Day 1 in Pattaya

Welcome to Pattaya! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the area and take a leisurely stroll down Beach Road which runs parallel to Pattaya Beach, the most popular beach in the region. Here you will find numerous eateries available with beachfront locations and ocean views. Enjoy some delicious Thai food and a cocktail while taking in the surrounding scenery and laid back lifestyle. Browse some of the souvenir shops and stalls found along Beach Road and pick up some unique gifts.

After some lunch head over to the fascinating Sanctuary of Truth situated right on the beach by the Sea at Laem Ratchawet in North Pattaya. This ancient wooden temple dates back to 1981 and was conceived from the concept that human civilization owes its existence to religious and philosophical truth. The awe-inspiring architecture of this building is a sight to see, made entirely of teakwood and made without any nails it stands 344 feet tall and features four wings dedicated to Thai, Khmer, Chinese and Indian religious iconography. Check out the detailed carvings that adorn the building which include elephants, creatures, deities, and people on the walls inside and outside.

Next, check out Mini Siam which features miniature replicas of iconic buildings and landmarks of Thailand and all over the world including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Tower Bridge of London, The Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. This is one of the longest running tourist attractions in Pattaya with over 100 monuments set in vibrant, well-manicured gardens. There is a cafe on site, grab a drink and a snack and take in the scenery.

Check out one of the amazing museums found in Pattaya, Art in Paradise is a 3D art illusion art museum showcasing some incredible artwork and provides some fantastic photo opportunities. Over 100 pieces of art are spread throughout 10 themed galleries which include Under the Ocean Room, Surrealism Room, Waterfall Room and the Exhibition of Art Room.

Pattaya`s Ripley`s Believe it or Not Museum is located on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza with over 300 exhibits spread throughout 10 themed galleries that are inspired by Robert Leroy Ripley`s books. This amazing museum is designed to balance among three elements, strange, shocking and beautiful. Here you can see masks made from human skin, a real shrunken human head, primitive torture devices and a wax figure of a four-eyed man. There is a replica of the Titanic made from over a million matchsticks, and a model of the 1937 Jaguar which doubles as a motorboat.

As evening time approaches, check out Tiffany`s Cabaret Show held at the grand theatre. This world-famous 30 year running ladyboy cabaret extravaganza lasts one hour and is held three times a night. The transgender performers dress in dazzling costumes and put on quite the show including a Bollywood musical, a traditional Korean fan dance, Broadway tunes, and Burlesque.

Head over to CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, the large shopping mall found on the beachfront with ocean views. The front of the mall is beautifully landscaped with vibrant gardens and water features with a sunken piazza. Here you will find an abundance of eateries offering everything from fast food to high-end dining along with bars that stay open until 2 am. Inside there mall there are 7 floors with over 350 stores, an entertainment complex complete with a cinema, bowling alley, and children`s arcade. There are two floors filled with restaurants and cafes serving Thai, Japanese, Indian and Western cuisine along with the FoodLoft, a large food court with a la carte buffet style dining. There is plenty to eat, see and do at this massive mall.

Day 2 in Pattaya

Start your day with a unique visit to the Four Regions Floating Market, this traditional Thai market lets you experience an authentic shopping experience. Hop on board one of the man-powered boats and explore the four sections which each represent and sell items from the four major parts of Thailand (north, northeast, central and south). The market features over 114 shops, stalls and water vendors selling souvenirs, arts, crafts, clothing and some of the most delicious food. Check out the wood-carving museum and the sunflower and agricultural demonstration fields.

Make your way up Pratumnak Hill to see Wat Phra Khao Yai or Big Buddha on top of the hill. The massive 60 foot tall golden seated Buddha statue resides here and is the largest Buddha in the region. Explore the temple complex which is a popular tourist attraction in the city dating back to the 1940`s. It is also very popular with the locals who come here to pray, make donations and get blessed by the monks. The grounds are decorated with wreaths of flowers and incense burning along with Buddha statues, a pavilion hall and stunning views of Jomtien Beach. Ring the line of bells here to call for good luck!

Head for lunch somewhere in the city, there are a concentration of restaurants, cafes and bars with open-air seating in the downtown area. Or head back to the beach which has an abundance of oceanfront restaurants with great views.

For the afternoon you have many options to partake in Pattaya. There are dozens of waterparks available in the city where you head to cool off. If you have young children, we recommend The Cartoon Network Amazone, which the only Cartoon Network-themed waterpark in the world. There are 10 themed entertainment zones with over 30 state of the art water rides including water slides, wave pools, surf simulators and the largest water playground in Southeast Asia.

Ramayana Water Park is one of the biggest water parks in Southeast Asia covering 45 acres with a modern design built on an antique Asian City and features 50 water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and a dedicated children`s zone with three restaurants on site, swim-up bars, and massage services.

