Best things to do in Pattaya
Pattaya is the ultimate resort city in the exotic destination of Thailand. It is situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, lying about 62 miles (100km) southeast of Bangkok. It’s population of about 1,000,000 people eagerly play host to hundreds of thousands of tourists yearly. As a tourist attraction, Pattaya offers visitors a variety of activities and sites that you can include in your itinerary. If you’re fortunate enough to visit Pattaya, consider some of these, its main attractions:
Pattaya Walking Street
Walking Street, Pattaya is a hotspot teeming with nightlife. It is about 1km long, starting at the gateway at the Beach Road. It ends at the Bali Hai Plaza. Between these 2 points are attractions of every imaginable kind. Every square inch of the Walking Street offers the visitor the unique sights, sounds, and smells of Thailand. It boasts a huge variety of bars, restaurants, and Go-Go bars. There literally are hundreds of places to choose from.
It is said that you can explore the Walking Street every night for 2 weeks and still not have soaked up the entire experience it offers. Tourists are cautioned to be security conscious as the congested Walking Street has its fair share of pickpockets.
The Sanctuary of Truth
This architectural marvel is iconic and gives visitors a truly unique experience. The structure is made from teak wood. The intricate design gives the building the appearance of a temple or palace. Indeed, it is neither. Its construction was commissioned by a local business leader. The intention was to build a place not aligned to one specific religion devoted to the appreciation of art, culture, faith, and philosophy. The astounding attention to detail in the carvings shows Thai craftsmanship at its very best. Since the wood is untreated, it cannot withstand the elements permanently. Older parts of the sanctuary must be replaced in a continuous cycle of renewal.
Tiffany’s Cabaret Show, Alcazar Cabaret Show, and Colosseum Show
The opinion is divided on which one is better out of the 3 shows. All 3 shows have their own charm. The theatrical masterpiece is performed in a grand theatre. Colorfully dressed performers entertain the patrons with songs, dances, and dramatized skits. The material used in the show comes from across the region. There are elements that come from India, Korea, China, and Siam. Traditional songs and dances are interspersed with Broadway classics and slapstick comedy. The spectacular shows are performed by a cast of transgender performers, commonly known as ladyboys. Their beautiful costumes and delightful performances make these cabaret shows a must for any visitor. Tiffany and Alcazar are at a walking distance from each other (700 meters), and Colosseum is little out of the town.
The Tropical Gardens of Nong Nooch
Nong Nooch is a tropical garden wonderland. The landscaping and beautiful display of plants and flowers put this garden on the map, winning it several awards along the way. The garden has an international flavor with its manicured 17th-century French-style garden and a realistic Stonehenge replica. Parts of the garden are comprised of specific species. There is a garden of cacti and succulents, and another devoted to the elegant bonsai tree. Many beautiful topiaries are on display. An orchid enthusiast’s paradise, the garden is home to orchid nurseries housing 670 native and hybrid species. The Thai Cultural Hall is situated within the walls of the garden. Here, visitors can see daily displays of traditional Thai dancing, Muay Thai (traditional fighting), and ancient drumming performances.
Pattaya’s Floating Market
The Floating Market is a melting pot of Thai cultures and traditions for its 4 major regions, the north, northeast, central, and south. Foods and handicrafts from all the regions vie for the visitor’s attention. The unique and distinct flavors and craftsmanship of each region are evident. There are more than 114 shops and vendors where you can buy Thai dishes, souvenirs, and a myriad of other reminders of an incredible journey. While part of the market is on land, there are vendors who trade from boats and canoes in the waterways alongside the stilted village. For a shopping adventure like no other, the Floating Market is a must-see.
Wat Phra Khao Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
This 18m high statue of the benevolent Buddha dominates the landscape, towering over Pattaya. It is located on the hill that divides Pattaya from Jomtien Beaches. The panoramic view of the hustle below is a contrast to the calm serenity of the temple complex. The temple serves as a place of worship for locals, who visit it regularly. The use of gold in the statue of the Buddha, as well as many of the smaller statues and carvings, creates an intriguing effect. Be prepared for plenty of stairs. However, those who have visited find them easy to manage and well worth the effort when they experience the unique ambiance at the top.
Khao Pattaya View Point
If you travel to the top of Pratumnak Hill, the picturesque view of Pattaya’s bay which is crescent-shaped. It is a photographer’s dream, as the essence of the entire area can be captured in an iconic shot. Many travelers on package tours will make a brief stop at the viewpoint before moving on to their next destination. There is plenty of standing room to get your picture postcard photo that captures the essence of your trip. Those who’ve been there recommend going in the late afternoon and staying until the early evening. In that way, you can capture a daylight shot and a photo after the city lights have come on.
Coral Island
One of Pattaya’s greatest attractions is its beautiful beaches. They offer white sand and waters that seem to be an impossible shade of blue. The beaches are the perfect way to soak up the gorgeous Thai sun and offer hours of swimming fun for kids and adults alike. If you’re visiting the beach, try and fit in a trip to Coral Island. This little slice of heaven is 7.5km west of Pattaya Beach. It is pristine and a welcome contrast with the hustle and bustle of the city. There are watersports such as jet skiing and parasailing among others for you to enjoy. You can take a day trip out to Coral Island and come back with a renewed sense of serenity and tranquility.
