In a nutshell, Pattaya has so much more to offer besides its glittering nightlife!
Many people think Pattaya is all about the intense nightlife with partying and drinking. That is only partly true. In fact, Pattaya will spoil you with so many choices of unique tours and attractions. Check out our pick of the best things to do in Pattaya! You will end up having so many memories to cherish.
- Chill Out at the Beaches
- Enjoy Pattaya’s Fantastic Shows
- Get Close to Your Favorite Animals
- Visit the Sanctuary of Truth
- Spend a Fun Day at the Water Parks
- Get Away from Pattaya City and Explore the Islands
- Be Creative at Pattaya’s Unique Attractions
- Visit the Big Buddha Mountain
- Explore the 4 Different Sections of the Pattaya Floating Market
- Shop at the Weekend Night Market
- Experience Extreme Activities
- Take in the Panoramic Views on a Dinner Cruise
- Experience the Electrifying Thrill of Muay Thai
- Enjoy a Luxurious Afternoon Tea & Cafe Experience
1. Chill Out at the Beaches
Pattaya’s beaches are always lively and busy with many tourists. Chilling out by the beach is one of the best things to do in Pattaya for sure. There are 2 main beaches in Pattaya: Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach.
Pattaya Beach is famous for the Pattaya city sign. It is close to the main beach road with palm trees down the paved promenade. There are many shops and restaurants nearby. It is a great place to sunbathe and relax with good food and drinks.
Jomtien Beach is for those who seek a quieter beach than Pattaya Beach. The golden sand, clear blue sea, and shining sun continue to attract all types of travelers. It is also the best spot for many water sports such as surfing and Kiteboarding. If you are into water activities, Jomtien Beach is the place to go!
You can also experience the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs in Pattaya’s crystal-clear waters by joining a one-day snorkeling or scuba diving tour! Expert guides will ensure your safety and provide comprehensive instruction for everyone, from beginners to experienced divers.
2. Enjoy Pattaya’s Fantastic Shows
The Ladyboy shows in Pattaya are extremely popular. There are 3 major ladyboy shows: Tiffany’s Show, Alcazar Show, and Colosseum Show.
Tiffany’s Show is the oldest and most popular ladyboy show in Pattaya. It is performed by super talented and beautiful ladyboys including the winner of Miss Tiffany’s Universe pageant. It has a global reputation for its performance quality and long history.
Alcazar Show presents a combination of dance, music, and storyline with popular Thai and English songs. They depict the glorious history & heritage of Siam with splendid performances like a musical!
Colosseum Show is the newest and the largest ladyboy cabaret in Pattaya. Opened in 2013, it presents world-class performances and a luxurious Roman arena. Colosseum Theater was built for the show in a Roman architectural style with more than 1000 seats and the latest facilities.
KAAN Show is for those who are looking for a non-ladyboy show with some next-level quality performances. Acrobatics, theatrical animation, dancing, and giant puppets are all in the KAAN Show. This newest show in Pattaya just opened in May 2017. It plays at the glittery D’Luck Cinematic Theatre which was custom built for the show. The theater looks just like it’s floating in the air!
3. Get Close to Your Favorite Animals
If you love animals or even marine animals, Pattaya is the right place to be! Pattaya has some of the biggest zoos and aquariums in Thailand.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is probably the happiest natural habitat in the world (at least in Thailand!) It has more than 8,000 animals of more than 300 species. It is an “open zoo” where you can feed the animals and even pet them. You can experience a close encounter with wildlife and spend a fantastic day with the animals.
Visiting the elephant jungle sanctuary is the best and most heart-warming way to meet elephants in Pattaya! It’s an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project for the better life of elephants. Have a mud spa with them and bathe them to build a special bond, as you hear their previous stories and learn their behaviors.
Dolphinarium Pattaya delivers thrilling performances featuring dolphins and seals showcasing their incredible skills—jumping through hoops, catching balls, and interacting with trainers. Make your visit unforgettable by swimming with these friendly creatures for a truly unique experience!
Underwater World Pattaya is the first modern aquarium in Thailand that features 105-meter-long, transparent underwater tunnels. It showcases such an extraordinary assortment of many kinds of marine animals, that you will need at least 2 hours to look throughout the place. The Underwater World in Pattaya is a great place to visit particularly for families with kids, as your little ones will learn so much about the diversity of the undersea life!
4. Visit the Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya is a breathtaking wooden structure and a remarkable example of traditional Thai architecture and craftsmanship. Located by the sea in the northern part of Pattaya, this impressive monument is not just a tourist attraction but a profound reflection of Thai culture, philosophy, and artistry.
- The Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya Discount Ticket
- The Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya ↔ Bangkok Private Transfer
- Pattaya Coral Island (Koh Larn) & Sanctuary of Truth 1 Day Tour from Bangkok (Join-in/Private)
5. Spend a Fun Day at the Water Parks
It is hot in Pattaya. Aside from chilling by the beach, one of the ways to cool down is going to the water parks! In fact, Pattaya has some of the coolest water parks in Thailand.
