I have visited Thailand countless times, exploring the South, West, East, major islands, and beach destinations. Yet, I’m baffled as to why it never occurred to me to check out Pattaya.
Oh boy, I didn’t know how much I missed until I received an invitation from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to finally explore Pattaya!
This media trip coincided with the resumption of AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur to Pattaya route on 17 June 2024. The inaugural flight, nearly full, departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 11:20 AM and landed at U-Tapao International Airport about two hours later, where we were welcomed with a water cannon salute and warm greetings from the representatives of AirAsia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
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The Allure of Pattaya
Pattaya is Thailand’s eighth largest city, known for its stunning beaches, thrilling water sports, and vibrant entertainment scene. Situated just 150 kilometres southeast of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand, this tropical beach city has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a bustling tourist hotspot.
The city has made strides in recent years to improve the quality of its beaches and evolve into a more family-friendly destination. Visitors come for its array of water sports, delectable dining options, charming cafes, and bustling souvenir shops, making it an ideal getaway for families, friends, and couples alike.
Coral Island (Koh Larn)
One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Coral Island, or Koh Larn, located about 10 kilometres off Pattaya’s coast. Known for its white sandy beaches, clear azure waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Koh Larn is perfect for snorkelling and diving.
The island boasts six main beaches, including the popular Tawaen Beach and the quieter Thien Beach. I rented a bike for around THB200 with fellow travel companions to explore the island. We stopped over at Matata Bay Café, a quaint spot overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, to enjoy a laidback afternoon and to quench our thirst in the hot weather.
Later that day, we rode to The Windmill Viewpoint, a vantage point in the middle of the island offering a breathtaking 360-degree view. The roads heading to the viewpoint are narrow and winding, so I advise visitors to be cautious when riding the bike.
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Koh Larn is a must-visit for its stunning beaches, exciting water activities, and serene natural beauty. Remember to bring sunblock, sun hats, and flip-flops.
Art in Paradise
Back in the city, we visited Art in Paradise, an interactive 3D art museum featuring hand-painted three-dimensional artworks and optical illusions that invite visitors to become part of the art. This is a fantastic addition to our Pattaya itinerary.
It’s a fun, immersive experience where you can touch, interact, and take photos with the exhibits. Perfect for families, it offers a creative and educational outing that is also budget-friendly.
Pattaya Walking Street
No visit to Pattaya is complete without experiencing the lively Pattaya Walking Street, especially vibrant for the young at heart. This 700-metre stretch at the southern end of Pattaya Beach Road is known for its electrifying nightlife, with pubs, nightclubs, go-go bars, live music venues, and seafood restaurants.
The street comes alive after sunset with neon lights and music, making it a must-see attraction for night owls. Our guide, Mr. Mike Wannachai, recommended visiting between November and February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
Sanctuary of Truth
As an admirer of architecture and history, I was truly in love with the Sanctuary of Truth, and I am not exaggerating when I say this too was the highlight of my trip. This breathtaking wooden structure combines elements of a temple and a castle with the theme of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Designed by Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphan with his wife, this intricate hand-carved wooden edifice reflects Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Standing 105 metres tall and made entirely of wood, the Sanctuary of Truth is an architectural marvel that offers a deep dive into Thai culture, philosophy, and spirituality.
We learned that this building is ever-growing, as more parts are added frequently, allowing for the incorporation of new designs and carvings over time. Visitors should dress comfortably and respectfully, as this site holds significant cultural and religious value.
Great & Grand Sweet Destination
About 20 minutes away, along Route 36, we stepped into a candy wonderland at Great & Grand Sweet Destination, a whimsical dessert-themed park featuring life-sized dessert figures and themed cafes, including an ice cream parlour offering delicious frozen yoghurt ice creams.
It’s an imaginative and fun environment perfect for dessert lovers and families to enjoy vibrant and playful photo opportunities and indulge in a variety of sweets.
The park is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and until 7:00 PM on weekends.
FROST Magical Ice of Siam
For a cool retreat from Pattaya’s tropical climate, we visited FROST Magical Ice of Siam, an icy amusement park featuring stunning ice sculptures and an ice dome kept at -10°C. The park boasts the largest ice sculpture display in Southeast Asia and includes various themed zones like Siam Heaven and Himmapan Zone, offering a unique Arctic experience in a tropical setting. Visitors can enjoy drinks from ice glasses and explore ice caves.
The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Go-Karting at EasyKart.net
Later that day, we needed a thrilling experience, so we swung by go-karting at EasyKart.net, Thailand’s largest and most advanced go-karting complex.
Located at Bali Hai Pier, the facility features a 350-metre beginner track and an 800-metre racing track, catering to all skill levels. There are four different kart models, including kids’ karts, regular karts, fast karts, and two-seater karts.
