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Thailand’s vibrant city, Pattaya, attracts many visitors annually with its vibrant nightlife, neon-lit walking street, colourful night markets, beaches, and exciting adventure sports. What sets it apart from other destinations is its affordability. With careful and smart planning, Pattaya can be one of Thailand’s most budget-friendly destinations. A common misconception among potential visitors is that Pattaya caters primarily to bachelors. In reality, it offers a plethora of tourist attractions perfect for families, children, and honeymoon couples. And while Pattaya is renowned for its adult entertainment areas, this does not overshadow the fact that it is a well-rounded holiday destination filled with varying experiences.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Pattaya that you can add to your travel itinerary:
Best places to visit in Pattaya – Beaches
1. Pattaya Beach
A perfect spot to sunbathe and relax, Pattaya Beach is a must-visit tourist destination. It is a 3-kilometre-long beach offering adventure water sports such as speed boat racing, parasailing, and kayaking. The northern part of the beach is best for people who are looking to avoid the crowds and want to peacefully relax in the sun. The beach is surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and kiosks selling souvenirs and delicious Thai food. Many people also like to enjoy the sunset at Pattaya Beach.
Location: Pattaya Beach, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Timings: The beach is open 24 hours a day to its visitors. Water sports activities generally start from 9:30 a.m. to late in the evening.
2. Jomtien Beach
The sun-kissed seashore of Jomtien Beach can easily capture anyone’s heart. Located south of Pattaya, it is much more relaxed and less crowded than Pattaya Beach. On this beach, you can get access to the sun loungers for 40 to 50 baht. One can also take advantage of a relaxing Thai massage, foot massage, and pedicure on the beach. There are plenty of restaurants and bars on Jomtien Beach to satisfy your hunger pangs.
Location: Jomtien Beach, Pattaya City, Thailand
3. Wong Amat Beach:
Wong Amat Beach is ideal for those looking for privacy and relaxation while enjoying the scenic beauty. Couples particularly like this beach, primarily for the aforementioned reasons. There are hotels, shopping malls, and massage parlours in close proximity. For those who are looking to eat, drink, and be merry, the beach has some incredible restaurants and bars to choose from. However, it does get a little crowded on the weekends, especially in the high season. Due to the compromised quality of the water, activities like swimming, snorkelling, etc. are prohibited on this beach.
Location: Nakluea Bay Peninsula, Pattaya City, 20150, Thailand
Best places to visit in Pattaya with family
4. Tiger Topia Zoo
The Tiger Topia Zoo, formerly known as SriRacha Tiger Zoo remains the largest zoo in Thailand, housing Bengal tigers and crocodiles. The facility provides an opportunity for safe human-animal interaction with a focus on the welfare of the tigers. Here you can feed a tiger or crocodile, click photos with a tiger, and even take them for a walk! But do keep in mind that the zoo only allows 20 walks per day; therefore, advanced booking is advised if you wish to partake in that activity. The zoo also provides an optional lunch, which is included in the ticket. A total of an hour and a half is required to explore the zoo.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Address: 341, Si Racha, Chang Wat Chon Buri, Thailand
5. Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum
It is one of the most popular places in Pattaya to visit with family. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is modelled after its US counterpart and is a place that is bound to shock, amuse, excite, and even scare you. The museum features various attractions, such as a 9DX movie theatre with moving seats, an infinity maze, a haunted house, a haunted hospital, and Louis Tussaud’s museum of waxwork. The Museum of Oddities has a mask made of human skin, a titanic made of numerous matchsticks, and other intriguing displays. Overall, it is a fun and quirky experience to enjoy with family in Pattaya and shouldn’t be missed.
Ticket Price: The ticket price depends on the number of attractions you choose per person. For example, Ripley’s Infinity Maze costs THB 630, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure costs THB 696, and the 9DX movie theatre costs THB 360. Therefore, the total cost of all three attractions would be THB 1686 per person.