Ramayana Water Park is the biggest water park in Thailand. It has 50 slides and attractions including many thrilling water slides, a double FlowRider, 3 pools, and a lazy river. It is only 20 minutes away from downtown Pattaya. So, it will be a quick getaway for the whole family to enjoy!
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Water Park is the world’s first water park themed around Columbia Pictures, featuring rides and attractions inspired by beloved films like Jumanji and Ghostbusters. Here, you can dive into thrilling water rides, enjoy surfing, and experience the excitement of go-karting.
If you’re looking to unwind, head over to the stylish Day Club for a relaxing atmosphere, or catch a movie at the Mega Wave Pool, where you can float on waves while enjoying film screenings. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse has something for everyone!
6. Get Away from Pattaya City and Explore the Islands!
If you want to be away from the busy streets of Pattaya, go explore the beautiful Coral islands!
Koh Larn or Coral Island is one of the most popular island destinations in Pattaya with its glistening white sand and transparent blue waters. It is only 15 minutes away by speedboat, and the beaches are definitely cleaner and nicer than the main beaches in Pattaya. You can sit back and relax on the beautiful Tien Beach with dozens of water activity options such as snorkeling, parasailing, underwater walking, and banana boating.
- Pattaya Coral Island (Koh Larn) & Sanctuary of Truth 1 Day Tour from Bangkok (Join-in/Private)
- Pattaya Coral Island (Koh Larn) 1 Day Tour (+ Water Activity Options) (+ Indian Lunch) from Pattaya
Near Coral Island, there are a bunch of small islands such as Koh Rin, Koh Phai, and Koh Man Wichai. Go on an island-hopping expedition and try snorkeling at these Coral islands. This will be such a fascinating experience to swim around with colorful fish and coral reefs. Book a snorkeling & scuba diving 1-day tour here.
You can also visit Koh Samet, a pristine island oasis just off the coast of Pattaya. Escape the lively bustle of Pattaya and trade it for the tranquility of Koh Samet’s white-sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Explore popular beach areas like Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Phai.
Set sail on an extraordinary island-hopping adventure with Pattya’s newest and largest party catamaran! Explore 3 stunning islands, including Bamboo Island, where you can enjoy various water activities, Koh Rin, where you can try your luck fishing at the island, and Monkey Island, where you can dance the night away while cruising on the island. A convenient hotel transfer service, snorkeling equipment rental, buffet lunch, and welcome drink are included.
- Pattaya 3 Islands Tour by Ultimate Party Catamaran (+ Snorkeling/Lunch) (+ Hotel Transfer Option)
- Koh Phai + Koh Rin 1 Day Tour by Catamaran Yacht (+ Snorkeling/Lunch) (+ Hotel Transfer) – from Pattaya
7. Be Creative at Pattaya’s Unique Attractions
Pattaya has lots of incredible museums and unique attractions that pull tourists all year round. Exploring these places is among the best things to do in Pattaya, especially with a family.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum offers the most bizarre experiences to everyone. It has 10 galleries with more than 300 weirdly unique exhibits such as a shrunken head, a mask made from human skin, a wax figure of a 4-eyed man, and old torture devices. They also have many attractions available such as Haunted Adventure, 12D Moving Theater, Infinity Maze, and the Wax Museum!
Art in Paradise is one of the coolest attractions in Pattaya. This is a three-dimensional interactive art gallery with hundreds of optical illusion paintings. The gallery is set up perfectly so you can take pictures in a way that looks like you are part of the painting. It is great fun for children as well as adults so be ready to spend at least 2 hours there!
Mini Siam presents miniature imitations of Thailand and the world’s most renowned landmarks in their well-manicured park. A walk through Mini Siam is like a trip around the world. From the Statue of Liberty to London Tower Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and even the remains of Greece and Rome, Mini Siam has it all. If you haven’t traveled around 30 countries yet, go to Mini Siam and experience how it feels first!
Nong Nooch Garden has a fascinating landscape with nature everywhere you see. If you love flowers, trees, and gardens, this is a great place to spend a peaceful afternoon. This botanical garden has about 670 varieties of flowers! It is not just flowers and trees though, you can also catch some cultural shows with mind-blowing Thai dance performances. The garden also has restaurants serving lunch buffets to daytime visitors.
8. Visit the Big Buddha Mountain
Khao Chi Chan, a.k.a the Big Buddha Mountain, was made in 1996 to commemorate the King of Thailand’s golden jubilee. The big Buddha image was carved into the rock using a laser and then gold was used to fill in the sculpture. The image features an enormous size which is 109m in height and 70m in width.
You can take a taxi, Songtaew, or even a motorbike taxi to get there, and it will take about 20-30 minutes from the center of Pattaya at a cost of around 500 baht.
