Things to Do in Pattaya: Beyond the Beach Strip

Sanctuary of Truth

The single most worthwhile thing to do in Pattaya, and one of the most impressive human-made structures in Thailand. A 105-metre-tall all-wood temple complex on a sea-facing promontory north of the city centre, construction began in 1981 under the direction of businessman Lek Viriyaphan and continues today.

Every surface — walls, columns, ceilings — is covered in hand-carved wooden reliefs depicting figures from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. No nails are used in the entire structure; traditional mortise and tenon joinery throughout. Craftsmen work continuously replacing weathered sections, making the Sanctuary simultaneously a completed monument and an ongoing project.

The philosophy behind the design is the synthesis of Cambodian, Thai, Chinese, and Indian religious traditions — the four cardinal directions of the building each represent one civilisation. The combination of scale, craftsmanship, and continuous construction makes it unlike anything else in Thailand.

Entry: ฿500. Open 8am–6pm. 3km north of central Pattaya — tuk-tuk or Grab. Elephant rides and horse shows at the compound are avoidable; the building is the reason to come. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

Koh Larn

A small island 7.5km offshore with beaches that are genuinely good by Gulf of Thailand standards — clear water, white sand, and significantly less development than the mainland. Six beaches to choose from:

Tawaen Beach — The main ferry beach, widest and most developed. Beach chairs, jet ski hire, restaurants. Busy on weekends.

Samae Beach — A short songthaew ride (฿50) from Tawaen. Quieter, better for swimming. A mix of Thai families and independent travellers.

Nual Beach — Further around the island, accessible by songthaew from Tawaen (฿80) or by longtail. The least-developed beach on the island. Good snorkelling on the rocky points.

Tien and Sang Van — On the far western side, accessible only by longtail. Minimal facilities, the most isolated feel on the island.

Ferry from Bali Hai Pier: ฿30 per person, 45 minutes. Departures from 7am, last return 5:30pm. Speedboat charter: ฿1,500–2,500. Snorkel gear hire on the island: ฿100–150/day.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

A 600-acre botanical garden 15km south of Pattaya, open since 1980. The horticultural collection is serious — cactus gardens, palm collections, European formal gardens, and Thai garden styles across themed sections. The daily cultural show (Thai classical dance, muay thai demonstration, elephant show) is in a 5,000-seat amphitheatre and runs morning and afternoon.

Entry: ฿500 (garden only) or ฿800 (including cultural show). Open 8am–6pm. Songthaew or Grab south on Sukhumvit Road.

Pattaya Floating Market

Four themed areas representing the four regions of Thailand, built around a network of canals. Traditional wooden buildings on stilts sell regional food, handicrafts, and souvenirs. More market than floating — most trade happens from stalls on walkways rather than from boats. Busy on weekends with Thai visitors.

Entry: ฿200 (redeemable against purchases). Open 9am–8pm. 5km east of the city on Sukhumvit Road — tuk-tuk or Grab.

Art in Paradise

An interactive 3D art museum where the illusions work when photographed at the correct angle — walls and floors painted to create perspective illusions. 50+ rooms, well-executed. Popular with Thai visitors and families. Entry: ฿400. Open 9am–9pm on Second Road.

Underwater World Pattaya

An aquarium with a 100-metre walk-through tunnel, shark and ray tanks, and regular feeding shows. Suitable for families and children. Entry: ฿450 adults, ฿250 children. Open 9am–6pm.

Day trips from Pattaya

Rayong and Koh Samet — 1 hour east. Koh Samet is reachable in 2–2.5 hours total (Pattaya → Ban Phe pier → ferry). Better beaches than Koh Larn for a full day trip if already visiting the Pattaya area. See our Koh Samet guide for details.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo — 30 minutes north. Not recommended on animal welfare grounds. Avoid.

Ancient City (Mueang Boran), Samut Prakan — 1.5 hours toward Bangkok. A 320-acre outdoor museum with reconstructed Thai monuments at 1:1 scale. One of the most underrated cultural sites in the region.

Practical notes

• Getting around: Baht buses (฿10) run fixed routes. Grab works throughout the city and to outlying attractions. Tuk-tuks for specific trips.
• Best order: Sanctuary of Truth in the morning (light hits the west-facing carvings in afternoon, but morning is cooler and less crowded), Koh Larn for a full day out, Nong Nooch combined with Floating Market in an afternoon.
• Avoid: Jet ski hire in Pattaya has a documented history of scams — damaged equipment claims after return. Koh Larn jet skis are generally better operated.

See also: Pattaya travel guide for a full overview.