The inviting sun and multicultural experience in Thailand make it a popular choice for travelers seduced by the promise of a slice of paradise. A two-hour drive away from the capital Bangkok takes you to Pattaya; a frequented tropical haven within the Chonburi province. It prides itself as one of the best places for tourism in the country for good reason—from long stretches of beaches to majestic temples, top-notch cuisine offerings to adrenaline-pumping activities, and excellent shopping choices. Beyond these reasons, this city is bustling with life, diversity, fun, and adventure.
Polo And Beyond
There’s surely something for everyone in Pattaya, and polo ladies are no exemption. The first stop for every polo enthusiast when in Thailand is the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, located east of the coastal city. During winter, when everywhere else in the world is freezing, the club enjoys year-round summer weather, which allows for the annual Queen’s Cup Pink Polo in February. Apart from this highly-anticipated tournament, everyone is welcome to enjoy the club’s facilities and services like the polo school and the equestrian hub, as well as the Chukka Bar, which is an exact replica of the famed polo bar in the Langham Hotel in London.
Once you’ve indulged yourself in all things polo and horses, get off the saddle and explore the wonders that only Pattaya can offer. Begin your excursion with a pilgrimage to the city’s places of worship. Find the majestic gold-marked image of Buddha on a mountainside at Wat Khao Cheejan or the Buddha Mountain, surrounded by a sprawling naturescape.
The Wat Phra Yai Temple, or the Big Buddha Statue, stands with its 18-meter-tall Buddha figure, where most locals head to pray. Located at Pratumnak Hill, it’s also a popular spot for a glimpse of Pattaya from a bird’s eye view.
The unfinished Hindu-Buddhist temple called Sanctuary of Truth is another frequent stop. It is the world’s largest wood carving structure that features contemporary architecture. Apart from sightseeing, go for an ancient boat ride and catch a local Thai sword fighting play here.
Flora And Fauna
Have your fill of flora and fauna at these key attractions in Pattaya. There’s the Nongnooch Garden And Resort, one of the world’s largest privately-owned gardens. They house an elegant tropical botanical garden collection of international plants in 50 natural gardens.
If you’d like to bond with elephants, make a stop at Pattaya Elephant Village. These charming creatures will amaze you through an entertaining show, while the adventurous will enjoy trekking with these gentle, magnificent beasts.
Drop by Love Art Park to breathe in some fresh air and admire more than 150 sculptures and installations.
If you intend to relax in nature with a glass (or a bottle!) of wine, Silverlake Vineyard should be on your itinerary. Start your visit with a tour of the vineyard, try grape-picking activities, take a look at their marvelous wine factory, and sip an aromatic white, red, or rosé wine to cap off the day.
Nightlife
After the sun sets, do not miss out on Pattaya’s teeming nightlife. Take a detour from the large crowds and find your spot at the Empire Club Pattaya, a luxurious private space with soothing live jazz performances and chill DJ spins, modern interiors, and a great selection of whiskey and other spirits to your delight.
If you want to party with the sight of the city skyline at night, the Roof Sky Bar & Restaurant has an impressive rooftop-slash-poolside bar, the highest one in the area, and serves excellent cocktails that will have you dancing the evening away.
Get Splashed!
Pattaya’s tree-lined shoreline boasts of several beaches that cater to all types of wanderers. In Pattaya Beach, you can find thrilling water adventures like speedboats, parasails, and jet skis. On the other hand, Jomtien Beach is a quieter location compared to its equally-sandy neighbor but doesn’t fall behind in action and crowd-pleasers.
Stay at five-star accommodations fit for a (polo) queen. Oceanfront hotel Royal Wing Suites & Spa is one of Pattaya’s first luxury hotels and continues to be one of the most coveted places to check in for a truly luxurious vacation. For a hipper, more vibrant vibe, check out the contemporary rooms and unique offerings at Siam @ Siam Design Hotel Pattaya.
When it’s time to get splashed, head to the crystalline waters and swim in the salty sea, or hop on some water sports to get your body moving! Flying all the way to Pattaya is also a great opportunity to get a taste of diving—you can get the best course at Pattaya Diving Centre. But if lounging and relaxing is more of your thing, join a cruise at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.
‘Eats’ A Date
The perk of being a seaside town is the bounty of seafood offered at every dining spot you go to. Dine at the most famous restaurant in Jomtien, Lung Sawai Seafood, to indulge in fresh seafood and the must-try Grilled Horseshoe Crab with Mango Salad. At A La Campagne’s Somtum Villa, you may enjoy tasty Thai fare with ingredients grown from their garden.
For some vegetarian flair, Tree Tales dishes up healthy but flavorful cafe favorites, from pasta to souffle pancakes. If you’re up for a glass of craft beer, Wizard Beer pours delightful local brews you won’t find anywhere else.
Of course, the city isn’t short on the finer things. Caprice at The Royal Cliff Hotel is bestowed with the best restaurant award, and their five-course French cuisine spread is a great excuse to give in to a delectable dinner. For the finest steaks in town, dine at Café Des Amis while enveloped in its romantic garden setting.
Don’t forget to reserve a table at Comfort by Harlan owned by Michelin-starred chef Harlan Goldstein for an unforgettable time sampling food and drinks inspired by his almost four decades of traveling around the world.
Retail (And) Therapy
What’s a trip to the Land of Smiles without hunting for native souvenirs and going on a shopping spree? For an exclusively-Thai experience, the Pattaya Floating Market is brimming with water vendors selling handmade knickknacks, traditional Thai clothing, and yummy snacks.
Night markets are also part of the local culture, so immerse yourself and have fun scoring bargains at the Thepprasit Road Night Market.
For a more upscale retail therapy session, Central Center Pattaya welcomes shoppers to various boutique and brand name stores. For a daintier alternative, Mimosa’s Renaissance-era-inspired design cheerily invites people to choices of clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Complete your journey in Pattaya with heavenly treatments to gently wash away your weariness from all the polo and touring you’ve done. Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at Health Land Spa & Massage, a one-stop landmark for total wellness. Renew and revive your senses with the signature massage or the hot lava stone massage at Na Spa Escape. And finally, strip off all the worries and rest easy and rejuvenated at the healing, steaming pools of Yunomori Onsen & Spa.
