PATTAYA
DESTINATION GUIDE

The Ultimate Guide Before You Plan for your Next Trip

Surrounded by scenic islands and powdery beaches Pattaya is essentially the heart of your Thai holiday trip. The entire destination is covered in patches of rain forest and sublime coastlines as the amusement parks and the themed gardens will entice you to explore more. The beauty of this place cannot be expressed in words as you will witness how the man-made structures and the natural landscapes combine together to give you the ultimate holiday sensation. With an abundance of beaches and national parks this place will certainly overwhelm your senses whilst the amusement parks and other family destinations will let you have a fascinating time.

Attractions in Pattaya

From ornate gardens to underwater sea aquariums, from sandy beaches to exotic islands, the major attractions of Pattaya will never seize to amuse you.

Sanctuary of Truth

The wooden architectural marvel of Pattaya is known for its impressive narratives and mind-boggling artwork. The wooden carvings depicts the stories of Thai philosophy and religion and it is indeed a spectacle to witness. The carvings tell the tales of many mythologies and ideologies which are core to Buddhism, as a religion, and concepts like Utopia, the enormous circle of human life, the relationship between man and the nature are all reflected through various artworks. There are provisions for horse riding, elephant trekking, and also a wee trip on the speedboat. You can also watch a match of feisty Thai boxing in this place.

Chang Siam Park

Pattaya has a resource of tropical rain forest and situated right in the middle of one such forest is the enchanting Chang Siam Park. The park is known for its contribution to the wildlife and ecosystem of Pattaya with particular focus on elephant preservation and conservation. Thailand, in general has a very harmonious relationship with the magnificent beats but at Chang Siam Park it is indeed something special. The manner in which the staff of this park take care of the baby and adult elephants is truly amazing and you are bound to have a lovely time. Here you get an opportunity to directly interact with the elephants and have a leisurely ride down the jungle path.

Coral Island

Coral Island presents itself as an enchanting destination for the tourists of Pattaya as it is only a 30 minutes ride on a speed-boat from the main coastlines of the province. The beautiful island is small and yet full of life as this little slice of paradise is bordered with white sandy beaches whilst the center is covered in lush green rain forest. Among all the beaches in the Coral Island the Tien is the most beautiful one whilst you can see many monkeys hanging from the trees in the popular Nual Beach. There are also nice restaurants and resorts in the Samae beach and the Tawaen beach where you can grab a lovely lunch.

Wat Yansangwararam

Pattaya has its fair share of wats and shrine and the Wat Yansangwararam is one of the prominent architectures which can easily be considered as one of the major attractions of Pattaya. The incredible architecture of the place reflects the traditional Thai art and design and it presents itself as a monument of Thai social values. As a tourist you can enjoy the palm-covered garden which surrounds the temple and it is dedicated to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, of Thailand marking his 42nd year in the reign. The place also has a beautiful Chinese pavilion with ornate statues and antiques. There is also a lake in the park adding to the overall beauty of the place.

Underwater World

The massive aquarium gives a glimpse of the underwater life of the tropical oceans and it is certainly one of the most impressive oceanarium in entire South-East Asia. Stretching for almost a 100 meters this aquarium has over 300 different species of marine creatures, big and small. As a visitor you are sure to get lost in the spectacle that this enormous aquarium has to offer. It is not just that you get to witness the sharks and the rays from outside the aquarium but you can also enjoy a dive inside the tank with trained guides and assistants. The experience of feeding the sharks of the aquarium is certainly something special.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

The tropical botanical garden, at the heart of Pattaya, is a beautiful paradise for locals and tourists alike. The entire garden is divided into various themed sections include a French garden, a palm valley with lots of tropical palm trees, an ornate orchid valley and also some cute little bonsai in a dedicated segment in the garden. The place also has the famous Thai Cultural Hall where you can witness some traditional Thai performance arts like the sword fighting, and dancing. The entire garden has a charming appeal as there are also various elephant shows going on, throughout the year. There are also guided day trips available which will allow you to see the various parts of this massive garden.

