Joanna James
Sprawled across the eastern seaboard of Thailand, Pattaya will stop at nothing to put on one memorable show, replete with religious landmarks, engaging party sections and gorgeous views.
Known for high-energy vibes, neon light signage and a party atmosphere throughout, the 500-meter-long Walking Street best serves those who want to forget every care in the world and embrace life’s simplicities. Stop by a street food vendor, enter a nightclub or tip a street performer.
Measuring 3 km and extending from Walking Street to Pattaya Nuea South is the city’s most popular beach. Known as Pattaya Beach, you can learn to dive, parasail or even jet ski while for the laidback at heart, it would be wise to head towards the north for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Perched atop a hill and looking out over Jomtien Beach and Pattaya Beach is the Big Buddha Temple. Famed for an 18-meter tall Golden Buddha statue, the shrine is called ‘Wat Phra Khao Yai’ and often overflows with devotees who arrive to burn incense and pray.
Found a hop, step and jump from the ocean, the Sanctuary of Truth is a captivating depiction of philosophy, religion and art and narrates a correlation to human development. Hewn of teak, its structure and architecture are beautiful to behold and for those residing at Travelodge Pattaya which is a good Pattaya City hotel, then visiting the Sanctuary of Truth is a must.
Set foot on 200 acres of landscaped gardens which showcase a wide spectrum of value additions. Known as Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, this welcoming escape houses a recreation of Stonehenge, 17th-century French gardens and over 670 species of orchids that will see to it that your time here goes off well.
The water park of Columbia Pictures Aquaverse is packed with action and adventure and will soon have you completely taken in. With dozens of rides and slides built alongside themes of some of Hollywood’s most talked about blockbusters such as Hotel Transylvania and Jumangi, you are in for the ride of your life.
Nestled 7.5 km west of Pattaya Beach, travellers will be led towards unearthing a charming gem well away from noisy crowds. Called Coral Island or Koh Laan, it is perfect to spend a few hours sunbathing or shopping for trendy knickknacks.
Carved into the side of a limestone mountain and embossed in gold is Buddha Mountain or Khao Chi Chan which saw the light of day in 1996 on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the former Thai King. As the largest engraving of the Buddha in the world, Buddha Mountain must not be forgotten when deciding on what to include in your bucket list.
Have one mind-boggling time at Ripley’s Believe It or Not in the company of over 300 exhibits. Ready yourself for a journey of truth as well as fiction inside four walls of a museum that will leave you with more questions than answers.
Well then, you’re at the right place for the 3D art museum titled Art in Paradise will escort you through the world of art where optical illusions and differing perspectives are in harmony with one another. Before you leave, be sure to swim with dolphins or fly over a desert on a magic carpet.
Considered an unmissable site is the lively Pattaya Floating Market which will ensure you meet, greet and purchase the odd handicraft or food item from beaming Thais travelling in canoes and traditional boats themselves.
Find your way to the top of Pratumnak Hill and to the city’s most traversed viewpoint – Pattaya View Point! From here, observe the daily goings on out across the crescent-shaped bay but keep in mind it is imperative that you be here by 7 am as the longer you wait, the more visitors congregate.
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.
