Visit Pattaya: The 8 Most Impressive Things To Do

Thailand is famous for its coastal cities. Pattaya is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the land of the Golden Temple. It is located about 165 km southeast of Bangkok, Thailand. In the past, it was just a simple and idyllic fishing village. It is this that has made a unique attraction of Pattaya tourism.

So are you curious about Pattaya? Don’t worry!!

This guide has all the information you need, about things to do, where to stay, what to eat, some tips for you before you visit Pattaya and much more.

Hanoi Voyages, experts with many years of experience in tourism, will accompany you along your trip. What are you waiting for, contact us immediately to plan your trip.

Things to do in Pattaya

Relax on Pattaya beach

Relax on the iconic Beach, enjoy water sports, or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade.

• Lounging in the sun with a cool drink
• Trying out a fun water sport
• Indulging in fresh seafood at a seaside eatery
• Capturing Instagram-worthy sunset snapshots
• Exploring vibrant marine life through a diving or snorkeling excursion

Visit Wat Huay Yai Temple

I can assure you that a visit to the majestic Wat Phra Yai. Nestled in the charming hills of Pratumnak, this Buddhist temple, founded in the 1940s, houses the largest gold Buddha statue in the region, a monument visible even from a distance.

The temple is open daily from 7am to 10pm. Remember to wear modest, respectful clothing that covers your shoulders and knees according to temple standards.

Pattaya Walking Street

The pulsating heart of the city’s nightlife scene, this is quite honestly.

• Let your senses be captivated by the variety of bars, clubs and shows featuring local and international DJs.
• Surprise your palate with mouthwatering Thai street food; nothing compares after a rock concert.

*Get out after 10 p.m. when the crowds start to arrive and stay alert.

Explore the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

When you visit Pattaya, you should go to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a beautifully landscaped park suitable for day trips that you should list in the best things to do in Pattaya. The entire area offers tourists exciting daily cultural performances, accommodation and restaurants, and extensive gallery spaces.

A wonderful walk in this place seems to circumnavigate the world through many famous gardens, be it Stonehenge, a 17th-century French garden or a European Renaissance garden. Other attractions are the species-specific gardens, such as cacti and succulents, tropical palm gardens, orchid nurseries, bonsai and bonsai gardens.

*Remember to bring your most comfortable shoes, rent a bike, and prepare for an outing unlike any other!

Reflect at The Sanctuary of Truth

Tucked away on Pattaya’s western coast, The Sanctuary of Truth is unlike any temple – it’s a realm of reflection carved entirely from teak wood. Here are some things to do in this destination:

• Stop for a moment and admire the Ayutthaya-style architecture steeped in Buddhist and Hindu influences.
• Take a break to watch the skilled craftsmen at work, their workmanship captivating.
• Don’t be satisfied with the attraction inside, the picturesque gardens outside offer enchanting views

Participate in Thai Cooking Class

Exploring the authentic Thai culinary culture, surrounded by a global tribe of food enthusiasts. It was a delightfully immersive activity, packed with guided tours of neighborhood markets, unraveling the secrets behind selecting the perfect Thai ingredients. The course turned out to be a wonderful combination of education and entertainment, bringing rich flavors to the soul of Thai cuisine.

Explore the Pattaya Night Bazaar

The Night Bazaar is one spot you simply can’t miss in top things to do in Pattaya. This is a bustling indoor market with over 250 stalls and various shops, providing a truly enjoyable Thai shopping experience.

A night at here is more than just shopping; it’s an unforgettable Thai cultural experience!

Explore the Big Buddha Temple

The Big Buddha Temple is an awe-inspiring destination that will take your breath away, from the large Buddha statue to the sweeping city views.Perched atop Pratumnak Hill, it is a spiritual mecca that offers a unique combination of religious reverence, beautiful architecture and a tranquil atmosphere.

Upon reaching the temple, pay respect, receive a blessing from a monk, and soak up the magnificent views of Koh Larn Island and nearby beaches.

Pattaya Street Food

8 must-try delicious dishes in Pattaya

Khao Gaeng

It means “cover rice with a topping”, which is a popular street food. This local dish is served with stir-fried curried rice and vegetables or meat stacked on top.

Kai Jeow

This Thai dish consists of a plate of soft omelet served over cooked rice and flavored with fish sauce or chili.

Moo Ping

Enjoy the taste of local grilled pork as you stroll the streets of Pattaya. This mouthwatering dish features grilled pork on wooden skewers with sticky rice and chef’s sauce. There are other types of meat such as flat chicken, which is grilled with a marinade and has a tender taste.

Som Tum

Known as the Papaya salad, unlike its name this famous street delicacy tastes very spicy. Made with raw papaya, dried seafood, peanuts, tomatoes, beans, fish sauce and chili which is the vital ingredient in the listing.

Satay

It is quite common to find vendors selling chicken, sausages, pork and even fish satay screwed in an oversized toothpick at every corner of the street.