Jomtien Beach

Jomtien Beach has a special appeal when it comes to Pattaya, as it offers the much desired peace and tranquility to the tourists, away from the bustles of the main city. The beach is lined by several palm and coconut trees whilst the white sandy beaches offer the perfect excuse to lie down on the powdery sand and relax under the sun. The beach remains relatively empty when compared to the other beaches of Pattaya and you can indulge in many water-based activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing along many other activities. If you are traveling with your family then you must visit the Cartoon Network Amazone.

Art in Paradise

The three-dimensional art museum is something which is certainly out of the ordinary. With rich and vibrant color every piece of art displayed on the walls of the museum is a classic by its own rights. The interactive artworks are interesting and funny and they offer great photo opportunities for the people visiting the place. People who really understand and love art will be amazed to see the use of color and borders which make the pictures so lively. There are more than 100 different pictures in this museum which are segregated into different themes like in the form of wild animals, the nature, optical illusion, ancient civilization, and some replicas of classic arts which are displayed in some hilarious fashion.

Sanctuary of Truth

Chang Siam Park

Coral Island

Wat Yansangwararam

Underwater World

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

Jomtien Beach

Art in Paradise

Sanctuary of Truth

Chang Siam Park

Coral Island

Wat Yansangwararam

Big Buddha

Each of the Thai destinations have their own large statue of Lord Buddha and Pattaya's 18 meter tall golden statue is certainly a place to visit. Locally known as the Wat Phra Yai this beautiful sculpture is located at the top of the Pratamnak Hills. The entire hill is covered in dense forest and there are staircases leading to the statue. The railing of the staircase is carved into golden dragons adding to the overall appeal of the place. The view from the top of the hill is simply mind-blowing as you can see the forest from the distance. Many locals gather here on a regular basis to pay their homage. However, if you find it tedious to trek up the hill you can always hire a taxi which will take you there.

Ramayana Water Park

If you think that diving in the sea is a bit risky for you then you always have the Ramayana Water Park. This water themed park is adored by the local kids and if you are traveling with your family then you are bound to like it. There are as many as 21 different water rides available in this park and it will really freshen your mood up. There is a chilling free fall if you dare and for the less adventurous ones there are these spiral slides which leads to the huge pool of water. It is all fun and frolic in this park and if you are traveling to Pattaya during the hot and humid summer months then you should absolutely have a peek. There are also rides through green mazes and charming caves which will make your trip worthwhile.

Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm

Thailand has many beautiful gardens all around in every destination and Pattaya's Crocodile Farm and Million Years Stone Park are something special. With ornate flowers grabbing your attention you will also see some lovely bonsai plants increasing the overall beauty and appeal of this lovely little garden. There are fake boulders and water running around them, arranged in a perfect manner which will give you the feel as if it is a real jungle. There are plenty of crocodiles present in the farm for you to witness along with many other reptiles and animals including the might water monitor lizard and even some monkeys. You can enjoy the daily crocodile show that happens there in the park as it is marvelous to see how the performers interact with the animals.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo

Pattaya has a very close connection with animals and the Sriracha Tiger Zoo is a special place where you can find many kinds of animals in full display. More than a zoo this is a place where you can see some animals in action. The zoo got its name from the large number of tiger collection as you can also enjoy a mind-blowing tiger based shows in this park. Apart from tigers the place also have other animals like kangaroos, crocodiles, camels, ostriches, and also some colorful exotic birds. Nothing can take your minds out of things like a funny pig racing show. Then you have the crocodile egg hatching fest in months between May and August. Apart from that there are also many other kinds of animal shows happening round the year.

Mini Siam

For people who adores the miniature architectures from around the world this place is a real treat. Mini Siam offers a chance for the tourists to view all the famous international destinations in their small miniature forms and each of the models is accurate and designed to perfection. You can see Bangkok's Victory Museum in its smaller version and if you are traveling to Pattaya from Bangkok you can actually check how accurate and detailed the model is. Apart from that there is also the model of Wat Arun of Thailand along with other models of international destinations like Sydney Opera House, the L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Statue of Liberty, and also a beautiful replica of the Tower Bridge of London.

