Most young Singaporeans only know Thailand for its fairly commercialised and touristy hotspots of Bangkok and Phuket, but Pattaya remains an unexplored destination for many. Located just 147 km or a short two-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya boasts picture-perfect ornate templates and elaborate palaces, a rich Thai culture and delicious, exotic food, providing tourists with a unique experience much unlike those offered by the malls of Bangkok or the beaches of Phuket. Pattaya is indeed the perfect place to unwind and experience the relaxed local way of life, all at a fairly affordable price. Here’s why we think Pattaya deserves a spot on your list of favourite holiday destinations.
1. Experience the tranquility of the Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth is an impressive 105-metre tall architectural construction by the sea.
Commanding a stunning view of the sea and its surrounding landscapes, this 105 metre-tall structure is perhaps one of the most iconic and impressive attractions in all of Pattaya. Not only is it a religious temple, it is also of great artistic significance, being constructed entirely out of teak wood, with every part of the monument from head to toe intricately adorned with elaborate wooden carvings, without any metal or concrete at all – even the nuts and bolts that keep the structure together are made of wood – a rare find in our world today where ornamental woodwork is not frequently associated with building projects.
What is perhaps most impressive is the fact that the entire structure is made entirely of wood – even the nuts and bolts holding the place together are wooden.
This architectural wonder will undeniably leave you in awe and appreciation of Thai workmanship, with every scene and figure carved to the finest level of detail. You will be even more lost for words when you learn of the rich cultural, philosophical and religious meaning preserved in this construction. It consists of four main wings each dedicated to different religions and schools of thought, mainly from Buddhism and Hinduism, originating from four main regions – Cambodia, India, China and Thailand. Taken as a whole, the carvings consolidate various artistic representations from Buddhist and Hindu mythology and even embed many spiritual elements. Having been under construction since 1981, the temple has yet to be fully completed, and is continuously being upgraded, refined and repaired in order to preserve the wood for many years to come.
The intricate carvings on both the interior and exterior of the Sanctuary of Truth are reminiscent of Buddhist and Hindu teachings.
Apart from being a stunning art masterpiece, there are many deep religious and cultural meanings embedded in this architectural construction.
The Sanctuary of Truth is indeed a sight to behold and comes very close to bringing a piece of heaven to earth. Just being in the temple, admiring the gorgeous carvings and understanding how they came about will no doubt bestow on you a deep sense of inner peace and serenity, and offer a much-needed breather from the practicalities of our world today.
You will no doubt find a deep sense of inner peace and tranquility at this temple.
Address: 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12, Naklua, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi 20150
Prices: 500 Baht (Adult)/250 Baht (Child)
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
2. Relive your childhood memories at Teddy Island
We all loved teddy bears when we were kids – Teddy Bear Museum Pattaya allows us to revisit the most fun parts of our childhood.
This is the perfect place for the whole family, whether young or old.
Once you step into the Teddy Bear Museum Pattaya, or more fondly known as Teddy Island, you will instantly be filled with a childlike wonder and light-heartedness that you were convinced you had lost over the years. Featuring more than 2,000 teddy bears of all sizes, you can actually get up close and personal with them, actively hugging, cuddling and posing for the most adorable and amusing photos imaginable.
You can get up close and personal and even pose for photos with the life-sized teddy bears. Featured here is a teddy from the Inca Zone, dressed up as an Egyptian pharoah.
The teddy bears are spread across 12 specially-themed zones, such as Under The Sea Zone, Fossils Zone, Africa Zone, Europe Zone and China Zone, depicting the uniqueness of the different regions and settings. This is not only a great attraction for families, but also for youths and grown-ups looking for a few hours of leisurely wandering and exploring, and to escape the midday Pattaya heat.
A teddy bear dressed up as a diver and all ready to take you on an adventure in the Under The Sea Zone.
The Fossils Zone is extremely interactive, allowing you to dig for fossils and pose for photos in the process.
