Pattaya, nestled along the Gulf of Thailand, is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a wide array of attractions that cater to travellers of all types. If you are planning your first visit to this tropical paradise, you're in for a treat. To ensure you make the most of your trip, we've compiled a list of must-do things to help you experience the best that Pattaya offers.
One of Thailand's largest and most authentic floating markets is Pattaya Floating Market. It offers a glimpse into the local people's traditional way of life and culture. Along the waterways, there are hundreds of wooden boats and stalls where you can browse for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and food. Additionally, you can enjoy cultural shows like Thai boxing, dancing, and music performances.
No Thailand holiday can be considered complete without indulging in some delicious Thai seafood. You can savor some mouth-watering seafood options at Glasshouse and Mum Aroi while enjoying the scenic view of the beach waves. For a fine dining experience, you can book a table at Rimpa Lapin and enjoy a meal from atop a cliff. Additionally, you can take a walk along the Walking Street and Thepprasit market, where you can sample delicious food from street vendors at affordable prices. These vendors serve unique delicacies that will surely delight your taste buds.
If you have a fascination for the weird and wonderful, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is definitely worth a visit. The museum boasts over 300 exhibits of oddities, curiosities, and mysteries from all around the world. You can marvel at a replica of the Titanic, made entirely from matchsticks, a four-meter-long python skin, a shrunken head, and much more. Apart from these exhibits, the museum offers other attractions such as a haunted house, a 4D movie theatre, and a wax museum.
Koh Larn is a small island situated approximately 7 kilometers off the coast of Pattaya. It is a popular destination for a day trip, offering a peaceful escape from city life and a chance to appreciate some natural beauty. Koh Larn boasts six primary beaches, each featuring clear blue water and white sand. Visitors can indulge in activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, or hiking on the island.
Mini Siam is a park that features miniature replicas of famous landmarks and monuments from Thailand and around the world. You can see scaled-down versions of iconic sites such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Angkor Wat, Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Tower Bridge, and more. The park is divided into two zones: Mini Siam and Mini Europe. Additionally, you can enjoy a light and sound show in the evening, making for a complete experience.
Art in Paradise is an interactive 3D art museum that showcases more than 100 paintings, creating optical illusions. The museum allows visitors to pose with the paintings and take photos that make them look like they're part of the scene. You can find yourself flying on a magic carpet, escaping a shark attack, riding a dinosaur, or even kissing Mona Lisa.
Walking Street is the heart of Pattaya's nightlife scene. It is a 1-kilometre-long street that is closed to traffic at night and transformed into a pedestrian zone. The street is packed with an array of bars, clubs, discos, and live music venues, offering various entertainment options ranging from go-go bars, beer bars, and karaoke bars to sports bars, rock bars, and hip-hop bars. In addition to these, you can also treat yourself to some delicious street food, enjoy street performances, and visit massage parlours which are located along the way.
