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Pattaya, Thailand: Thailand’s Pre-Eminent Seaside Destination
Once a small fishing village, Pattaya has evolved over the years into one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. The city has an official population of just 107,000, although estimates put the actual population in the metro area close to one million people, as countless people use the city as a second or seasonal home.
The majority of those who visit Pattaya do so for the beaches, as the city is on the Gulf of Thailand and is home to numerous beach resorts. Pattaya Beach is the largest and is close to the city’s downtown core, while other beaches like Pratumnak and Jomtien are also extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. Three offshore islands, Ko Larn, Ko Sak, and Ko Krok, attract their fair share of guests as well and provide a quieter holiday for those looking to escape the bustle.
Temples and Towers
One of the top attractions in the city is called the Sanctuary of Truth, which is a 105-metre-high building that is built entirely from wood. This structure is meant to promote unity between religions, as both Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses are depicted. The building has become very popular because of its unique construction and the message of unity that it represents.
Another popular destination is Wat Khao Phra Bat, which is a temple that features a gold Buddha statue that is over 18 metres in height. This temple overlooks Pattaya Bay and is close to many of the hotels that are found close to Pattaya Beach, one of the city’s main hubs.
Mini Siam is a miniature village that depicts some of Thailand’s most significant historic sites in model form. Miniature versions of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Democracy Monument can be found in this village. There is also a mini-world section that has models of important landmarks from all over the globe, including the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.
Abundant Outdoor Activities
Above all else, Pattaya is known for its outdoor activities. For starters, when looking at a map, there are 19 different golf courses within a 40-minute drive of the city and its hotels. In addition, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is just south of the city and features 500 acres of orchids and gardens, along with a collection of local wildlife.
RamaYana is one of the largest waterparks in Asia and has 21 different water slides for guest to enjoy. It also has pools, a floating market, elephants, two children’s zones, a lazy river, and a maze for guests to use while visiting, so there is truly something for everyone at this park.
Aquariums and Wildlife
Visitors who want to get away from their hotels and see the local wildlife in Pattaya are in luck, as the region is home to a number of zoos and aquariums. Pattaya Elephant Village is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in the area and it acts as a place for elephants that were once held captive to live out their lives in a more natural environment. Sriracha Tiger Zoo is just north of the city and is home to 200 tigers and about 10,000 crocodiles, making it the largest zoo of its type in the world.
Underwater World is Pattaya’s largest aquarium and features touch pools and gives guests the ability to feed koi fish. It also has shark dives and is home to a 100-metre underwater tunnel that visitors can access, making it a unique destination that is a must-see.
An Unforgettable Nightlife
Pattaya has a world famous party scene and there is always something to do in the city once the sun goes down. Walking Street, in particular, features a cluster of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants for visitors to explore, with many being open until the early hours of the morning. Walking Street is home to late night options like Red Car Bar, The Pier Disco Club, Club Insomnia, and Marine Club, making it the main place to stop when spending time in Pattaya.
Those who are looking for some alternative entertainment might consider the Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya, which has been billed at the city’s best ladyboy cabaret. Other cabaret-style shows are also present throughout the city.
For a breathtaking view, nothing beats the Horizon Bar, which sits on the 34th floor of the Hilton Pattaya. This is the tallest building in the area, so those who are enjoying a drink at this bar will have views of the ocean and the entire city.
Festivals and Events
There is always something going on in Pattaya, starting with Chinese New Year. Due to the large Chinese population in Pattaya and throughout Thailand, this celebration is notable and features lion dances, fireworks, and dragon parades.
The Pattaya International Music Festival is annual event that bring large crowds to several different venues along Beach Road. Various styles of music from international and local acts like can be found, so those who are attending the festival are likely to find something that suits their musical tastes.
The Pattaya Songkran Festival last several days in the middle of April and brings about beauty pageants, live music acts, fireworks, water sports, water fights, and cultural shows. Similar festivals are found elsewhere, but Pattaya’s is one of the longest in the country.