Timings: 11 AM to 10 PM
Location: 218 Beach Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
6. Art in Paradise
A popular attraction in Pattaya for families and couples, Art in Paradise is a great way to escape the chaos of the bustling city. The museum transports you to another world with its optical illusions, 3D arts, and displays. This expansive museum has 10 exhibitions, each dedicated to a specific theme, such as Underwater World Hall, Wildlife Hall, Dinosaur Hall, Waterfall Hall, etc. Each hall gives you the opportunity to click on amazing and quirky photos.
Tickets: THB 400 for adults, THB 200 for children
Timings: 9:30 am to 9:00 pm
Location: 78/34 Pattaya Sai Song Rd, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
7. Frost Magical Ice of Siam
Frost Magical Ice of Siam is an amusement and cultural park with both outdoor and indoor centres. The outdoor centre houses sculptures based on Thai literature, mythologies, and important Thai motifs. While the indoor centre has a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius, visitors can go wearing a snowsuit and build ice domes, ice slides, and do skiing. There is a bar that serves drinks in iced glasses. It is a great place to visit in Pattaya to escape the heat and have a fun time.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Ticket Price: Adult – 340 THB; child (height between 90-130cm) – 190 THB
Location: Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Best places to visit in Pattaya for Couples
8. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a European-styled garden that is perfect for spending relaxing time in Pattaya. Spread across 500 acres, the park is divided into several sections, such as the French Garden, the European Garden, Flower Valley, Butterfly Hill, etc. This serene place also features a breathtaking fountain amidst tropical plants and trees. You can also stroll on the skywalk, an elevated walkway that leads you through the various gardens, providing a bird’s-eye view of the lush greenery below.
In addition to the scenic beauty of flowers and trees, the garden showcases martial arts, religious ceremonies, elephant shows, etc.
Ticket Price: 400 THB per person (*prices are subject to change)
Timings: Opens every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: 34 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
9. Coral Island
Approximately 7 kilometres away from Pattaya, Koh Larn, or Coral Island, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Pattaya. One can easily reach Coral Island via ferry and experience the breathtaking beauty of the island. As the name suggests, the coral island is home to a vibrant and thriving colony of corals. Its aquamarine waters, powdery soft white sand, and availability of water sports such as snorkelling, diving, and surfing make it ideal for couples who want to partake in water sports together. The best time to visit Coral Island is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and the visibility of the water is much clearer.
Location: Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
10. Pattaya View Point
Located in the middle of South Pattaya and Jomtien Beach, Pattaya’s viewpoint provides a stunning view of Pattaya’s skyline and the blue waters. One must get to the top of Pattaya Hill to witness this vantage point. Reaching the viewpoint should take at most 10 minutes from Jomtien beach. The best time to visit the Pattaya viewpoint is during sunrise or sunset. Capture this stunning view as a backdrop in your photos. There are also benches for people to sit and relax at the viewpoint.
Ticket Price: Free
Timings: 7:30 am to 9:00 pm
11. All Star Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a romantic dinner date on the All Star Dinner cruise in Pattaya. The dinner cruise is a 3-tier deck that provides delectable seafood, Indian, and Thai food in the buffet with an unlimited supply of refreshments and alcoholic drinks. Catch the stunning views of Pattaya city glistening in night lights. Along with the dinner, one gets to enjoy an enthralling cabaret performance put on by ladyboys. You can also interact and click photos with them after the show.
Timings: 7:30 pm to 12:00 am
Address: 551, Beach Road, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Best places to visit in Pattaya – Temples and Religious sites
12. Sanctuary of Truth
Dubbed the largest wooden castle in the world, Sanctuary of Truth is a temple, museum, and castle all rolled into one. The temple is a remarkable example of Thai craftsmanship, as every nook and cranny is made of wooden carving. Each carving narrates the story of human values, morals, ethics, and the meaning of life. It blends influences from Hindu and Thai mythologies to present a unique architecture. You will notice the four-headed Brahma on the temple’s exterior. The temple is divided into western, northern, southern, and central halls, each depicting different deities and forces of nature. It is an iconic landmark not just in Pattaya but throughout Thailand. You can also enjoy elephant and horse carriage rides on the temple premises. Besides, watch live wooden carving, eat at an on-site restaurant, and buy souvenirs from the onsite souvenir shop.
