Insta-worthy spots in Pattaya
Thailand’s famous beach city of Pattaya is a go-to holiday spot for locals and foreigners alike as it’s only 2 hours away from Bangkok.
Apart from its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Pattaya is also home to many breathtaking sightseeing spots that are worth visiting. When you’re done swimming at Pattaya beach, here are 7 Instagrammable spots you can’t miss out on.
As always, we’d recommend calling ahead before visiting any establishment in order to make sure their operations are running normally, given the current situation.
Other Thai beaches worth checking out:
- Non-touristy things to do in Koh Samui
- A guide to Phang Nga, Phuket’s low-key sibling
- Angthong National Park is a collection of 42 islands
1. Sanctuary of Truth
Image credit: @huakai.esharimaolee
Experience the grandeur of architecture at The Sanctuary of Truth Museum, located along the beautiful shores of northern Pattaya.
The whole structure is built entirely out of wood and is adorned with delicately carved wooden idols such as mythical animals and divine beings, which are mostly inspired by Buddhist and Hindu mythology.
Image credit: @huakai.es
Apart from the impressive sights of the sanctuary both inside and out, visitors can also learn about Thailand’s ancient wood-joining techniques that hole the entire place together – and without a single nail being used.
Image credit: @bozinovakatarina
The sanctuary also hosts free traditional shows, including ‘Thai Sword Fight’ and ‘Thai Dance’ for visitors to enjoy at 11.30AM and 3.30PM, daily.
Sanctuary of Truth
Address: 206/2 Moo 5, Pattaya-Naklua Rd, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: ฿500 (~USD15)
Telephone: +66 3 8110 653
Sanctuary of Truth website | Google Maps
2. Papa Beach Pattaya
Image credit: @papabeachpattaya
Papa Beach is a glamourous beachfront cafe and restaurant that comes with many photogenic corners, one of which is the iconic oval-shaped nest adorned with colourful flowers, looking out to the blue sea.
Image credit: @papabeachpattaya
With a pink-tiki theme, the place is filled with stylish bamboo decor that gives out the ultimate beach vibes, along with other cute knick-knacks in pastel pink, like flamingo statues.
Image credit: @papabeachpattaya
While you and your friends are trying to achieve Instagrammable shots, don’t forget to enjoy some refreshing drinks like sweet and sour Strawberry Soda and relax by the pool.
Papa Beach Pattaya
Address: 47/41, Moo 3, Na Chomtian, Thanon Sukhumvit, Amphoe Sattahip, Pattaya 20250
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Daily.
Telephone: +66-63-949-4635
Papa Beach website | Google Maps
3. Underwater World Pattaya
Dive deep into the ocean at Underwater World Pattaya, a local aquarium with international-scale exhibition zones.
The must-visit is a clear glass tube that lets you take a stroll under the ocean freely. Looking up, you’ll be amazed by sea creatures such as sharks, rays, and other small fish.
Another zone that you can’t miss is the jellyfish room. This is a real visual treat as all the light in the room is dimmed except those in the tanks, so you can clearly see the jellyfish glowing and swimming around in the dark.
Image credit: Underwater World Pattaya
End the trip by getting cool photos of yourself feeding koi fish and turtles at the feeding zone. This activity is especially perfect if you’re on holiday with children.
Underwater World Pattaya
Address: 22 22 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: Thai: ฿250 (~USD7.50) for Adults and ฿150 (~USD4.50) for Children | Foreigners: ฿500 (~USD15) for Adults and ฿300 (~USD 9) for Children
Telephone: +66 3 8756 878
Underwater World Pattaya website | Google Maps
4. Grand Canyon Chonburi
Although this former quarry is called Grand Canyon Chonburi, it looks more similar to a picturesque line of mountains in Switzerland, which is exciting nevertheless.
The area is surrounded by white rock quarries with an emerald-green pool in the middle – all set against a majestic backdrop of green mountains.
Nearby is a climbable rock-hill that is given the name “snow mountain” for its monotonous colour.
Snow mountain or not, we’ll leave you to decide. But to us, this whole place looks like the moon’s surface, which is out of this world and worthy of visiting. The best part is there’s no entrance fee!
Note: The place is not accessible by public transport, so we recommend hiring a car to get here.
Grand Canyon Chonburi
Address: Khiri Nakhon 8/1 Alley, Huai Kapi, Chon Buri District, Chon Buri 20000
Google Maps
5. A’ La Campagne Pattaya
Walk around the lush and charming “French” countryside at A’ La Campagne, a leisure complex with restaurants and gift shops inside.
Among the peaceful greenery are a big fountain and stone buildings similar to the ones we often see in many European countries, which offer a variety of beautiful backdrops for our photographs.
End your visit by sipping an afternoon tea at Tea Factory Cafe or browse around Petit Mache, a vintage shop that sells household items, ornaments and ceramic goodies.
A’ La Campagne
Address: 21/2 Moo 1 Najomtien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
Opening Hours: 10AM – 9PM (Monday – Thursday)| 10AM – 10PM (Friday – Sunday)
Telephone: +66 9 1780 1254
A’ La Campagne website | Google Maps
6. Pattaya Floating Market
If you’re on a short vacation and are afraid to miss out on Thailand’s famous floating market while visiting Pattaya, then Pattaya Floating Market is the place to visit.
The market captures the charm of a traditional floating market with riverside and boat vendors, selling authentic Thai food, sweet treats, as well as handicraft goods.
After a shopping session, seek some excitement by getting on a rental rowing boat with a paddler for ฿150 (~USD5) per boat in the pool filled with pink water lilies. This price also includes cool shots taken with a drone camera.
Pattaya Floating Market
Address: 451/304 Moo 12 Sukhumvit Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Opening Hours: 9AM – 8PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: ฿200 (~USD6) for Adults and free for children under 119 cm
Telephone: +66 8 8444 7777
Pattaya Floating Market website | Google Maps
7. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, aka Suan Nong Nooch, is a local-favourite spot thanks to its variety of beautiful plants, from a Sub-Saharan style cactus garden to an exciting greenhouse filled with rare plants from deep jungles.
Apart from all the fascinating greenhouses, the park also has outdoor parks that are packed with mile after mile of vibrant flowers and well-trimmed bush.
Don’t forget to check out the enormous prehistoric rock garden with a Jurassic-theme. It even has life-size dinosaur statues lined up in there – go big or go home, amirite?
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Address: 34 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250
Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: Thai: ฿200 (~USD6) for Adults and ฿130 (~USD3.90) for Children | Foreigners: ฿500 (~USD15) for Adults and ฿300 (~USD9) for Children
Telephone: +66 8 7488 0028
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden website | Google Maps
Lively city that never sleeps
Next time you visit Pattaya to get unwind, make sure you’re visiting these places and get some Instagrammable shots to envy your friends.
But never stare at a screen too long that you miss out on what this lively town has to offer, such as wild nightlife and beautiful nature.
Cover images adapted from: @huakai.esharimaolee, @bbesttbestt, @thiwa_waaa
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