Do you want to try something new? Pattaya is a great place for the adventurous traveler to explore. Get close to nature with an elephant ride at the Elephant Village or spend time in the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Inexpensive water sports include windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, parasailing, sport fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
On land, visitors can choose from tennis, go-karting, motorcycle racing, squash, badminton, bowls, jogging and bungee jumping or jump from the highest tower on the seaside rooftop in Pattaya Park. The avid golfer can play a round at one of the world class golf courses. Of course, nothing beats swimming in the ocean or getting a tan on the beach.
1. Pattaya Water Park
This large hotel and resort complex is located in Jomtien and features a 240 meter high tower with three revolving restaurants on different floors. Three options are available for guests to choose how they would like to return to the ground: Sky Shutter, Speed Shutter, or Tower Jump, determined by how much adrenaline rush you prefer.
At Funny Land amusement park, there is a roller coaster, or you can choose an even faster mode of transportation at Tower Shot. A monorail also runs through the complex. Massive water slides, jacuzzi, hot tubs and a large kiddie pool provide lots of fun, minutes from the beach.
2. Pattaya Elephant Village
Experience rural Thai life in this inspiring village and learn about the customs of yesteryear as you revel in the presence of exotic wildlife. Take a scenic ride on a specially trained elephant and get a glimpse of the slow pace of country life not found in the bustling city of Pattaya.
Watch silkworms being harvested for their precious threads, see ancient-style Thai cooking rituals, hike through the jungle, and if you’re lucky, visit a boisterous tame Gibbon. This is a must experience for nature lovers and those looking for a change of pace from the hectic pace of the city.
3. Fun stuff
For a more elevated experience, CMT Flying Club offers ultralight flights and light aircraft cruises over the Pattaya countryside. Weekends 8-6pm. Note: Ultralight flights are dependent on wind conditions, so try to book early.
If you prefer to watch the fight, you can watch Muay Thai Boxing where Beach Road meets Walking Street. You will see why Muay Thai is considered the king of Martial Arts.
The perfect place for those with an adventurous spirit, try paintball with a group of friends at Jomtien Paintball World. One hundred balls and face paint for 500 baht, and you’re ready to wreak havoc! Looking for something more exciting? Head out for the high-tech version of paintball at Ripley’s Laser Trek.
If you like guns try shooting real bullets at Pattaya shooting range.
Go-Karting can also be a lot of fun; 400 and 700 meter tracks are available at Mini Siam and Pattaya Go-Cart Speedway. As for professional drivers, there is a track of 1,090 meters.
4. Vimantaitalay Submarine
Dive into the deep blue and explore the ocean floor up close in this exciting underwater adventure. Guests are transported to the ‘Yellow Submarine’ in the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, where their adventure begins. By diving in, you will have the opportunity to explore exotic coral reefs that boast an incredible selection of underwater species, some 25 meters below the sea. Expert divers display a wide variety of amazing creatures, including puffer fish, sea urchins, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a rare sea turtle. The experience is dazzling and suitable for both children and adults, be sure to reserve your place one day in
5. Koh Lan and nearby islands
Pattaya’s ultimate city break is just a 45-minute ferry ride away. Koh Lan (Coral Island) is located off the coast of South Pattaya and is a little paradise. The beaches are clean and the water is always so clear. Enjoy all kinds of activities like the ones you find in Jomtien and also see the corals through glass bottom boats or snorkeling. Some resorts and bungalows are offered in Hard Nuan. Boat trips can be arranged to visit nearby islands such as Koh Phai and Koh Sak. Ferries depart daily from Pattaya’s South Pier. One way fare is 30 baht per person. From Nar Baan pier you can take a motorcycle taxi to the desired beach (20 – 50 baht).
6. Underwater world
Experience the enchanting creatures of the briny blue up close and personal at this intriguing attraction. A compilation of pools and aquariums recreates the real marine habitats found in Thailand, including coral reefs and massive predators of the deep. Tour the shipwrecks and see unique marine life such as huge stingrays, sharp-toothed sharks, and spiny crabs.
Underwater World also offers a variety of exciting activities, including underwater weddings, shark diving, coral reef snorkeling, and educational tours. This is the perfect place for children and families who want to learn more about this fascinating environment.
7. indoor activities
Indoor bowling is very popular with locals and tourists alike, with several alleyways to choose from around the city, the one above Tops Supermarket on the corner of 2nd Road and Central Pattaya Road is a favorite with both locals as well as tourists. Pool halls in Pattaya are everywhere, as are billiards and pool bars.
There is also a pistol shooting gallery, a clay shooting range and an archery range. Theatres, cinema, festivals and live music for all tastes are listed in the local community magazines and newspapers.
8. Metaphysical and new age activities.
In Pattaya, other activities include the many relaxing spa and beauty treatments, yoga classes, cooking classes, Thai language schools, massages, meditation, tai chi and the opportunity to visit the area’s wonderful tropical gardens. Details of all this are in the regular local English newspapers and magazines.
Getting pampered is easy in Pattaya. There are numerous spas and places for exotic beauty treatments, including facials, body scrubs, body wraps, water treatments, and more. Some of the most elegant and beautiful spas are found in the major hotels.
9. Water sports
- Lakeland Water Skiing – Only 5km away. from Pattaya City, this huge freshwater lake is used for cable skiing, a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity. (Location: Kilometer 150.5 on Sukhumvit Highway)
- Bamrung Paramotoring and Sailing Centre: A variety of exciting water sports and other exciting ones (with short instructional courses) are offered here, including windsurfing, sailing, paramotoring and paragliding. Certificates are issued upon completion of courses and restaurant facilities are also available. You can also rent canoes, catamarans and kayaks. (Location: Km 150 on Sukhumvit Highway)
10. Tattoos
Lots of people get a tattoo while in Pattaya. This is a big step and hard to reverse, but there’s no denying that tattoos are currently very popular. If you’re going to get one, there are several excellent artists in Pattaya. Be sure to check that the needles are properly sterilized. A less drastic step is a temporary henna tattoo from one of the vendors that roam the beach.
You can take a day trip from Pattaya to try more Thai experiences. There are many destinations around like Koh Samet (highly recommended), Chantaburi, Ayuthaya, the River Kwai, the floating market and also Bangkok.