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The bustling beach city of Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist and expat destinations thanks to its fun nightlife and lively atmosphere.
Just a few hours south of Bangkok, Pattaya has gorgeous beaches to relax on by day and countless bars, clubs, and restaurants to socialize in by night. It’s also home to some interesting cultural attractions that will help you learn more about the city and the wider province of Chon Buri.
Let’s take a look at 24 unmissable Pattaya attractions to help inform your upcoming visit.
1. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Photo Credit: Konstantin Aksenov
- Website: nongnoochtropicalgarden.com/home
- Address: 34 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
- Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
The sprawling parkland at Nong Nooch is a tranquil haven. Its gardens are split into a variety of themes, including 17th-century France and the European Renaissance. There’s also a Thai Cultural Hall where traditional Thai cultural shows take place, such as dancing, sword-fighting, and kickboxing.
2. Pattaya Beach Road
- Website: pattayacity.com/beach_rd.html
- Address: Beach Rd, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 24/7
This two-mile stretch of road runs right along the beach and is lined with cafes, bars, and shops. It’s busy day and night, and at weekends, you can also expect to see street food stalls and pop-up restaurants.
3. Beaches in Pattaya
Photo Credit: Charoen Krung Photography
Pattaya’s beautiful beaches have crystal-clear waters that rival the idyllic shorelines of Krabi and Phuket. There are plenty of options to choose from, including Wong Amat, Naklua, Bamboo Beach, and Koh Si Chang, but these two are by far the most popular:
Pattaya Beach
- Address: Beach Rd, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 24/7
The city’s main stretch of sand runs parallel to Pattaya Beach Road, which means it’s almost always busy. Sunbathe, swim, boat, or give watersports a try. Refreshments are available in the many beachside bars, restaurants, and shops.
Jomtien Beach
- Address: Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 24/7
This tranquil beach lies just over a mile away from Pattaya Beach, but its atmosphere is far more relaxed. Jomtien Beach is ideal for families, and despite its chilled atmosphere, there’s plenty to do. Jet-skiing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and parasailing are all popular here.
4. The Sanctuary of Truth
- Website: sanctuaryoftruthmuseum.com
- Address: 206, 2 Pattaya-Na Kluea Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
This 344-foot-tall teak wood temple blends Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Khmer architecture and boasts incredibly detailed carvings that are still in progress to this day. Visit for a moment of peace to contemplate the cycle of life.
5. Koh Larn (Coral Island)
Take a day trip to Koh Larn by speedboat or ferry to experience paradise. Expect white sand beaches, monkey sightings, and opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, banana boat rides, and motorbike island tours.
6. Art in Paradise
- Website: museumthailand.com/Art-in-Paradise-Interactive-3D-Art-Museum
- Address: 78/34 Pattaya Sai Song Rd, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 9 am – 10.30 pm daily
Art in Paradise is a fun illusion art museum with different themed zones, including safari, dinosaurs, and fantasy. It’s a popular tourist attraction for rainy days or to escape the heat.
7. Ramayana Water Park
Photo Credit: pichitchai
- Website: ramayanawaterpark.com
- Address: 9 Moo 7, Ban Yen Rd, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
- Opening hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily except Wednesday
Ramayana Water Park is the biggest of its kind in Thailand, and it’s perfect for kids and adults of all ages. There’s a mix of thrilling and gentle rides, a double wave pool, a lazy river, and activities like water polo and volleyball.
8. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
- Address: 384 Regent Soi 2, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily
There are several Buddhist temples in Pattaya, but Wat Phra Yai is one of the most iconic. It consists of a 60-foot golden Buddha statue set at the top of Phra Tamnak, which offers exceptional views of the city.
9. Four Regions Floating Market
- Website: pattayafloatingmarket.com
- Address: 12 Sukhumvit Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily
This fascinating market gives you an idea of what traditional floating Thai markets are like. Although not strictly authentic, it offers fun shows and activities such as sea boxing, dancing, and ziplining.
10. Mini Siam
- Address: 387 Sukhumvit Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily
Travel across the world in less than one day when you visit Mini Siam. It displays models of famed Thai and international landmarks, such as Bangkok’s Wat Arun, Sydney’s Opera House, London’s Tower Bridge, and New York’s Statue of Liberty.
11. Underwater World Pattaya
Photo Credit: Tatiana Diuvbanova
- Website: underwaterworldpattaya.com
- Address: 22/22 Moo11 Sukhumvit Rd, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily
This indoor aquarium allows you to see some of Thailand’s marine life via a huge underwater tunnel. You can also feed koi fish, interact with sea creatures in the touch pool, and have the chance to meet rays.
12. Pattaya’s Markets
There are many markets to explore throughout Pattaya, but these three are some of the most popular in the city:
Thepprasit Night Market
- Address: 18 Thepprasit Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 5 pm – 10.30 pm daily
Thepprasit has a mix of indoor and outdoor stalls selling everything from hot street food to t-shirts to electronics. It never fails to be busy with locals and tourists alike.
