What to see, what to do and where to go
in Thailand’s top coastal resort town

Khao Chi Chan – Buddha Mountain

It’s no secret that the top Pattaya Attractions include the Sanctuary of Truth, the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Elephant Village, Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Million Years Old Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, Mini Siam and Underwater World.

There are also amazing temples to view, including the Chinese Thai temple Sala Viharasien and the architectural masterpiece, Wat Yansangwararam. 

Museums and art galleries are also the order of the day as are the most beautiful lush tropical gardens and rich orchid farms. And it doesn’t stop there either. There is this fantastic viewpoint atop a hill from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the whole bay area as well as the city.

Pattaya is also home to a sacred Buddha image at the Wat Khao Phra Bat Temple where five Buddha images are located. This particular temple is popular with local worshipers who come here to pay homage. It’s up to you to go out there and discover all these things for yourself.

The Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth is probably one of the best Pattaya attractions which are ever so close to the hustle and bustle of this popular seaside resort, you could easily walk there from your beach front hotel. The sanctuary is situated on the northern shoreline overlooking Palm Beach at Rachvate Cape, Tambon Naklea. 

Nong Nooch Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Cultural Village is a huge attraction for the whole family to enjoy. You could easily spend the whole day here exploring this enormous recreational park with its stunning manicured gardens. You will see a variety of plants including some rare and exotic Palms, Cyclades, Bonsai Trees, Cactus and Orchids. Most of these plants are brought in from all over the world.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo

Sriracha Tiger Zoo

Sriracha Tiger Zoo near Pattaya in the Chonburi Province of Thailand is home to 200 Bengal tigers, over 100,000 crocodiles and a variety of wildlife including many bird species. This popular zoo attracts huge crowds of tourists as well as many locals.

The zoo provides a tonne of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. There are tiger and elephant shows similar to that in which you will find in any commercial circus coupled with the usual crocodile and snake shows seen all over Thailand. Other amusing activities include ostrich and pig racing.

Entrance to Sala Viharasien Temple

Sala Viharasien

Sala Viharasien with its roots originating from China is a temple containing hundreds of antiques and artefacts giving the impression of some immense national treasure. Besides the magnificent examples of Chinese and Thai art, you will notice the influences of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, which are well represented in the form of numerous bronze statues seen inside the temple. 

As you enter the courtyard you’ll see a golden statue depicting the Eight Immortals of Taoism which represents the transcendentalism in Chinese mythology considered to be signs of prosperity and longevity. These immortals made their first appearance in China’s Jin Dynasty. Several bronze statuettes, as well as stone carvings, can also be viewed in upper and lower courtyards.

Bronze Statues at Sala Viharasien

Wat Yansangwararam

Wat Yansangwararam in Pattaya gives you an opportunity to view alternative architectural masterpieces in Buddhism temple design. The temple is built in the same style as the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya in India. It’s a relatively new complex constructed in 1978 to commemorate the reign of the two great kings, Naresuan and Taksin for their successful struggle to free Thailand from Burmese invaders.

Today these countries seem to be firm friends. The various temples and buildings you see situated on this vast site make use of modern materials and building techniques to create numerous architectural design styles from mostly in Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and China.

Wat Yansangwararam

Khao Chichan Buddha

The Khao Chi Chan Buddha, seen etched into the cliff of Khao Chi Chan, is the world’s largest Buddha image commanding a span of some 130 metres in height and 70 metres in width. You’ll be amazed at the sheer size of this image depicting a mixture in the artistic style of both the Sukhothai and Lanna Arts. It was originally created in 1984 and presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of his accession to the throne in 1996.

Mini Siam and Mini Europe

Mini Siam and Europe

Mini Siam and Mini Europe are located on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya and a huge attraction for all to enjoy. You get to see beautiful miniature architectural replica recreations of many of the world’s greatest wonders. There are over 100 famous structures from around Thailand, Cambodia, Europe, Africa and the USA.

Mini Siam and Mini Europe

Elephant Village

Elephant Village between the Siam Country Golf Club and Phanarak Park affords the whole family a chance to indulge in a thrilling experience. One must remember that these beautiful animals are Thailand’s most treasured national symbol and they have been the pride and joy of Thai culture for centuries.

Witness these magnificent creatures as they go through some of their training routines. Other highlights at this sanctuary include re-enactments of ancient ceremonial festivities, wild elephant round-up and many exciting performances. This would also be a great opportunity for you to take a jolly good fun ride on one of the elephants. The village is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm is a fabulous tourist attraction only a ten-minute drive from Pattaya City. It’s a huge seventy-acre garden park filled with natural wonders, including gigantic stone structures and plenty of rare animal and plant life. There are several hundred-million-year-old petrified trees, beautiful bonsai trees as well as lots of other shrubs and flowers.

There’s a variety of animals including elephants, tigers, camels, lions, bears, deer and thousands of crocodiles. The sanctuary also boasts exotic fish including endangered Thepha fish, snake-head fish and Mekong catfish. Bird life includes ostrich, cassowary, emus and eastern Sarus cranes. A must see in Pattaya.

Million Years Old Stone Park