In the Spotlight

Pattaya has the highest expat population just after Bangkok and that is the reason why the food and restaurant scene of this city is quite vibrant. Besides authentic Thai food hubs you will find a hint of New York food along with a taste of Italian and French cuisine. Then there is also the strong influence of Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, and also Indian cuisines. The chefs of Pattaya are experimental and open to new ideas and that is what makes the eateries here so very interesting. From delectable sushi to mouth-watering curries the span of restaurants is really quite enormous when it comes to Pattaya.

Mantra Bar and Restaurant : Located on the Beach Road of Pattaya the Mantra Bar and Restaurant is one of the most popular eating houses of Pattaya. With a wide range of cuisines available here, Read More

including Chinese, Thai, and Japanese, this place draw a decent enough crowd comprising of the locals and the tourists alike. From sushi to pizza various kinds of comfort foods are available in this place as the restaurant itself has different chefs tackling the different branches of the menu. The seafood is fresh as expected as the dark red and black color scheme of the eatery evokes a classy appeal. The wagyu steak is quite fancy in this place as the sushi are the most popular items of the menu Read less

Indian By Nature : Isn't there a comfort in the name itself? We bet that there is! This family-run Indian restaurant has rescuied many Indian travelers who were craving for some Indian food during their trip to the orientals.

So venture inside this restaurant without hesitation as the extensive menu of this place will offer you some delightful vegetarian option for you to choose and savor. The award-winning chef of this place is known for his twist in the tale recipes as you can enjoy some scrumptious Achari Gobis along with soft and succulent Naan. There are option for non-vegetarians also as the chef himself has a signature dish known as the Sashi kofta curry- a typical Mughlai minced meat recipe. Read less

The Bistro : Didn't we tell you that Pattaya is full of European and American expats? Well now it is your turn to taste the Thai version of the European eateries in Pattaya. Read More

The Bistro is a classic example of a Swiss restaurant serving the finest variety of cheese and wine in the town. Wine loving expats and tourists flock to this place to enjoy the grand selection of red and white wines whilst the variety of cheese are even better. Apart from the typical wine and cheese there are also a different kinds of chicken, seafood, vegetarian, and meat sandwiches available at this place as the salads are prepared from the freshest of ingredients from the markets. With a nice bottle of red you can try out the Read less

Bruno's Restaurant and Wine Bar : The Pattaya's love affair with wine does not end at the Bistro's as here at Bruno's you will also get to witness another fine display of wine cellars tempting you to have a fantastic dining experience. Read More

The specialty of Bruno's is that they blend the local seafood with wine pretty well and everything starting from salmon to tuna are fresh and scrumptious. The chef of this place also has a knack of experimenting with the vegetarian dishes as well as you can enjoy the avocado sour cream and the beetroot-radish capracio. The restaurant will greet you with a glass of wine and a light tapas menu upon your entry as you can also explore the huge variety of cheese available at this place. Read less

Bronx Pizza : Want to slice a pizza and pick it with your hands? Pattaya offers you that option too at Bronx. The namesake of a famous New York pizza-joint this place has a very distinct American vibe to it. Read More

This is another fine example of how Pattaya has molded itself to welcome the expats the tourists from the States. However, that does not mean that the Indian tourists should be deprived from having a nice cheese-filled crust pizza at this marvelous outlet. The place boasts its authentic recipes of dough and sauce and the combination is truly exceptional. The meat and the vegetable used for the toppings are sources locally as the whole 18 inch pizza will certainly prove to be a delight for you and your family. Read less Read less

Thai Baht is most definitely the main currency that is acceptable in Pattaya and as a cash dependent economy all the local shops and restaurants accept only cash. That is why it is important that you hit the nearest FOREX office as soon as you get down from your flight and convert your currency in order to have a great time at Pattaya. Some of the major shopping malls and high-end restaurants do accept the international debit or credit cards but you will be amazed to see that the Western expats also prefer to pay by cash. From tasting local foods to entering into one of the beautiful gardens or parks, from paying the taxi to going on an island hopping experience, everything needs to be paid by Thai Baht in Pattaya.

