Pattaya, a coastal getaway just two hours away from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is one of the easiest ways to experience the serene beach life and the lively nightlife of the country. A couple of days here offer a packed schedule of unforgettable moments, from basking at sun-drenched beaches and strolling bustling markets, to savouring spicy Thai street food and exploring thrilling adventures.
In between, you will find yourself visiting some of the most extraordinary attractions that tropical Asia has to offer. Come, let’s have a look at the best things to do in Pattaya on a Thai holiday.
Here are the best activities to do in Pattaya:
1. Soak up the Sun at Jomtien Beach:
Location: East Coast of Pattaya, 9 minutes away from Pattaya City
Beach lovers have plenty to explore in Thailand, and Jomtien Beach is a sun-drenched slice of paradise in South Pattaya that ought to be on your Thailand bucket list. Stretching out six kilometres along the Gulf of Thailand, the beach’s soft, warm sand and turquoise sea are an idyllic haven where you can sink your toes into the sand, feel the tropical breeze on your face, and let every worry slip away.
Spend the day lounging under a shady palm with a cold drink in hand or dive into a world of water sports that get your heart racing. The beach is serene yet vibrant enough to feel the pulse of Pattaya’s coastal culture and is quite close to the city.
2. Play with Dolphins at Pattaya Dolphinarium
Location: Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, 10 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Admission Tickets: Prices start from 500 Thai Baht for various activities.
Timings: Open every day except on Wednesday, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Watch the smartest creatures of the ocean up close at Thailand’s only dolphinarium. You can spend a day with Black Sea bottle-nose dolphins at Pattaya Dolphinarium. These kind, gentle creatures love to make sure that everyone, especially youngsters and kids, has a good time with them. They leave no stone unturned to make you laugh, gasp in awe, and entertain you when you watch them do acrobatics or invite you to swim along with them.
3. Get up close with Gentle Giants at Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary
Location: Bang Sare, Sattahip District, 35 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Admission Tickets: Starts from 2800 Thai Baht per person
Nestled in the tranquil countryside just outside Pattaya’s bustling city centre, the Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary offers a rare chance to get up close with Thailand’s elephants. Founded by Lek Chailert, an elephant conservationist, the Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary is one of the few nature attractions in Pattaya that offers visitors the opportunity to engage in ethical tourism.
Here, rescued elephants roam freely in a happy habitat, free to bathe, feed, and stroll in the verdant wilderness. You can also observe them being playful in genuine settings, and not forced into doing the bidding of mahouts.
4. Stroll through Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Location: Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, 24 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Admission Tickets: Thai Baht 700 per adult and Thai Baht 600 per child.
Timings: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens stands out as a one-of-a-kind attraction of botanical creativity. Located in Chonburi, south of Pattaya’s city centre, this attraction is a kaleidoscope of themed horticultural sections from around the world. So, on a stroll, you would view symmetrical hedges and fountains at the French Garden, then wander off to a space filled with various cacti, and finally arrive at a spot filled with blossoms and butterflies! It is one of the most picturesque Pattaya activities to do in Pattaya on a visit.
5. Discover the bizarre world of Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Location: Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road in Pattaya City Centre.
Timings: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Head to Royal Garden Plaza to explore an attraction that’s quite out of the ordinary. Gear up for a fascinating journey into the bizarre experiences, unbelievable incidents, and spine-chilling facts from around the world. Featuring mind-boggling exhibits, such as the 300 unique collections in the Odditorium, and thrilling horror rides, like Ripley’s Moving Theatre 9DX, it is teeming with experiences that will leave you with tales to talk about for days. Be sure to add this thrilling experience to your Pattaya activity packages when booking your Thai holiday.
6. Visit Wat Yansangwararam
Location: Huay Yai, Bang Lamung District, 26 minutes from Pattaya City Centre.
Visiting temples is one of the quintessential cultural activities in Thailand to look forward to. In Pattaya, one of the famed temples to visit is Wat Yansangwararam. Located 30 minutes away from the city centre and enveloped in the serene countryside of Bang Lamung District in Chonburi Province, this gorgeous temple is said to be inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India.
