Activities in Pattaya

Tags: Pattaya - Chonburi - Jomtien - Activities - Golf - Shopping - Massage - Viewpoint - Prices - Zoo

In this article, you can read about a variety of activities for children and adults in Pattaya. If you want to read about Pattaya as a holiday destination, please read the article Pattaya, and if you want to read about the naughty activities in Pattaya, please read the article The naughty side of Pattaya.

You can find the places mentioned in this article and in my other articles about Pattaya on my map of Pattaya at Google Maps.

I will start with the more kid-friendly activities, which, of course, can also be interesting and exciting for adults without children. Farther down the page, you will find activities that are less suitable for children or which will bore children.

Things to do in Pattaya:

• Art in Paradise, interactive museum for kids
• Mini Siam, visit all of Thailand in a few hours
• Cartoon Network Amazone, a big water park
• Khao Kheow Open Zoo, big wildlife park
• Nongnooch Garden Pattaya, impressive gardens
• Flight of the Gibbon, fly through the jungle
• Pattaya Hill Top and Buddha, a great view and a great Buddha
• Go-Kart, several tracks
• Beaches, near Pattaya
• Sanctuary of Truth, impressive wooden house
• Shopping, where to shop in Pattaya
• Massage, relaxing massages
• Golf, more than 21 courses
• Pattaya Rocket Ball, crazy acceleration
• Cabaret/dragshow, lavish shows

Art in Paradise Pattaya

Art in Paradise Pattaya is an art museum; however, it is an art museum with a twist. It is not the kind of museum that adults may enjoy while children are bored stiff. Instead, it is an interactive museum that breaks the usual barriers between the visitors and the exhibits; where the exhibits break the conventional rules; and where optical illusions will fool you.

The museum is located centrally in Pattaya, making it easy to get there by baht buses.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 21:00 (9 AM - 9 PM).
Price: 400 baht (400 baht) for adults, 300 baht (200 baht) for children.
GPS: 12.948028, 100.889667.
Art in Paradise Pattaya's website.
Art in Paradise Pattaya on Facebook.

Mini Siam

Siam is the old name for Thailand. Mini Siam offers you to see many of Thailand's sights in a few hours. In addition, you can visit the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, The Opera House in Sidney and many other famous buildings in passing.

Mini Siam is located on the outskirts of Pattaya. You can get here by baht bus, although you may have to take several baht buses. It is probably easier to get here by taking a taxi or a songthaew acting as a taxi.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 19:00 (9 AM - 7 PM).
Price: 300 baht for adults (300 baht), 150 baht (150 baht) for children.
GPS: 12.955075, 100.908828.
Mini Siam's website.
Mini Siam on Facebook.

Cartoon Network Amazone

The kids will love Cartoon Network Amazone, which is a large water park, located a little outside Pattaya. You should expect a 20-minute drive. Here you will find many water slides, a huge wave pool, artificial rivers and much, much more. You can read more about the rides and see photos at Cartoon Network Amazone's website.

This video will give you a better idea of what to expect than a photo:

Cartoon Network Amazone lies in the southern part of Jomtien. You can get here by songthaew or taxi, or you can purchase a ticket including transport at a tourist stall.

Opening hours: 10: 00 - 18:00 (10 AM - 6 PM).
Price: 1,690 baht (1690 baht) for adults, 1,490 baht (1490 baht) for children (3-12 years); free for children younger than 3 years.
GPS: 12.785206, 100.914928.
Cartoon Network Amazone's website.
Cartoon Network Amazone on Facebook.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

The name is somewhat misleading as Khao Kheow Open Zoo is not a zoo; it is a wildlife park. In a zoo, the animals live in cages; here they roam freely. The total area of the park is 1.6 square kilometres (395 acres). Khao Kheow Open Zoo has more than 8,000 animals representing more than 300 species, including, of course, tigers, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, tropical birds, and even butterflies.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo offers several activities, such as feeding penguins and other animals. Please be aware that some activities cost extra besides the entry fee.

To get around in the park, you can drive your car, rent a golf cart, or you can ride in the park's bus. You need a valid driver's license to rent a golf cart.

You can buy tickets including transport to the zoo at tourist stalls in Pattaya.

Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00 (8 AM - 5 PM).
Price: 350 baht (350 baht) for adults, 120 baht (120 baht) for children.
GPS: 13.214981, 101.055973.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo' website.

Nongnooch Garden Pattaya

Nongnooch Garden Pattaya is a huge, fantastic, tropical garden containing many smaller gardens in different styles. Besides the gardens, they offer activities such as shows with traditional Thai dance, elephant shows, horse riding, pedal boats, and much more.

You can easily spend all day here and still not see everything. You can get an idea of the size by looking at the elephants in the background in the photo below, and this is only one garden out of many.

