Living & visas
Things to see in Pattaya: the main sights by district
Pattaya is often thought of as just a beach and Walking Street, which is very unfair. There is a wooden temple as tall as an apartment block, a huge tropical garden, two big water parks, a floating market and a viewpoint over the whole bay. We live here and picked the places we take friends to, with opening hours, prices from official sites and tips on fitting it all in.
In short
- The highlights: the Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua, the viewpoint and Big Buddha on Pratumnak, Nong Nooch Garden and Koh Larn.
- For kids: the Ramayana and Aquaverse water parks, Underwater World, Art in Paradise, Khao Kheow zoo.
- Prices checked on official sites in October 2026: Sanctuary of Truth 500 ฿, Ramayana for tourists from 1,099 ฿ online.
If you are short on time
- One day: the Sanctuary of Truth in the morning, Koh Larn or Navy Beach in the afternoon, the Pratumnak viewpoint and Big Buddha at sunset, then an evening walk along the promenade and Walking Street.
- Two or three days: add Nong Nooch Garden, one of the water parks and the Jomtien night market.
- A rainy day: Art in Paradise, Underwater World aquarium and Terminal 21, all indoors.
Naklua: the Sanctuary of Truth
Sanctuary of Truth
Perhaps Pattaya's most impressive sight: a huge structure on the shore, carved entirely from wood. It is not an ancient temple but a modern project built since 1981 and still under way, so you can often watch the carvers at work. Inside, every column and wall is covered in figures from Thai, Indian and Chinese mythology, and you could look at them for hours.
- Where: 206/2 Moo 5, Pattaya-Naklua Road, at the end of Wongamat Beach.
- When: 8:00 to 18:00, with an evening session from 18:20 to 20:30.
- Tickets: adult (140 cm and taller) 500 ฿ by day, 700 ฿ in the evening, per the official site in October 2026.
- Tip: come at opening time, before the heat and the tour groups, and allow one and a half to two hours. It is a working shrine, so cover shoulders and knees.
Pratumnak: views and the Big Buddha
Khao Pattaya Viewpoint
The hill between the centre and Jomtien overlooks the whole bay: Pattaya Beach, the port, Koh Larn and Jomtien. From here you can see the famous PATTAYA CITY sign above Bali Hai pier. The best time is sunset and the half hour after, when the city lights come on.
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
A golden Buddha statue on the neighbouring hill, reached by a staircase lined with dragons. Entry is free, and donations are welcome. Dress modestly and keep food out of sight: monkeys live on the hill.
Life on the hill is covered in Pratumnak.
Central Pattaya: Pattaya by night
- The promenade and Pattaya Beach. The best place for a sunset stroll, when Thai families come to the sea with mats and food.
- Walking Street. The city's main nightlife street, closed to cars in the evening. The atmosphere is adult, but an early-evening walk to see the lights and street performers is fun. Check drink prices in advance.
- Terminal 21 Pattaya. A mall where each floor is styled as a world city. The top floor has an inexpensive food court; a handy escape from heat or rain.
- Art in Paradise. A 3D art museum where you "step into" the picture for photos. Great for kids and rainy days.
- Bali Hai pier. Ferries leave from here for Koh Larn, and in the evening the pier has a lovely view of the lights across the bay. How to get to the island is covered in Pattaya beaches.
East Pattaya
Pattaya Floating Market
A wooden village on the water with food and souvenir stalls styled after Thailand's regions. You can take a boat ride and try street food. Best towards evening, when the heat eases.
Underwater World Pattaya
A glass tunnel under tanks with sharks and rays, a big favourite with little ones. Adult tickets (131 cm and taller) are 550 ฿, child (91–130 cm) 320 ฿, per the official site in October 2026. Allow an hour to an hour and a half.
Frost Magical Ice of Siam
An ice park with sculptures under a dome at sub-zero temperatures. A warm jacket is provided at the entrance, but closed shoes and socks are a must. A good choice in the midday heat.
The south: Nong Nooch, water parks and temples
Nong Nooch Garden
A huge tropical park with gardens in different styles, from French to a dinosaur garden, and Thai culture shows. Address: 34/1 Moo 7, Na Jomtien, Sattahip. Allow half a day. If you do not want to walk much, take a ticket that includes a ride around the park. Songthaews do not come here, so Grab or a car is easier.
Ramayana Water Park
One of Thailand's biggest water parks, at the foot of the hills by a lake. Open 11:00 to 18:00, closed on Wednesdays. Tourist tickets for 106 cm and taller: 1,099 ฿ online and 1,199 ฿ at the gate; children under 106 cm go free (official site, October 2026). Residents with a work permit, retirement visa or Thai driving licence get a separate, lower price. Same-day online tickets are only sold until 11:00.
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse
A water park themed on Columbia Pictures films. On the official site, online adult packages start at 1,380 ฿ (with a food coupon and towel), child from 890 ฿, as of October 2026. The gate price is higher, so it pays to buy in advance. Next door is Mimosa, a shopping village with photo spots and evening shows.
Wat Yan, Khao Chi Chan and Silverlake
Three places close together, easy to combine in half a day. Wat Yan (Wat Yansangwararam) is a large temple complex by a lake with pavilions in the styles of different countries, free to enter. Khao Chi Chan is a cliff with a huge Buddha image inlaid in gold. Silverlake is a vineyard by a lake, visited for the views and photos. Cover shoulders and knees at the temple.
Further out
Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Si Racha, about 45 km north: a big open zoo on hillsides, best explored by golf cart. Arrive at opening time, when the animals are most active, and allow half a day.
Getting around
- Songthaews (blue pick-ups) run loops along Beach Road and Second Road, 10 – 20 ฿ a person, paid when you get off. If the driver quotes 100 – 200 ฿, that is a private hire.
- Grab and Bolt are handy for trips south and to East Pattaya.
- A scooter works if you are experienced and licensed.
With kids
The best places for children are the water parks, Nong Nooch, the aquarium, Art in Paradise and Koh Larn. Family life, doctors and schools are covered in Pattaya with kids.
If you are looking for a home in Pattaya, we will help you choose the area and the condo.
FAQ
What are the must-sees in Pattaya?
The Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua, the viewpoint and Big Buddha on Pratumnak, Nong Nooch Garden and Koh Larn island.
How much is a water park in Pattaya?
Ramayana for tourists: 1,099 baht online and 1,199 baht at the gate for 106 cm and taller, under 106 cm free, closed on Wednesdays. Aquaverse: online adult packages from 1,380 baht, child from 890 baht. Prices as of October 2026.
How much is the Sanctuary of Truth?
Adult tickets (140 cm and taller) are 500 baht by day and 700 baht in the evening, per the official site in October 2026. Open 8:00 to 18:00, evening session 18:20 to 20:30.
What to see in Pattaya when it rains?
Art in Paradise, Underwater World, the Frost ice park and Terminal 21: all indoors.
Sources
- Sanctuary of Truth: tickets
- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: official site
- Ramayana Water Park: tickets
- Underwater World Pattaya: official site
- Columbia Pictures Aquaverse: tickets
- Pattaya Floating Market: official site
- Terminal 21 Pattaya
- Khao Kheow Open Zoo: official site
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws, fees and project terms change: before a deal we check the current conditions for the specific property.
