17 Best Pattaya Tourist Attractions
When people think about Pattaya Tourist Attractions the first thing that quickly comes to mind are go-go bars and nightclubs. Pattaya has gotten a notorious reputation for its nightlife. If you read reports in the media, you would think the only thing to do there is going to go-go bars and nightclubs.
While the neon signs light up the streets of Pattaya at night, those who adventure out during the day will find a wide selection of things to do and sights to see. We’ve put together the following list of the best tourist attractions in Pattaya.
17. Louis Tussauds Wax Museum
Many people are familiar with the famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London. It has some of the best wax recreations of famous and important people in world history. While they share the family name and lineage, one visit to Louis Tussauds in Pattaya and you’ll see that is about all they share in common.
A visit to Louis Tussauds Wax Museum in Pattaya is more about fun and having a laugh then it is about seeing life like replicas. Frankly, some of them are so bad they are funny. If you head there with knowing some of these wax figures are going to make you laugh and cringe, you’ll have a fun time.
16. Mini Siam And Mini Europe
Mini Siam is a unique experience in Pattaya. The park has a collection of some of the world’s most amazing sights in miniature. You can walk among the Eiffel Tower, the ruins of Angkor, and the pyramids of Giza in one afternoon.
There are dozens of replicas of famous sightseeing attractions from around the world and also some of the best from Thailand as well.
15. Wat Chai Mongkol
Located in the heart of Pattaya is Wat Chai Mongkron Temple. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in the city and often passed over by most tourists. The temple grounds are located on the corner of Second and South Pattaya Road, parts obscured by the many shops and store fronts that have filled in around it.
While it is small in comparison to the Grand Palace or Wat Arun in Bangkok, a quick 30-minute walk around the temple grounds gives you access to the inner workings of a functioning temple.
14. Khao Chi Chan
Khao Chi Chan, also known as Buddha Mountain, is a large golden Buddha etched into the side of a mountain, purportedly by lasers. It makes for impressive sight and visitors to the park can walk within a few feet of the base of the mountain, taking in the grand scale of the monument.
Khao Chi Chan is situated in a beautiful park setting and spending time walking around will lead guests between ponds, gardens, and fragrant flowers. Buddha Mountain is usually a quick stop on the way to other tourist attractions in Jomtien.
13. Ladyboy Cabaret Shows
This one won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but Ladyboy Cabaret shows are a popular attraction in Pattaya for many visitors every year. The shows have gained international notoriety thanks to the international Transgender Beauty Pageant put on by the Tiffany Show every year.
The cabaret shows are usually about two hours long, featuring stunning ladyboys lip syncing and dancing to a selection of both modern and classical hits. Extravagant costumes and elaborate sets provide the setting for the musical numbers.
12. Heaven and Hell Park
You won’t find this attraction on many people’s list of things to do in Pattaya. It is little known and a bit off the tourist track in Bang Srey. This park is one of a few Buddhist Parks around the country that tell the story of what it’s like in Buddhist heaven and hell. There are sculptures and sets that depict the many torturous horrors that await those that break the rules. The park is a little odd, a little creepy, and a lot enjoyable for those with an open mind for the beliefs of other cultures.
11. Silverlake Vineyard
Believe it or not, Thailand has a growing wine industry. Silverlake Vineyard and Winery is the biggest one of its kind in the region. Visitors can take a guided tour of the winery as well as sample some of the products made from their grapes – from wine and grape juice to jams and other delights. There is a nice restaurant on site where you can eat and have a drink while watching the sunset over the vineyard.
10. Million Years Stone Park
The Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm is best known for its live shows where performers interact with large and scary crocodiles in a very up close and personal way. You’ll find them doing everything from sitting on their backs to putting their limbs and heads in the mouths of these very dangerous creatures.
The other main attraction here is the Stone Park and gardens. There are large numbers of unique rock formations collected from around the world on display.
9. Pattaya Floating Market
At one time in its history, Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East thanks to the numerous canals that crisscrossed the city. People used to shop at the various markets on these canals as part of daily life. While most of the waterways have been filled in, there just a few of the old markets left.
Pattaya decided to create its own Floating Market from scratch. Built specifically as a tourist attraction, it tries to emulate the feeling of the old market. It has a great selection of food, lots of small shops selling souvenirs, and several different shows throughout the day.
8. Wat Yansangwararam
Wat Yan, as it is called by the locals is a beautiful Buddhist temple set alongside a lake in the countryside of Jomtien. Guests are free to roam about the grounds and explore the buildings. Inside you’ll find a collection of Buddhist Relics and other sacred religious pieces.
The outside grounds provide a peaceful area to walk and enjoy nature. A climb to the top of the temple yields some great views of the surrounding area, on a clear day you can see all the way to Pattaya.
7. Big Buddha Hill
Big Buddha Hill is one of the most visited Pattaya tourist attractions. As the name suggests, it is a large golden statue of Buddha situated on the tallest hill in the city. The overlook atop the mountain provided the some of the best views over Pattaya and the ocean.
While the views and the large Buddha are what most people come for, there are more things to see while you are there. There are several temples on the grounds and a collection of other Buddhist religious statues to see and photograph.
6. Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise is a 3D interactive art exhibit. This is a great place to spend a few hours enjoying the art and taking photos. Each piece of art invites visitors to participate, becoming part of the art itself. You can find yourself standing on the edge of cliff, running from a dinosaur, or pushing the butt of a rhino. The pictures you can take here are fun and a great way to remember your trip. If you are looking for things to do in Pattaya without having to hire a car, Art in Paradise is located in the city and easy to get to by walking, baht bus, or motorcycle taxi.
5. Sriracha Tiger Zoo
Best known for its Tiger Shows, the Sriracha Tiger Zoo often times more like a circus than a zoo. Most people come to watch the Tigers perform in the shows which are put on several times a day. In addition, there is a zoo that features many exotic animals from around the world. The zoo puts on several other shows with elephants, pigs, and crocodiles.
4. Viharn Sien
Viharn Sien boasts the largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts outside of Mainland China. It is a wonderful museum to visit and experience some Chinese culture. You’ll find everything from ornate and elaborate jade carvings, to historical Buddha statues from various periods of history, to actual Terra Cotta Warrior figures on display. Viharn Sien is a great spot for sightseeing in Pattaya.
3. Ko Larn
For being a famous beach resort in Thailand, Pattaya sure isn’t known to have beautiful beaches. However, if you take a ferry from Bali Hai Pier you will soon be transported to amazing white sand beaches and emerald waters that you’ve dreamed of. There are several beaches on the island to enjoy the sunshine and relax. Ko Larn Island is a very popular destination for visitors to Pattaya that want that tropical beach experience.
2. Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth temple is set on a sandy peninsula overlooking the ocean. A contemporary temple, the building started in 1981 and is expected to continue for another 20 years. The structure is made entirely of wood and every inch of the temple is intricately hand carved with religious and decorative designs. The entire temple is a work of art and displays amazing craftsmanship. The guided tours historical background and insight into why and how the Sanctuary of Truth was built.
1. Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens
Picking the top three spots on our list of the Best Pattaya tourist attractions was not an easy choice. Coming in at number one is the Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens. The gardens sit on hundreds of acres of land making this one of the largest tourist attractions in Pattaya. There are dozens of beautiful gardens to enjoy, showcasing gardening styles from around the globe. From the small cactus garden to the elegant Italian Garden, visitors can spend hours touring the grounds.
