A short visit to what is one of the closest beach towns near Bangkok can easily have an itinerary that leans towards cultural sightseeing and family style entertainment. From beautiful temples; gardens; and structures to strategically placed city viewpoints; glitzy malls; seafood restaurants; snorkelling spots; a floating market; and even water parks, Pattaya has it all. For the beach experience, you could choose to remain in North Pattaya, which is more upmarket than the nightlife hub in South Pattaya.
Best time to visit
A typical tropical destination, the best time to visit Pattaya is in the winter months. However, given its proximity to Bangkok, there is a constant flow of tourists throughout the year. Its pleasant and cool up-season, which starts in November and carries on until February, witnesses packed hotels and busy beaches.
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Food in Pattaya
One of the largest draws at any beach destination is the cuisine, and Pattaya rustles up quite the seafood menu. For a little place, it has many famous places for those who take their meals seriously. For Thai cuisine and seafood, head to Mum Aroi, Rimpa Lapin, and the Glass House. Another place that must not be missed is Nang Nual, but for that you will have to head to the infamous Walking Street. You must do a hawker food stall round at Thepprasit Market for that sumptuous street food that has put Thailand on the culinary map. Other places worth a visit are La Baguette, Bang Sare, Leng Kee, Sketch Book Art Café, and Matra.
Places to see in Pattaya
Visit The Sanctuary of Truth, a structure made without nails and entirely of wood; admire Chinese artwork at the Viharn Sien Museum, and be overawed by the giant golden Buddha at Wat Phra Yai Temple. Go to Khao Pattaya viewpoint for beautiful bay views, and check out what the vendors are selling at the Pattaya Floating Market.
Things to do in Pattaya
Keep your weekend free for a visit to the lively Thepprasit Market; give the family an idea of the ‘real’ Pattaya by taking them to a family friendly lady-boy show at Tiffany’s. You could also do a day trip to the little island of Ko Lan and spend a day at Underwater World or shop till you drop at Central Festival Mall. Relax at the beautifully manicured gardens at Nong Nooch’s village and on the way back, look out for one of the largest images of the Buddha inscribed on a mountain face at Khao Chee Chan. You will have a choice of waterparks to splash around in – there is the Ramayana Waterpark as well as the Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark for a fun family day out. Step away from the action and go scuba diving and snorkelling at Coral Island in Koh Larn.
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