Pattaya is popular not only for its beach but also for entertainment, nightlife and shopping. Tourists, locals and foreigners, flock to Pattaya for its broad selection of activities from golf, horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting - not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and a whole lot more. Pattaya is also very popular as a conference, convention and seminar venue.
Below are the some of the must-see tourist attractions in Pattaya:
1. Sanctuary of Truth - This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The Sanctuary of Truth project was initiated in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite and unique architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth.
2. Jomtien Beach - more popular among family vacationers, is on the southern part of the city, and separated from the main Pattaya Bay by a Buddha hill. Jomtien is calmer and more serene compared to the crowded Pattaya Beach and a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Jomtien is also popular for its amusement park that keep children entertained.
3. Koh Laan (Coral Island) - is 7.5 km west of Pattaya. It covers an area of 5.6 sq.km and has six popular beaches with a decidedly "touristic day-trip" flavour, offering banana boat rides, jet-skiing, parasailing, and the like. Also available from and around Ko Laan are various underwater activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, seabed walking and submarine rides; there are also numerous restaurants, some accommodation, and a shooting range. Regular ferries depart from Bali Hai Pier and docks on Nabann Port. Alternatively, speedboats can be chartered just about anywhere along the main beaches, typically for 1500-2500 baht.
4. Million Years Stone Parkland & Pattaya Crocodile Farm - features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fire-swallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. This popular attraction is 9km from Pattaya on Chaiyaphonwithi Road off Highway No.3 at km 140. Its grounds are landscaped with flowering and rock gardens where hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows 7 times a day from 9:00am - 5.00pm Please visit www.thaistonepark.org for more information.
5. Wat Yansangwararam - covers an area of 366 rai. It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch, and later was supported by His Majesty the King. At the entrance are international pavilions presenting each country's national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha's footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret. It is open from 8.00AM - 4.00PM.
6. Khao Kheow Open Zoo - a huge zoo with about 8000 animals of 300 species that is open daily and also features a Night safari.
7. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden – features beautiful gardens with waterfalls, elephant shows, "Cultural Extravaganza" performances 4 times a day, restaurants and so forth - enough to fill an entire day.
8. Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian) - features classy Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Birthday. Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin's image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor's golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery
9. Sri Racha Tiger Zoo – is just 30 minutes' drive from Pattaya. This grand tiger zoo, located on a spread of over 100 acres, boasts not only over 200 Bengal tigers, 100,000 crocodiles, and various kinds of animals in the natural atmosphere, but also offers you many amusing activities and amazing shows.
10. Tiffany Show - the Original Transvestite Cabaret show in Pattaya and Thailand began as a one man show performed for friends. Now, the Tiffany Show is a household word in Thailand and Asia. It features the incredible talents of Thailand's transvestite and transgender community through exotic and spectacular performances three shows a night.
Tours departing from Pattaya
Nong Nooch Botanical Garden Tour
Duration: 4 hours (08.30‐12.30, 13.00‐17.00)
Price: 800 Baht/person/all inclusive except personal expense
20 minutes ride from Pattaya, you would be amazed with over 600 acres fully tropical plants magnificent organized in the variety forms. You can also enjoy Thai cultural dance show and the most wonderful elephant show.
Ko Lan (Coral Island) by speed boat with lunch
Duration: 7 hours (09.00‐16.00)
Price: 700 Baht/person/all inclusive except personal expense
Transfer from hotel to the central pier to take a speed boat for 45 minutes to the coral island. Enjoy, relax and sunbathe on fine, white sand. Enjoy seafood lunch. Transfer back to hotel.
Sanctuary of Truth
Duration: 4 hours (08.30‐12.30, 13.00‐17.00)
Price: 1000 Baht/person/all inclusive except personal expense
The unique gigantic wooden construction inspired from religious mythological story. It was built with Thai ancient ingenuity wood technique with the decoration of wooden carve sculptures with the purpose reflecting the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern philosophy.
Longnecked Karen hill tribe village, Khao Chee Chan, Wat Yannasangwararam
Duration: 4 hours (08.30‐12.30, 13.00‐17.00)
Price: 900 Baht/person/all inclusive except personal expense
Visit a beautiful important temple where the Supreme Patriarch is adored. See a magnificent pagoda and main chapel of the temple. View the picture of 109 metres high sitting Buddha painted by laser on the cliff. Be astonished by the long‐necked ladies Karen hill tribe brought here from the north.
Alcazar or Tiffany Cabaret Show
Duration: 3 hours (17.00‐20.00)
Price: 800 Baht/person/all inclusive except personal expense
Both Alcazar and Tiffany shows are popular cabaret shows of transvestite actors in Pattaya.
