So you’ve decided to come to Pattaya – but you only have two days. Perhaps you are en-route to another Thailand destination, or maybe you just want a few days’ break from the big city. Pattaya in Thailand offers plenty to see and do. You’ll struggle to see it all in two days so you need to prioritize. Here are some ideas to show you where to go and what to do it Pattaya when you’re pressed for time.
Pattaya is blessed with a buzzing and diverse nightlife, fantastic restaurants, great shops, and gorgeous beaches. There are plenty of things to do in Pattaya but it is spread over quite a large area. In order not to spend lots of time traveling between places, it is a good idea to work out what you want to do by looking at the different neighborhoods in the city. Of course, if you simply want to sit on the beach and relax, Pattaya has you covered. Simply pick your spot, pull up a lounger, and have fun. For those that want to make the most of the Fun City, here are some tips for activities and things to see.
Day One in Pattaya – Time for Some Culture and Fun
The first thing you will want to check out when visiting Pattaya is the unusual Sanctuary of Truth. This is a wonderful building constructed from a range of architectural styles and built as homage to different ancient religions. It is a beautiful building and affords views across the ocean.
Next, if you want something to do in the town, you can visit some of the quirky museums that Pattaya has to offer. There is the Teddy Bear Museum, the Believe it or Not! Museum, Art in Paradise, and other smaller museums dotted around. You will also enjoy a trip to see the Big Buddha at the classic Wat Phra Yai sanctuary.
If you are less keen on culture and more interested in shopping, there are plenty of malls to investigate. These are especially interesting if you happen to come to Pattaya on a rare rainy day. The Central Festival Mall is huge, and there is also Mike’s Shopping Mall, and the Royal Garden Plaza. These malls are all located along Beach Road and you will find all kinds of items from clothes to electronics.
Day Two in Pattaya – Nature and History Favorites
Take a trip to the stunning Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Gardens and look around this tropical paradise. It is certainly worth the trip, located at the southern end of Pattaya. This area is over two square kilometers of landscaped park, which is set up like a theme park with different attractions and cultural shows. There is also the impressive Buddha Mountain that is located at the edge of the Silverlake area.
If you want to do some shopping in an interesting environment you can visit the Pattaya Floating Market which provides many shopping opportunities. Pattaya Floating Market is separated into four different sections that sell different goods from four parts of Thailand. You’ll find all kinds of goods from clothing to handicrafts, shoes to jewelry. There is also the Amazone Water Park that offers all sorts of wet and crazy water features for all the family. If you want to go somewhere a little less busy, try Wat Yansangwararam or Viharn Sien.
Evening in Pattaya
If you are in Pattaya for two days then you cannot miss out on at least one night of partying. Pattaya is one of the best places in Thailand to let your hair down. The first place to go is the colorful Walking Street. This area is full of nightclubs, lively bars, and places to hang out. It is a place for everyone and there are all types of entertainment on offer.
In addition, there are a number of other options for evening entertainment from grabbing a quick snack then walking on the beach, eating at a smart restaurant, or hanging out in the hotel bar. You can also go see a cabaret show – Pattaya is famous for these shows and the most famous of all is the Tiffany Show. Plus, there is Pattaya Boxing World for a different nighttime experience. Pattaya is the place to go when you are looking for a lively night.
Other Things to Do in Pattaya
Take a trip to Khao Pattaya View Point, located at the top of Phratamnak Hill, which offers the best view over the bay and is especially attractive at sunset. Or you can visit at night for a great vista of the lights over the town.
For more information about travel in Pattaya and the rest of Thailand, visit PhuketOn. The blog PhuketOn provides travel guides, accommodation guides, inspiration, and ideas for a Thai trip. Also check out the info on other Asian travel experiences.
Photo credits: Sini Fong and Vinoth Chandar