The Pattaya area in the eastern seaboard of Thailand is home to a range of attractions that caters to one and all. What might get lost in translation due to the infamous nightlife is that Pattaya is a fantastic destination for Seniors looking to take in the sights and sounds of the country. Not only are some of the most beautiful temples and gardens in Thailand on offer in Pattaya but also an array of cultural shows and souvenir shopping.

The following list provides seniors with 7 of the must-see sights and sounds in Pattaya. If you’re travelling to Pattaya in the near future make sure you tick all of these amazing attractions off your list!

1. NongNooch Tropical Botanical Garden

NongNooch Tropical Botanical Garden is one of the most picturesque places to sit and relax in all of Asia. This 2.4 sq.km of beautifully landscaped greenery can easily be made into an all-day trip and should be considered a must-see in Pattaya. The NongNooch Tropical Botanical Garden can almost feel like its own city, with daily cultural shows, a variety of restaurants and a wide choice of hotels and accommodation suitable for all ages and price ranges.

If you’re a nature buff you will be treated to some of the rarest and most beautiful flowers in the world. Just a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens can uncover all sorts of fascinating species which are specific to the gardens, such as cacti, orchid nurseries, tropical palm gardens, and topiary gardens.

2. The Pattaya Floating Market

There is no better way to get into the thick of Thai culture than to take a ride in one of the boats at the Pattaya Floating Market. The market is also known as the ‘Four Regions Floating Market’ due to the fact that the market is split into four sections each representing a different region of Thailand. This means that visitors have the opportunity to shop and get a unique look into different parts of Thailand all in one amazing place.

The Pattaya Floating Market is quite large in terms of size, with over 100,000 sq.miles of stalls, souvenir shops and eateries at your disposal. For a full floating market experience it’s best to hire a man-powered boat to get around. Typically a boat will be large enough to hold four people and can be hired on demand for a small fee.

3.  Wat Phra Khao Yai

Wat Phra Khao Yai, also known as Big Buddha Hill, is a majestic temple that can be found at the top of Pratumnak Hill. The temple gets its name from the 18 metre high Buddha statue that can be found at the top of the hill. Along with a Buddha statue a number of intricately sculpted statues and buildings are on display. The adjoining temple is an ideal location to take in some Buddhist culture and take part in some spiritual practices. Despite being extremely popular among both locals and tourists, the temple keeps its quiet reflective atmosphere and can be visited any time of the day.

Pratumnak Hill is only 2km from South Pattaya and entry to the Wat Phra Khao Yai Temple is free. The climb is not too physically exerting with a limited number of steps to be climbed in order to get to the top.

4. Pattaya View Point

If you’re already up at the Wat Phra Khao Yai Temple then you might as well also take in the view from Pattaya View Point or Khao Pattaya View Point also located on Pratumnak Hill. This is the spot you’re looking for if you want that classic shot of Pattaya’s gorgeous bay. Whether you go in the night or in the day there will be loads of vendors and eateries at your disposal as you wait for that perfect shot.

If you get your timing right, the sunset is one not to be missed at Pattaya View Point.

5. Ban Amphur Beach

If you’ve come to Thailand in search of beaches then Pattaya will not disappoint. Ban Amphur Beach in particular is known for having crystal blue waters and bright sandy beaches without the masses of tourists on other major beaches in the area. Situated right next to a fishing village, Ban Amphur Beach also has some of the best and most authentic seafood beaches in the country, perfect for a dinner overlooking the ocean.

Tourism has yet to catch the Ban Amphur Beach, but is sure to catch on in the recent future. For now if you’re looking to enjoy lounging on the beach without the hustle and bustle, Ban Amphur Beach is the way to go!

6. The Sanctuary Of Truth

Rising a whopping 105 metres into the sky, the Sanctuary of Truth is arguably the most iconic structure you will find in Pattaya. The Sanctuary is neither a temple nor a palace, but was deemed a place of appreciation for philosophy, art, culture and faith. The Sanctuary provides visitors with breathtakingly detailed carvings paying homage to Eastern Philosophy and the ancient history of Asia. If you are interested in the history and mythology of Asia, this is a definite must-visit for you.

The building is still a work in progress and continues to keep adding amazing details and features to its already spectacular exterior.

7. Art in Paradise

No trip to Pattaya is complete without a stroll through the Art in Paradise exhibit. It should be noted that this is no ordinary art gallery. At Art in Paradise you actually become part of the artwork through various optical illusions and clever visual tricks. The gallery is extremely interactive allowing visitors to create their own artwork with the help of props and three dimensional art.

The building is split into 10 sections with over a hundred pieces of art. The best part of the gallery is that photography is not only tolerated but actually encouraged by the Art in Paradise staff. Make sure you don’t miss this peculiar art exhibition-- it truly is one-of-a-kind.

There’s no doubt that Pattaya has something for everyone. If you’re a senior visiting or planning to visit Pattaya in the near future, make sure you cross these 7 attractions off your list!