Things to Do in Pattaya: Islands, Water Parks, Temples & Family Activities

Pattaya gets dismissed by many Thailand travellers based on a reputation that, while earned in parts, misses what the city has become. Yes, Walking Street is still there. But 150 km from Bangkok, on the eastern seaboard, Pattaya has grown into a surprisingly diverse destination — Koh Larn has some of the closest good beaches to Bangkok, the Sanctuary of Truth is one of Thailand’s most ambitious architectural projects, the water parks rival anything in Southeast Asia, and the hotel stock offers some of the best value in the country.

Jomtien Beach (south of central Pattaya) is the family-friendly side — wide sand, seafood restaurants, condo-hotels with pools. Central Pattaya is the commercial core. Naklua (north) is quieter and has the best food markets.

Pattaya Highlights

• Best beach: Koh Larn — 30-minute ferry, clear water, six beaches

• Best sight: Sanctuary of Truth — all-wood carved temple, 105 metres tall, 40 years under construction

• Best for families: Ramayana Water Park — Southeast Asia’s largest water park

• Best market: Pattaya Floating Market — 4 regions of Thai food and crafts

• Best day trip: Koh Samet — white sand island, 2 hours from Pattaya

• Best time: November-February (dry, comfortable)

Beaches & Islands

Koh Larn

The best day trip from Pattaya — a small island 7 km offshore with six beaches that are dramatically better than Pattaya Beach itself. White sand, clear turquoise water, and seafood restaurants. Ferry from Bali Hai Pier (30 min, 30 THB one way) or speedboat (15 min, 300-500 THB). Rent a scooter on the island (200 THB) to beach-hop, or take the songthaew trucks between beaches (40-60 THB).

Jomtien Beach

The family-oriented beach south of central Pattaya. Wider sand, calmer water, fewer bars. A 6 km stretch with a promenade, restaurants, and plenty of shade. Hotels here offer better value than equivalent properties in central Pattaya. The south end (Dongtan Beach) is particularly pleasant.

Koh Samet

A national park island 2 hours south of Pattaya (minivan to Ban Phe pier, then 30-minute ferry). White sand beaches, decent snorkelling, and a backpacker-to-boutique range of accommodation. Popular with Bangkok weekenders. Best for an overnight trip — day trips are rushed. Entry 200 THB.

Sights & Attractions

Sanctuary of Truth

A 105-metre-tall all-wood temple covered in intricate Hindu-Buddhist carvings. It has been under construction since 1981 and is not finished — the building is intentionally designed to never be completed, symbolising the imperfection of humanity. The scale is staggering. Entry 500 THB. Allow 1-2 hours. Photography is spectacular. Located in Naklua, north of central Pattaya.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

A 500-acre botanical garden with themed gardens (French, European, Stonehenge replica, butterfly hill, orchid collection), a Thai cultural show, and an elephant show. Touristy but genuinely impressive for garden lovers. Entry 500 THB (including shows). Allow half a day.

Pattaya Floating Market

A purpose-built floating market with over 100 shops and food stalls across four sections (each representing a Thai region). More polished than Bangkok’s floating markets, with boat rides, cultural performances, and demo kitchens. Entry 200 THB. The food is good and fairly priced.

Underwater World Pattaya

A walk-through aquarium with a 100-metre tunnel under a shark tank. Good for families on a rainy day. Entry 500 THB adults, 300 THB children.

Family Activities

Ramayana Water Park

Southeast Asia’s largest water park — 50+ slides and attractions spread across a landscaped park. The lazy river, wave pool, and kids’ zones are excellent. Allow a full day. Entry 1,190 THB adults, 890 THB children. Located 20 minutes south of central Pattaya.

Cartoon Network Amazone

Another water park, themed around Cartoon Network characters. Smaller than Ramayana but well-designed for younger children. Entry 1,590 THB adults, 1,090 THB children.

Tiffany’s Show

A cabaret show running since 1974 — elaborate costumes, dance performances, and impressive production values. Family-friendly (despite the name). Shows at 6 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9 PM nightly. Tickets from 800 THB.

Food & Markets

Naklua Fish Market

Early morning market where local fishermen sell the catch — prawns, crabs, squid, snapper. Buy fresh seafood and take it to nearby restaurants who will cook it for you (50-100 THB cooking fee per dish). The freshest, cheapest seafood in Pattaya.

Thepprasit Night Market

Friday-Saturday-Sunday night market south of Jomtien. Street food, clothing, souvenirs, and a genuine local atmosphere. Less touristy than Walking Street. Pad Thai 40-60 THB, grilled squid on a stick 30-50 THB.

Getting Around

Songthaew (baht bus): Blue open-backed trucks cruise Beach Road and Second Road on a fixed loop (10 THB within central Pattaya). To go off-route, negotiate a price. To Jomtien: 20-30 THB.

Grab: Works well in Pattaya. 50-150 THB for most trips.

Scooter: 150-250 THB/day. Traffic in central Pattaya is congested — scooters are more practical than cars.

From Bangkok: Buses from Ekkamai or Mo Chit every 30-60 minutes (120-150 THB, 2 hours). Private taxi: 1,200-2,000 THB. From Suvarnabhumi Airport: airport bus (250 THB, 2 hours) or taxi (1,200-1,500 THB, 1.5 hours).

Where to Stay

• Jomtien — families, beach access, good value
• Naklua — quieter, food markets, near Sanctuary of Truth
• Central Pattaya — most choice, walkable to everything
• Pratumnak Hill — between Pattaya and Jomtien, hillside hotels with views

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