Joanna James
Pattaya's always got its fun mode, on! A vibrant city on the east coast of Thailand it is the closest major tourism hub to Bangkok. From sunrise to nightfall Pattaya is in action
Bursting with a remarkable display of flowers and landscaped gardens Nong Nooch Garden is best to explore on a cycle. 17th-century French style gardens, a recreation of Stonehenge, creative gardens displaying cactus, tropical palms and bonsais as well as flower gardens blooming with sweet-smelling flowers. Nong Nooch is not only about flowers and tree but visitors get a chance to watch elephant talent shows, cultural performances and Thais boxing and drumming shows here.
The Wat Phra Khao Yai or Big Buddha Hill is on the south of Pattaya. The Big Buddha statue, which the name of the temple is derived, stands up to 10 meters in height. Visiting this temple is one of the top Pattaya things to do. This massive Buddha statue watches over Pattaya and Jomtien beaches from its position 100 meters above the sea level on the hill dividing the two areas. This Buddhist temple is not only a tourist attraction but also an active site among locals who comes here to pray and offer gratitude to Lord Buddha.
The Human Slingshot in Pattaya is the only one available in Asia at the moment. As the name suggests, you will be secured to a harness, which resembles a massive slingshot and then flung into the air at high speed. If you've played Angry Birds, then replace the birds with humans then you get the picture. It's actually a fun and safe activity so give it a shot!
A trip to Pattaya is incomplete without a stroll down the walking street after sundown. There is nowhere in the world that can be compared to 500 meters of fun and entertainment down this street. The neon lights, funky music, street acts and the food vendors come out after 6 pm. As the name suggests vehicles cannot pass down the street after the action begins. Nightclubs, bars, pubs, go-go bars and restaurants brighten up the street for party animals that travel from around the world. In order to make the most o your trip, stay at a hotel such as Avani Pattaya Resort.
When you enter a local market in Pattaya or any part of Thailand there is a buzz of activity and you will be rubbing shoulders with all sorts of people. The local markets are a great way to observe the lives of the ordinary Thai people who have a habit of shopping in the local markets for day-to-day goods, and it is a part of their lifestyle and society. The Thai local markets or as they say the 'talad' has almost everything you need and a little bit more actually. There are various fresh fruits and vegetables in the stalls before you purchase the tropical fruits you can taste one to make sure they agree with your taste buds and most often you need not pay for it! You will find a long list of local foods being sold in these markets, from prepared snacks, curries, dried fruits, meat, and seafood; it just goes on and on.
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