Considered to be the travel destination for bachelors, when you hear Pattaya, all you think of is the neon lights, thumping music, bustling nightlife, parties, ladyboys, risqué shows and massages and drunk tourists. But there is a different side to this city.
When we decided to include Pattaya on our itinerary, we were advised against it. Well, yes. Traveling from the tranquil islands to Pattaya was indeed a cultural shock for us. And it was like coming back to India, for all we could see was a sea of Indians and Indian restaurants.
But, Pattaya is a beautiful city with beaches, temples and some fun attractions. When in Pattaya, never miss out on these fun things.
8 Things to Do in Pattaya
- Big Buddha / Wat Phra Khao Yai: The “Big Buddha” of Pattaya justifies its name by having the biggest Buddha statue in the city at 18 meters in height. It is located on the top of Pratamnak hill. The journey to the statue is picturesque with the spectacular view of the coastline of Pattaya. Tourists come here to be mesmerized by the intricate designs of various Buddha statues, local people flock to this temple to offer prayers. There is a huge staircase that leads to the temple, adorned with golden dragons running along the entire handrails. At the foot of the stairs, which is the entrance to the temple, we can see seven-headed mythical snakes emerge from the dragon’s mouths.At the top, there are many beautiful Buddha statues in different postures, each representing the days of the week. If you know the day you were born, you can offer a prayer to this Buddha figure. From atop this hill, you can also see the beautiful view of the entire Pattaya town. Surrounding the temple there is a line of bells, which you can ring with a big stick. It is said that good luck favors those who complete it.
- Sanctuary of Truth: is a Herculean wooden structure adorned with intricate wooden carvings portraying Thai philosophy and culture. You can choose from varying packages starting from 500 Thai Baht and can get to watch Thai cultural dance performances, elephant trekking, Muay Thai fighting, horseback riding/horse carriage etc.
- Pattaya Beach: Famous for the Pattaya city sign, Pattaya beach is not wide from the main beach road which has palm trees down the paved promenade. The beach is not spectacular, for it is not very clean. However, you can definitely sunbath and relax, eating and chilling with a mug of beer.
- Walking Street: At the end of Pattaya Beach is the infamous Walking Street, where vehicles are not permitted on the roads after 6 pm. You get to see beer bars, restaurants, go-go bars, nightclubs and live music bars. This is where you head to so as to unleash the wild side in you. Oh, head there anyway, you will be surprised for sure. It’s a party paradise (especially for Bachelors!).
- Coral Island / Koh Larn: is a nice place to swim and relax. You get to explore your adventurous side as there are many adventure/water sports organized here, including parasailing, undersea walking, scuba diving etc.
- Art in Paradise is Pattaya’s only three-dimensional interactive art gallery with hundreds of cool paintings where you get to take fun, interesting illusion photographs. But be ready to spare at least 2-3 hours. AT LEAST.
- Pattaya Floating Market: As the name suggests, there are water vendors here, ie. vendors selling goods including souvenirs and food on their longtail boats. Great bargain for quality items, you also get to taste authentic Thai food here.
- Tiffany’s and Alcazar Cabaret Show: As in my previous post, Cabaret shows are popular in Thailand. Performed by stunning and super talented ladyboys, these are at par with the Las Vegas cabaret shows.
Add-On:
If you are in Pattaya for a weekend, DO NOT miss the Weekend Night Market. Wondering what that is? Stay Tuned. Like it? Pin It!
I am writing all about Thailand this April for the A to Z Challenge 2017. Thanks for all the love you’ve showered on this space! You can also check out my food blog for A to Z Indian Dishes to Die For.
Tina Basu says
I loved the Pattaya sea and sea sports. I am sure you enjoyed them too
Tina Basu recently posted…Enjoy Life – Step 5 To Leading a Meaningful Life | #AtoZChallenge
Roshan Radhakrishnan says
I thought that Buddha statue would have been amazing. And those 3D imagery thingy looks pretty neat.
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Elizabeth Laird is a Shining Example of Compassion #AtoZChallenge
Sanch says
The art gallery looks amazing! I can see why you’d need 2-3 hours there.
