Places to visit if you are a first time visitor to Pattaya.
Wat Yansangwararam
The template complex Wat Yang was built in honor of the Chakri dynasty, which is now officially on the throne. The King of Thailand personally took the iconic structure under his guardianship. Wat Yang is home to such attractions in addition to the main building:
a pond with fountains;
the footprint of the Buddha himself. In order to touch the shrine, you have to climb a staircase of 300 steps;
Chinese temple-museum Viharnra Sien.
How to get there: by tuk-tuk or cab (from 100 THB).
Wang Boran / Prasat Mai
The Temple of Truth is the largest wooden temple in all of Pattaya. It was conceived in 1980, thanks to the sponsorship of Thai millionaire Lek Wiriyapanth. Its purpose is to introduce tourists and locals to the Kingdom's iconic art.
The unusually shaped building is finished on the outside, but finishing work continues inside to this day.
After exploring the temple, travelers can walk around the surrounding area:
feed the tigers in the small zoo;
Ride on elephants or horses;
shoot at a shooting range;
Ride an ATV;
see a traditional Thai dance show.
How to get there: by songteo (10 TNV).
Wat Yansangwararam
Wat Yansangwararam is a temple complex built in honor of the Chakri dynasty, currently reigning in Thailand. It holds a special place as it is under the personal guardianship of the King of Thailand. In addition to the main building, this remarkable site features the following attractions:
A picturesque pond with fountains.
The sacred footprint of Buddha, which requires climbing 300 steps to reach.
The Chinese temple-museum, Viharnra Sien.
How to get there: You can reach Wat Yansangwararam by taking a tuk-tuk or cab (starting at 100 THB).
Wang Boran / Prasat Mai
The Temple of Truth is Pattaya's largest wooden temple, established in 1980 through the generous sponsorship of Thai millionaire Lek Wiriyapanth. Its primary purpose is to showcase Thailand's iconic art to both tourists and locals.
While the exterior of this uniquely shaped temple is complete, interior finishing work is an ongoing project. After visiting the temple, travelers can explore the surrounding area and enjoy activities such as:
Feeding tigers in a small zoo.
Riding elephants or horses.
Trying out a shooting range.
Riding an ATV.
Watching a traditional Thai dance show.
How to get there: You can reach The Temple of Truth by taking a songteo (10 THB).
Khao Chi Chan Carved Mountain Buddha
The world's largest Golden Buddha image, standing at an impressive 109 meters high and 50 meters wide, can be found near Wat Yang (Big Buddha) temple. This remarkable statue was originally created using laser technology in the late 90s and later adorned with special gold tiles.
While the Golden Buddha Mountain area may lack extensive tourist facilities, there are several gazebos available for relaxation.
How to get there: You can reach this site by taking a tuk-tuk or cab (starting at 100 THB).
Orthodox Temple
The "All Saints Parish" Orthodox Church, which opened in Pattaya in 2009, is a relatively small church frequently visited by Christians from CIS countries. Here, you can both engage in prayer and request various services, including:
Reception, wedding, christening.
Sorokoust for health or repose.
Panikhida.
How to get there: You can reach the Orthodox Church by using a Songteo (10 THB).
Operating hours: The temple is open to the public daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, with regular service hours at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Pattaya boasts a variety of natural attractions, including parks, gardens, archipelagos, and man-made wonders like an oceanarium and zoo. Local vantage points also offer stunning views of the entire resort.
Underwater World Pattaya
Since 2003, Pattaya has been home to the largest oceanarium in the area. Some of its notable features include the following sectors:
A shallow-water pool where you can even touch fish and other marine life.
A mesmerizing waterfall with red carp.
An aviary where playful otters reside.
Multiple aquariums showcasing turtles, lobsters, and moray eels.
A clear glass underwater tunnel, allowing you to feed the fish up close.
Entry Fee: 300 THB for children and 500 THB for adults.
Opening Hours: 09:00 to 18:00.
Phone: +66 (0) 38756877-9
Address: 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi Thailand 20150.
Book tickets at their website.
The Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm
You can visit The Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm either independently or as part of a guided tour. Covering approximately 29 hectares, it took about two decades to create this impressive park. It's a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll, and here's how you can spend your time there:
Let your imagination run wild as you decipher the shapes of unique rocks.
Witness captivating crocodile shows that are sure to thrill.
Encounter zebras and lions at the nearby mini zoo.
Savor ethnic cuisine at a local restaurant.
Ticket Price: 300 THB for children, 500 THB for adults.
How to Get There: You can reach the park by tuk-tuk or cab (starting from 300 THB).
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 18:30.
Phone: +66 (0) 3824 9347 to 9
Address: 22/1 Moo 1, Nongplalai, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Pattaya City, Thailand.
Tickets can be booked on their website.
Mini Siam
One of Pattaya's charming parks, Mini Siam, is famous for its remarkable miniature replicas of iconic landmarks from all over the world. When exploring the park, consider these interesting facts:
All structures are scaled down to 1/225 of their actual size.
The sights are most enchanting in the evening when they are beautifully illuminated.
Mini Siam is divided into two sections - Asian and European, each offering incredibly detailed exhibits.
How to get there: You can reach Mini Siam by taking a Songteo (10 THB).
Opening Hours: The park is open daily from 07:00 to 22:00.
Phone: +66 (0) 38 727 333
Address: 387 Sukhumvit Rd, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand.
Tickets can be booked on their website.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Located 17 km from the center of Pattaya, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden sprawls across an expansive 240-hectare area. This magnificent garden is the brainchild of local plant enthusiasts.
It first opened its doors to the public in 1980, and within this slice of paradise, you'll find several captivating sections to explore:
An enchanting orchid garden.
A unique local cactusarium.
A blue garden adorned with ferns and palms.
A French-style park with traditional landscaping.
Butterfly and bird gardens teeming with life.
A miniature replica of Stonehenge.
A garage housing a collection of world-famous cars.
A garden featuring clay pots.
A tranquil pond hosting rare species of fish.
Nong Nooch also boasts a mini-zoo where visitors can enjoy an elephant ride and witness traditional Thai dance performances.
Ticket Price: Starting from 500 THB.
How to Get There: You can reach Nong Nooch by taking a cab (starting from 200 THB) or joining an organized tour (starting from 500 THB).
Office Hours: Open every day from 08:00 to 18:00.
Phone: +66(038)238061
Address: 34/1 Moo 7, Na-Jomtien, Satahip, Chonburi 20250 Thailand.
Tickets can be booked on their website.
Viewpoints
To enjoy a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Pattaya, consider visiting one of the resort's three observation decks. The panorama is especially captivating in the evening when the entire city is bathed in sparkling lights.
Pratamnak
It's from the Pratamnak Hill that most of the iconic Pattaya photos found online were captured. Here, you'll discover a collection of Buddha statues along with convenient rest stops, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Just below the main observation deck, you'll find a smaller one, situated near the famous PATTAYA sign.
How to get there: You can reach Pratamnak Hill by taking a tuk-tuk or cab (starting from 100 THB).
Other Panoramic Sites
Additionally, there are several other popular viewpoints in Pattaya, including those:
Near the Big Buddha complex.
Close to the Wat Yang complex.
In the vicinity of the Pattaya Park Hotel.
Other Natural Attractions
Co Larne or Coral Island: You can reach this picturesque island by boat for 150 THB. Here, you can explore uninhabited jungles and enjoy the beautiful sea with its vibrant underwater world.
Mu Ko Phai Archipelago: Discover a group of uninhabited islands in the Mu Ko Phai archipelago.
Sri Racha Tiger Zoo: Home to several hundred tigers and alligators, this zoo is a captivating place to visit.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo: This open zoo allows visitors to interact with and feed many animals on its grounds.
Silver Lake Vineyard: Explore the beautiful Silver Lake Vineyard and its scenic surroundings.
Elephant Village: At the Elephant Village, you can enjoy an elephant ride and witness entertaining shows featuring these gentle giants.