Joanna James
Are you heading to Pattaya for the first time and unsure what to expect? Here are a few facts, tips and the best ways to enjoy Pattaya for the first time, to have a memorable time!
Since you're going mainly for relaxation, you need to visit as many of the beaches in Pattaya as possible. As beaches are one of the major attractions here, you can even spend a full day at the beach. There are also many water activities such as parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking and jet skiing to try your hand at! Beaches such as Naklua beach tend to be extremely popular, as a result, expect them to be slightly crowded. Although the beaches in Pattaya are not postcard-perfect, they offer a fun respite, even if you're travelling with children. If you're travelling with children, Koh Lahn and Sai Kaew Navy Beach are more suitable for bathing and letting the kids have a great time!
Once you're in Pattaya, and you've picked an accommodation partner such as Avani Pattaya Resort, or if you simply want to visit some of the other attractions and beaches – which mode of transport must you opt for? The cheapest ways to get about are by motorcycle taxi and baht bus, which also tend to be convenient. However, meter taxis, GrabTaxi (an app similar to uber), and private taxis/ cards are also freely available. There's an option for all holiday budgets.
Thinking about spending a couple of days in Pattaya? Things to do here are aplenty, such as visiting the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, exploring Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Gardens, the Sanctuary of Truth, and discovering Wat Yansangwararam and Big Buddha among many other things. If you're with family, a visit to Cartoon Network Amazone and Harborland is a great idea! There's also something for the sports enthusiasts such as football and lawn bowling. Pattaya truly has something for everyone!
If you have a few days to spare, you can allocate one of those days to take a trip to Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island. A quick 45-minute ferry ride, Koh Larn is a great escape for those who like white sandy beaches, blue water lapping at the shores and water sports! This is an ideal location for families as well. If you want to go a step further and explore the island more, you can rent a motorbike.
The Four Regions Floating Market is the very first of its kind in Pattaya. This busy floating market is divided into four separate sections, each selling merchandise from a part of Thailand. Although you have to pay for a ticket here, there's more than just a boat ride; you get to witness shows, events and activities that are worth your while. You can also buy arts, crafts, souvenirs and much more to take back home with you as a token of Pattaya!
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