10 Great Things to Do in Pattaya – Who Says Pattaya is Only For Sex Tourism?
Want to try something new? Pattaya is a great place for the adventurous traveler to explore. Get close to nature with an elephant ride at the elephant village, or spend time at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Inexpensive water sports include windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing, parasailing, game fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
On land, visitors can choose from tennis, go-carting, motorbike racing, squash, badminton, bowling, jogging and bungee jumping or jumping off the highest seaside rooftop tower at Pattaya Park! The avid golfer can play a round at one of the world-class golf courses. Of course nothing beats swimming in the ocean or tanning on the beach.
1. Pattaya Water Park
This large resort and hotel complex is located in Jomtien, and features a tall, 240-meter tower with three revolving restaurants on different floors. There are three options available for visitors to choose how they would like to get back on the ground: Sky Shutter, Speed Shutter, or Tower Jump – determined by how much of an adrenalin rush you prefer.
At Funny Land Amusement Park, there is a roller coaster, or you can choose an even faster mode of transport in the Tower Shot. A monorail also runs through the resort. Massive water slides, Jacuzzi, whirlpools and a large pool for children provide heaps of fun, minutes from the beach.
2. Pattaya Elephant Village
Experience rural Thai life at this inspiring village and learn about the ways of old while reveling in the presence of exotic fauna. Take a scenic ride on a specially trained elephant and observe the slow pace of country life not found in the bustling city of Pattaya.
Watch as silkworms are harvested for their precious threads, check out old style Thai cooking rituals, trek through the jungle, and if you’re lucky visit with a rambunctious tame Gibbon. This is a necessary experience for nature lovers and those who seek a change of pace from the hectic pace of city.
3. Fun Stuff
For a more elevated experience CMT Flying Club offers ultra-light flights and light airplane cruises over the Pattaya countryside. Weekends 8-6pm. Note: Ultra-light flights are dependent on wind conditions so try to reserve in advance.
If you prefer to watch combat, you can check out Muay Thai Boxing where the Beach Road meets the Walking Street. You will see why Muay Thai is considered the king of Martial Arts.
The perfect place for those with an adventurous spirit, try paint ball with a group of friends at Jomtien Paintball World. A hundred balls and face paint for 500 baht, and you’re ready to cause havoc! Looking for something more exciting? Make your way to the hi-tech version of paintball at Ripley’s Laser Trek.
If you like guns, try shooting real bullets at Pattaya Shooting Range.
Go-Karting can be great fun too; both 400- and 700-metre tracks are available at Mini Siam and Pattaya Go-Cart Speedway. As for profession drivers, a 1,090-metre-track is available.
4. Vimantaitalay Submarine
Dive into the deep blue and explore the ocean floor up close and personal in this exciting submarine adventure. Guests are ferried out to the ‘Yellow Submarine’ in the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand where their adventure begins. Upon submersion, you will have a chance to explore exotic coral reefs that feature an amazing selection of underwater species, some 25-meters below the sea. Skilled divers display a wide variety of amazing creatures, including puffer fish, sea urchins and if you are lucky, you just might see a rare sea turtle. The experience is dazzling and suitable for children and adults alike, be sure to book your place one day in
5. Koh Lan and nearby Islands
The best city escape from Pattaya is just 45 minutes ride away on a ferry. Koh Lan (Coral Island) is located just offshore of South Pattaya and a little paradise! Beaches are clean, and the water is always so clear. Enjoy all kind of activities like those you find on Jomtien and, in addition, view coral through glass-bottom boats or snorkeling. Some resorts and bungalows are offered at Hard Nuan. Boat trips can be arranged to visit nearby islands such as Koh Phai and Koh Sak. Ferries leave daily from Pattaya South Pier. One-way fare costs 30 baht per person. From Nar Baan Pier you can take a motorbike taxi to your desired beach (20 – 50 baht).
6. Under Water World
Experience up close and personal the enchanting creatures of the briny blue at this intriguing attraction. A compilation of pools and aquariums recreate actual marine habitats found around Thailand, including coral reefs and massive predators from the deep. Tour through shipwrecks and view unique marine life such as enormous rays, razor toothed sharks, and spiny crabs.
Underwater World also offers an assortment of interesting activities, including underwater weddings, shark diving, coral reef snorkeling, and educational tours. This is the perfect venue for children and families that want to learn more about this fascinating environment.
7. Indoor pursuits
Indoor bowling is very popular with both locals and tourists with several alleys to choose from around the city, the one above Tops Supermarket on the corner of 2nd Road and Central Pattaya Road is a favorite with both locals and tourists. Snooker halls in Pattaya are everywhere, as are pool and billiard bars.
There are also a pistol shooting gallery, clay shooting range and archery range. Theatres, cinema, festivals and live music for all tastes are listed in the local community magazines and newspapers.
8. Metaphysical and new age pursuits
In Pattaya other activities include the many relaxing spas and beauty treatments, yoga classes, courses on cooking, Thai language schools, massage, meditation, tai chi and the opportunity to visit the wonderful tropical gardens in the area. Details of all these are in the regular local English newspapers and magazines.
Getting yourself pampered is easy in Pattaya. There are numerous spas and places for exotic beauty treatments, including facials, body scrubs, body wraps, water treatments and more . Some of the most posh and beautiful spas are located in major hotels.
9. Water Sports
- Lakeland Water Ski: Just 5 km. from Pattaya City, this enormous fresh water lake is used for cable ski, a sport that is growing fast in popularity. (Location: Kilometer 150.5 on Sukhumvit Highway)
- Bamrung Sailing and Para-motor Centre: A variety of exciting aquatic and other exciting sports are offered here (complete with short instruction courses), including windsurfing, sailing, Para-motoring and paragliding. Certificates are issued on completion of courses and restaurant facilities are also available. Canoes, catamarans and kayaks are available for rent too. (Location: Kilometer 150 on Sukhumvit Highway)
10. Tattoos
Many people get a tattoo while in Pattaya. This is a big step and hard to reverse, but there is no denying tattoos are currently very popular. If you are going to get one, there are several excellent artists in Pattaya. Be sure you check to see needles are sterilized properly. A less drastic step is a temporary henna tattoo from one of the vendors wandering the beach.
You may take 1 day trip away from Pattaya to taste more Thai experiences. There are many destinations around like Koh Samet (Strongly Recommend), Chantaburi, Ayuthaya, River Kwai, Floating Market and also Bangkok.
