Explore Pattaya beyond the beaches
Located just 150km away from Bangkok, Pattaya makes a great escape for those who want to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind. From floating markets to Muay Thai sessions and even a mini Grand Canyon, the list of things to see in Pattaya is ENDLESS.
As with most tourist hotspots, it can sometimes be difficult to find your way around cheap. Plus, the last thing you’d want is to pay an arm and a leg to get to your destination and end up in some place completely different!
Read on to find out the best way to get around Pattaya and make the most of your Thailand holiday!
Getting Around Pattaya
1. By Minibus (Songthaew)
Songtaews are the most common form of transport in Pattaya. These open-backed utility trucks can take you all around the city cheap! Hit the buzzer button as you approach your stop and pay the driver before heading off.
In this case, short distance rides would cost you about US$0.30 (฿10) to US$0.60 (฿20).
Unless you want to be ripped off, you should never ask the driver how much the ride cost and just hand him the THB10 or THB20 depending on your distance.
However, these open aired trucks can be pretty crowded during peak hours and all the fumes on the road would not be good for long rides. In addition, we also would not recommend these unless you know your way around. Furthermore, it can be pretty tough trying to tell the driver where you are heading to and where you wish to alight if you aren’t sure.
It is important to realize that you will need to negotiate your fare with the drivers who may or may not speak english. In fact, do not hop onto empty buses, these may take you where you want to go but may charge you extra for hiring out the whole vehicle!
2. By local bus
The local bus service in Pattaya city covers the main streets of Pattaya, Naklua and Jomtien. The three routes are color coded-green, red and yellow. These coupled with bus stops of the corresponding colors and numbers will ensure you know where to board and alight. All routes start from the Big C supermarket and a one way fare costs about US$0.60 (฿20).
In fact, check out the routes early to make sure you know where to alight!
3. By Taxis
You can also hail air conditioned taxis in several downtown locations. However, these taxis often refuse to use meter so you almost always have to negotiate for your fare before setting off.
For example, a ride from Central Pattaya to Jomtien should cost you about US$6 (฿200).
4. By Klook car charter
Most of us don’t like the process of haggling for a good price for transportation, even more so when we don’t speak the language. The solution? Opt for a private car charter!
Not only will you get to make the most out of your time in this city, you’ll also get to visit places hidden in the far ends of the island! Most of all, you’ll be in the comfort of your own private vehicle.
If you’re travelling in a group, split the cost of the charter and it’ll definitely be more cost effective than taking many separate taxi rides, especially if you are heading to multiple destinations a day!
Klook your private car charter and get to pick between a half day (4 hours) or full day (8 hours) to suit your needs. There are options for 10 seater mini van for large groups or a 3 seater sedan for smaller groups!
If you need suggestions on where to go, opt for hiring the English or Chinese speaking guide and let a local tell you the city’s best kept secrets!
Highlights
Now that you’ve sorted out your transport options, here are some activities in Pattaya that should definitely be on your list!
1. Visit Snow Capped Mountains at Chonburi’s Grand Canyon
Hidden deep within the Khiri district, the Grand Canyon might be slightly hard to find and for good reason! But, trust us when we say the stunning views would make the journey all worth it.
The Grand Canyon is actually an old mine pit that offers a great view of the surrounding mountains and man-made lake below the view point!
One of the highlights of this place is the Snow Mountain. You must be thinking, it’s scorching hot in Chiang Mai where is the snow going to come from? Well, the snow mountain is not actually made of snow but of white rocks! Be sure to climb up those rocks for some great photo-ops!
Across the Grand Canyon is a train track where you’ll see people risking their lives sitting on the track all for that perfect Instagram shot! With this in mind, if you plan on getting a picture, be sure to have someone on watchguard duty looking out for oncoming trains!
2. Escape to a little French village at A La Campagne
Escape from the Pattaya beach bum life for the afternoon and head to this beautiful french inspired little village A La Campagne. Home to a tea factory, a restaurant named Somtum Villa and even a farm, travelling out of the city will surely be worth it!
Grab a bite in the picturesque Somtum Villa, a classic European church decorated with traditional Thai wicker accessories. You’ll surely be spoilt for choice with their extensive menu of Northeastern Thai delights . You must try the Somtum (Papaya Salad), made fresh from organic ingredients from the in-house farm!
Housed in a glass house, their tea factory is the perfect place if you’re looking for Western dishes or even just a pastry!
They have their very own bakery which makes baked goods fresh daily. Pair these with a cuppa and you’ll have yourself the perfect tea break. Order a fluffy scone, sip on tea and watch the world go by! C’est la vie!
With tea leaves imported from Japan, Sri Lanka, India, Taiwan and Israel, it’s no doubt the teas are one of the highlights. Ranging from high-grade Japanese green tea, caffeine-free herbal tea to cocktails, mocktails, and special ready-to-drink house blends, even the fussiest tea drinker will find what they’re after here.
After filling your bellies, head over to the farm to feed the animals or collect eggs from their free range farm! In this case, you can buy tickets from Petit Marche at US$1.50 (฿50).