Offering a refreshing contrast to Pattaya City’s lively energy, this 145-acre temple complex, built in 1976, is dotted with serene lakes, manicured gardens, and ornate buildings, creating an atmosphere perfect for a spiritual getaway.
7. Immerse in Chinese culture at Viharn Sien
Location: Huay Yai, Bang Lamung District, 30 minutes from Pattaya City Centre.
Located a few steps away from Wat Yansangwararam, Viharn Sien is a Chinese temple-turned-museum that offers a connection between Thai and Chinese cultures. Also known as Anek Kusala Sala, this three-storey attraction houses some of the most impressive collections of Chinese architecture, sculptures, art, and artefacts outside of China, making it possible for you to soak up centuries of history in a single afternoon.
8. Zip through the wilderness with Flight of the Gibbon
Location: Khao Kheow Zoo, Bang Phra, Si Racha District, 50 minutes from Pattaya City Centre.
Take a different route to explore Pattaya’s refreshing verdure. Head to Khao Kheo Open Zoo where you can enjoy this thrilling ziplining adventure – a heart-racing 3-kilometre journey zooming through a lush rainforest. You might even catch sight of curious gibbons swinging through the trees, adding a wild twist to your adventure.
9. Marvel at The Sanctuary of Truth
Location: Pattaya-Na Kluea Road, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, 18 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Admission Fee: 500 Thai Baht per adult and 200 Thai Baht per child for day tours.
Opening times: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
A jaw-dropping wooden masterpiece so unlike the other Thai temples you visit, The Sanctuary of Truth has a seamless blend of art, culture, and spirituality that will leave you speechless. Set along Laem Ratchawet on Na Klua Road in North Pattaya, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the temple is a work in progress, but still depicts the finest craftsmanship intricately woven through Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Khmer influences.
10. Strike a Pose at Art in Paradise
Location: Pattaya Sai Song Rd, Bang Lamung District, 10 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Dive into the vibrant, mind-bending world of Art in Paradise in Pattaya. You become a part of the paintings and art installations in this whimsical museum. Tucked in the heart of Pattaya, this 3-D interactive museum offers 10 zones of optical illusions and colourful creations, ideal for clicking countless snaps. Everyone, even young children, will love this experience.
11. Shop at the unique Pattaya Floating Market
Location: Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung District, 11 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Timings: Daily 9 am to 7 pm.
Explore a unique way to shop in Thailand when you visit Pattaya Floating Market. Iconic to Pattaya, the floating market was conceptualised to preserve the traditional Thai way of life. Wander along the wooden walkways stretching along the canals, where you will find yourself in a bustling atmosphere as vendors paddle their long wooden boats, offering steaming bowls of noodles and vibrant souvenirs.
Dancers also display a spectacle of traditional Thai dance on the shores. The market’s sprawling layout, with its canals and wooden walkways, feels like a world of its own, yet it’s perfectly accessible for a half-day or full-day adventure from Pattaya.
12. Watch the Glitzy Cabaret Shows
Location: Beach Road, 8 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Another feature that’s exclusive to Pattaya in Thailand is the cabaret shows. These shows, performed by Thailand’s celebrated performers, many of whom are transgender artists, can give cabaret shows in Paris a run for their money. An unmissable part of Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife, check out the Alcazar Show and Tiffany Show to enjoy high-energy performances on a stunning stage illuminated in vibrant lights.
Performers are adorned in extravagant costumes that are enhanced with bright feathers, shimmery sequins and bold colours. Each Cabaret show location is a quick ride from Pattaya’s beaches and nightlife hubs, making it easy to pair with other attractions. Go through a Pattaya visitor’s guide to know where to go to watch an extravagant show.
13. Wander around the bustling Walking Street
Location: Pattaya City Centre.
Timing: Daily 7 pm to 3 am.
Pattaya’s nightlife has its own magical vibe. As the sun sets, Pattaya’s Walking Street, a short stretch at the tip of Beach Road, transforms into a vibrant, neon-lit hub buzzing with energy, music, and endless entertainment. With hundreds of bars, clubs, live music venues, and restaurants packed into this one-kilometre stretch, it showcases Pattaya’s bold and chaotic life after dusk.
