Thailand’s Pattaya is a city. It is situated in the Bang Lamung district of the province of Chonburi but is not a part of it. It lies on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometers (62 mi) southeast of Bangkok. The self-governing municipality of Pattaya City includes the Tambons of Nong Prue and Na Klua as well as portions of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. The city, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chonburi, is located in the industrial Eastern Seaboard zone. With a population of about 1,000,000, Pattaya is the largest city in the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, a conurbation in the province of Chonburi.

7 Places in Pattaya

1. Holy Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

Atop the forested Pratamnak Hill south of Pattaya, this 18-meter-tall golden statue of the Buddha appears calm and at home. To see the statue up close and take in the lots of smaller Buddhas around it, climb the steep stairs that are decorated on both sides with golden Naga snakes. Many folks visit this location to offer prayers for success, happiness, and health. The summit of the hill offers stunning views of Pattaya and the bay as well. If you don’t feel like making the long journey up the hill, you can take a taxi and reserve your energy for the stair climb up to the statues.

 

2. Market Floating in Four Regions

The first and only floating market in Pattaya, this beehive of activity is separated into sections that sell goods from Thailand’s four main regions. There are a number of goods available here, including clothing, arts and crafts, and gifts. It’s also a fantastic place to sample some strange cuisine, with options including scorpion, cricket, and crocodile meat. Renting a boat is an excellent way to explore the markets. In contrast to more genuine floating markets, entry is fee-based here. However, your ticket includes more than simply a boat ride. Sea boxing, traditional Thai dances, and even a zipline across the water are among the entertainment options available here.

3. Visit Khao Chi Chan to see the Giant Buddha Engraving

Khao Chi Chan, also known as Buddha Mountain, is a limestone hill that has the largest Buddha image in the world carved directly into it. The 109-meter-tall and 70-meter-wide golden Buddha carving cover most of the side of the gigantic rock. The figure was carved into the stone using guided laser technology and then covered with the gold leaf when it was built in 1996 as a tribute to the king as well as a destination for local Buddhists.
The beauty of the area is increased by a peaceful park with a small lake, paved paths, and several water pools filled with lotus flowers. A small number of vendors can be found there.

4. Aquatic World

Although not as large as some aquariums, Pattaya Underwater World is home to a remarkable variety of marine life from various underwater habitats. You may feed koi fish from bottles here at Thailand’s first contemporary aquarium, get up close to sharks and rays, touch the sensations of ocean life in the touch pool, and explore Thailand’s largest collection of jellyfish. Kids may spend a night in the underwater glass tunnel learning about marine animals at the Sleepover with Sharks & Rays Camp special event.

5. Purchase mementos at Thepprasit Night Market

This vibrant market draws both locals and tourists and is open from Friday through Sunday from 5 until 11 p.m. The markets in the city center of Pattaya tend to charge more, therefore it’s worthwhile to take a tuk-tuk to get to Thepprasit even though there are other markets.  There are both indoor and outdoor stalls here, but by far the biggest and most impressive section of the market is indoor. Like other Thai markets, there isn’t any order or rhyme to the way the stalls are set up, with food vendors standing next to electronics or T-shirt merchants.

6. Explore the Ramayana Water Park to beat the heat

With 21 unique water-themed rides, Ramayana Water Park—dubbed “the biggest and best water park in Thailand”—offers visitors of all ages an amazing day out. A riot of vibrant, serpentine slides, including a heart-stopping freefall and more kid-friendly slides, twist around the park.

The dual wave pool, a family’s Aqua splash park with fountains, and even a green maze are other activities offered here. The relaxing river ride winds its way past gushing geysers and mysterious caves. Volleyball, Zumba, water polo, and fish feeding are just a few of the daily activities that add to the enjoyment.

7. Art in Paradise

The illusion art museum known as Art in Paradise is a great spot for entertaining vantage points. When you need a respite from the heat, it’s also a terrific location to go. Touch a rhino, a marlin, or a whale’s belly in lifelike artwork, then take a photo to share the experience with your loved ones afterward. Classical art, Egypt, the underwater world, the safari, dinosaurs, and fantasy are just a few of the themed areas. This is a fun place to finish your holiday photo album and a great rainy-day pastime.