are some of the ones that are being shown.
It will be fun for kids to see some of these well-known buildings all in one place. Get there in the late afternoon to see the sunset, when warm lights start to shine. You should make reservations at least one day ahead of time.
- Address: 387 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya City Naklua, Banglamung
9. Four Regions Floating Market
This is the first and only floating market in Pattaya. It is a busy place with parts selling goods from all four of Thailand’s main regions. Many things are sold here, including souvenirs, arts and crafts, and clothes. It’s also a great spot to try some strange food, like scorpions, bugs, and crocodile meat.
Getting a boat rental is a great way to see the markets. In contrast to more real floating markets, this one charges a fee to enter. That being said, your ticket gives you more than just a boat ride. You can enjoy shows and activities here, such as Thai dancing, sea boxing, and even a zipline over the water.
- Address: 451/304 Mu 12, Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Amphoe Bang Lamung
10. See the Giant Buddha Engraving at Khao Chi Chan
Guru Mountain, Khao Chi Chan, is a limestone hill that has the biggest Buddha picture in the world carved right into it. The Sat Buddha sculpture made of gold is 109 meters tall and 70 meters wide, and it takes up most of the side of the huge rock.
The statue was made in 1996 as a tribute to the king and a place for Buddhists in the area to visit. The image was cut into the stone with guided laser technology and then gold leaf was added on top.
It’s beautiful because it has a peaceful garden with a small lake, paved walks, and several water pools full of lotus flowers. There are a few shops and a small visitor center here, but mostly it’s a place to pray and relax in beautiful surroundings.
The mountain is not far from Jom Tien Beach and only 15 kilometers from Pattaya. The Viharn Sien temple and museum has a beautiful collection of bronze statues, religious and cultural items, and some archeological finds. You can visit while you’re in the area.
- Address: Soi Khao Chi Chan, Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
FAQ’s
Q1. What is the most famous attraction in Pattaya?
You have to see the Sanctuary of Truth, a beautiful temple made of wood. It has carvings and statues with a lot of detail that show traditional Thai and Cambodian art.
Q2. Where can I experience Pattaya's vibrant nightlife?
Walking Street is famous for its bars, clubs, and other places to have fun at night. It comes to life at night with lights, music, and a lively vibe.
Q3. What's a family-friendly attraction in Pattaya?
Pattaya Floating Market is a one-of-a-kind place to visit because it has traditional Thai architecture, culture shows, and boat rides through a market with food and crafts from the area.
