The best things to do in Pattaya

Markets are where Pattaya eats, shops and comes alive after dark — from sprawling night bazaars to a famous floating market. Here are the best, and what each does best.

When the heat or rain hits, Pattaya’s malls are a cool, comfortable refuge with shopping, food and entertainment under one roof.

Pattaya is famous for its spectacular evening shows, from world-class cabaret to gardens that come alive after dark.

Beyond the beaches, Pattaya has a surprising amount of culture — grand temples, giant Buddhas and one extraordinary all-teak monument.

Beyond the beach and the bars, Pattaya has some genuinely great days out. These are the attractions we'd actually send a friend to, from a jaw-dropping wooden temple to an island escape.

Pattaya is a brilliant family destination — these are the attractions that reliably win over kids of all ages.

Pattaya is a water-park hotspot, with some of Thailand's biggest just south of the city. Here are the best, sorted by who they suit — from thrill-seekers to families with toddlers.

A huge interactive 3D illusion art museum where you become part of the paintings — a fun, air-conditioned, photo-friendly outing that's a hit with families and a rainy-day saviour.

The bustling pier at the south end of Walking Street where ferries leave for Koh Larn, with bay views and the Pattaya City sign nearby.

A large golden hilltop Buddha reached by a dragon-railed staircase on Pratumnak — a free, peaceful viewpoint over the bay and an easy pairing with the Pattaya Viewpoint.

A bright, Cartoon-Network-themed water park south of Pattaya — slides, a wave pool and the huge Cartoon Network characters, built squarely for families with younger kids.

Pattaya’s flagship beachfront shopping mall, packed with international brands, a cinema, food courts and sea views.

A grand cabaret theatre near Naklua staging a spectacular costume-and-dance revue.

A movie-themed water park south of the city with big-brand slides and a beachfront setting.

An indoor ice-and-sand sculpture attraction with a sub-zero ice zone and a snow play area — a novelty cool-down that's a fun, weatherproof hour, especially with kids.

A giant golden Buddha image laser-etched and inlaid into a cliff face south of Pattaya — a serene, free, photogenic stop, often combined with the nearby Silverlake vineyard.

A vast, well-regarded open zoo north of Pattaya where animals roam in spacious, natural enclosures.

The Pratumnak hill cluster of viewpoints and temples — home to the famous bay panorama and Big Buddha.

The easy island escape just off Pattaya — clearer water, quieter beaches and a short ferry ride to the day-trip that first-timers love most.

A relaxed public park by the Naklua fish market and pier, popular with locals for seaside strolls and street food.

A lively, fashion-and-food night market popular with a younger, trend-led crowd.

A older, budget-friendly central mall known for cheap fashion, souvenirs and a rooftop pool area.

A miniature park with detailed scale models of famous Thai and world landmarks — a gentle, photogenic stroll that's easy with kids and good for a relaxed hour.

A bustling, authentic fresh market at the Naklua end, about as local as Pattaya gets.

A huge, beautifully manicured botanical garden south of Pattaya — French-style topiary, a Stonehenge replica, cycads, elephants and cultural shows, all in one sprawling estate.

A discount outlet mall on Sukhumvit Road with branded fashion at marked-down prices.

The big hillside Pattaya City letters beside the main viewpoint, a popular photo stop over the bay.

A large, purpose-built four-regions floating market — canals, wooden walkways, boat vendors, snacks and souvenirs, plus shows; touristy but a fun, photogenic couple of hours.

The classic free panorama over Pattaya Bay from Pratumnak Hill — the postcard view of the city's sweeping crescent beach, best at sunset.

One of Thailand's biggest water parks, south of Pattaya — dozens of slides, a lazy river, wave pool and its own beach, making for a full, family-friendly day out.

A walk-through haunted attraction inside Royal Garden Plaza, part of the Ripley entertainment complex.

A central, air-conditioned entertainment complex inside Royal Garden Plaza — the odditorium plus extras like a mirror maze and 4D theatre, handy for a rainy day or families.

A long-established central mall on Beach Road, home to shops, restaurants and the Ripley’s entertainment complex.

A vast, all-teak temple-palace on the Naklua headland, hand-carved inside and out — Pattaya's most genuinely jaw-dropping sight and a perpetual work in progress.

A long-running animal park north of Pattaya known for its tiger and crocodile shows.

An extravagantly ornate mansion and gardens south of Pattaya, open to visitors as a flamboyant cultural attraction.

A European-themed family park with sheep, photo sets, gardens and activities for young children.

A whimsical, photogenic museum with teddy-bear scenes across themed rooms, popular with families and couples.

A fun, travel-themed mall where each floor recreates a world city, with shops, a food court and quirky photo spots.

A compact, central lifestyle mall on Second Road with shops, restaurants, a supermarket and a cinema.

A huge weekend night market near Jomtien, packed with street food, clothes and bargains.

Pattaya's long-running, glitzy cabaret — a polished, family-friendly evening of costumes, music and spectacle that's become a city institution.

A walk-through aquarium with a long underwater tunnel where sharks and rays glide overhead — a cool, easy, weatherproof outing that kids in particular love.

A quirky attraction where rooms are built upside-down for fun, gravity-defying photos.

A remarkable Chinese-Thai art museum (Anek Kusala Sala) near Wat Yan, full of statues, antiques and cultural treasures.

A peaceful working temple near the southern beach, a calm cultural stop in the busy city.

A peaceful hilltop temple on Pratumnak, near the Big Buddha, with quiet shrines and views.