What to do in Pattaya

Thailand Explore · May 19, 2020

What to do in Pattaya

The question should be ‘What isn’t there you cannot do in Pattaya’? This vibrant, lively seaside resort is built on fun and is now very much also a family destination too. Whoever you are you cannot help but enjoy yourself in Pattaya. This city is also a popular retiree expat location in Thailand.

Our list of things to do below merely scrapes the surface of what you can see and do in Pattaya.

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Things to do:

1. Nightlife

Pattaya often gets a bad name for its nightlife, but that should not be the case anymore. Pattaya caters for singles, couples and families with an abundance of nightlife options.

You can party late into the night at locations like Soi LK, Soi Baukhao and, of course, Walking Street. There are other more sophisticated options like the stunning rooftop bars found at the Hilton and Siam@Siam design hotel.

image: 1km of nightlife fun awaits you on the world famous Walking Street!

2. Shopping

Pattaya in many ways rivals Bangkok for its shopping opportunities. There are numerous shopping malls from Central Festival on Beach Road, Terminal 21 and Central Marina in Naklua to Mikes Shopping Mall.

You should also check out the Theprassit Weekend night market for all your souvenirs, bargains and choice of Thai food to eat.

3. Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark

This park represents fun for all ages with a kid’s area, faster more exciting rides, wave machine and even a surf area. For more information, visit: https://www.cartoonnetworkamazone.com/

4. Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens is often rated as a top three gardens in the world. If you are visiting Pattaya then this is a must visit. Set over 600 acres this gardens have various zones that include a Dinosaur valley, Thai culture show and various themed landscapes. Visit their website here http://www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com/

5. Golf

In 2012 Pattaya was named the number golfing location in Australasia by leading golf tour authority IAGTO. With over 20 golf courses – and at least 4 of those are world class – within 50km of Central Pattaya is a golfing paradise.

6. Beaches – including nearby Koh Larn

In recent years the beaches of Pattaya have been renovated and are now of a decent standard. Although you will not get the beauty and pristine clear waters of a Thailand island, you do still have nice beaches in Naklua, Pattaya Beach Road, Cosy Beach and Jomtien beach – all of which are located in the heart of Pattaya.

You can also head to Bali Hai and take a low priced ferry over to the popular, nearby island of Koh Larn. If you take a short 20-minute drive do also check out Bangsary beach and Sai Kaew Navy Beach in Sattahip.

7. Dining

Where do we begin? If you love eating out, then you will be enchanted with the huge array of dining options in Pattaya.

Whatever your budget or favourite nationality of food you will find something in Pattaya. Terminal 21 and Central Festival boast a huge array of dining options, but you will also find fantastic restaurants seemingly on every soi.

Stand out restaurants include Café des Amis in Pratmanak, The Hops Brewhouse on Beach Road, Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana also on Beach Road and Pineapple café and grill in East Pattaya.

image: Café des Amis is five star dining at its finest

8. Fitness, Sauna and Muay Thai

We added this to the list as there is a surprisingly good choice of healthy options for things to do in Pattaya.

There are around a dozen saunas – such as the Jomtien Sauna and Mari Jari Sauna and Spa. If you love to work out then you have plenty of gyms, but the pick has to be the huge Muscle Factory in Pratamanak. If you fancied learning Muay Thai then there are numerous options in the city – and, by the same token, two stadiums to watch Muay Thai fights too!

9. Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum is a gigantic all wood construction located at the relaxing Rachvate cape of Naklua Pattaya City. A must visit place and the only one all wood sculpture building in the whole world. You can visit their website, here http://www.sanctuaryoftruth.com/