Popular for its sun-soaked beaches and lively atmosphere, Pattaya has to be added to your itinerary when visiting Thailand. With only a 2-hour drive away from the country’s capital, there are many exciting things to do in Pattaya for your holiday trip!

Successfully drawn tourists from all over the world, Pattaya is undeniably the best destination to visit in Thailand. This is proven by a 2022 survey released by one of the most popular digital travel platforms which stated that Pattaya placed number 8 among the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide.

From strolling around the infamous entertainment hub in town to going for a religious journey by visiting the local temples, your holiday in Pattaya will be a memorable and delightful experience—adventurous attractions await!

Plan your travels in the “Hawaii of the East” with our list of the top things to do as well as the best hotels to stay in Pattaya.

Here’s the list of things to do while you are on a trip to Pattaya. Check it out!

This floating market is distinct and unique. Living up to its name, this packed hive of commerce is split into the four regions of Thailand—the central, south, northeast, and north.

Some of the stalls are floating, some are in boats, and others are stilted on the bank sides. What makes it interesting is that you can find different products for each part of the region. There are clothing, souvenirs, and local cuisines.

Get the best out of your visit to this market by renting a boat to explore every side. After finishing the exploration, stop by the occasional shows and activities presented in the market, such as traditional Thai dances and sea boxing.

Address: 451/304 Mu 12, Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Amphoe Bang Lamung

Opening hours: Daily (09.00 am - 08.00 pm)

Price: Starts from 200 THB

Known as Big Buddha Temple, Wat Phra Yai is perched atop Pratumnak Hill, Koh Phan, 100 meters above sea level. The Buddha statue is painted gold and is 12-meter-high, hence its name.

You have to go uphill and climb steep stairs to see the Buddha statue up close and its surroundings. If you want to save your energy, there is an easier option to go uphill, which is by taking a taxi.

In this place, watch locals come to pray for good health, happiness, and prosperity. On top of that, you will also be able to enjoy the amazing sceneries of Pattaya from the top of Big Buddha Hill.

Address: 4171, Bo Put, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily (10.00 am-11.45 pm)

Price: Free

(Also Read: Trip to Chiang Mai)

Mini Siam, or Mini Thailand, displays the famous wonders of Thailand. Therefore, you will witness beautiful miniature-sized buildings in this place. Among those on display are Wat Arun, Victory Monument, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and many more.

What makes it more fun is Mini Europe which is located in the same area. In this place, you can also witness well-known buildings in Europe, such as the Eiffel Tower, Tower Bridge, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more.

After a long walk around, you can stop by the souvenir shops to bring home some mementos.

Address: 387 Sukhumvit Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily (07.00 am - 10.00 pm)

Price: Starts from 300 THB

Looking for a kid-friendly destination in Pattaya? Underwater World Pattaya can be your option. This stunning aquarium has a diverse underwater creatures collection displayed.

There are various zones you can get close to in this aquarium, such as Touch Pool, Magic Tank, Coral Reef Zone, Open Ocean Zone, Giant of Siam Zone, and Reptiles Zone. There are also feeding activities in certain zones within the specified time.

Address: 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260, Thailand, Pattaya

Opening hours: Daily (09.00 am - 6.00 pm)

Price: Starts from 300 THB

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the little island of Koh Larn is only 7 km away off the coast of Pattaya Beach. This island has everything beach lovers expected—sandy white beaches with crystal clear turquoise water.

There are a total of 6 beaches along the island to explore. On this island, you can try various activities such as parasailing, savoring local delicacies, or simply sitting by the beach and enjoying the serene sound of the waves.

In addition, this island also provides many accommodations for tourists, so you don’t have to worry about staying overnight.

Address: Koh Larn, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily (24 hours)

When it comes to accommodation, Pattaya has a wide range of choices to pick. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or planning to splurge on your travel budget, Pattaya has it all covered for your needs. Check out the list below!

