If you are one of the many visitors to Pattaya that likes to enjoy your day as well as your nights, then this guide of things to do in Pattaya is for you!
Pattaya is a great city to explore during the day and has plenty to offer. Many visitors spend their entire vacations with late nights in bars and sleeping all day (we’re not judging we’ve done that too).
For those day walkers amongst us who like to get up and out and enjoy a little warm sun on their faces, there are lots of options.
We created this guide because we often wanted ideas of things to do during the day in Pattaya and couldn’t find a good up to date source. So, we compiled a list of all the top places to visit in Pattaya and put it in one place.
If you ever found yourself wondering what to do in Pattaya, wonder no more! We’ve got you covered with our list of 60+ (and growing) things to do in Pattaya.
As always, if you have any ideas of places that should be added to the list or want to share your thoughts on any place you’ve visited, leave us a comment below.
Sightseeing
It might surprise some people who spend their entire holiday in Pattaya in bars and sleeping that Pattaya offers some great sightseeing opportunities. Most of the Pattaya tourist attractions are in easy reach of the city center by hiring your own transportation or booking a tour. Some of the places to visit are even within walking distance of your hotel.
The list below has over 25 of the most popular Pattaya sightseeing attractions with more being added as they are discovered.
Art In Paradise
Art in Paradise is a 3D art museum that allows visitors to interact with the exhibits. The paintings are fantastic and do an impressive job of creating some mind-bending illusions. This is a great place to take lots of photos and is fun for young and those young at heart.
Big Buddha Hill
A visit to Pattaya’s Big Buddha hill is a rite of passage for visitors to the city and a tourist attraction well worth visiting. The large golden Buddha is the main attraction with the great vistas overlooking the city and the ocean a close second. Learn More...
Bottle Art Museum
The Bottle Art Museum is a small gallery showcasing the works of a pair of artists from Holland and Thailand. There are over 300 works of art on display, all crafted inside of various sized bottles. From the ‘ole ship in a bottle to some amazing scenes of Thai life.
Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)
A 130 meter high Buddha etched in gold into the side of the mountain. Surrounded by a tranquil garden, Khao Chi Chan is a nice place to stop, relax, and take some photos. A visit here can be combined with a trip to other sightseeing activates in the area.
Pattaya Elephant Village
A refuge for former working elephants, the Pattaya Elephant Village gives visitors a chance to engage with these majestic creatures. They offer elephant feeding, bathing, demonstrations, and a chance to ride the elephants and do some trekking.
Heaven and Hell Park (Wang Saen Suk)
Wang Saen Suk is a little known and off the beaten path tourist attraction to the North of Pattaya. It showcases various statues and scenes depicting the various stages of Buddhist hell.
Naklua Fish Market (Lanpho Market)
A fresh seafood market where you can have a look around before buying your favorite, and have it cooked at the nearby restaurant. Buy a beer or drink and seat in the park to eat your meal.
Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works
Located inside the Royal Garden Mall, Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works display’s it’s collection of life size wax figures. From Britney Spears to Nelson Mandela, the displays cover a wide gamut of celebrity’s including cinema, music, politics, and many more.
Love Art Park
If you’re short list of places to visit in Pattaya needs a venue with hundreds of erotic pieces of art set amongst wonderful gardens, then the Love Art Park maybe for you. An evening visit includes a show of lights and music.
Million Years Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm
The big draw here is Thailand’s largest collection of salt water crocodiles, but that is not all this venue has to offer. There is a garden & stone park, a zoo with exotic animals, and shows where performers get danger close to the crocs.
Mimosa Pattaya - City of Love
An outdoor shopping mall and entertainment complex designed to look like an old European city. Mimosa’s ladyboy cabaret is one of their most popular attractions. The romantic atmosphere of the grounds is the foundation of the name City of Love. Learn More...
Mini Siam
Mini Siam makes the list of Pattaya places to visit for it’s unique exhibits of the world’s most amazing sites reproduced in miniature. It’s Mini Siam zone hosts 10 exhibits of Thailand's most popular tourist attractions. The Europe Zone features replicas of the famous sites from Europe, Egypt, Australia, and the United States among others. Learn More...
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
One of the most popular Pattaya tourist attractions is Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens. It is a large park with over 20 large gardens landscaped in styles from around the world. In addition, they offer a Thai cultural and Elephant shows throughout the day. Activities include elephant rides, paddle boats, and the Skywalk. Learn More...
Pattaya Dolphin World
Watch dolphins performing tricks guided by their trainers. The show is about 40 minutes long in a giant outdoor pool and stadium area. After the show you can also get up and close with the dolphins, have them give you a kiss, or you can even swim with some of them in a smaller pool area. There are a few other activities you can take part in like ATV rides, rope course, and an indoor Gun range.
