Joanna James
As one of Thailand's most popular beach holiday hotspots, Pattaya offers visitors the chance to enjoy more than its stunning beaches. From island hopping to shopping at floating markets, here are some of the best things to do during a getaway in this seaside paradise.
Spread out across a whopping 200 hectares, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is no ordinary parkland in Pattaya. Abloom for most of the year, this charming and spacious botanical sphere is home to some of the most spectacular flowers, landscaped lawns and floral displays in Thailand. Managed and maintained by a team of award-winning horticulturists, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is divided into thematic zones including French gardens, topiary sections and even a replica of Stonehenge. The area designated for cacti and bonsai trees is equally fascinating. Tourists can also enjoy boxing matches, Thai dance recitals, and drum displays at the venue during festive periods.
Travellers based at Oakwood Hotel Journeyhub Pattaya or any other central Pattaya hotels will also find that the best place to wine, dine and shop is down Walking Street. Closed to vehicles from 6 pm onwards, this area of Pattaya City is lined with the best restaurants, drinking holes and nightclubs in the area that comes alive after dark. Street performers and street food vendors are also part of this vibrant district where one can have a grand night out any day of the week.
Not to be outdone by Bangkok's floating market, Pattaya Floating Market or the Four Regions Floating Market is a one-of-a-kind retail hub in the beach Mecca. Spread out across a vast expanse of 10 ha, the market has been divided and designed to represent every major district in Thailand. Each of these sections contains food, souvenirs, art, crafts, clothing and even postcards belonging to their representative district. With a whopping 114 of its vendors occupying canoes and other boats, it is both a stilted village and a floating market rolled into one.
This unique structure made almost entirely of teak is another cultural monument that tourists must explore during a visit to Pattaya. Representing both philosophical and religious ideas, the monument stands as a testament to the higher value of spiritual enlightenment and morality over materialism. The wood used to create this monument has deliberately been untreated by chemical substances, which means that rainy conditions and other environmental factors would decay some elements of the complex as time goes by and would need to be replaced.
Towering above the surrounding landscape at a height of 18m, the Big Buddha Temple is not only a religious point of interest but also one of the best lookout points in Pattaya. Set at an altitude of 100m, the temple, which is locally known as Wat Phra Khao Yai, hosts several festivals throughout the year and is a popular and active Buddhist temple.
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.