Nongnooch Garden Pattaya is a 45-minutes drive from Pattaya. You can take a taxi or a songthaew, or you can buy a ticket including transport at a tourist stall in Pattaya.

Opening hours: 8:00 - 18:00 (8 AM - 6 PM).
Price: 600 baht (600 baht) for adults, 400 baht (400 baht) for children less than 120 cm (3'11"). Some of the activities in the garden cost extra, such as riding an elephant.
GPS: 12.766404, 100.933500.
Nongnooch Garden Pattaya's website.
Nongnooch Garden Pattaya on Facebook.

Zip-line through the jungle

Take a flight on a zip line. Zip-lining is for both children and adults, but definitely not for those who suffer from acrophobia.

In Pattaya, you can find zip-lines at Tarzan Adventure, which has lines for both adults and children. You can find tours to Tarzan Adventure at the tour stalls. Tarzan Adventures no longer has a website, but they have a Facebook page: Tarzan Adventure.

They do not specify the current prices or opening hours on their Facebook page, so ask the tour stalls. I have heard a price of 1,450 baht (1450 baht) mentioned, but I don't know if that is still current or if it is negotiable.

Pattaya Hill Top and a big Buddha

Pattaya Hill Top offers you a great view over Pattaya and Pattaya Bay. If you are interested in military stuff, you can take a closer look at the Thai fleet's founder, Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi, at the same time. The Thai fleet is very fond of Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi; wherever they have a piece of land, they erect a statue of him. Pattaya Hill Top also houses a small temple.

If you want more than the small temple has to offer, you can visit the sister hill, Pratumnak Hill; here, you will find Wat Phra Yai, a big Buddha statue, and statues of holy monks.

Opening hours: 24 hours a day.
Price: Free.
GPS to the view: 12.921606, 100.866332.
GPS to the Buddha statue: 12.914343, 100.868564.

Go-Kart

There are several go-kart tracks in Pattaya and the surrounding area; giving older children and playful adults a chance to satisfy their inner speed demon.

You will find EasyKart.net close to Bali Hai Pier, 200 metres (0.1 miles) from the southern end of Walking Street. EasyKart.net offers two different tracks with the length of 350 and 800 meters (0.2 and 0.5 miles), respectively, and four different types of go-karts; the fastest of them can reach 70 km/h (44 mph).

Opening hours: 10:00 - 01:00 (10 AM - 01 AM).
Price: An eight-minute drive cost between 500 and 800 baht (between 500 and 800 baht), depending on the chosen go-kart and track. There will be a discount when purchasing multiple trips. Minimum height to drive is 110 cm (3'7").
GPS: 12.922899, 100.868437.
EasyKart.net's website.
EasyKart.net on Facebook.

Pattaya Kart is definitely not within walking distance of anything. You must drive or take a taxi to get here.

Pattaya Kart offers two tracks of 450 and 750 meters (0.3 and 0.5 miles), respectively. It is possible to rent a 2-seater kart, so an adult can accompany a child and give driving lessons. In addition to the go-karts, it is possible to rent an ATV for an off-road drive. The tracks are not as well protected by barriers as EasyKart.net's tracks are; thus, if you plan to have an accident, you should choose to have it at EasyKart.net's tracks.

Opening hours: 9:30 - 18:30 (9:30 AM - 6:30 PM).
Price: A ten-minutes drive cost from 300 baht (300 baht) up to 600 baht (600 baht), depending on the chosen go-kart and track. Off-road cost 350-750 baht (350-750 baht). An ATV cost 350-550 baht (350-550 baht).
GPS: 12.904836, 100.882620.
Pattaya Kart's website.

Bira Circuit is located far off Pattaya. According to Bira Circuit, the track is the only track in Thailand that meets CIK racing standards. The track is 1,300 meters (0.8 miles) long; however, it can have different designs and lengths.

It is possible to book the track for exclusive use; therefore, you should check if the track is available before you go there. You can check availability at the website.

Opening hours: Please check the website.
Price: Please check the website.

GPS: 12.921349, 101.010829.
Bira Circuit's website.

Beaches

Please read the article Pattaya.

Sanctuary of Truth

Sanctuary of Truth is an impressive wooden house, located just north of Pattaya. The building is huge in all dimensions; thus, it is difficult to assess the size based on the photo below. The building is 105 meters (344 feet) tall, which is equivalent to some 25 floors.

The building is even more impressive considering that they built it without using nails and screws. Various kinds of wooden wedges hold it together. In addition, carved wooden figures decorate the building outside as well as inside.

According to their website, they offer various activities such as elephant rides, performances, and ATV-driving. I do not know whether they only offer those in the high season, none of them was available when I visited in the low season; although, I did see a few elephants on the plot. You can take a taxi or a songthaew to Sanctuary of Truth, or you can buy a ticket including transport at a tourist stall.

Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (8 AM - 6 PM) and og 18:20-20:30 (6:20 PM to 8:30 PM).
Price for adults: 500 baht (500 baht) in the day time and 700 baht (700 baht) in the evening. Price for children: 250 og 350 baht (250 and 350 baht, respectively). Children up to 110 cm (3'7") tall have free admission.
GPS: 12.972842, 100.889104.
Sanctuary of Truth's website.
Sanctuary of Truth on Facebook.

Shopping

There are many options for shopping in Pattaya; the following list is far from exhaustive.

Thepprasit Night Market is Pattaya's largest night market.

Opening hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17:00 - 22:30 (5 - 10:30 PM); however, some shops open later and some shops close earlier.
GPS: 12.908556, 100.892962.

Mike Shopping Mall offers five floors with clothing, electronics, and souvenirs.

Opening hours: 11:00 - 23:00 (11 AM - 11 PM).
GPS: 12.932221, 100.880048.
Mike Shopping Mall's website.

Central Festival. If you want to expensive fashion brands, this is the place to go. In Central Festival, you will also find cinemas, restaurants, and whatever else that belong in a large shopping mall.

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 - 22:00 (10 AM - 10 PM), Friday-Sunday 10:00 - 23:00 (10 AM - 11 PM).
GPS: 12.935013, 100.883147.
Central Festival's website.

Tuk Com is a shopping centre with many shops offering electronic equipment. Tuk Com is the place to go if you need computer equipment or spare parts; or if you need a mobile phone repair. Please note that buying electronic equipment in Thailand may not be a good idea. The prices are not particularly low, and you may not get a warranty. This applies to the shops in Tuk Com and elsewhere.

Opening hours: 11:00 - 20:00 (11 AM - 8 PM); not all of the stores adhere to the official opening hours.
GPS: 12.923764, 100.878667.
Tuk Com's website.

Pattaya Avenue is an open-air shopping centre with outlet shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment such as bowling and cinemas. After dark, you will find a small night market here. If you want to see a movie, you are better off choosing the cinema in Central Festival instead.

Opening Opening hours: 10:00 - 23:00 (10 AM - 11 PM).
Night Market: 18:00 - 23:00 (6 - 11 PM).
The cinema: 11:00 - 1:00 (11 - 1 AM).
GPS: 12.92988, 100.8808.
Pattaya Avenue does not have a website. The cinema's website.

Pattaya Floating Market. In Jomtien, south of Pattaya, you will find Pattaya Floating Market.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 19:00 (9 AM - 7 PM).
Price: 200 baht (200 baht), children less than 120 cm (3'11") enter free. The price does not include renting a boat.
GPS: 12.867100, 100.905308.
Pattaya Floating Market's website.

Massage

With Pattaya's reputation in mind, you may think "happy end" when you hear the word massage. However, many massage parlours in Pattaya do not offer a happy end. A massage is very cheap in Thailand, typically between 200 and 400 baht (between 200 and 400 baht) for an hour.

It is also possible to find offerings such as facial massage, other facial treatments, foot massage, pedicure, and manicures.

You will find massage and wellness clinics all around the city. This photo is from Sira Spa in the shopping centre Central Festival.

Golf

You will find no less than 21 golf courses near Pattaya; most of them will allow you to play even if you are not a member. Below, you can read about the best of them. You can find more information about all of the golf courses at Pattaya Golf Courses.

Siam Country Club Pattaya offers three courses, the Old Course, Plantation and Waterside, offering 18, 27, and 18 holes, respectively. Siam Country Club Pattaya's website.

Laem Chabang International Country Club features 27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus. Usually, Laem Chabang International Country Club has special offers on certain days in the low season. The price can then go as low as a third of the full price. Laem Chabang International Country Club's website.

Cabaret/Dragshow

You have several options if you want to see a lavish cabaret/drag shows with performers who were born as men, but who may be so to a lesser degree now. This photo is from Alcazar.

Tiffany's Show. The most famous cabaret show in Pattaya is Tiffany's Show, not least because they hold an annual beauty contest for ladyboys from all over the world. Thai TV broadcast the contest, which is very popular.

Usually, Tiffany's Show offers three shows a day. Please visit the website to find the prices in the booking section. You will have to go through the booking process to find a specific price for a specific seat for a specific show on a specific day. It is rather cumbersome if you want to get several prices. Generally, the prices are a much higher than for the shows at Alcazar.

Price: Please check the website.
GPS: 12.949192, 100.888413.
Tiffany's Show's website.

Alcazar. While Tiffany's Show is the best-known show, many believe that Alcazar offers a better show. Usually, Alcazar offers four shows a day; you can find the program at the website.

Price: 1,800 baht (1800 baht).
GPS: 12.943051, 100.888803.
Alcazar's website.

Tags: Pattaya - Chonburi - Jomtien - Activities - Golf - Shopping - Massage - Viewpoint - Prices - Zoo