Gai Yang with Khao Niao

Consisting only of grilled chicken and sticky rice, this dish is served with several sauces ranging from the usual sweet chili sauce, a popular Asian dipping sauce, to the super spicy local dipping sauce.

Pad Thai (Thai-Style Fried Noodles)

A staple of Thai cuisine, Thai fried noodles are one of the classic delicacies served around the world. Quick and easy to prepare, this casual dish is made with noodles, eggs, onions and meat (usually shrimp, quite popular in Pattaya) as a base.

Pla Pao

A fairly popular and delicious dish among street food, this dish has a thick layer of salt on the fish, which helps keep the meat succulent and moist under the heat of the grill. In addition, lemongrass is also used to create a sour and fruity taste for fish, and can be served with garlic chili seafood sauce, creating a perfect dinner.

Best Pattaya Restaurant

Pattaya offers a wide range of restaurants catering to different tastes and preferences, so it’s subjective to label a single restaurant as the absolute best. However, here are a few highly regarded restaurants known for their quality food, ambiance, and service:

Where to stay in Pattaya – Some Pattaya hotels

Pattaya offers a wide range of hotels catering to various budgets and preferences. Here are some well-regarded options:

Luxury Hotels

• InterContinental Pattaya Resort: A luxurious beachfront resort with stunning views, private villas, and upscale amenities.
• Royal Cliff Beach Hotel: Part of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, this resort features a range of accommodation options, beautiful pools, and ocean views.
• Dusit Thani Pattaya: Known for its elegant Thai architecture, this hotel offers luxurious rooms, beachfront dining, and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Hilton Pattaya: A modern and upscale hotel with sea views, rooftop dining, and convenient access to Central Festival Pattaya Beach Mall.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Holiday Inn Pattaya: Offers comfortable rooms, family-friendly amenities, and is conveniently located near shopping and entertainment.
• Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya: A family-friendly resort with a water park, direct beach access, and a variety of activities.
• Aya Boutique Hotel Pattaya: Modern and stylish hotel with well-appointed rooms, a rooftop pool, and central location.
• Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya: A rock-themed hotel with a lively atmosphere, great for families and music enthusiasts.

Budget Hotels

• LK The Empress: Offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and is situated close to the beach and nightlife.
• Flipper House Hotel: Budget-friendly hotel with simple rooms, located near Walking Street and the beach.
• Red Planet Pattaya: A budget hotel with clean and functional rooms, centrally located for easy access to attractions.

How to get to Pattaya

Pattaya is a popular beach destination located on the eastern Gulf of Thailand. It’s easily accessible from various parts of Thailand.

Bangkok to Pattaya

Getting to Pattaya from Bangkok is easy as the cities are well connected via Highway 7 (Motorway) and Highway 3 (Bangna-Chonburi route).

By Bus

This transportation is extremely the cheapest and most comfortable way.

A direct bus departs from Bangkok Mo Chit or Ekkamai BTS and arrives at Pattaya Bus Terminal. It has daily trips from 5:30am until as late as 11:30 PM. You can book bus tickets through local bus companies’ online portals or just show up at the bus terminal on the day you’re traveling and buy a seat on the next available bus.

Duration: two and a half hours. The ticket cost: ~ 130 baht.

By Train

Trains aren’t the most convenient way to travel between Bangkok and Pattaya, but if you still want an authentic Thai experience using local transport, this might be the best option for you.

There are only two trains connecting the two cities, and they both leave Bangkok before 7am (at 6:45am and 6:55am) on weekdays only – trains don’t run between two places on weekends or at all in the afternoons. They’re not going to be the most comfortable option, but they do give you the best immersion experience you can ask for.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport)

By Taxi

Taxis are available from the airport directly to Pattaya. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

By Bus

Airport buses also run from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya.

By Airplane

While Pattaya does not have its own airport, you can fly to nearby U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport and then take ground transportation to Pattaya.

Pattaya’s convenient location and well-developed transportation options make it easily accessible from various parts of Thailand. Choose the mode of transportation that best suits your preferences, budget, and travel plans.

Pattaya weather – The best time to visit

Pattaya weather has three seasons:

• The Cool Season (November to February)
• The Hot Season (March to May)
• The Rainy Season (June to October)

The official best time to visit Pattaya begins from November and ends in February. The Pattaya weather during this season is quite low and pleasant with the minimum temperature going down to 20°C. It is the best season to visit Pattaya because one can enjoy all kinds of outdoor as well as indoor activities during this season. The best month to visit Pattaya is December, when there are Christmas celebrations in the town. The whole city is beautifully decorated, and on New Year’s Eve, one gets to enjoy fireworks on the Beach. The December weather only helps in enhancing the experience of the visitors.

Tips for you to visit Pattaya

• Carry a copy of your passport.
• Either carry it with you or take a photo of the hotel business card.
• Carry a small bottle of mosquito repellent at all times, even during the daytime
• Add the Thai Tourist Police telephone number (1155) to your contacts
• Download a map/navigation app to your phone
• Get yourself a Thai SIM card (you can buy in Klook or in the airport)