The China Zone takes you all the way back to ancient China, with the cute teddy bears adorned in lovely traditional Chinese costumes, and panda teddy bears are everywhere in sight.
Address: 436/49 Moo 9 Soi 1, Beach Road, Nong Prue, Banglamung, Chonburi. 20150
Prices: 500 Baht (Adult), 300 Baht (Child)
Opening hours: 9am to 10pm
3. Bask in the grandeur of the Baan Sukhawadee
The luxurious family residence, overlooking the Pattaya sea, will indeed take your breath away.
The beautiful gardens within the palace grounds are very well-maintained and go well with the pastel pink and blue of the main buildings.
Experience the lavish way of life of the rich in Thailand as you embark on your tour of Baan Sukhawadee, the residence of the Chotitawan family by the Pattaya Sea. Dr Panya Chotitawan, the owner of Saha Farms Group, one of the largest agricultural produce exporters in Thailand, built this extravagant estate in 2000 when Thailand was facing a large economic crisis. Many local Thai businesses collapsed and lost to foreign companies, and the Thai people lost much of their morale and drive. As such, Dr Panya decided to gather over thousands of unemployed locals on this building project in order to prove that the Thais still have the capability and dignity of working together in harmony, and can rise up against foreign nations.
The Baan Sukhawadee was built by Dr Panya Chotitawan, the owner of Saha Farms Group, one of the largest agricultural produce exporters in Thailand.
Interesting story aside, the Baan Sukhawadee is truly a marriage of many beautiful and holy objects, the center piece of which would be a statute of the Goddess of Mercy standing on the Dragon, adorned with precious gemstones, enshrined in its full glory on the roof-deck of the main building. Apart from the main building, the Buddha Dome is a magnificent collection of Buddha and other holy images, including one 9.28-metre tall image of Lord Buddha at birth, with his right hand pointing to the sky and left hand pointing down to the earth. The Buddhabaramee Convention Hall is also lavishly decorated, housing murals and relics that exhibit strong Buddhist ideologies and perhaps even relay hidden values.
The statute of the Goddess of Mercy standing on the Dragon is the key attraction in the main palace building, and is located on the roof deck.
The Buddhabaramee Convention Hall is lavishly decorated with relics that exhibit strong Buddhist influences.
The pastel pink and blue exterior of the palace grounds, combined with the beautiful interiors, will indeed make your heart soar. Visitors will typically receive a warm welcome and be served with Nam Aum (Jasmine Rice Milk) descanted from the Mae Pho Sop (Rice Goddess) and may also watch several traditional Thai cultural performances happening in the grounds several times a day.
Address: 219, Moo 2, Sukhumvit Road, Na klua Sub-district, Banglamung, Chonburi. 20150
Prices: 300 Baht (Adult), 50 Baht (Child), 100 Baht (Thai Adult)
Opening Hours: 8 am to 10 pm
4. Get wet and wild at RamaYana WaterPark
RamaYana Water Park is easily accessible, located only a short drive away from the heart of Pattaya.
Located only a short 25 minutes’ drive from central Pattaya, prepare for an afternoon of exhilaration and excitement at RamaYana, the biggest world-class waterpark in Thailand. Featuring 21 waterslides, ranging from the most thrilling drops to much gentler swings, and even some truly unique rides, there is something for everyone here!
The Ultimate Aqua-Loop and Freefall with launch capsule are definitely not for the faint-hearted, incorporating 360-degree turns and 180-degree drops that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping and heart racing. Adrenaline junkies cannot go wrong with the Aquaconda, Python, 2 Aqua-Coasters and the Boomerango, while you can unleash the competitive spirit in you with the Mat Racers where you can compete alongside your friends.
There are rides for the adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, some even featuring 360-degree loops and 180-degree drops.
Unleash your competitive side on Mat Racers as you race your friends to the finish line!