Alternatively, spend the afternoon enjoying the breathtaking countryside of Pattaya at the Silverlake Winery and Vineyard. The large, famous vineyard is the only one found in the East of Thailand. Tour the vineyard by horse-drawn carriage, ATV`s or by bicycle and take in the serene setting where several grape varieties are grown which produces white, red and rose wines. The Silverlake Restaurant on site serves a great variety of Thai and Western cuisine with stunning views.

As evening time approaches check out Pattaya`s famous nightlife. The city is renowned for its `risque` nightlife with ample opportunities to dance, drink and observe humanity. Many of these establishments can be found along Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya 2 Road and in South Pattaya. Walking Street is the city`s epicenter for entertainment, an entire street the stretches for a mile overflowing with more than 100 beer bars, 30 go-go bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. This bustling nightlife destination is packed with people and `bar girls` enticing patrons on the street. The street is shut down to vehicle traffic daily from 7 pm until 3 am so you can walk safely on the streets and take in the bright neon lights, large video sign, street entertainers and music.

Day 3 in Pattaya

Today soak up some sun in this tropical destination, which is lined by beaches and offshore islands which provide the perfect setting for a relaxing day.

Koh Larn or `Coral Island` is a tranquil, tropical island situated about 5 miles offshore from Pattaya Beach boasting pristine white sand beaches the stretch for miles lapped by the turquoise blue waters. Many tours leave from Pattaya daily to reach the island, which is a welcomed escape from the busy beaches of Pattaya. Koh Larn offers six different beaches to choose from where sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and an abundance of water sports can be enjoyed. Beachfront restaurants and food stalls serve up delicious cuisine and beach massage, henna tattoos, and hair braiding are some fun activities offered.

Two of the beautiful beaches to visit in Pattaya are Jomtien Beach and Wong Phra Chan Beach, Pattaya Beach is also an option, but it is not one of the best beaches for swimming and due to its popularity it can be extremely crowded.

Jomtien runs for 4 miles with a golden shoreline lined by palm trees, it is a peaceful retreat just a few miles from the city center. The waters of Jomtien are a paradise for water sports such as jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing, windsurfing and banana boat rides. Another big attraction at Jomtien is the Pattaya tower and amusement park situated right on the beach providing hours of endless fun for the whole family. Jomtien boasts some of the best restaurants in the city with renowned seafood restaurants found right on the beach.

Wong Phra Chan Beach is another piece of paradise that offers a quiet escape in a beautiful secluded bay. The name of the beach translates to `Crescent Moon Beach` and it is the perfect setting for sunbathing, honeymooners and families looking for a quiet day at the beach with a number of restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance.

Pattaya Beach lies parallel to the city center and is the most popular, and crowded beach in the region. A beautiful crescent-shaped stretch of coastline the runs for 4 miles packed with hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls and bars. There are plenty of exciting beach activities, water sports and surrounding activities including golf, go-karting, parks, and zoos.

After a day of soaking up the sun make your way to the Pattaya Viewpoint, the absolute best location in Pattaya to watch the sunset. The viewpoint boasts the best views in the region over the crescent-shaped bay of Pattaya below. Sit back, relax and watch the sun meltdown over the horizon and the twinkling stars of the city as it comes to life at night.

On your last evening in Pattaya, visit the Thepprasit Night Market, the biggest and busiest market in the city (open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6 pm until 10 pm). The bustling bazaar sells everything from pets to shoes, electronics to clothes and of course delicious Thai street food. The market is filled with over 100 permanent stall holders and split into two zones, the general zone consists of 4 rows of stalls selling everything and the second zone towards the back is filled with two rows of food vendors with 80 stalls offering delicious cuisine. There is a large food court with hot food, desserts, and fruits on sale, pop up cocktail bars, traditional Thai music, and street performers.

Alternatively, take a Thai cooking class where you can learn how to cook some of the delicious Thai cuisines from home. Take part in a unique experience where you will shop for your fresh ingredients, then learn the basics and secrets behind cooking good Thai food such as Pad Thai and Green Curry with experienced chefs at a Thai cooking school. Afterward, reap the rewards of your hard work and enjoy your freshly cooked meal.

Additional Days in Pattaya

If you are able to spend additional days in Pattaya visit the beautiful Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens set on 500 acres decorated with well-manicured lawns and vibrant flower gardens. There are a number of different themed gardens including the orchid garden featuring over 650 species of the beautiful plant and the 17th century Palace of Versailles French garden that covers almost 4 acres.

Visit Buddha Mountain, 20 minutes outside of Pattaya. Khao Chi Chan stands 426 feet high, the limestone mountain is engraved with a large seated Buddha image, it was etched in the rock using a laser back in 1996 as part of a celebration for His Majesty the King of Thailand`s 50th anniversary on the throne.

The Pattaya Songkran Festival is a fun-filled festival that runs for several days, held annually in Mid April featuring water fights, floral floats, aquatic sports competitions, beauty contests, arts and cultural performances along with a firework display.

The Pattaya International Music Festival held annually in March attracts huge crowds with stages set up along Beach Road and Bali Hai Pier with live music performed by Thai and International artists.

Your Last Day in Pattaya

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.