Pattaya Floating Market
Designed to look like an old Thai floating market, this modern tourist attraction was built from scratch with the tourist in mind. You get the old world feel with modern amenities. Good food, great shows, and a touch of nostalgia are top draws to this attraction. The floating market is one of the most popular Pattaya attractions. Learn More...
Pattaya Sign
One of the more iconic landmarks in the resort city is the huge Pattaya sign overlooking the town from the hills above. Seasoned travelers know how to take in some great views of the ocean and city below from this vantage point and you can too. It is somewhat hard to find without a knowledgeable guide or taxi driver.
Pattaya View Point (Admiral Hill)
One of the best places to take in the vistas of Pattaya is from the view point on top Pratumnak hill. Along with stunning views of the crescent shaped bay below there are also a Buddhist temple and a monument to the Father of the Thai Navy.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a self-guided tour through their museum of the weird and bizarre. From shrunken heads to a three-legged horse, there is a diverse collection of oddities on display. Some are replicas and some the real thing. If checking out things that are strange, odd, and creepy sounds like fun, then Ripley’s Believe It or Not! maybe for you.
Sanctuary of Truth
If you are looking to do some Pattaya sightseeing, then the Sanctuary of Truth should be on your list. This temple has been constructed of wood entirely by hand. The entire temple is covered in intricate carvings depicting various stories and gods from a variety of Eastern Religions. In addition to the temple tour they offer a variety of onsite activities including ATV rides, a shooting range, a speed boat tour, and elephant rides. Learn More…
Silverlake Winery
Take a tour of one of Thailand’s largest Wineries. You can take a guided tour of the grounds and gardens that ends at the tasting room. In addition to wine, Silverlake produces a variety grape products such as jellies, jams, and juices you can sample. Learn More...
Sriracha Tiger Zoo
See one of the largest collections of Royal Bengal tigers in the world at Sriracha tiger zoo. Various shows featuring tigers, crocodiles, and elephants take place during the day. Some of their most famous attractions include the Scorpion Queen, Tigers feeding piglets, and having your picture taken with a tiger or a cub. Learn More...
Sukhawadee House
Take a tour of a stunning mansion built in opulent fashion on the outskirts of Pattaya. You can tour the lavish grounds and grand house with stunning views. Sightseeing, shows, and an onsite restaurant can fill several hours of a visitor’s time. A mix of Asian and European architecture, this palace is meant to make a statement.
Three Kingdoms Park
The Three Kingdoms Park is built based on an ancient novel of the same name. Inside the peaceful setting, you can roam around the grounds taking in the Thai and Chinese inspired architecture, the 3 pagodas, and great views of the surrounding countryside. This is a destination that is well liked by photographers.
Underwater World Pattaya
Experience the variety of marine life found in the oceans and seas around Pattaya. Visitors will see a variety of marine life including sharks and rays. Walk under the see through underwater tunnel where the sea creatures will surround you on all sides, including above your head. Try swimming with the sharks in a unique encounter. Learn more...
Viharnra Sien (Anek Kuson Sala)
This Chinese temple houses a collection of artifacts and statues that depict a selection of Chinese gods and religious stories. There is a lot to see, from the wonderful architecture of the buildings to the terracotta warriors stationed around the grounds. It houses a fantastic collection of Chinese artifacts donated by the Chinese government.
Wat Chai Mongkron
The oldest Buddhist Temple in Pattaya, Wat Chai Mongkron is located right in the heart of Pattaya near Walking Street. The temple grounds has several religious buildings, a pond, and a crematorium. A quick walk around the grounds is enough to take in the sights and a few photos. The temple also hosts a number of festivals and celebrations on religious holidays. Learn More...
Wat Yansangwararam
A large temple complex with a great selection of Chinese and Buddhist artifacts. Enjoy a walk through the temple grounds, tour the temples, and visit the hill top shrine. Wat Yan is free to enter and close to other popular tourist spots in Pattaya. Learn More...
Activities
If you are looking for activities in Pattaya we’ve got that covered. From bowling to zip lines and everything in between. There are loads of pursuits to occupy your time. Take a look through the list below to find some fun things to do in Pattaya.
Bowling Alley's
There are a number of places to go bowling in Pattaya. P.S. Bowl is the largest bowling alley in Pattaya and where the major tournaments are played. Both Central Festival Mall and the Avenue Mall have nice bowling alleys in central Pattaya.
Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark
This cartoon themed waterpark has made a splash with visitors to Pattaya. There are slides and pools that cater to both adults and children. From rides with steep drops to a variety of pools, there are options for everyone. About 30 minutes south of Pattaya. Learn More...
Go Kart Racing
Fun to do solo, better with a group. Pattaya has several Go Kart tracks where you can race against your friends. Pattaya EasyKart at Bali Hai Pier and Pattaya Kart Speedway in Jomtien are the two most popular.