For those simply looking to relax and bask in the sun, the 650-metre long Lazy Wavy River is perfect for you to amble along, with waves, geysers, waterfalls, bubbles and even a mystical cave to explore. The massive Double Wave Pool is one of the most unique you would ever have seen, giving visitors an option of either gentle or stormy waves, while the relax pool, true to its name, offers you a relaxed bubble bath experience, while sipping on cocktails from the adjacent integrated pool bar. There will never be a dull – or dry – moment at RamaYana WaterPark! Especially because Pattaya can get ridiculously hot in the summer season, you can blissfully embrace the heat while being surrounded by flora in Pattaya’s beautiful mountain valley.
The Lazy Wavy River is perfect for a relaxed journey, with waves, geysers, waterfalls, bubbles and even a mystical cave.
Soak in the Double Wave Pool while being surrounded by the gorgeous creations of Mother Nature.
Address: 9 Moo 7, Na Jomtien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
Prices: 1,190 Baht (Adult), 890 Baht (Child)
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
5. Witness the legendary Songkran Festival at Thai Thani
The Thai Thani Arts and Cultural Village will reignite your appreciate for the culture, arts, architecture, traditions, history and even food of Thailand. Once you step into the village, you will immediately notice the architecture that hails from the different regions of Thailand, whether it is lovely Lanna-styled gabled pagodas, traditional Thai houses or alms-bowl pavilions. You can immerse yourself fully in local activity such as making Thai herbs and spices, cooking traditional Thai food, engaging in traditional Thai craftwork, such as umbrella painting, pottery making, and even join in the Songkran Festival water fights with your friends. Thai Thani is the perfect place to get a feel of the real Thailand and gain a deeper understanding of what makes up Thai culture, all in the span of a day.
Engage in local activities such as making Thai herb and spices and cooking Thai traditional food at Thai Thani.
Witness and even participate in the legendary Songkran Water Festival, where people go bananas in friendly water fights.
One of the highlights would be the Thai cultural performances – you are immediately put in high spirits as you watch the locals, from the very young to the very old, sway and dance to harmonious rhythms and even beckoning you to join in. As lunchtime rolls around, you are treated to exotic, diverse and delicious delicacies from all the regions of Thailand. Whether it is the Thai staple Pad Thai, the savoury minced pork with Thai basil, the signature Thai papaya salad and even traditional coconut sticky rice with rich durian flesh, you will definitely be spoilt for choice at the wide selection.
The Thai cultural performances are captivating and the enthusiasm and energy of the performers are truly infectious.
You will be treated to a diverse and exotic lunch spread that is sure to leave you spoilt for choice.
Pad Thai is a Thai staple and a must-have in every meal – these noodles are cooked before your very eyes and served piping hot.
Dessert lovers will definitely love the coconut sticky rice with durian flesh – the flavour is strong without being too overwhelming.
Address: 88 Moo 3 Sukumvit Rd. Bangsare, Satahip, Chonburi
Prices: 700 Baht (Adult), 350 Baht (Child), inclusive of activities, lunch, show, Loykrathong and Songkran
Opening Hours: 10am to 8pm
6. Be amazed by the spectacular Tiffany’s Show Pattaya
Pattaya is known for its dynamic nightlife, with its vibrant assortment of pubs, clubs and bars along its famous Walking Street. However, neon lights and dazzling street signs cannot compare to the spectacle that is Tiffany’s show, even enjoying worldwide recognition as a must-catch for tourists in Pattaya and winning numerous Thailand tourism awards.
Tiffany’s Show is one of the top ten must-see shows in the world and is highly celebrated on the international stage. All the ladies featured in the show are transvestites and were born male.
What sets Tiffany’s Show apart is that it is the first authentic transvestite cabaret show in South-East Asia – all the female performers were actually male at birth! Prepare to be blown away by the glitz and glamour of the show as the beautiful showgirls, decked in stunning costumes, showcase their glamour, poise and talent on the stage, fitting right in with the dazzling sets and decorations. If you arrive in May or November, you may even have the chance to witness two of the biggest beauty pageants for transvestites – Miss Tiffany’s Universe, and miss International Queen – which will definitely provide an interesting twist to your Pattaya trip.