Address: 206/12 5 12 Pattaya-Naklua Road, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Admission Fee: 500 THB per person (Walk in price). Online booking of tickets can cost 365 THB per person.
Additional Tip: It’s a temple so make sure to cover your knees, shoulders and midriff area.
Timings: Opens every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
13. Wat Nong Ao (The Golden Temple)
Wat Nong Ao, a magnificent temple to visit in Pattaya, is situated in central Pattaya. The exterior of the temple shines brightly in the sun due to the golden colours. The temple houses a big, reclining golden statue of Buddha. Outside the temple lies a beautiful shrine to Lord Ganesha. The temple is less crowded than other religious sites in Pattaya and gives plenty of opportunities for some great clicks. And as a general rule of thumb for visiting any temple in Thailand, dress modestly, which includes covering your knees, midriff, and shoulders.
Address: 9 27/7 Central Pattaya Road, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
14. Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
The Buddha Mountain is one of the popular tourist sites in Pattaya. It is a limestone mountain on which a massive image of Maha Vajira Uttamobhassada Buddha is engraved with a laser. The image of Buddha is 70 m wide and 30 m tall. It was carved on the mountain to celebrate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s ascension to the throne. The Buddha Mountain is surrounded by lush greenery. It has also become a popular place for leisure activities, mediation, and traditional dance performances.
Location: Chom Thian Sattahip district, Pattaya, Thailand
Timing: 10 am to 8 pm
Best places to visit in Pattaya for Shopping
15. Central Pattaya
A trip to Pattaya is incomplete without exploring its largest beachfront shopping mall. The Central Pattaya mall consists of the Central Department Store, SFX Cinema, and more than 350 stores altogether, featuring outlets of recognised luxury brands, multi-cuisine restaurants, retail stores, and a venue placed in front of the mall’s entrance for colourful events for local and foreign attendees.
Address : 333, 99, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Timings: 11 AM to 10 PM
16. Pattaya Floating Market
Pattaya floating market opened for visitors in 2008 in an attempt to present Thai riverside living. In this floating market, you can buy items such as wooden carvings, Thai handicrafts, spa items, handmade soaps, etc. You can also try Thai foods, from starters to main courses to deserts, from all regions of Thailand. A total of two hours is enough to explore the market.
Timings: Opens everyday from 9 AM to 8 PM
Address: 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road Pattaya, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand.
17. Thepprasit Road Night Market
A large area of Thepprasit Market is covered with food stalls serving your go-to street food like Pad Thai noodles, mango sticky rice, banana pancake Thai BBQ, etc. Apart from the food, you will find clothes, shoes, handbags, gadgets, cosmetics, toys, and art and crafts. Bargaining is a common practice to make sure to get the best price before making the final payment.
Address: 18 Thepprasit Road, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Timing: 5 PM to 10 PM
18. Pratamnak Night Market
With over 1000 stalls, this market is a shopper’s paradise, selling a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, footwear, household items, and souvenirs. The market is also known as the neon market, and it’s not hard to see why! The vibrant atmosphere is always accompanied by live music, which keeps you entertained as you explore the shops and enjoy the delicious street food.
Location: At the intersection of Thap Phraya Road and Phratamnak Road in Pattaya.
Timings: Starts from 6:00 PM to midnight.
Best places to visit in Pattaya to enjoy Nightlife
19. Pattaya Walking Street
Pattaya Walking Street is the most famous walking street in Thailand for its rooftop bars, nightclubs, go-go bars, and restaurants. It is one of the best places to visit in Pattaya for bachelors, where they can let loose and party hard. It is a 700-metre-long street that can be easily covered on foot. After evening, no vehicular traffic is allowed on Pattaya Road. It is not suitable to visit the Pattaya walking street with family and kids.
Timings: The opening hours for clubs, restaurants, bars typically begin from 6 PM till late night.