Special Tips

The Thai foods are available at a cheaper price, even more so if you are buying from the street-side food stalls. For two people they will charge around 80 Bahts or so.
In a mid-range restaurant the price of food for a couple of people will reach to around 1000 to 1200 Bahts depending on the food you choose.
A ride on a taxi will cost you around 80 to 90 Bahts whilst a songthaew ride will cost you around 30 Bahts.
There are plenty of ATMs available around the prime locations of Pattaya making it easier for you to withdraw cash.

Entertainment & Event

The city where the monitor lizards roam safely with people welcomes you with smiles and wonders.

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Party capital of Thailand, Pattaya, is rich in its natural resources and forest reserves. The Nong Nooch National Park is a treasure-chest of various species of plants and it is regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens of the world, all for the right reasons. From various kinds of tropical plants the garden houses different species of palm trees, orchids, and bonsai. Palm and coconut trees are also available in the coastlines of the province, near the sea. All the islands surrounding the coastline are also covered in virgin rain forest and are habitats of many birds and animals. Reptiles like monitor lizard, water monitor, crocodiles, and snakes are found in plenty in Pattaya.

Larger mammals like elephants and tigers can be observed in captivity in the natural reserves spread across Pattaya. Orangutans, languors, and golden monkeys can be seen hanging from the trees whilst there are also some gibbons in some islands surrounding the coast. Some of the preserved habitats also provide home for animals like giraffes, emus, ostriches, and llamas. The forestland also offer home to many exotic birds like horn-bill. The rivers and lakes running through Pattaya also has a rich marine life and catfish are seen in plenty in those lakes.
Festivals

Festivals

Festivals

Pattaya is the ultimate destination for the tourists as there are many vibrant and fun festivals and events are celebrated in this place. Maya Music Festival of Pattaya is a perfect example of how the local Thai culture has perfectly blended with the Western counterparts and created a happy harmony of lights and music. The Burapa Bike Week, also known as the Pattaya Bike Week, is also an event which grabs a lot of international attention. Held in the middle of February this event turns out to be quite a celebration as the local bikers gather here to participate. Live rock music and good food add to the flavor of this festival. Then in the month of March there is the Pattaya Music Festival where hundreds of local rock and pop bands perform.

Apart from the festivals and events of international flavor Pattaya is also known for its traditional Thai festivals like Songkran. This mid-summer's event brings out the happiest people of Pattaya to celebrate out on the streets. Being a coastal region Pattaya also celebrates a lot of maritime events and occasions. The annual Top of the Gulf Regatta is one such marvelous event where you can witness racing yachts on the Gulf of Thailand. The four day event attracts a decent enough crowd from around the country. Then there is also the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show where you can witness the luxury boats and yachts of the land.
culture

culture

Culture

Pattaya is a land with lots of ambition and it is one of the most internationally exposed provinces of Thailand. In many aspects Pattaya has surpassed Bangkok and has became a real party hub for the young tourists from India. The city has a fabulous multi-cultural vibe and you can encounter equal ratio of locals and expats in and around the beach areas. Pattaya is very westernized in its appeal with western restaurants, pubs, and clubs entertaining guests from around the world. The people of Pattaya are very open to the foreigners as you can enjoy a nicely woven fabric of multiple nationalities and cultures staying together in this beautiful paradise.

Pattaya is a land with lots of ambition and it is one of the most internationally exposed provinces of Thailand. In many aspects Pattaya has surpassed Bangkok and has became a real party hub for the young tourists from India. The city has a fabulous multi-cultural vibe and you can encounter equal ratio of locals and expats in and around the beach areas. Pattaya is very westernized in its appeal with western restaurants, pubs, and clubs entertaining guests from around the world. The people of Pattaya are very open to the foreigners as you can enjoy a nicely woven fabric of multiple nationalities and cultures staying together in this beautiful paradise.