Pattaya, Thailand: Top 10 Places to Visit

Pattaya is one of Thailand’s cities known for its beautiful beaches, water parks, cultural activities, and night life. It has become a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia with its beguiling range of attractions. The things you can do in Pattaya can cater to solo travelers, groups of friends, and even families.

Located in Thailand’s eastern seaboard, Pattaya is a go-to place for its majestic sunsets and vibrant lifestyle. The beach-front area has been developed with luxury hotels, high-rise buildings, and numerous commercial establishments. There is so much to see, taste, and experience! Here, we will guide you through the top ten places to visit in Pattaya.

Walking Street

Walking Street is the home of night life. It is closed to road traffic from 6 in the evening until 2 in the morning. Walking Street is located at the end of Pattaya’s Beach Road. Almost all buildings and establishments on both sides of this road are night clubs, bars, restaurants, or go-go bars. Expect stark silence along Walking Street every morning as all stores are closed. At night, it comes alive with neon lights, loud music, and people from all over the world ready to party the night away. Expect to witness street performances as you go bar-hopping around Walking Street.

Tiffany Cabaret Show

Tiffany’s Cabaret Show takes place in a grand theater, much like a legitimate Broadway show. Feast your eyes on spectacular costumes from feathers, fur, and the biggest head pieces. The show runs for an hour with segments filled with dance, songs, and skits. It gives audiences a taste of local culture and some learning on the history of Siam through a graceful Thai dance performance, broadway show tunes, and slapstick burlesque. It is a famous show in Pattaya for showing different facets of Thailand’s culture and history through colorful and vibrant performances.

Pattaya Floating Market 

Thailand is famous for their floating markets and Pattaya has their own version. Floating Markets are a part of Thai tradition. In Pattaya, you can visit the Four Regions Floating Market. It represents the four major areas of Thailand — north, northeast, south, and central. Retailiers selling products from each of the four areas are categorized in the floating market. You can buy traditional delicacies, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, and whole lot of fresh produce especially fruits. The vendors are literally on boats, sailing while selling. It is such an authentic Thailand experience you should never miss out on.

Sanctuary of Truth 

The Sanctuary of Truth is a historical monument that represents the Thai’s value for religion, philosophy, and art in human development. It is 105 meters tall, completely made of wood. The Sanctuary of Truth is carved to perfection with very intricate details from a masterful concept. Truly a display of artistic skill and attention to detail. The Sanctuary of Truth is located on the north of Wongamat Beach, Pattaya.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden 

Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a vast space of landscaped gardens with unique floras. The team behind this landscaping has won several international awards for their work in Pattaya. Inside, you will find a French-style garden, creative topiaries, unique garden concepts made with cacti, bonsai, and tropical palms, and a recreation of the Stonehenge. There are over 670 hybrid types of orchids collected in one area of the tropical gardens. Regular cultural shows of Thai dances, boxing, and drums happen inside the tropical garden’s grounds.

Wat Phra Khao Yai or the “Big Buddha Hill”

The Big Buddha Hill is the biggest Buddha statue in the region at 18 meters in height. The Buddha is strategically built to overlook the entire Pattaya beach with a grand entrance of golden dragons. A wide, grand stairway going up to the golden seated Buddha awaits those who would like to take a closer look. Locals come here to pray as it is an actual temple. You will be able to smell the incense while you’re there and experience the heart of Thailand’s religious values.

Water Parks 

There are two major water parks near Pattaya City which are the Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark and the Ramayana Water Park. The Cartoon Network waterpark is famous for its TV-character references for their rides. These attractions are perfect for those who are vacationing with their kids. The waterparks are located just 20 minutes from Pattaya City. Get that thrilling experience your whole family will surely enjoy.

Art in Paradise 

Art In Paradise isn’t your typical museum or gallery. It is a must-visit attraction in Pattaya especially for families and kids at heart. It features murals and paintings on the floor that are brought to life through optical illusions. Standing in front of the paintings will make it seem as if you are part of the scene. There are floor markers on where you should stand to get that perfect angle in making yourself part of the art. Some classic favorites are the flying on a magic carpet, swimming with dolphins, and “touching” an elephant’s trunk.

Buddha Mountain

The Khao Chi Chan or Buddha Mountain is the largest engraving of a Buddha in the world. It features an gold-embossed Buddha on the face of a limestone mountain. The whole engraving is 130 meters in height, located in an area called Silverlake. Admire the natural beauty of the limestone mixed with incredible artistic talent in the form of the engraving.

Coral Island

Coral Island is a pristine beach away from the noise of the main Pattaya beach. It has fine sand and cerulean waters. The horizon stretches far, giving you more ocean to enjoy. Marvel at its beauty and spend a day swimming in its warm waters. If you are looking for a laid-back, peaceful place to truly appreciate the island life, Coral Island is the place to visit. Tourists usually just visit Coral Island for a day trip then go back to Pattaya beach. It is the perfect retreat for those who are in dire need of some peace and quiet. Feel free to bask under the sun while being surrounded with the beauty of nature.