Top 5 Things To Do in Pattaya
Pattaya as a Tourist Destination
Pattaya has this colorful vibe that you cannot miss! The beach paradise has that familiar sense of pure joy that you find everywhere in the Land of Smiles. You can sit by the sea all day, and you can still feel Pattaya walk by in its colorful shades like a kaleidoscope. As you venture to explore more of it, the evening rolls into the night, and the Walking Street comes to life. Even in that chaos, Buddha’s serenity smiles at you like the distant look of a Thai girl sitting across you at the bar. Entertainment flows like a river of red wine on the Walking Street, and you would just have to go with the flow!
It’s the essential Thai experience where you can see the grand illusion, or the ‘Maya’, surrounding you with sights, sounds, and smells, yet rooted in a sense of joy that comes from realizing the Truth of Life. This search for what is real is an extraordinary adventure in this seaside town where the Sanctuary of Truth and the museum of illusions coexist in perfect harmony. The museum is called Art in Paradise, and exploring the 3D art, it’s difficult to define what is real and what is not! Visiting the sanctuary and the art museum are among the top things to do in Pattaya, with deep realizations that are often simplified by the colorful mood.
If the Walking Street makes you dizzy, there are plenty of opportunities to discover how your spiritual journey has finally brought you to this corner of the world. As you walk past the golden snakes to come face to face with the Big Buddha, you can feel the pull that calls travelers from all over the world to visit this place at least once in their lives. Also, close by, you can find the Buddha Mountain, where the entire 130-meter rock face is painted with a resplendent golden image of the presiding deity of Pattaya.
Things To Do in Pattaya
1. Explore the Architectural Marvel of the Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary captivates you with the stunning architectural reliefs. This temple is regarded as the largest wooden structure in the world, and is constructed in the ancient Ayutthaya aesthetics that has evolved into modern Thailand. The tetrahedron temple intricately fuses ancient Thai and Hindu spiritual motifs with magical artistry, creating a visual spectacle that you cannot forget for your life!
The sanctuary is ruled by the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, while you can see dragons and serpents staring at you from all sides. The temple is a sanctuary for the Apsaras, fairy girls who carry the secret of the underworld, and you can see them everywhere! It happens to be one of the most famous places to visit in Thailand, simply to feel the extraordinary ambiance that unveils deep philosophical contemplations into the meaning of life. The entire structure is constructed of wood, held together by traditional Thai woodworking techniques.
2. Experience Pattaya's Vibrant Nightlife on Walking Street
You don’t need a guide to tell you what’s going on the Walking Street, thanks to the free-flowing Thai nightlife in the area. There’s so much to explore in this strange, colorful bubble, where you get to meet and greet the damsels who rule the night. Whether you find a fast date to hook up or not, the Walking Street still has plenty of attractions to spend your time. The live music from the bars fills the air with melodies, and there’s a song for every mood, from heartbreaks to Rock numbers, making it a perpetual place for celebrations.
There are plenty of amazing eateries, including Thai street food, Russian food, Indian food, Italian food, and the very famous Turkish ice cream. Ladies may approach you with placards displaying the beer rates, and it is perfectly normal to go inside the bar holding her hand, while you try to enjoy the thrilling experience. The women working in the Walking Street are highly respected, and you should not try to do anything that may land you in trouble. Play it safe, and feel the nightlife, that’s all!
3. Relax and Rejuvenate on Pattaya's Golden Beaches
Amidst the hustle of this multicolored town, you can find your moment of peace by the murmuring sea. Visiting the namesake Pattaya Beach is a rite of passage when you are in the town, but you can also explore deeper. If you are on the lookout for tranquil sand that’s perfect to reflect on what the town has taught you so far, visit the crescent of Wong Amat, and let go of your worries.
For an even quieter exploration, you can travel to Bang Saray, where the pristine white sand feels like paradise on earth. Of the famous Pattaya beaches, Jomtien is ideal to explore for family fun, especially water sports activities like windsurfing. The northern tip of Jomtien has a distinct identity for its pleasant environment, and is known as the Dongtan. The experience gets lovelier by the time you reach the Paradise Beach, which presents a secluded ambiance where you may finally find out that heaven on earth is real, and it exists right here in Pattaya.
4. Discover Nature's Beauty at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
It’s easy to mistake Pattaya as a city that solely depends on excitement. The seaside town has a subtle, serene vibe that you can explore in different places, most notably at the Nong Nooch. If the sea line defines the edge of the city, the botanical garden heralds you to the silent world of trees. It’s one of the best natural attractions in Pattaya, offering the wonders of lush greenery that has been preserved diligently so that you can spend a day strolling in the oxygen-rich air.
The orchids in the garden are simply amazing, and you can spend a lot of time trying to know about the unique flowers. The garden is quite big, and aesthetically decorated with white citadels rising in succession from amidst the greenery. The garden also hosts daily cultural shows. It’s a special experience to feel the rhythm of traditional Thai dance speak to your soul, a music that resonates in the flowers you find here.
5. Take a Day Trip to the Serene Coral Island (Koh Larn)
Unless you visit Koh Larn, you seldom realize how beautiful the beaches are in this part of the world. It’s a short boat ride from Pattaya, and can be covered in a day trip, making it the perfect getaway to explore the seaside. Although it can be crowded with a lot of people looking for happiness in one place, you can still find your corner of calmness at one of the eateries that dot the shoreline.
On your Koh Larn day trip, you might have those ‘Aha’ moments when everything falls into place like a puzzle, and you realize that the sea is only a manifestation of the Buddha’s ethereal serenity. If you are in the mood for exciting water sports, plenty is going on here, but you should remember to be respectful to the natural environment that sustains it all. All in all, the island beach reflects the sense of happiness that you can find everywhere in Pattaya, and like a strong aphrodisiac, makes you dizzy for more!