Address: Pattaya Walking Street, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
20. Club Insomnia
One of the best nightclubs in Pattaya, Club Insomnia is an audio-visual sensory experience. Club Insomnia boasts a stylish venue with remarkable sound design, breathtaking visuals, and awe inspiring light effects. The club prides itself as the standard for showcasing modern sound and light technology with the most trendy music in Thailand. There is no entry fee at Club Insomnia; however, you have to pay for the drinks inside.
Timings: 8:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Address: 110/2 Walking St, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
21. Horizon Rooftop Restaurant and Bar
It is an award-winning rooftop restaurant and bar that offers panoramic views of Pattaya City. You can find this rooftop bar on level 34 of the Hilton Pattaya at Central Festival Mall. The indoor zone consists of a sophisticated dining area, whereas the outdoor area provides a delightful and carefree lounging area with plush seating. The menu offers an incredible variety of cocktails, whisky, wine, and delicious dishes. The sunset happy hour starts from 5 PM to 7 PM, with the opening of the bar area at 5 PM. The dining hall opens at 6 p.m.
Address: Thailand, Chon Buri, Bang Lamung District, 101, Floor 34
Timings: 4 PM to 1 PM
22. Alcazar Cabaret Show
One of the most colourful aspects of Pattaya’s nightlife is its cabaret shows, and the Alcazar cabaret show is as vibrant as it can get. The show is a unique blend of music, dance, comedy, folk performances, and crowd interaction. The stars of the show are the transgendered artists who perform in extravagant headpieces and shimmering clothes. The cabaret also incorporates aspects of traditional Thai and contemporary pop culture. Watch these 70 minutes of an enthralling spectacle of seventeen performances.
Ticket: THB 700 (Adults) and THB 600 (Child)
Timings: The first show starts from 5 PM and the last show starts at 9:30 PM
Address: 14 Pattaya Sai Song Road, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
This brings us to the end of the list of the best tourist places to visit in Pattaya. If you have made up your mind about taking a trip to Pattaya, make sure your itinerary has an eclectic mix of shopping spots, beaches, and general sightseeing. You can also check out our Pattaya tour packages and take your dream Thai vacation.
FAQs about Places to visit in Pattaya
Q1. What is Pattaya famous for?
- Pattaya City is famous for its:
- Walking street
- Coral Island
- Cabaret shows
- Sanctuary of Truth
- Pattaya View Point
- Adventure sports and more!
Q2. Which part of Pattaya is best?
If you are visiting with family, the northern part of Pattaya is more conducive. South Pattaya will be more suitable for water sports and budget-friendly accommodation.
Q3. What is the best time to visit Pattaya?
The best time to visit Pattaya is during the dry season, from November to March. During this period, the weather of Pattaya is suitable for various activities and outdoor sightseeing.
Q4. Is Pattaya cheap or expensive?
Generally, Pattaya is considered an affordable and budget-friendly destination. However, if you stay in upscale accommodations, it might be expensive.
Q5. How many days do you need in Pattaya?
One needs 2-3 days in Pattaya to cover all the main tourist attractions.
Q6. How do you get around in Pattaya cheaply?
To get around in Pattaya cheaply, you can take a tuk-tuk or Songthaews. Bus is also another cheap mode of transportation in Pattaya.
Q7. What are some adventure activities you can do in Pattaya?
Popular adventure activities that you can do in Pattaya are:
- Skydiving
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Parasailing
- Bungee Jumping
- Kitesurfing and more!
Q8. Is Pattaya better or Phuket?
The answer depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Pattaya is a budget-friendly destination, whereas Phuket is a more luxurious destination in Thailand. In terms of natural beauty, Phuket is much better than Pattaya,
Q9. Can I travel to Pattaya alone?
Absolutely. You can travel alone to Pattaya for a solo trip.
Q10. Which month is the cheapest to visit Pattaya?
Any month of the low season (July to September) would be the cheapest time to travel to Pattaya. Due to the rainy season, most adventure and water sports are closed, with an overall decline in tourist footfall. But you can still enjoy many indoor activities.