10 Best Things to Do in Pattaya City, Thailand’s Beach Resort

Bangkok is one of Asia’s most exciting and fascinating cities and it is worth visiting Thailand just to experience the streets of Bangkok. But if you are in Bangkok, you might feel like you are missing out on some of Thailand’s famously fantastic beaches! Many Bangkok residents feel the same, so what do they do? Head to Pattaya, an idyllic beach resort village just a two-hour drive from Bangkok.

If you have booked yourself a couple of days in Pattaya, it can feel overwhelming because there is so much to see and do. If you want to put together a realistic itinerary to make the most of your stay, start with our list of the ten best things to do in Pattaya.

What You Need to Know About Pattaya?

Pattaya is a beach town about 100 kilometers from Bangkok on the east coast overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It has a permanent population of around 330,000 people, and around three million tourist visitors each year.

Pattaya is known for its glorious beaches, beautiful islands, vibrant nightlife, and wide range of tourist attractions. It is a great place to sample local street food or have interesting sit down meals in international fusion restaurants. It is a walkable city where you can explore local markets and high-end shopping malls in the same day.

But also prepare yourself for lots of tourists, commercial offerings catered towards tourists mixed with a more genuine local experience and a great nightlife.

10 Top Things to do in Pattaya

Pattaya has something for everyone whether you want to relax on the beach or play watersports, explore traditional cultural attractions or get your thrills at theme parks, or enjoy a high class meal or a long night out.

Build your itinerary with your favorite items from our list of the best things to do in Pattaya.

1. Walk Pattaya Walking Street

When you arrive in Pattaya, get to know the area by visiting Pattaya Walking Street in the evening to get a taste of the famous Thailand nightlife. It is about one kilometer, stretching from the south end of Beach Road to Bali Hai Plaza, blocked off for pedestrians in the evenings.

The street is lined with restaurants and bars, which make their presence felt on the street with neon lights and live music spilling out.

Start the evening with a meal at a fresh seafood restaurant, and then attend a show of talented cabaret performers in extravagant costumes. The most famous venue is Tiffany’s. Enjoy street performers and shopping stalls as you pop in and out of the various bars and nightclubs with live music and DJs. The street remains lively until dawn.

2. Visit the Sanctuary of Truth

If you only visit one cultural landmark whale in Pattaya, make it the Sanctuary of Truth. It is an architectural marvel overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The enormous wooden structure  neters high and was built in the 1980s using traditional Thai techniques.

The decoration of the building is inspired by spiritual philosophy, and many intricate carvings depict stories from Buddhism and Hinduism. You can take a guided tour, sign up for a workshop in Thai woodwork or Thai boxing, or just take a quiet walk around to escape the hectic energy of Pattaya.

3. Relax on Pattaya or Jomtien Beach

Pattaya has many beautiful beaches, but both Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach are ideal if you want to sunbathe, enjoy beachfront dining, and try a variety of watersports such as windsurfing and jet skiing. When the sun goes down, you are close to Pattaya Walking Street for a fun evening.

Pattaya Beach is the main beach and covers around four kilometers in the city center. It has the most things to do but is also the most crowded. Jomtien Beach is just a few kilometers further south, but offers a quieter experience with similar amenities. In the evening, explore Jomtien Night Market.

4. Experience Art in Paradise

Art in Paradise is a unique interactive museum that features 3D paintings and optical illusions, plus pieces that make you a part of the art. For example, there is a waterfall sculpture that creates the illusion that you are standing in the middle of a powerfully cascading waterfall.

Each artwork, with themes including under the sea, safari, and mythical creatures, appears 3D when photographed from a certain angle, and the museum helps you discover the best place to take your most Instagrammable pictures.

5. Marvel at the Golden Buddha

While most people talk about visiting the gold Buddha statue, you will actually be visiting Wat Phra Yai, an important temple located on top of Pratumnak Hill. As well as being home to the impressive 18-meter statue, the temple offers incredible views out over the surrounding areas.

As you explore the temple complex you will also find other Buddha statues, elaborately decorated pavilions, and bells that you can ring for good luck. The staircase that leads to the gold Buddha is flanked by golden Naga snakes, and the Buddha sits in Maravijaya Attitude, symbolizing victory over temptation.

6. Explore Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

While Pattaya has beautiful beaches, it is also very green, and nowhere is this more celebrated than at the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Gardens. This is 500 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens that celebrate a vast array of flora and fauna.

Popular spots within the gardens include the French Gardens, inspired by the royal gardens at Versailles, and the Stonehenge Garden, which has megalithic stones and manicured lawns. Dinosaur Valley features life-size dinosaur statues among the greenery.

7. Shop at the Pattaya Floating Market

Also known as the Four Regions Floating Market, the market is designed to represent the four major regions of Thailand, the north, northeast, center, and south, with each corner of the market having different architecture, food, and products in sale.

As well as shopping, you can expect cultural shows including Tahai dances, martial arts and sea boxing. Book a boat to sail you around the different areas of the market and save space to eat your way around Thailand.

8. Hop Over to Koh Larn

There are several islands close to Pattaya, but by far the most popular is Koh Larn, or Coral Island, which is about seven kilometers out to sea. There you will find a relaxed atmosphere, white sandy beaches, and clear turquoise waters.

Visit Nual Monkey Beach to discover the wildlife, Tawaen Beach for shopping and restaurants, and Samae Beach for sunset. The ferry runs regularly and only takes about 45 minutes.

9. Dive Into Underwater World Pattaya

Underwater World is a marine aquarium where you can discover Thailand’s diverse marine life. Start your journey by walking through a 100-meter long underwater tunnel that feels like passing into a different world.

From there you can explore the Coral Reef Zone of colorful fish, the Open Ocean Zone with sharks and stingrays, the Jellyfish Zone for these vibrant underwater stingers, and the touch pool to play with starfish and sea cucumbers.

10. Spend the Night at the Night Bazaar

The Pattaya Night Bazaar, also known as the Thepprasit Night Market is an enjoyable evening shopping and dining experience. Explore the stalls to find Thai clothes and local souvenirs, fill up on Thai street food and desserts, and pause to watch live music performers.

The Night Bazaar is vibrant, but has a more relaxed atmosphere than Walking Street. It is a great place to spend the earlier evening, open from 5 pm to 11 p.m.