14 Fun Things to Do In Pattaya

You could be forgiven for thinking that Pattaya is all about the beach and the bars. Certainly, Pattaya is famed for its nightlife and thousands of people also come here to relax on the sand. But that’s not all there is in Pattaya. You’ll find plenty to see and do if you are spending a weekend here or sometimes longer. For a start, here is a list of 14 fun things to do in Pattaya for all the family.

Mini Siam/ Image via Sergey/ Flickr

1) Check Out Mini Siam

A cute place to go with the family – Mini Siam features small replicas of famous structures from Thailand as well as other iconic buildings from across the globe. The model village is expertly constructed and it is a good place to walk around for a few hours. The theme park is open from 7 am to 10 pm every day and is located on Sukhumvit Road.

2) Take Part in Beach Sports

Don’t forget the beach – it’s not just for lying on the sand. You can take part in a variety of beach sports and activities including jet skiing, banana boats, windsurfing, and waterskiing. Whatever you want to do on the beach there is something on offer, and you can also go on a diving or snorkeling trip to the surrounding islands.

3) Check out Pattaya Kart Speedway

The kart racing circuit has space for both professionals and amateurs, and you can also take part on the off-road track. There’s a small café and it is open every day.

4) Go to the Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

Here you will find hundreds of crocodiles as well as rare animals like albino bears. The gardens and zoo are landscaped and pretty, and you can also see magic shows and entertainment, as well as animal shows. The zoo and animal park is located a 15-minute drive from the center of Pattaya.

5) Visit Pattaya Elephant Village

This elephant camp showcases the elephants’ everyday lives and you can go on an elephant trek, or see the elephants at work and play in the jungle. There are elephant shows and you can also see stage shows the demonstrate living with elephants in the wild.

6) Visit Wat Yanasangwararam

The name may be a bit of a mouthful but the building is a great place to go. Built in 1976, the wat (temple) has a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and some intricate detail on the buildings. The wat is open from 8 am to 4 pm each day.

7) See Some Art at the Anek Kuson Sala

The entrance to this art gallery is a little before you get to the wat, so you can combine the two attractions in one visit. Anek Kuson Sala houses some excellent-quality Chinese art and architecture and was first built in 1987. You will also find some antiques and pottery from the Golden age. An interesting place to visit.

8) Go to the Siriphon Orchid Farm

If you are interested in flowers and natural life then the Orchid Farm is the place to visit. Admire many different kinds of orchids all displayed inside the farm. You can also purchase orchids from the farm.

9) Relax in the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

Around 15 minutes’ from the center of town, the tropical gardens feature waterfalls, elephants, orchids, and a Cultural Extravaganza performance that takes place several times a day. You will also find restaurants and cafes so there is plenty here to occupy you for the day.

10) Go to the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Exhibition

One of the famous Ripley’s establishments, this Pattaya exhibition has all the things you would expect as well as a Haunted Experience attraction and an Infinity Maze. Children will love it – a great place to take the family.

Sanctuary of Truth/ Image via Berry/ Flickr

11) Visit the Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth is a very special structure located close to the ocean in the north of Pattaya at Laem Ratchawet. The temple is a large wooden structure that was started in 1981 and continues to be developed to this day. The intricate designs and the impressive architecture are worth a visit, and this makes for an interesting afternoon away from the beach. The Sanctuary is open from 9am to 6pm each day.

12) Go to Underwater World

The tunnel at this aquarium allows visitors to see the specimens up close – there are tropical fish, sharks, turtles, groupers and more as well as fish from the Amazon. On the surface you can watch marine life feeding shows as well as dive in the tank with the fish. Located on the Sukhumvit Road and open every day from 9am to 6pm.

13) Visit Three Kingdoms Theme Park

Located around 20 minutes’ from Pattaya, the Three Kingdoms Theme Park is not an amusement park but rather a garden filled with Chinese-style murals, pagodas, figures, and statues from the epic Chinese work San Guo Zhi. Maybe not one for the whole family but a peaceful place to visit all the same.