Prioritising safety, the go-kart complex is equipped with high-tech safety features and provides all necessary safety gear. For visitors who are not keen on go-karting, there are many other offerings such as the panoramic terrace, restaurant, bar, and pool table, making it a fun activity for all ages.
Opens Monday to Thursday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday until 11:00 PM.
Tappia Floating Café
To settle down from our adrenaline rush, we hopped on a boat from the pier and headed to Tappia Floating Café, a floating café that offers a unique dining experience on the water, with stunning ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Accessible by boat from Bali Hai Pier, the café provides a variety of drinks and dishes, along with the opportunity to try squid fishing. Visitors can have their catch prepared as sashimi or grilled.
For those who suffer from seasickness, this attraction may be a bit challenging. Take your motion sickness medication before departing. Otherwise, this is a perfect getaway from the land to unwind.
The café is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Pattaya Floating Market
The morning after, we took a trip to Pattaya Floating Market to experience the traditional Thai way of life. Established in 2008, the market features over 400 shops and boat vendors offering Thai food, desserts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Divided into four sections, each representing a different region of Thailand, the market offers a rich cultural experience.
Shortly after arrival, we were just in time to watch an intriguing water Thai boxing performance, where two boxers fight each other with fists, elbows, and knees while sitting on a bamboo stilt. The first one to fall into the water loses.
The market is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
On the last day of our trip to Pattaya, we visited Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. This is another highlight of the trip. This garden is a vast 500-acre park known for its stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections.
Established in 1980, the garden features themed sections such as French Garden, Italian Garden, and Cactus Garden.
However, the standout attraction for me was the Dinosaur Valley, with life-sized dinosaur replicas that provide an immersive Jurassic experience. I was so excited to see the dinosaurs that I wandered away from the group tour and spent more time by myself there. Though I am already over 40, this part of the park made me giggle like a 14-year-old.
We also watched captivating traditional Thai cultural shows and elephant performances.
The garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tiffany’s Show
What better way to spend your last night in Pattaya other than watching Tiffany’s Show, a world-renowned cabaret show featuring talented performers in elaborate costumes?
Since 1974, it has been delivering spectacular performances blending traditional Thai dance, contemporary pop, and Broadway-style numbers. With high production value and impressive performances, Tiffany’s Show is a must-see for anyone visiting Pattaya.
Don’t forget to take a moment after the show to meet and greet the performers outside the theatre. They are strikingly beautiful in glamorous and glittering dresses.
Shows are held daily at 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:00 PM, with ticket prices ranging from THB1,200 to THB2,500.
Where did we stay?
We stayed at two different lodgings during our trip to Pattaya.
The first was Sea Sand Sun Resort & Villas, a luxurious 5-star resort located in Na Jomtien, about 30 minutes from Pattaya City and only 15 minutes from U-Tapao International Airport.
It was an amazing first-night stop for us after arriving in the late afternoon from Kuala Lumpur. This tranquil haven is located along a white sandy beach, offering a serene escape from the bustling city.
The resort offers several types of villas: Garden Boutique, Garden Villa, Pavilion Villa, Pool Villa Suite, and Ocean Front Pool Villa Suite. I highly recommend the 200-metre squared Garden Suite with Jacuzzi, which has its own private jacuzzi and pool.
The special Thai massage treatment dispensed by the resort’s spa, operated by Bhawa Spa, is also a must-try. After the treatment, I felt rejuvenated and eager to continue exploring Pattaya.
That evening, we regrouped at the beach to enjoy delicious mocktails while watching the sunset. This resort is perfect for those seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty.
The second hotel was Pattaya Modus Beachfront Resort Hotel, a luxurious beachfront resort located on Wong Amat Beach in Northern Pattaya. While we did not have the opportunity to tour the resort, from the intimate and spacious look of my room, which includes a balcony and large king-sized bed, I can say that the resort in its entirety meets my grand Pattaya expectations!
Each of us stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View Room, elegantly designed to offer guests outstanding sea views to enjoy the view of the sea and sunset after a long day exploring this tropical beach city.
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Pattaya offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences, from serene beaches and cultural landmarks to vibrant nightlife and unique activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Pattaya has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this coastal gem on your next holiday!
I must thank Ms. Mai and Ms. Bulan from TAT, and our guide Mr. Mike, for sharing informative, extensive, and valuable knowledge about Pattaya during this trip. Khob khun krub, Pattaya and ไว้พบกันอีก (see you again)!
The Gaya Travel Magazine team extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for making the writer’s trip possible and smooth sailing.
Filed in: Pattaya