Movie Theaters And Cinemas in Pattaya
If you are in a mood to see one of the latest movies from either Hollywood or Thailand, Pattaya has several movie theaters to choose from. Central Festival mall has the SFX cinema with VIP seating and an indoor/outdoor theater. The Cinema at the Avenue Mall is a nice modern movie theatre.
Mike’s Shopping Mall Pool
It used to be one of the best kept secrets in Pattaya. Some people thought it was an urban legend, but there is a pool on the top of Mike Shopping mall. For a small fee, you can spend the sun relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sun. Popular with people whose accommodation doesn’t have a pool of their own.
Playing Pool – Pattaya Pool Halls
There are no shortages of pool tables in Pattaya, it seems almost every other bar has one. However, there are several dedicated pool halls where you can play pool away from the bar scene. Good spots include Mega Break Pool Hall, Shoot Pool Pattaya, and Blue-O Bowling are a few of the places to shoot a little 8 or 9 ball.
Ramayana Water Park
One of the biggest in South East Asia, the Pattaya Water Park has over 21 slides, several pools, a lazy river and much more. It is located in South Pattaya and is quite easy to get to. Popular with both locals and tourists alike, it is a good place to enjoy the warm Pattaya weather.
Rocket Ball
Located at the Bali Hai pier Rocket Ball is a ride for thrill seekers. Two riders are launched 50m into the air in a ball shaped metal cage. The ball spins and bounces as it slows from the 100kph launch speed. Not for those faint of heart.
Pattaya Park And Tower
The Pattaya Park Tower is the highlight of this nice park in Jomtien. The Tower has and observation decks and three revolving restaurants that provides sweeping views of Pattaya and the surrounding area. There is a cable card from the tower to ground, and a zip line for those who choose to live dangerously.
Splashdown water park
Part water park and part gameshow, Pattaya Splashdown park challenges visitors with an obstacle course over water. Miss a jump and you’ll fall into the pool below you. The events range from easy to hard and does require a bit of hard work and athletic exertion.
Zip Line
There are a couple venues in Pattaya where you can zip-line through the jungle. You’ll cruise across the top of the jungle canopy enjoying the beauty of the environment at thrilling speeds. Flight of the Gibbon and Pattaya Canopy Adventures are the main two outfits.
Beaches
If your idea of good time involves spending the day at the beach, Pattaya has quite a few beaches to choose from. You can relax in a sunbed and enjoy food and drink from the local vendors while you catch some rays. If you like the beach but want to stay out of the sun you can enjoy the shade under a beach umbrella.
Pattaya Beach
The main beach in Pattaya is a small section of beach that spans from Walking Street to North Pattaya Road. It has a number of beach chairs that often take up most of the beach area. It is not the most beautiful or best beach in Pattaya, but its location makes it a convenient choice.
Jomtien Beaches
Jomtien has a few beaches to choose from. They are nicer and often less crowded than Pattaya beach. The most popular beach options include Jomtien, Dongtan, and Pratumnak beaches.
Naklua Beach And Wong Amat Beaches
To the north of Pattaya are a series of small beaches and quiet and often frequented by family travelers. They are clean and have a good number of sunbeds and beach service.
Islands
The islands around Pattaya are some of the most well-liked getaways for either a day or a weekend. They offer visitors the tropical beach atmosphere that one can’t get on the mainland. They provide white sand beaches and lovely warm waters to take a swim. You can even charter a boat to go to the more remote beaches on some of the less visited islands.
Ko Larn
Ko Larn, sometimes referred to as Coral Island, is the closet island to Pattaya, a quick 30-40 minute ferry ride out of Bali Hai Pier. It provides white sand beaches and beautiful water. There are five beaches on the island, some more crowded than others. It is a popular day trip from Pattaya.
Ko Samet
Ko Samet island is a destination getaway from Pattaya, best suited to overnight or weekend stays. It provides a laid-back atmosphere, beauful beaches, and options for hotels right on the beach. It can be a nice place to get away from the madness of Pattaya for a while.
Cabaret Shows
A visit to one of Pattaya’s three ladyboy cabaret shows is on the to-do list of many visitors to Pattaya. The performances usually last around an hour and feature stunning ladyboys carrying out dance numbers and lip-syncing to popular music. Customers will often get a photo taken with one of the performers after the cabaret to show their friends back home.
Alcazar Show
One of the largest and most established ladyboy cabaret shows in Pattaya. The shows consist of several theatrical performances with amazing costumes. Alcazar Cabaret puts on several shows nightly to entertain visitors. Learn More...
Colosseum Show
The newest of the ladyboy cabaret shows in Pattaya, the Colosseum Show is becoming a popular venue. The theatre is designed to look like an ancient roman Colosseum as the name suggests. Multiple performances showcase elaborate costumes and well-designed choreography. Learn More...
