Things to do in Pattaya
Discover Pattaya. From exploring the seabed to uncovering cultural gems, find all you need to know about things to do and see in Pattaya and its surroundings.
There’s more to Pattaya than just the Walking Street. There are plenty of other activities to tempt people of all ages and genders. While the city is known for its sultry aspects, it also has another side that will leave you intrigued! Find all the information you need on what to do in Pattaya.
Sanctuary of Truth - ปราสาทสัจธรรม
Built entirely of wood, the Sanctuary of Truth or Prasat Sam Ja-Tam is a subtle blend of traditional Thai, Hindu, Khmer and other styles. This architectural gem showcases magnificent wooden architecture and features sculptures and images from South-East Asian mythologies. The building is very imposing, culminating at a height of 105 meters, making it one of the most impressive constructions in the region. It’s a must-see monument in the region.
The Sanctuary of Truth is open daily from 8am to 6pm. Admission costs 500 baht for adults and 250 baht for children.
Sanctuary of Truth Admission and Guided Tour
This ticket will grant you access to the Sanctuary of Truth, a 105-metre-tall temple that is made entirely of wood and a typical example of Thai architecture.
As you walk through the temple’s halls, you will find ornate carvings that feature Thai, Khmer, Chinese, and Indian religious iconographies. Your guide will tell you what the iconographies signify as well as about Thailand’s traditional architecture.
Booking
Koh Larn Island Tour
Koh Larn, also known as Koh Lan, is conveniently situated just 7 km off the coast of Pattaya, reachable by a 30-minute boat ride. This island offers the perfect escape from the bustling streets of Pattaya, whether you’re looking for a day trip or a short getaway. While it’s a popular destination among tourists, especially on weekends, Koh Larn boasts six main beaches and several smaller, picturesque spots worth exploring. The larger beaches are well-developed, featuring sun loungers and a variety of restaurants.
Koh Larn Island Tour with Lunch
This full-day island adventure will allow you to explore the island of Koh Larn, with round-trip transportation from Pattaya. You’ll have a chance to embark on a snorkelling session to see native marine flora and fauna up close. Depending on the option that you choose, you can also enjoy fun water activities, such as parasailing, banana boat riding and jet skiing. To complete your island excursion, this tour comes with a delicious lunch of local specialities.
Underwater World Pattaya
This is the city’s largest aquarium. Located on Sukhumvit Road, Underwater World brings together the different marine species that inhabit Thailand’s shores in several zones. The area is divided into three zones: Coral Reef Zone, Shark and Stingray Zone and Giant of Siam Zone.
You go from one to the other by following three transparent tunnels (150 metres in total) through the heart of the pools. The effect is guaranteed, with manta rays flying overhead, nonchalant barracudas staring back at you, sharks darting between the (fake) reefs, moray eels lurking, and so on.
Between each zone, you can enjoy aquariums featuring smaller but colourful species.
Tickets to Underwater World Pattaya
Admission to an indoor aquarium with a vast collection of the country’s marine life.
This ticket will give you the chance to enter Underwater World Pattaya. At this indoor aquarium, you’ll be able to cross a 100-metre-long glass tunnel and watch life forms in marine water and freshwater zones.
Booking
Pattaya Big Buddha Temple
It’s not the biggest Buddha in Thailand, but it’s a place worth visiting. This 18-metre-high golden Buddha statue overlooks Pattaya.
To get there, you have to climb a long staircase framed by two enormous Naga. At the top are several statues representing different moments in the history of the Buddha. It’s a simple temple that has the advantage of offering a panoramic view of the city and in particular of the setting sun.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden covers an area of 272 hectares. It’s a major tourist attraction in the region, attracting over 5,000 visitors a day. Originally a botanical garden displaying a wide range of plants and tree species, the park has been featuring dinosaurs for some years now! Life-size dinosaurs! It’s a popular spot for Thai families.
City Sightseeing Pattaya Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Discover beautiful Pattaya at your own pace with a 24, 48 or 72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour. You’ll see all the main sights and attractions that this amazing city has to offer, including Nong Nooch Tropical Garden- a paradise full of amazing plants! Enjoy the beautiful views over Pattaya from the open-top deck while you make use of the informative audio commentary available in several languages. Book your City Sightseeing ticket today!
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Khao Chi Chan Buddha Mountain
Khao Chi Chan is actually the outline of an image of Buddha etched into the rock face using lasers. The image is 130 metres high and 70 metres wide. It is known as Maha Vajira Uttamobhassada, meaning the great prophet who brings enlightenment. There are pretty, well-kept gardens all around.
Open daily from 8am to 6pm.
The Amazing Baan Sukhawadee Palace
Baan Sukhawadee is a palace in Thailand that was built by Mr Panya Chotitawan in the early 2000s. He wanted to showcase the skills of the Thai workforce and provide job opportunities during the economic crisis at that time. The palace is situated on an 80-hectare site with direct access to the sea. The architecture is a mix of 19th-century European classicism and kitschy rococo. The main building has six storeys and there are various annexes, all painted in pink and blue. Inside, there is a statue of Guan Yin covered in diamonds, a fossilized elephant tusk, a restaurant, and a building with a huge Buddha image. The palace also has a park with an artificial waterfall, a pool with statues, and a botanical garden with exotic plants and flowers. The most popular feature of Baan Sukhawadee is its illuminations, which are displayed on certain occasions.
The palace is open every day from 08:00 to 21:00, and there is an admission charge of 20.
Exploring Pattaya’s Diverse Dive Sites and Activities
Pattaya is a remarkable diving destination for several reasons. You can explore captivating islands and wrecks like Koh Krok, Koh Sak, HTMS Mattaphon at Koh Larn, HTMS Khram at Koh Pai, and HTMS Kut, among others. The variety of dive sites caters to all levels of experience. Additionally, you can enjoy complementary activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to explore the area from the water’s surface.
Guided Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Adventure
On this five-hour tour, you will get to discover the underwater world of Pattaya. You can gear up with a tank and go deep or just skim the surface with a snorkel. Either way, you will be taken to the best locations for viewing colourful coral gardens and schools of multihued fish. Depending on your itinerary, you will explore islands or exciting shipwrecks.