Explore go-go bars, wander freely through the streets to enjoy lip-smacking Thai dishes, soak in the electrifying energy of quirky themed bars, famous clubs, and more. It is Pattaya’s ultimate nightlife destination, offering a variety of entertainment that’s perfect for anyone craving a lively evening.
14. Find Inner Peace at the Big Buddha Hill
Location: 384 Regent Soi 2, 10 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Timing: 6 am to 10 pm
Also known as Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha Hill is a hard-to-miss attraction in Pattaya. Perched away from the bustling Pattaya City, atop the Pratumnak Hill, the largest Buddha in Chonburi Province gazes smilingly at its visitors as they climb a grand staircase flanked by golden naga serpents. Visiting this 18-metre-tall golden Buddha instantly calms you and connects you with Thailand’s rich Buddhist heritage. You can also take in panoramic views that stretch from the sparkling sea to the city’s skyline.
15. Admire Khao Chi Chan
Location: Na Chom Thian, South Pattaya, 25 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Timing: Daily 6 am to 6 pm.
Another mesmerising sight, Khao Chi Chan is a massive golden Buddha laser-engraved into a towering limestone cliff. It gleams under the tropical sun and is surrounded by tranquil gardens. Created in 1996 as the largest carved image of Buddha, this majestic site offers a chance to explore Thailand’s rich Buddhist heritage. Combine your visit with nearby attractions, such as Wat Yansangwararam and Viharn Sien, to make the most of your trip.
16. Feel like a Giant at Mini Siam
Location: Sukhumvit Rd, Muang Pattaya, 10 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Timings: Daily 9 am to 7 pm.
Admission Tickets: Around 300 Thai Baht per person.
Step into a world of wonder at Mini Siam in Pattaya, where global landmarks shrink down to bite-sized marvels. Located in Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, near Pattaya, Mini Siam is the place to visit if you want to see smaller versions of Thailand’s iconic temples and monuments, such as Ayutthaya and the Grand Palace, all in one place.
You can also view other iconic international landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and London’s Tower Bridge, in miniature form. Mini Siam is a hit with families, photography buffs, and those who want to admire architectural wonders up close without jet-setting across the globe.
17. Catch the Graceful Alangkarn Show
Location: Sukhumvit Road, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, 10 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Timings: Daily except Wednesday from 6 pm onwards.
Admission Tickets: Approximately 550 Thai Baht per person.
Book tickets to a dazzling cultural spectacle – the Alangkarn Show in Pattaya. It is one of the grandest shows showcasing Thai culture through stunning dance and music performances. From its massive Hexa stage to its elegantly dressed artists, it’s a standout experience that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Thai heritage. The Alangkarn Show is a family-friendly experience that captivates anyone who loves vibrant Thai performances.
18. Escape to Koh Lan
Location: Offshore west coast of Pattaya
If Pattaya’s buzzing life becomes a bit too much, and the surrounding coastal beaches aren’t enough to escape the overwhelm, then take a detour to Koh Lan, a pristine island off the coast of Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand. Just a short boat ride from the hustle of Pattaya, this tropical island has sparkling, crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and a laid-back island vibe that feels like a world away.
Whether you are seeking a quick day trip or a relaxing overnight stay, it’s a haven for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up Thailand’s coastal beauty, all without the hefty price tag of other hyped-up Thai islands.
19. Visit The Underwater World Pattaya
Location: Sukhumvit Road, Lamung District, 10 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Admission Tickets: 550 Thai Baht for adults and 320 Thai Baht for kids.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm daily
Not a fan of diving underwater? No worries! Book Underwater World Pattaya tickets, and you can explore the ocean’s vivid realm without getting wet. Located in the heart of Pattaya, it’s the city’s only aquarium that lets visitors feel as if they are walking on the ocean bed as they wander through its acrylic, tunnel-shaped fish tanks. From sleek sharks to colourful tropical fish, it’s a fantastic spot for ocean lovers and curious explorers alike.
