Pattaya is an exciting place to be in, no matter what kind of a traveler you are. From beaches to natural parks and zoos to ancient temples, this small city offers plenty of things to do and places to see. Whether you are visiting the city for a solo trip or a family vacation, there is plenty for you to explore. If you are a shopaholic, Pattaya also offers many shopping experiences, from a floating market, an ocean-front mall to a Swiss-style shopping district! Explore all of it and beyond with your car hire from Thailand Cars Rentals. To make the most of your time in this beautiful city, we have listed some of the best things for you to do and see in Pattaya, Thailand.
Top 6 Places to Visit in Pattaya, Thailand
Explore Pattaya Floating Market
Pattaya Floating market offers one of the most eccentric experiences in Thailand. Correctly known as the Four Regions Floating Market, the subsections of this 100,000 square meter establishment represent the four major areas of Thailand – the north, northeast, central, and south.
Park your rental car and get on a man-powered boat and visit some of the 114 vendors to buy anything from souvenirs, art, handicrafts, postcards, clothing to fresh fruits and veggies. Here, you can also visit many art galleries and learn more about the rich art and culture of Thailand. The market also offers a variety of different eateries, where you can try different local cuisines.
Visit Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum)
Entirely made out of teak wood, Sanctuary of Truth is one-of-a-kind architectural wonder Pattaya houses. Nestled on the picturesque spot of Rachvate Cape, this religious structure is widely known for its intricate wooden carvings. Statues, motifs, and designs that the Sanctuary of Truth carries symbolize the culture, religion, and philosophy not only about Buddhism but also Hinduism.
This beautiful and humbling structure demonstrates a particularly human endeavor and skill, as none of the wood being used has ever been treated or chemically protected. Isn’t it amazing? Prasat Sut Ja-Tum is undoubtedly one of the most amazing places to visit in Pattaya.
Wander through the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Take your car hire from Thailand Cars Rentals and head to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
This sprawling park at Nong Nooch Village offers plenty of activities for people of all ages. Here you can find many colorful themed gardens, including a topiary garden, 17th-century French garden, European Renaissance garden, and species-specific gardens featuring plants like tropical palms, succulents, and bonsai. You can even rent a bicycle to explore the different areas of the park. The garden is home to over 670 native and hybrid species of orchid and regular displays of classic Thai dancing, boxing, sword-fighting, elephant show, and drumming. You can also enjoy live shows at the Thai Cultural Hall.
Climb to reach Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
Visit the 18m tall golden statue of the Buddha that perches atop the wooded Pratamnak Hill south of Pattaya. You can climb the stairs, adorned on both sides with golden Naga snakes, to see the statue up close and admire the numerous smaller Buddha statues surrounding it. You can also enjoy beautiful views over Pattaya and the Jomtien Beaches from the top of the hill. If you are not up for a long walk up the hill, take your rental car from www.thailandcarsrentals.com, and save your energy to climb the stairs to the statues.
With golden seated Buddha, many bells, burning incense, and impressive views, the temple compound creates a reflective mood. The place is not just a tourist attraction, but an active temple, where locals frequently visit to pray.
Head to Coral Island
Koh Larn (Larn Island), a little piece of paradise, also known as Coral Island, is situated 7.5 kilometers west of Pattaya Beach. This island is a great place and a perfect alternative retreat for those who have become bored with Pattaya’s overcrowded beaches. A 30-minute speed boat ride or a 45-minute ferry ride from Pattaya, Koh Larn is a relatively peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With many white sandy beaches that stretch along the island, you can spend hours here, just relaxing and enjoying various water sports activities. Parasailing, underwater Sea Walking, and banana boat rides are some of the most popular and must-do activities on the island.
Check out the Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise is an art gallery and the perfect place for fun and great photo ops opportunities. This place is a hands-on museum, where visitors can become part of it by the use of optical illusions, 3D-effects, shadows, and playing with perspective. Tickle a whale’s belly, tackle a marlin in life-like artwork, or touch a rhino, and capture the moment to share with friends and family later. Some of the different themed zones here include Egypt, classic art, the underwater world, dioramas, safari, dinosaurs, and fantasy.
