Situated on Thailand’s eastern Gulf Coast, the once-sleepy fishing village of Pattaya is now a city bustling with upscale resorts, shopping malls, and buzzy cabaret bars. The region is also beloved for its grand temples, picturesque beaches, and lively markets, making it a perfect destination for those with both modern and traditional tastes.
Welcome to Pattaya, Thailand. (Photo Credit: Ryutaro Uozumi)
So, when visiting this absolute gem of a city, how should you spend your time? We’ve put together some of the best things to do when visiting Pattaya, Thailand.
Walk the Botanical Gardens and Hilltop Temples
Perched above sea level, the can’t-miss Big Buddha Hill offers a temple with a massive, 60-foot golden Buddha statue flanked by dragons. (You read that right.) Make sure to climb the stairs to the top for stellar panoramic views of the surrounding city, Jomtien Beach, and the coastline.
Looking for art? Situated near a lake on the Wat Yansangwararam temple complex, the Anek Kusala Sala Museum showcases over 300 pieces of Chinese art, including bronze Shang-dynasty figurines and sculptures of Buddhist and Taoist deities.
Greenery is everywhere along this gorgeous coastline. (Photo Credit: @aiytan)
Hop aboard a local boat to experience the city in a new way. (Photo Credit: Joshua Rawson Harris)
For a spot of nature, stroll the manicured grounds of the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Gardens where a whopping 650 plus orchid varieties grow alongside an exotic collection of palm trees. You’ll also find a line-up of cultural shows and traditional Thai dance performances.
Later, hop aboard a small boat and coast along the river canals at Pattaya’s Floating Market (est. 2008) as you shop for local wares, souvenirs, and tasty Thai street fare (i.e. stir-fried rice noodles and a sweet egg yolk thong yip) from over 400 vendors.
Thai Seafood and Mango Sticky Rice
The small fishing village of Naklua — just outside of Pattaya — hosts Mum Aroi, a busy, no-frills seaside eatery serving local Thai lobster and a native sour shrimp soup tom yam goong. Closer to home and at the end of Pattaya Beach Road, Nang Nual serves up grilled tiger prawns and steamed fish (though there’s also another location near Jomtien Beach that you can take advantage of).
Seafood lovers will rejoice in Pattaya. (Photo Credit: Chutima Limpasurat)
Alternatively, Café des Amis is your best bet for imported beef, fresh daily catches (à la crab legs), and hearty vegetable sides; they also have a robust gin and wine selection. For Chinese food, Leng Kee serves all of the classics, and when the New Year comes along, offers a vegetarian-based “Golden Good Luck Noodles” specialty.
And, while you’ll find mango sticky rice all over town, Mai Sai Thong is thought to make the best in town. (Note: Most mangos ripen in the hot-dry season but this coveted spot is known for its steady supply — lucky you.)
Take a Day Trip to Koh Larn Island
A short boat ride from Pattaya, the small neighboring island of Koh Larn (known as Coral Island) offers white-sand beaches that are ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Alternatively, you can also relax on the sandy shores of Pattaya Beach with a fruity tropical drink.
The Sanctuary of Truth is a work of art. (Photo Credit: Udayaditya Barua)
And this is just the entrance — it’s worth the trip. (Photo Credit: Peter Borter)
Later, stop by the Sanctuary of Truth, which features an intricately-carved wooden temple and offers a peek inside Thai culture, religion, and philosophy. In the evening, the Pattaya Viewpoint also offers rewarding panoramic coastline views and doubles as an ideal spot for sunset photos.
Stay tuned for Kimpton Pattaya Resort in 2028.