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Modern Gypsy says
Art in Paradise looks like a super fun place to spend a couple of hours! And you’ve brought out so much more to Pattaya than just the nightclubs and ladyboys!
Modern Gypsy recently posted…{E} The wonderful world of Encaustics
The Unconventional Girl says
Pattaya is on my bucket list. Thanks for the great post. Hope my turn is just around the corner….
Roma Gupta Sinha says
Your vivid and informative post stole my heart dear. I loved your 3D click with Einstein <3 This series shall make an exhaustive ebook on Thailand.
Truly Yours Roma
Sreesha says
I’ve heard of that floating market and seen pictures of it online. I didn’t realize that was Pattaya.
I think I like the 3D art gallery the best in this list. Looks like a lot of fun
Swathi Shenoy says
That 3D art gallery had me hooked! If not anything, I will definitely visit Pattaya for that!
Swathi Shenoy recently posted…Exams
Awkward Earthling says
NO wonder you spend about 2 weeks there !!
You had all this planned !!
Right 🙂 ??
Suzy says
Art in Paradise piqued my interest. Thailand has such beautiful temples. Thanks for sharing
Suzy recently posted…Expectation can … #atozchallenge letter E
Sheethal says
Buddha statue looks amazing.
Your Einstein walla pic… very cute. 🙂
Sheethal recently posted…Extra can make you Extraordinary.
Shilpa Garg says
Walking Paradise, Big Buddha and 3-D interactive art gallery seems interesting! Love your pic with Einstein.
Tales of Travelling Sisters says
Quite a different side of Pattaya we got to see in this post, visiting Big Buddha would be on top of out list and also the Art in Paradise gallery 🙂
Neha says
Wow! Loving this virtual Thailand trip 🙂
Ecstatic
Neha recently posted…Ecstatic- When a new relation is formed…
Mocktail mommies says
I never knew Pattaya had so much to offer!!! Definitely needs one more trip to cover all the places you have written about. Awesome article, yet again!!
upasna says
Loved the statue, 3D paintings and adventures of Coral island.
upasna recently posted…Earn experiences
Meenakshi says
Lovely captures Shaalu…And Yes, my friends used the same expression of ‘Cultural Shock’s when it comes to Pattaya….And btw…You have lost oodles to fit in that conical flask….New Year Resolution achieved 😉
Meenakshi recently posted…Enchanting trek across DK
Soumya says
We didn’t do Pattaya and I’m hating myself for it now 🙁
Well, maybe next time when we plan Koh-Samui 😀
Soumya recently posted…E: Enid Blyton #AToZChallenge
zainab says
fun place, hope to go soon 🙂
shubhangi srikanth says
The pics are so gorgeous!! I loved the close up of the Buddha! The Art in Paradise is just out of this world! How did you manage to get inside Einstein’s flask? 🙂 🙂
Shubhangi @ The Little Princess
shubhangi srikanth recently posted…E – 5 downsides to being an Extrovert!
Geets says
Didn’t go to Pattaya but the pictures in your blog are spectacular! Next time to Thailand, and Pattaya will be there on the list!
Cheers
Geets recently posted…E- Extra Marital Affair
Mayuri Nidigallu says
We never include Pattaya in our Thai trips, due to the bad press it gets. I have changed my mind after reading your post, Shalini. I will visit next, esp for the Art in Paradise!
Anita says
Haven’t visited Pattaya. Thanks for the virtual darshan, Shalz 🙂
Great pics! The Einstein one is so cool 😉
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Debbie D. says
This must be a fascinating place to visit! Something for everyone, yes? 🙂 I loved the night shot of the beach with the city sign, especially. That interactive museum looks like fun. Nightlife is always on our list of amusements, too.
Debbie D. recently posted…GUANTANAMERA | #AtoZCHALLENGE (G) #MusicalMemories
Manisha Garg says
The Art in Paradise just looks amazing
Jantar Mantar says
Hey, nice post. I am planning to visit Pattaya in June 2018. Your information will be helpful for me. Thanks for sharing it.