An affordable option for Pattaya’s accommodation would be this 3-star hotel ibis Pattaya situated in North Pattaya. The good news is that this place is within a walking distance of nearby beaches.

Though budget-friendly, this place is packed with top-quality facilities, ranging from the restaurant, pool sun loungers, kid area, and many more. Also, you can easily access attractions around the hotel, such as Art in Paradise, Alcazar Cabaret, World Gems Collection, and of course Pattaya Beach.

Address: 463/79 Moo 9, North Pattaya, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, 20150

Pricing: Starts from S$ 34

Lies in the Central Pattaya area, Chada Thai House is another best option of reasonably priced hotels to stay at during your trip to Pattaya. With its comfort, value, and convenience, this is one of the go-to places for travelers.

The decent facilities will make your stay comfortable, such as the restaurant, private balcony, and minibar. Moreover, this place is great for walkers since the location is near tourist attractions, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Pattaya Beach.

Address: 397/47 Moo 10, Soi 14 Pattaya 2nd Road, Central Pattaya, Central Pattaya, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, 20260

Pricing: Starts from S$ 53

This 5-star hotel provides rooms with an amazing ocean view. Located on the northern end of Pattaya Bay, access to Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya is very convenient—you can even rent a shuttle service to transfer from the nearby airport and go straight to the hotel.

In this lavish hotel, the room choices are various, the facilities are properly provided, and the food tastes heavenly. Enjoy the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, savor the buffet meal at the in-house restaurant, or even work out at the gym center as you please.

Moreover, the place is situated nearby tourist attractions, such as Central Plaza Maria Pattaya, Art in Paradise, Pattaya Beach, and many more. So, being bored is never on your list when you stay overnight at this place!

Address: 390 Moo 9, Tambon Nong Prue, Pattaya (and vicinity), 20150, Chonburi, Thailand.

Pricing: Starts from S$ 71

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This one is qualified as one of the cheapest options for a 5-star hotel in Central Pattaya. Its contemporary design with inviting facilities is what makes Baraquda Pattaya worth the shot.

Try swimming in the fish-shaped pool, exercising at the fitness centre, or savouring the in-house restaurant’s menu inside the hotel. If you’re up for a walk, this hotel is surrounded by various attractions to visit, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

Address: 485/1 Moo10 Pattaya2 Road, Central Pattaya, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, 20260

Pricing: Starts from S$ 84

Holiday Inn Pattaya is a 4-star hotel which is strategically located nearby famous tourist attractions in Pattaya. With its impressive ocean view, this hotel is a popular mid-range choice for tourists.

The hotel is well-equipped with cozy facilities to enjoy, ranging from an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a bar. Moreover, the attractions around the hotel area are within walking distance, such as the Teddy Bear Museum, Tiffany’s Show, and Pattaya Beach.

Address: 463/68, 463/99 Pattaya Sai 1 Road, Nongprue, Bangla, Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, 20150

Pricing: Starts from S$ 127

Pamper yourself in this 5-star hotel Royal Cliff Beach Terracewith its wondrous ocean panorama and private beach area. Far from the city’s madding crowds, staying overnight in this hotel will make your Pattaya trip more enjoyable.

The hotel architecture is elegantly designed in contemporary Thai style. Have a good time inside the hotel by swimming in its infinity pool, relishing delicious meals at the restaurant, or taking a quick dip at the private beach area.

The designated outing areas outside the hotel are also interesting. There are Khao Phra Tamnak, Pattaya Hill, Walking Street, Uthong Beach, and many more.

Address: 353 Phra Tamnuk Road Nongprue, Amphoe Bang LamungChang Wat , Phra Tamnak Hill, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, 20150

Pricing: Starts from S$ 150

(Also Read: Best Hotels in Krabi)

With all of its vibrant atmosphere and mesmerizing panorama, Pattaya is indeed the best destination to visit in Thailand. Whether you’re solo traveling or going on a romantic trip with your partner, get ready for a memorable Pattaya trip experience with Traveloka while doing fun stuff in the city’s best destination and accommodation!