Landmarks in Pattaya
- 01
Khao Chi Chan Buddha Mountain
A limestone hill south of Pattaya with a 109 by 70 metre Buddha image cut by laser and inlaid in gold leaf in 1996. A quick roadside stop, usually combined with Nong Nooch.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, when light falls on the face
- Tickets
- The site is generally free to view. Opening arrangements and any parking fees can change, so check locally. Dress modestly and keep your voice low.
- 02
Pratumnak Hill Viewpoints
Short stops on Khao Phra Tamnak that look over Pattaya Bay, including the park viewpoints and a lookout reached from Bali Hai pier. Free, quick and best near sunset.
- Time needed
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon for sunset light
- Tickets
- Park viewpoints are generally free. Opening times for individual spots vary, so check locally and use taxis or app rides because the hill has no regular baht bus.
- 03
Sanctuary of Truth
A vast, still unfinished temple-like building in Naklua, carved entirely from wood and rising to about 105 metres. It is Pattaya's most unusual sight and worth a dedicated morning.
- Time needed
- About 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, in the cooler months from November to February
- Tickets
- Admission is ticketed and foreign visitors pay more than Thai residents; check the current price on the official site. Visitors are permitted inside with hard hats, and modest dress is expected.
Neighbourhoods in Pattaya
- 04
Jomtien Beach
A 6 km beach about 3 km south of Pattaya, quieter and more family-oriented than the central beach. A good base and sunset spot.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon and sunset
- Tickets
- Free public beach. Loungers and umbrellas are rented by local vendors; agree the price first. Check flags and local advice before swimming.
- 05
Pattaya Beach and Beach Road
The central bay of Pattaya, a roughly 2.7 km beach lined by Beach Road with malls, hotels and restaurants. Better for a stroll than for swimming.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early evening
- Tickets
- Free to visit. Beach vendors rent loungers and sell snacks; agree prices first. Do not swim where the water looks dirty or after rain.
Places of worship in Pattaya
- 06
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha)
A hilltop temple on Pratumnak Hill with an 18 metre gilded seated Buddha and views over Pattaya Bay. Quick, free and close to the city.
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- Entry is generally free and the site is usually open daily. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes at shrines and behave respectfully; donations are voluntary.
- 07
Wat Yansangwararam
A large royal temple complex about 20 km south-east of Pattaya, with lakeside pavilions, gardens and statues. A quiet temple morning away from the beach.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, November to February
- Tickets
- Generally free to enter, with voluntary donations. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes at halls and behave respectfully; check opening hours before you go.
Day trips in Pattaya
- 08
Koh Larn
A coral island about 7.5 km off Pattaya with several beaches, reached by a ferry of about half an hour. The standard beach day trip for families.
- Time needed
- Full day or half day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- November to February, mornings
- Tickets
- Public ferries and speedboats run from Bali Hai pier and fares are modest. Speedboats and tour packages cost more. Check current times with the pier operators.
Gardens and parks in Pattaya
- 09
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
A large botanical garden south of Pattaya with themed gardens, a cycad collection, cultural shows and a dinosaur valley. A good half-day for families who like green space.
- Time needed
- Half day (4 to 5 hours)
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, November to February
- Tickets
- Entry is ticketed, with higher rates for non-Thai visitors; shows and extras may cost more. Check the garden's official website for current prices and show times.
