Pattaya is located 150 kilometers from Bangkok, just one hour and three quarters from the capital. Thus, Pattaya is a perfect place to enjoy the beach without having to take a plane.
In this post I will tell you what to see in Pattaya, essential beaches and temples, how to get there, the best areas to stay and some very cool accommodation options.
WHAT TO SEE IN PATTAYA, THAILAND
Temple of truth in Pattaya
Without a doubt, the Temple of Truth (Prasat Satchatham) is the most important shrine in the city. This temple is made entirely of teak wood, being the only temple in the country made of wood of this size. You can visit it from 8 am to 6 pm every day, its entrance fee is 450 bht (about 12.50 euros) and it is absolutely worth it.
Throughout the tour of the temple you will see that the temple is full of details, very elaborate. Faces of Buddhas and gods, religious representations, animals... everywhere you look the temple has small statues on every column, every wall, on the ceilings...
The figures carved in wood that represent the temple are; the seven creators of the Earth, according to these beliefs: the sky, the earth, the father, the mother, the moon, the sun and the stars.
Wat Phra Yai
In this temple there is a giant Buddha of 20 meters, in gold and with offerings at his feet. From here the views are spectacular. This temple is open every day and you can visit it from 8 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 200 bht. (About 5.60 euros).
Nong Nooch Botanical Garden
The Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is one of the most important in the entire country, due to its large collection of Orchids. The garden houses more than 700 different classes. Apart from the Orchids, there are a large number of varieties of native plans and in the same enclosure you can enjoy traditional dances.
Open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. If you want to enter the garden alone, the ticket costs 500 bht (just over 14 euros) and if you want to access the garden and enjoy a dance show, the cost is 800 bht (about 22.75 euros).
Pattaya Floating Market
It is one of the most popular floating markets, although not the most authentic. Moreover, it was built with tourism in mind, so it does not have a real market origin. In the Floating Market you can see a recreation of different areas of the country, in fact it is known as the Market of the 4 regions. It is one of the best places in the city to shop for souvenirs and details that you can give to your family as soon as you return home. Here the prices are quite good and you can haggle until you find a fair price for all the gifts you buy.
Open every day from 10 am to 11 pm. If you want you can go on your own or book a ride:
Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi View Point
Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi viewpoint is the highest point in Pattaya. And although it is nice to visit it throughout the day, it is ideal for watching movie sunsets. Admission is free. And you can get here by taxi.
Buddha mountain
The Buddha Mountain is a spectacular gilt carving of the 118m tall Buddha on the limestone wall of a mountain. It is something very curious to see and is unique in the country.
PATTAYA BEACHES, THAILAND
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is a 4 kilometer long urban beach along which the city has developed. It is the most accessible beach and where the hotels of large hotel chains are located. Although it would not be my favorite beach, it is a good place to come for dinner or something to eat. There are many restaurants here, the vast majority specializing in seafood.
Naklua Beach
Naklua Beach is located in an upmarket residential area. Here at beautiful private villas, high-budget hotel complexes and houses and mansions of foreigners who permanently reside in Thailand.
Even if you don't stay in this area, you can access the beach. As it is a beach in a residential area, it is very quiet, there are usually no tourists who are not staying here and it is ideal for families. The waters are crystal clear, transparent and very calm.
Jomtien Beach
Just 2 kilometers from Pattaya Beach, is this beach. Increasingly this beach is becoming more popular, because here you will find a wide variety of hotels of all kinds and restaurants. Despite this, it is still a quiet beach and is not usually crowded.
It is also very popular for water sports (it is the number 1 destination for windsurfing in Thailand). In addition, it offers a wide variety of activities for the family, beach volleyball, skiing, jet skis for rent, parasailing, snorkeling, Thai massages, or simply relaxing on a sun lounger or strolling on the beach.
Koh Lan Island
Ko Lan is also known as the "Coral Island".
It is a small paradisiacal island of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters located in front of Pattaya. It is very small, it is 4km long and 2km wide.
It is a mountainous island, with lush vegetation and three beautiful beaches ideal for unwinding.
On the island there are hardly any services, some restaurants and some small shops.
You can come and spend the day hiring a speedboat tour. It is a perfect area for snorkeling.
WHERE TO STAY IN PATTAYA
Pattaya is an ideal area near Bangkok to enjoy the beach and a few days of relaxation. If you are looking for a backpacker budget, you will have to stay in the city in areas that are not on the beachfront.
Some great accommodation options in Pattaya:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Thailand very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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