9. Explore the 4 Different Sections of the Pattaya Floating Market
Pattaya Floating Market has long been the major attraction in Pattaya and is the largest of its kind in Eastern Thailand. Covering an area of 100,000 square meters, Pattaya Floating Market is divided into four different sections each representing and selling items from four different regions of Thailand. (North, Northeast, Central, and South)
When you visit here, expect to find many eateries, fruit stalls, souvenir shops, and several art galleries. Every afternoon, a cultural show will take place to entertain guests.
Pattaya Floating Market has over 114 shops and vendors selling authentic Thai food, desserts, and delicacies from all over the kingdom.
Discover the richness of surrounding Thai architecture and riverside life.
- Pattaya Floating Market Half Day Tour (Morning/Afternoon) (+ Hotel Transfer)
- Pattaya Floating Market Discount Ticket
10. Shop at the Weekend Night Market
Thepprasit Night Market, which is located in the southeast of Pattaya City (just off the intersection of Sukhumvit Road and Thepprasit Road), is the most popular in Pattaya. It is also called the Pattaya Weekend Night Market as the market opens from 5PM to 11PM only on Fridays and at the weekends.
Thepprasit Night Market is huge, and you can find anything here from cheap clothes to mouth-watering street food. The market is actually divided into 2 zones which are Food and General Product.
In the food zone, you can find the two rows of vendors selling all manner of Thai food from fresh fruit juices to noodles and desserts. There are some tables and seats amongst the sellers and stalls, but finding an empty space can be quite a challenge!
In the general product zone, most of the vendors sell fake designer clothing, watches, copied DVDs, cheap T-shirts, swimsuits, handbags, and cosmetics.
If you happen to be in Pattaya on the weekend, make sure to pack lightly so you can fill your bag with a bunch of souvenirs from Thepprasit Night Market. 😉
11. Experience Extreme Activities
If you love extreme sports, don’t miss these activities in Pattaya! Soar through the forest like Tarzan on a zipline adventure with up to 25 platforms, each guided by a safety expert for a worry-free experience. At Sanook Park, feel the adrenaline rush with a 60-meter bungy jump, Asia’s first and only slingshot ride, and an exhilarating paintball combat with unlimited playtime.
- Tarzan Adventure Pattaya Zip Line
- Pattaya Sanook Park Extreme Activities (Bungy Jump / Human Slingshot / Paintball)
12. Take in the Panoramic Views on a Dinner Cruise
One of the best ways to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Pattaya’s coastline is to dine on a luxurious cruise! The Oriental Princess Cruise in Pattaya offers a unique and unforgettable evening experience, combining the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand with lively entertainment and gourmet dining at the rooftop Ocean Sky Pattaya restaurant. This cruise is well-known for its captivating ladyboy cabaret show, making it a popular choice for tourists seeking a blend of cultural performance and scenic beauty.
The Pattaya All Star Seafood Buffet Dinner Cruise is a delightful culinary experience that combines the charm of a leisurely boat ride with a sumptuous seafood feast. This cruise is perfect for seafood lovers and those looking to enjoy a scenic evening on the waters of Pattaya.
13. Experience the Electrifying Thrill of Muay Thai
Muay Thai is Thailand’s national martial art from hundreds of years ago. If you are a thrill seeker, brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled adventure at Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya! Recently reconstructed, this state-of-the-art stadium hosts renowned professional Muay Thai matches, featuring the best local and international fighters.
14. Enjoy a Luxurious Afternoon Tea & Cafe Experience
In Pattaya, you can also enjoy one-and-only cafe experiences! Unwind at the Benihana Terrace Bar in Avani Pattaya Resort and savor a delightful sushi high tea featuring Pattaya’s finest sushi made from fresh, premium ingredients. Enjoy a creative twist on afternoon tea with delicious sushi and desserts. while admiring scenic views from the terrace!
Enjoy the best of both worlds at InterContinental Pattaya! Unwind with an elegant afternoon tea, featuring delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and premium teas in a tranquil setting. Or, indulge in the Saturday night BBQ seafood buffet with oysters, sushi, grilled seafood, and premium meats for a truly satisfying feast.
Tappia Floating Cafe also offers a one-of-a-kind blend of dining and adventure, making it a must-visit destination. With stunning ocean views from every seat, the cafe creates a tranquil atmosphere. You can engage in an exciting squid fishing adventure and catch your own squid!
For more travel tips and ideas for your next trip to Pattaya, make sure you visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!
Top 10 best things you have covered! bravo!
Get list and advice, however, I am not so sure about Mini Siam. It is boring!
I had make a to do list. In that I had noted to visit the Floating Market. So Now I’ll be going in this june so I would be great to experince a new market. I also want to go for the rock climbing so it would be a new experience for me.
The Pattaya beaches have go so much cleaner over the years! I remember my early days and we’d never go near them. Still a way to go but Pattaya is finally getting there!
Beautiful .. we also do Bangkok Pattaya Tour Package from Kolkata, India, and looking for some good travel agents with whom we can work.
Thank you so much for sharing a piece of great information. This article will help lots of travellers to explore the amazing Thailand Package from Kolkata. Good work, keep it up.