A peek backstage reveals many beautifully embellished costumes that help increase the level of audience captivation.
The beautiful showgirls put in much hard work and effort into putting on a stunning show for the audience.
The diverse amount of glamour and talent on stage will no doubt take your breath away as the performers prance around on stage with much energy and dedication.
Tiffany’s Show is a spectacle not to be missed if you are in Pattaya – it is indeed one of a kind!
Address: 464 Moo 9, Pattaya 2nd Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260
Prices: 650 Baht, 800 Baht (VIP), 1000 Baht (VIP Gold)
Showtimes: 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm (daily), 4.30pm and 10.30pm (Extras)
7. Delight in scrumptious Thai delicacies at local restaurants
Sweet Thai coconuts are a refreshing drink on a hot sunny day and a must-have at every meal.
There is no doubt that Thai food is one of the most unique in the world, incorporating an abundance of strong and exotic flavours.
One of the best reasons to visit Thailand is undeniably the mouth-watering Thai cuisine – the abundance of strong and exotic flavours, whether sweet, sour, spicy and hot will definitely leave you craving for more. You can enjoy a hearty and incredibly fresh seafood dinner at Jejuk Seafood Pattaya, while marvelling in the spectacular views of the sea – the perfect end to a hectic day of sightseeing.
Dig into a hearty seafood dinner at Jejuk Seafood Pattaya while watching the gorgeous sunsets and listening to the calming waves.
You will be served with the freshest seafood, a wonderful end to a day of sightseeing.
For traditional local fare with a twist of originality and creativity, do also visit Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant Pattaya, uniquely set in a lush tropical jungle, where you can taste their house speciality Condom Salad, delicious Tom Yam Soup, Thai rice crackers, meat skewers and Green Curry. For those with a sweet tooth, do not forget to end off every meal with traditional Thai mango sticky rice, which is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Nobody would pass up delicious Thai omelette, with every bite being the right mix of crispy and flavourful.
Coconut milk and fresh green chilies combine to give the delicious green curry, which is sweet and mildly spicy.
This is a delicious delicacy reminiscent of “goreng pisang” in Singapore, made with fresh bananas and served with honey.
No meal in Thailand can ever be complete without the classic Thai mango sticky rice, served with coconut milk.
Jejuk Seafood Pattaya
Address: 221/1-4 Moo 5 North Pattaya Road, Pattaya
Opening Hours: 11 am to 10 pm
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant Pattaya
Address: 366/11 Moo 12 Phra Tam Nak 4 Road Nongprue Banglamung Chonburi 20150
Opening Hours: 11 am to 11 pm
8. Wind down with a traditional Thai massage
There is no better way to relax and end every day in Thailand than with a soothing massage. Although massage parlours are plentiful along the streets of Pattaya, Oasis Spa, which is nestled in a tropical garden beside Big Buddha Hill, provides a refreshing and invigorating experience that is worth every penny paid. The service of the masseuses are top-notch, ensuring that you are comfortable from start to end and even allowing you to customise the massage process according to your preferences.
Pamper yourself with the Aromatherapy Hot Oil Massage, which dissolves your muscular tension and pain and transports you to a whole new level of relaxation through a mix of essential oils and massage therapy. This is one experience you definitely do not want to miss out on.
The service at Oasis Spa is top-notch – you are immediately served with a refreshing towel and a cold cup of juice for detoxification upon arrival.
The shower area in the couple room is very unique and provides you with much-needed privacy and serenity.
The dimmed lights and strong scent of aromatherapy oils in the air make for a more relaxed and soothing massage experience.
Oasis Spa Pattaya
Address: 322 Chateau Dale Hotel Thappaya Road Pattaya Chon Buri 20150
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
Apart from being one of the hottest up-and-coming beach destinations, Pattaya certainly has so much more to offer, whether you are a bold adventurer, a child at heart or simply curious about Thai culture. Not only will you gain a healthy tan, but also a happy stomach and a full heart – so what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Pattaya today!
