Water Sports, Night Markets & Scenic Views: 15 Best Sights To Visit In Pattaya

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We're always up for a vacation, and if you are a water baby like us, you should head to Pattaya. The city has fantastic nightlife with 24-hour clubs and bars (cc: Sin City) and beaches with views that make all and any adjective an understatement. The city moulds itself according to the travellers, meaning it is a perfect family vacation spot with temples and monuments, but if you are visiting as a solo traveller or with your girlfriends for a bachelorette, then Pattaya can be a whole different experience for you. Here are the top recommendations for places to see and things to do in Pattaya! 

Best Time To Visit: Plan your visit between November to February for pleasant weather.

Best Way To Reach: The best way to reach Pattaya is to fly to Bangkok and then take a bus to Pattaya, about 147 km away. 

Pattaya Beach

A three-kilometre-long beach, Pattaya Beach is the first beach you should visit. The views it offers are absolutely phenomenal, with a variety of water sports including parasailing and kayaking. To avoid crowds, we recommend heading to the northern part of the beach. You will easily find numerous lodgings near the beach, along with souvenir shops selling all kinds of chains, bracelets, and magnets. The food around the beach is absolutely delectable, offering the freshest seafood.

Timings: Open 24 hours; water sports start at 9:30 AM and can be experienced until sunset.

Jomtien Beach

If you're seeking a less crowded beach with more space and fewer people, then Jomtien Beach is the place for you. Located in the southern part of Pattaya, it has numerous top-notch massage spots that you should definitely indulge in. This is where you'll catch the most exquisite sunsets, and the nearby restaurants offer some of the best food in Pattaya.

Timings: Open 24 hours. 

Bang Sean Beach

Bang Sean Beach should be on your itinerary if you're on a romantic getaway. This beach is adorned with lush beauty, a long line of palm trees, and a beautiful shoreline where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply bask in the stunning views. Additionally, there's a renowned public park called Laem Taen, perfect for leisurely strolls, relaxation, and dining.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Naklua Beach

Located on the northern side of Pattaya, Naklua Beach derives its name from the local language, which means 'salt field.' Renowned for its fishing boat rentals and surfable waves, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the main city. We recommend unwinding in a beach shack, savouring coconut mocktails, and enjoying the breathtaking sunset.

Timings: Open 24 hours. 

Tiger Topia Zoo

Previously known as SriRacha Tiger Zoo, Tiger Topia Zoo is the largest tiger zoo and offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Visitors can have their picture taken with a baby tiger, providing a wholesome yet thrilling interaction between humans and tigers. It is a must-visit, especially if you have children with you. We recommend booking this experience in advance, as there is a limited number of walks conducted each day.

Timings: 9 AM - 3 PM

Entry Fee: INR 980 (approx.)

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum

You can't miss the famous US counterpart, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum in Pattaya. It's guaranteed to excite, scare, and amaze you with various interactive experiences like haunted houses, 9DX movie theatres, and wax statues. Our favourite exhibit is the Titanic, constructed entirely from matchsticks.

Timings: 11 AM - 10 PM

Price: Starting at INR 3,000

Art In Paradise Museum

Another great place to explore with friends and family is the Art In Paradise Museum. The optical illusions will leave you stunned, to say the least, providing a super fun experience. With over eight exhibitions, each dedicated to a unique theme, every corner of the place is Instagram-worthy!

Timings: 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Price: INR 354

Frost Magical Ice Of Siam

Frost Magical Ice of Siam is a cultural center offering both indoor and outdoor activities and is the ideal day-out spot in Pattaya. You will spot a lot of sculptures outdoors, and dive deep into Thai culture, history, heritage, mythologies, the ways of life there, and literature. Indoor activities include dressing up in a snowsuit and experiencing temperatures as low as minus ten degrees Celsius for ice slides and ice skiing.

Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM

Price: Starting at INR 1,000 

Nong Nooch Botanical Garden

This beautiful garden spans across 500 acres and features various sections dedicated to different forms of architecture and gardening practices. With a central fountain and a sky-walking experience with breathtaking views, this place will keep you coming back for more. Plus, you may have the chance to witness martial arts showcases and elephant shows if luck is on your side.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Price: Starting at INR 1,000

Pattaya Viewpoint

If you're seeking a spectacular skyline experience, the Pattaya Viewpoint is a must-visit destination. Situated between Jomtien Beach and south Pattaya, this spot offers stunning views of the cityscape from a height and shows the curved outline of the bay. We recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon to catch the best views, plus it's also not that crowded then.

Timings: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Entry: Free

Coral Island

Coral Island is another popular tourist spot, only six to seven kilometres from Pattaya. Many folks come here to relax and indulge in fun water sports like surfing and snorkelling. The island is famous for its rich coral and marine life, and the best time to visit is from November to March.

Timings: 9 AM - 4 PM

Sanctuary Of Truth

Touted as the largest wooden castle, the Sanctuary of Truth is not only a castle but also a temple and a museum. Each wooden carving represents the ingenuity of Thai craftsmanship and embodies various values, ethics, morals, and meanings of life within the culture. You can enjoy horse carriage rides and elephant rides on the premises and buy souvenirs for friends and family.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry Fee: Starting at INR 500

Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Temple)

A Buddha image engraved with a laser on a limestone apartment attracts tourists from around the world. The figure commemorates King Rama IX's ascension to the throne and is surrounded by lush greenery. You can also enjoy activities such as meditation or traditional dances in the area.

Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM

Pattaya Floating Market

Pattaya has some of the most impressive markets, and the Pattaya Floating Market tops the game for us. Reflecting the riverside lifestyle of Pattaya, this market is famous for its array of handcrafted soaps, bags, spa items, and more. The culinary offerings are equally impressive, and you can easily explore the entire market within two to three hours.

Timings: 9 AM - 8 AM 

Pratamnak Night Market

Pratamnak Market is a shopper's paradise; it's where you fill your bags to the brim! They sell various products, from decor to raw Thai spices, footwear, and accessories. You'll also find local artisans showcasing their craftsmanship, providing a unique shopping experience. Moreover, the street food will have you returning for more every night of your trip.

Timings: 6 PM - 12 AM

Pro-Tip

Looking for another beach destination? Check out our Sri Lanka itinerary here.

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A literature post-graduate, with over a year of experience in all things content, and loves writing about fashion, pop-culture, and academia.