As we all know that Pattaya is the well known and popular travel destination across the world. Let me tell you that 8 million tourists annually! That leaves us with an average of 22,000 tourists in Pattaya every day of the year! With that many people in town, surely there must be some fun activities and amazing sights to check out. But the city is so overwhelming, so where do you start? Fret not for we have the firsthand guide to the essential experiences and the best things to do in Pattaya.
Better known as Big Buddha Hill, Wat Phra Yai is located at the center of Pattaya and is an obligatory stop on your first trip to Pattaya—regardless of how many wats (temples) in Thailandyou have already visited. Waiting for you atop a grand staircase flanked by massive double dragons running down the handrails is the 18 m golden Phra Buddha Sukhothai Walai Chonlathan (Wow! That is a mouthful. Now you know why he’s simply referred to as the ‘Big Buddha’).
Make sure to remove your shoes before stepping on the top pavilion and to be respectful to all the worshipers as this is an active place of worship first, and tourist attraction second. Surrounding the Big Buddha are seven smaller Buddhas, each one representing a different day of the week. There is also a small temple. Donations are always welcome; just DO NOT buy one of the caged birds to release at the top, as this further perpetuates a cruel practice.
How to get here?
Don’t try walking, it’s uphill. Every driver in Pattaya knows how to get here but you may have to haggle to get a good deal, or go as a larger group in a songthaew. Wat Phra Yai is open from 7 AM to 10 PM and entrance is free, of course.
Beach Road is the heart of Pattaya. Three kilometers of food, fun, sun, souvenirs, scenery, street vendors, massage parlors, beer bars and more, as well as the way to Walking Street. During the afternoon so much is happening at once that Beach Road is a never-ending source of visualentertainment, especially for people-watchers. Between all the vendors, food and people you can practically make a day of exploring Beach Road.
Start from the beginning (the northern end) and walk your way down. See some cool souvenirs? Haggle and may be pick up a gift or two. Something smells good? Eat it! Getting thirsty? Stop in one of the restaurants or bars for a beer or a cocktail, or better yet grab a chair in the sand and enjoy your drink there! Tired of the heat? Stop in Central Festival or one of the other shoppingmalls along Beach Road to bask in the air conditioning. Exhausted? Stop for a massage and think about where to next.
What, you thought Pattaya was all beaches and water-based activities! There is so much more! Located about an hour’s ride from Pattaya up on the side of the mountain is Canopy Adventures, perfect for all your ziplining and adrenaline needs. There are 15 lines here spanning 3 km of untouched forest, with the final and longest zip being a 300 km beast.
You heart starts beating faster soon as that bouncy 4x4 truck ride up the side of the mountain begins and never stops until about ten minutes after the final zipline. There are no roads here. This place was carved out of pure jungle by the owner and a couple of villagers years ago. Still, to this day, all of the employees are local villagers except for the doctor on staff (just in case, don’t worry).
