Pattaya attractions and activities
Pattaya attractions
Although most people know Pattaya for its notorious nightlife scene, this ‘sin city’ is not only all about smoky-eyed go-go girls or spectacular transsexual shows. An array of attractions dots the city, depicting Pattaya’s excellent tourist infrastructure, which is usually hidden behind its scandalous and seedy side.
Pattaya activities
A variety of tourist venues are in fact well worth exploring, with notable destinations including several interesting museums, impressive temples and a fantastic aquarium.
Sun loungers will be happy to find that Pattaya is home to many beaches. Pattaya Beach is usually very busy and probably the most popular among tourists, with a wide range of facilities and water sports. Jomtien Beach is cleaner and quieter, with better quality water. It’s also here where you can find a number of sailing clubs and it is also the only gay beach in Pattaya.
Those looking for ultimately clean beaches, head to Koh Larn, located within a short ferry ride away from Pattaya, with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
If you travel with children, do not miss Underwater World, located near Tescos on Sukhumvit road, while the quirky Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in the Royal Garden plaza on Beach road will excite your little ones with a variety of exhibits.
Another noteworthy museum is the Museum of Bottle Art, boasting fascinating collections of miniature art including Thai temples and Dutch windmills, all marking their territory inside glass bottles. The Museum of Bottle Art is not only museum that showcases miniature replicas of the world’s renowned attractions however.
More on attractions in Pattaya.
The beautiful Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua soi 12 was built to reflect the grandeur of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, while Mini Siam on Sukhumvit road boasts a plethora of mini-sized tourist venues including the Eiffel Tower, the Parthenon and the hugely famous Statue of Liberty.
Pattaya activities
A convenient getaway for Bangkokians and foreigners who want to get a glimpse of the beaches or take a peek at the starry-eyed go-go girls that the city is so hugely famous for, Pattaya is a thriving oasis of activities both for thrill-seekers and the lazy lot.
Water activities are also aplenty in Pattaya, most of which are operated by tour companies or agents located in Walking street, or along the waterfront. Opportunities to have fun in Pattaya are endless. Here’s the lowdown on what’s on the offer in this electrifying city.
Amusement parks: Pattaya has the best selection of themed parks in Thailand, ranging from a ‘mini Siam’ to water parks, an aquarium and even a tiger zoo. This makes Pattaya a surprisingly good destination for families. More details on various parks attractions.
Bungy-jumping: a favourite activity among tourists, the city’s 50-metre bungy jump is located next to a small lake in the populated Jomtien. International jump masters are there to give advice and assist first-timers. There’s a small bar providing drinks and snacks.
Cycling: is an ideal way to explore Pattaya at your own pace. Along the waterfront are many bicycle ranks where you can rent a wide range of bicycles including BMX, ladies’ and mountain bikes.
Go-karting: the Pattaya Kart Speedway in Jomtien offers three tracks for exciting go-karting experiences for both newbies and go-karting professionals.
Golfing: Pattaya is a golfing paradise, boasting more than 20 courses of international standard where you can practice Tiger Woods swings on holiday. The fees range from 300 baht to 2,000 baht for international venues, while caddies and golf carts are also available at an extra cost.
Horseback-riding: is a fun activity for both kids and adults. Stables can be found at Horseshoe Point Riding Academy and trekking is on offer near the Bira Circuit. Optionally, you can choose to whoop it up hi-so style at the International Polo Ground, right outside Pattaya.
Kids activities: the ultimate area for kids in Pattaya is probably the Royal Garden Pattaya, where you can find a wide range of activities including bumper cars, a simulator, small rides and a variety of video games. Ripley’s Believe It or Not is also located here.
Motor biking: is ubiquitous in Pattaya and there are several places along Beach road soi 2, 8 and 13/1 where you can rent the bikes. Cool and tough as it may seem, this activity can be very dangerous as daredevil bikers tend to drive very fast and neglect the road rules. Expect to pay about 1,500 to 2,000 baht a day for a big motorbike.
Nightlife: Pattaya isn’t known for being the naughtiest city in Thailand for nothing. The most famous area is Walking street in south Pattaya, which is home to countless girly bars and discos.
Parasailing: enjoy your 15 expensive minutes flying like a bird with this exciting sport which takes place offshore. A pick-up is normally arranged from the New Pier or from Pattaya Beach.
Tiffany shows: while it’s nothing compared to Broadway, Tiffany shows will spice up your evenings. Enjoy a wide range of first-class musical shows performed by skilled Thai drag queens.
Water parks: have a family day out with your children at Pattaya Park, a popular water park in Jomtien. Have a splash in one of its many whirlpools or risk having a heart attack on one of many exciting water slides.
Water sports: something you will be obliged to do in any resort city. Enjoy a bumpy ride on a banana boat dragged by a speedboat or experience Pattaya’s underwater wonders with one of Pattaya’s ubiquitous diving companies. Jet-skiing is also a favourite with tourists.
More information on activities in Pattaya.