Tiffany's Cabaret
The most well know ladyboy cabaret show in Pattaya, Tiffany's has an international following. In addition to the nightly performances, the Tiffany show is also known for their international transgender beauty pageant, Miss Tiffany Universe. Learn More...
Sports & Fitness
The choices for sports and fitness activities in Pattaya keeps getting better. You can take Muay Thai lessons, go fishing, play golf, learn how to SCUBA dive, or get in a good workout at one of the many gyms in Pattaya. It is also a great place to get out and hike around town or to nearby sights for a little exercise.
Fishing in Pattaya
There are a variety of fishing options in Pattaya. You can arrange a charter boat to do some offshore fishing for a selection of giant fish such as tuna, dorado, and barracuda. There are also a few fishing lakes in Pattaya where you can try your hand at catching a variety of fresh water fish. Some of the ponds such as the Amazon Fishing Park stock fish from around the world.
Gyms & Fitness Clubs
The fitness clubs and gyms in Pattaya keep getting better. There has been several new gyms opening up each year with modern equipment and good environments. Whether you are a dedicated body builder or someone just looking to stay in shape, there are plenty of choices in Pattaya. Check out our complete guide to gyms in Pattaya. Learn More...
Muay Thai Training
There are a few Muay Thai gyms in Pattaya where visitors can train. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are options for you. The Fairtex gym is the most well known and caters to tourists as well as the focused Muay Thai practitioner. If you are looking for a gym with a well known name and traditional training check out Sidyotong Muay Thai Gym.
Shopping
Pattaya has some great shopping opportunities in their modern shopping malls and local markets. Our list covers a variety of choices including grocery stores, shopping malls, electronics, and the open air markets. No matter what you need to buy, some shop in Pattaya is sure to have what you need. Take a look through our list of some of the best places to shop in Pattaya.
Avenue Mall
The Pattaya Avenue Mall is centrally located on Second Road near Soi 13. It has a variety of brand name outlet shops, restaurants, and entertainment venue with movie theater and bowling alley. At night small stands setup outside selling a variety of products from clothing to tourist souvenirs. Learn More...
Big C Extra Shopping Center
There are several Big C shopping centers located throughout Pattaya. These stores are popular with tourists, expats, and locals. The Big C stores are offer a full grocery store as well as a selection of home goods and supplies. Learn More...
Central Festival Mall
The preeminent shopping mall in Pattaya is located between Beach Road and Second Road near Soi 10. It is home to a variety of shops just like you’d find in any major shopping mall across the world. Shoppers will find everything from big brands to local Thai businesses. It also has a broad selections of restaurants and fast food establishments. Learn More...
Friendship Supermarket
The Friendship Supermarket is a popular place to shop for groceries at reasonable prices. They have a full selection of fresh produce and meats, canned goods, and a variety of foods from around the world. Located on South Pattaya Road, it is a easily located near the baht bus routes. Learn more...
Harbor Mall
Harbor Mall is the newest shopping mall in Pattaya. It has a selection of stores and restaruants on offer as well as a grocery store on the bottom floor. The Harbor mall also hosts a variety of family friendly entertainment such as a climbing wall, arcade area, and even an ice skating rink.
HomePro
HomePro is the major home improvement retailer in Pattaya (and all of Thailand). If you need anything for your house, condo, or apartment, this is the place to check first. They provide everything from toilets and tile to furniture and refrigerators. Learn more...
Mike Shopping Mall
A well-established mall in central Pattaya, Mike’s Shopping Mall has become a fixture on the Pattaya landscape. It has a variety of stores, mainly focused on clothes and home goods, with a food court on the top floor.
Pattya Night Bazar
The Pattaya Night Bazar is an open-air market located on Second Road near the Central Festival Mall. It is mainly a group of small shops offering a broad selection of items. It is a good place to browse for souvenirs or to see what might catch your eye. Learn More...
Royal Garden Mall
Visitors will find the Royal Garden mall hosts a variety of retail stores and restaurants. On the top floor visitors will find a variety of entertainment options such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Louis Tussaud’s Wax museum. Learn More...
Soi Buakhao Market
The Soi Buakhao Market takes place every Tuesday and Friday in the open lot on Soi Buakhao near South Pattaya Road. It is an open-air market that sells clothing, food, and just about anything else you can think of. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, it is work spending an hour looking around the market just for fun.
Tukcom IT Center
If you need anything electronic or digital, Tukcom Shopping Mall is the place to start your search. They have floors dedicated to cell phones, software, computers, and much more. There is also a Tops Supermarket in the basement that not many people realize. Learn More...
Pattaya is a lively beach town that draws visitors from around the world.