Joanna James
As one of Thailand's best loved beach hubs, Pattaya welcomes travellers from around the globe. Here are some of the top things to do during a getaway in Pattaya.
Tipped to be one of the most scenic corners of the island, Pattaya visitors should spend at least a few hours relaxing and exploring the confines of the picturesque Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. Spread out across 2.4 square kilometers, the award winning garden is lined with trees and flora of a thousand shades while a whopping 670 types of orchids are also part of the landscape.
Regarded as one of the most revered cultural highlights in all of Thailand, let alone Pattaya, Big Buddha Hill or Wat Phra Khao Yai Temple is a must experience hotspot for all tourist based in the beach capital. The towering sculpture of Lord Buddha which has earned the hill its name is one of the most breathtaking sights one will come across in Pattaya and the hike up to the temple is an experience in and of itself. Those based at Avani Pattaya Resort or any other hotel can book a guided tour of Wat Phra Khao Yai as it is one of the most popular items on every Pattaya things to do lists.
No trip to Pattaya would be complete without a night out in the beach hub's self declared night life Mecca. Walking Street may be a mere 500m in length but the large number of nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and beer gardens crammed into the space is truly impressive. When the sun goes down in Pattaya locals and travellers alike head to this bustling part of town to drink up and dance the night away as you only can in a Thai beach hotspot.
When it comes to enjoying your time in Pattaya, there's nothing quite like shopping in one of the area's most unique retail landscapes. Thailand's floating markets are famed the world over but most visitors only have the Bangkok floating markets as a frame of reference. Pattaya is a different story altogether as the sheer scope of the floating market in the beach Mecca will impress shoppers and tourists alike. Occupying canals and channels, the market is divided into several sections which specialize in a type of product or food variety. The best way to shop till you drop at the Pattaya Floating Market is to hop on a boat yourself and explore the water bound marketplace leisurely.
Thrill seekers heading to Pattaya should not miss the chance to enjoy a zip-lining excursion during the vacation. Flight Of The Gibbon is an adventure tourist's dream destination in Pattaya which offers 3km long zip lining tours with 2 abseiling stations. As one of the safest venues to enjoy zip-lining in Thailand, a day of walking on the treetops at Flight Of The Gibbon is a must for all first timers.
As the most celebrated natural attribute in Pattaya, scoring serious beach time in Pattaya not only means lounging on the beachfront but also signing up for a host of water sports activities. Koh Larn Island is one such location where holidaymakers can enjoy six stunning beaches in one all encompassing location.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