Runway Street Food Market
- Address: Pattaya Sai Song Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 4 pm – 11 pm daily
This quirky street food market is set up around an old plane and themed like a miniature airport terminal. It’s one of the best places to enjoy cheap, tasty food, and you can expect to see a mix of Thai and international dishes on offer.
Naklua Fish Market
- Address: XW94+RV2, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 4 am – 9.30 pm daily
If you want a taste of local life, head to the small town of Naklua, where vendors sell and barbecue fresh-caught seafood at incredibly low prices. There are also plenty of fresh fruit stalls on offer for dessert.
13. Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)
Photo Credit: The Green foto
- Address: Soi Khao Chi Chan, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
- Opening hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily
Khao Chi Chan is a limestone hill that features a 357-foot-tall golden Buddha carving on one side. It lies nine miles outside of Pattaya, so take a half-day trip to admire the hill and nearby lake and lotus pools.
14. Walking Street
- Address: Walking Street, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 24/7
Walking Street is the heart of Pattaya’s red-light district, which is lined with bars, go-go clubs, nightclubs, and restaurants. This is the place to be to experience Pattaya’s nightlife, but it’s definitely not suitable for families.
15. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
- Website: ripleysthailand.com
- Address: 218 Beach Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily
Like Ripley’s museums all over the world, Ripley’s Thailand is packed with weird and wonderful oddities and collectibles. Highlights include a Titanic replica made from matches and a 1937 Jaguar that functions as a motorboat.
16. Tiffany’s Show Pattaya
Photo Credit: Thanachet Maviang
- Website: tiffany-show.co.th
- Address: 464 Moo 9 Pattaya Sai Song Rd, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: Show times vary
Tiffany’s has been one of Pattaya’s most popular cabaret shows for more than thirty years. Its raunchiness is limited, making it suitable for families.
17. Alcazar Cabaret Show
- Website: alcazarthailand.com
- Address: 464 Moo 9 Pattaya Sai Song Rd, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: Show times vary
Alcazar Cabaret show takes you on a journey across the world via music, dance, and extraordinary sets and costumes. It’s a mesmerizing performance suitable for all ages.
18. Central Pattaya Shopping Mall
- Address: 333, 99 Pattaya Sai Song Rd, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 11 am – 10 pm Monday to Thursday / 11 am – 11 pm Friday & Saturday
Central Pattaya Mall is the largest beachfront shopping center in Southeast Asia, with more than 300 stores and restaurants across seven levels.
19. Terminal 21 Shopping Mall
- Address: Terminal 21 Pattaya Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 11 am – 10 pm Monday to Thursday / 11 am – 11 pm Friday & Sunday
Terminal 21 is a huge airport-themed mall. Each floor is dedicated to a different destination, including France, Japan, Italy, and the USA, and is a top place to shop in air-conditioned comfort.
20. Frost Magical Ice of Siam
Photo Credit: Mr.Piya Meena
- Website: frostmagicaliceofsiam.com
- Address: 75, 6, Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily
This chilly amusement park features impressive ice sculpture displays, igloos, ice caves, and more. It’s the perfect way to cool off on sweltering summer days.
21. Columbia Pictures Aquaverse
- Website: columbiapicturesaquaverse.com
- Address: 8 Sukhumvit Rd, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
- Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily
The Aquaverse is a thrilling water theme park with rides, attractions, and restaurants dedicated to Columbia Pictures movies. The likes of Jumanji, Ghostbusters, Bad Boys, and Hotel Transylvania are all represented.
22. Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary
- Website: pattayaelephantsanctuary.org
- Address: 217/41, Moo 7, Bang Sare, Sattahip 20180
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Unlike Pattaya Elephant Village, Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary doesn’t offer exploitative elephant rides, performances, or the use of bullhooks. Walk alongside the small herd of rescued elephants here to see them express their natural behavior in a safe environment. Book a hotel pick-up in advance for a convenient visit.
23. Phra Tamnak (Pattaya Viewpoint)
Photo Credit: OMG_Studio
- Address: Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint, Nong Prue Bang Lamung Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: 7.30 am – 9 pm daily
This is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Pattaya. Visit at sunset for epic photo opportunities.
24. MAX Muay Thai Stadium
- Website: maxmuaythaipattaya.com
- Address: 42/108 Village No. 9 Sukhumvitpattaya Road 42, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
- Opening hours: Match times vary
Muay Thai is a centuries-old martial art that is very impressive to witness in person. Matches take place at MAX Stadium every night except Sundays.
Plan Your Tour of Pattaya’s Top Attractions
These must-see attractions are some of the best sights on offer in Pattaya, but there’s even more to discover once you start sightseeing. Where will your Pattaya visit take you?