3. Wander through endless gardens at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Calling all horticulture enthusiasts, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden should definitely be on the top of your list! From a world-class orchid nursery with 670 native varieties to a 17th-Century French garden and a recreation of Stonehenge, you’ll be wishing you had such green fingers too.
Don’t forget to catch the elephants in action while you’re there. These talented gentle giants can play football and basketball as well as perform many other tricks! If you’re lucky, you might even be selected as a volunteer and get the chance to interact with these friendly creatures!
Finally, end off the day with the Thai culture show where you’ll be thoroughly entertained by dancers and actors recreating historical events in their elaborate traditional costumes!
Klook yourselves to the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and opt for the lunch package to enjoy a buffet lunch! Just flash your mobile e-voucher and skip the long queues at the ticketing counter.
4. Watch fighters kick butt at MAX Muay Thai
Visit Pattaya’s ONLY professional stadium to catch a match between world renowned local and international Muay Thai fights! For the uninitiated, Muay Thai is a form of Thai kickboxing that is known for its power, speed and aggression.
Especially relevant for all you thrill seekers, you can definitely expect a heart pounding live fight! Feel the excitement of the crowd as they cheer for their favorites in the ring and maybe it’ll convert you to a muay thai fan!
Klook your tickets to Max Muay Thai and you’ll get to skip the queue at the ticketing counters! Just flash your mobile e-voucher 30 minutes before the match and you’re all set!
5. Live the beach life at Coral Island
Whenever we head to a beach holiday destination, we are often always spoilt with choices at the wide array of activities and want to try them all! Well, WHY NOT? Discover all that Pattaya has to offer from parachuting, banana boating, snorkeling and even jet skiing- all on a secluded beach!
Kickstart the day with the parachute activity! Feel the wind in your hair, as you glide across the blue skies and enjoy the views from the top. After that, cool off in the water as you snorkel in the clear blue waters and try to spot as many sea critters as possible.
Surely with such clear blue waters, you would be begging to stay forever! Continue your underwater adventure as you walk (yes, walk!) on the seabed, discovering all the wonders of the ocean!
Finally, round off your day with some adrenaline as you jet-ski across the waters!
Klook your Coral Island snorkeling tour and it’ll come with a complimentary CD of all your memories! This way, you’ll get to relive your sea adventures whenever you wish. It also comes with a complimentary lunch, drinking water and beach chairs for you to lounge around to get a sun-tan! You will also get a 2 way transfer included so all you need to do is enjoy yourself!
Talk about all inclusive!
6. Relive your childhood at Cartoon Network Amazone
All water theme park lovers: you certainly MUST visit Cartoon Network Amazone. With over 150 slides and attractions in 10 themed zones, don’t leave until you’ve tried them all!
Our favourite is the Humungaslide – a 2 person ride that sends you on a couple of figure 8 turns before a final 51-degree drop into the mouth of the Humungasaur!
Thrill seekers, you will definitely be riding the Goop Loop more than once! Feel your heart drop as the trap doors open and you free-fall 12 metres down!
Even if big water slides are not for your faint heart, there are many other slides available for all courage levels. Instead, you could just float down the lazy river and get a suntan! Children will also love meeting their favorite Cartoon Network characters like the Powerpuff Girls and Johnny Bravo.
Finally, no more foiled plans due to wet weather! Klook your tickets and they will be OPEN-DATED so you can visit anyday you please. In fact, just flash your mobile e voucher at the turnstiles and you’re all set for a splashing good time!
7. Peek into the lives of locals at the Pattaya Floating Market
From traditional handmade toys, textiles, silverware, little boutique and even EXOTIC animals, there is so much to see and buy in the LARGEST floating market in the world!
Of course, this would be the best place to get souvenirs for your loved ones.
Especially relevant if you’re an adventurous foodie, you MUST try their BBQ crocodile which is a Thai traditional delicacy! However, they also have the usual Thai mango sticky rice and noodle soups and coconut pancakes for the rest of us who aren’t as adventurous.
Meanwhile, you can head over to the monkey show and be amazed at how talented these furry friends are! For instance, they can do simple chores like unknotting ropes to doing tricks with fire sticks. Check here for the showtimes.
Klook your discounted tickets to the floating market and all you need to do is flash your mobile e-voucher to redeem your tickets!
8. Marvel at the architecture of The Sanctuary of Truth
Feast your eyes and marvel at the architecture of the Sanctuary of Truth, a 105 metre tall strcture made entirely of wood, WITHOUT any metal nails! In particular, learn about Thai philosophies and beliefs about Utopia as you walk through the structure.
Klook your tickets to the Sanctuary of truth for discounted tickets and a GUIDED tour of the place. Since not all of us are philosophy experts, walking around and looking at the structures alone might just be confusing.
Travel made easy
We know travelling can burn a hole in your pockets, so take SGD 10 off with minimum spend SGD 100 with “TATKLOOK“. All you’ll need to do is purchase ANY Thailand activity on Klook and you’re all set!