20. Enjoy Thrills to Heart’s Content at Columbia Pictures Aquaverse
Location: 888 Moo 8 Sukhumvit Road, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, 20 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Timings: Daily except Wednesdays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Admission Tickets: 1580 Thai baht per person.
Grownups have a variety of things to do in Pattaya, Thailand, but now it’s time for young visitors to have their fair share of high-speed thrills and splashy fun. In our opinion, the best spot to visit is the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, the first-of-its-kind theme park based around Sony Pictures films. This park features a mix of adrenaline-pumping and gentle rides, both on water and on land. It is a dream attraction for families, cinema fans, and adventure lovers of all ages.
Enjoy a variety of rides and entertainment based on famous Sony Pictures movies, such as Hotel Transylvania and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Try your courage on high-speed attractions like the Jumanji and Ghostbusters Zone, or surf the waves at Surf’s Up. It’s perfect for groups of friends looking for a fun day out, or for parents wanting to keep the whole family entertained.
21. Go Racing at Easykart Pattaya
Location: 168, 24 Thepprasit Road, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, 10 minutes away from Pattaya City Centre.
Timings: 10 am to midnight
Admission Tickets: Around 500 Thai Baht per person.
Enjoy a zooming rush of adrenaline at Easykart Pattaya, one of Thailand’s largest and most high-tech go-karting attractions. You will feel the thrill of speeding through curvy tracks while soaking in the electric atmosphere. With tracks designed for both beginners and seasoned riders, it is a perfect attraction to add a bit of adrenaline to your Pattaya holiday packages. Easykart offers top-notch safety with well-maintained, high-tech go-karts and professional staff manning the track. This makes it a fun and safe way to bond with friends and family, looking for a fun escape.
22. Shop and Eat at Pattaya Night Markets
Location: Pattaya City Centre
Set in the heart of Pattaya City, this buzzing night market is all you need for a shopping spree! With an array of shops and stalls, you can browse for clothes, accessories, designer footwear, electronics, and more. The market also has quaint stalls selling aromatic Thai herbs, salves, and balms, which are exclusively handmade in Thailand and are quite popular among tourists.
Shop for Thai silk, wood carvings, and other handicrafts as well. Famished after a day’s worth of sightseeing and shopping? Pause to dig into eclectic Thai cuisine. You will find everything from fiery tom yum soup and lip-smacking mango sticky rice to vendors showcasing regional specialities like Isaan-style grilled meats and southern Thai curries. Bring cash in local currency – Thai baht, as most vendors don’t accept international bank cards.
23. Party on board Pattaya Power Catamaran Yacht
Lastly, add a bit of luxe to your Pattaya experience and party all day if you wish on a mega-sized, chic yacht! It’s the ultimate way to wind down and experience the breezy sea, snorkelling, mingling with like-minded people, dancing, eating, and being merry. This isn’t just a serene boat ride on the aquamarine waters. It’s a day spent celebrating the sun and the sea in a luxury adventure.
A Pattaya Power Catamaran Yacht trip takes you to the middle of the sea to enjoy a day of unforgettable fun, relaxation, and exploration. Snorkel among colourful coral reefs, go jet-skiing or paddleboarding, feast on delicious onboard meals, and dance to a live DJ’s beats. Unlike a typical beach day, this experience blends luxury, water sports, and a party atmosphere, all while cruising to some of Pattaya’s most stunning offshore spots.
Conclusion
So, when you ask yourself ‘What to do in Pattaya on a Thailand trip?, be assured that you won’t have a single dull moment on your journey. Pattaya’s uniqueness lies in its incredible variety. Where else can you zip through a jungle in the morning, visit a serene temple by the afternoon, and dance the night away on Walking Street? There are many more Pattaya attractions and experiences, but the ones mentioned above are the best in the list of must-do things in Pattaya. It goes without saying that if you are in Bangkok, you will spend a few days in Pattaya as well. Missing it on your holiday would be the biggest mistake you could make on your trip to Thailand. So, pack your bags, book these experiences, and get ready to make memories!
