Things to do in Pattaya

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is one of Thailand’s youngest cities and has become a leader in business and recreation and a notorious player in Thailand’s sex tourism industry. The streets are lined with every manner of entertainment venue, ranging from theme parks and museums to go-go bars. In spite of the city’s burning nightlife, there’s plenty to do during the day, whether its diving, hanging out at theme parks or visiting the zoo. Pattaya also welcomes gay travellers who will find gay Pattaya very welcoming. Pattaya for tourists

Nightlife and Gay Pattaya
Pattaya has become synonymous with the country’s infamous sex industry and this aspect of the city cannot be denied. Many tourists come for the go-go bars on Walking street. Beyond the seedy side of Pattaya, there is also a thriving nightlife with no shortage of bars, clubs and restaurants to visit after hours. A couple of English and Irish pubs offer a more laid-back evening in a non-sleazy atmosphere. There’s also a very big gay scene in Pattaya, one of the most tolerant and gay friendly places in Asia. Gay Pattaya centres on Boyztown, a big entertainment complex with all sorts of options for a fun evening.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not
For those with a taste for the outlandish or out-of-this-world, Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a must-see. Located on level three of the Royal Garden Plaza, the museum houses more than 300 exhibits that display all sorts of bizarre phenomena and weird, unexplained mysteries. The Haunted Adventure is a reenactment of a mystery from the past that took place at the Grimsby and Streaper Casket Company. Other immersive displays include the Infinity Maze and the Motion Master.

Mini Siam
Located on Sukhumvit road at the centre of Pattaya, Mini Siam is a miniature recreation of Thailand’s most well-known historic buildings and popular tourist attractions. This is one of Pattaya’s most touristy destinations and is generally teeming with foreign and local visitors alike. The display is in 1:25 scale and includes a spread of 80 buildings. Some of the miniatures include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Temple of Phimai in Nakorn Ratchisima and Don Muang Airport. In the evening, the exhibits take on new life when they are illuminated for the last round of visitors.

Pattaya Elephant Village
Over the centuries, elephants have served Thailand in a variety of roles, beginning as mammoth super weapons in times of war and transitioning to beasts of burden in the teak wood industry. Today, they serve mainly as entertainers and educators to foreign tourists. Pattaya’s elephant farm is located on Sukhumvit road in the city centre. Here, visitors can take elephant rides, watch them performing their skills in forestry and even catch them playing football. The elephant shows start in the afternoon and are accompanied by an English commentary.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo
Anyone seeking close contact with big, impressive animals should head to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, located 30 minutes drive north of Pattaya on Route 3241. In addition to tigers, this facility has crocodiles, scorpions and elephants. A few shows are performed each day including the crocodile roundup and the more outlandish woman wrestling a crocodile act. Meanwhile, visitors are given plenty of opportunities to view and interact with the tigers, the facilities main attraction. Guests are allowed to bottle-feed and take photos with some of the cubs.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a sprawling replica of a Thai village that covers 600 acres. The re-creation is intended to offer foreign tourists a glimpse into the rural and more agricultural heritage of Thailand. A zoo is located on the grounds, as is a recreational lake, cactus garden and an impressive collection of orchids. Several presentations are hosted in the arts and cultural centre including Thai boxing and Thai dance and elephant shows. A shuttle departs from the Nipa Lodge Hotel and accommodation in the grounds of the park itself makes it possible to stay overnight.

Wat Yansangwararam
A few miles south of Pattaya city centre, Yansangawararam Temple was built in 1988 to commemorate King Bhumibol’s ascension to the throne. The temple grounds are large and well-kept, with a pond, Chinese pavilions and a small museum dedicated to artefacts and works of art from China. The temple can be reached via a 299-stair climb to the top of a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Pattaya Beach
The number one draw to Pattaya is its more than two miles of beach that border the city. Some visitors come for the water sports, like jet-skis and banana boats; others come to walk on the tree-lined paths and still others to rent a deckchair and relax on the beach. A string of casual restaurants sell fresh, top-notch seafood that can be eaten in comfortable outdoor settings with views of the ocean. Boats can be chartered to nearby islands for snorkelling and exploring.

Amusement parks
There are several amusement parks in the area that capitalise on the strong wave of tourists that stream through Pattaya. The Funny Land Amusement Park includes several rides, a roller coaster and a carousel. A monorail transports visitors all over the park. Underwater World is Asia’s largest and most modern aquarium that features a Plexiglas underwater promenade more than 100 yards long. Located next to the Pattaya Park Hotel, Pattaya Water Park is an enormous facility with whirlpools, water slides and Jacuzzis. The Pattaya Park Resort and Amusement Park owns a secluded stretch of beach and three towering, revolving restaurants that offer panoramic views of the land and seascape. Visitors can also participate in thrill and adventure rides like the Cable Jump slide-line. Pattaya pictures

Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm
Located 15 minutes drive from the city centre, the Million Years Stone Park is housed on 160,000 square meters and contains a wide range of interesting plant and animal specimens. The grounds are well-landscaped, especially the beautiful bonsai garden. An on-site zoo is home to elephants, crocodiles and a rare group of albino bears. The most impressive animal here is the crocodile, of which there are more than 1,000 breeds. Daily shows include crocodile roundups and daily elephant shows.