7 Best Things To Do In Pattaya: 2-Hours From Bangkok!

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A popular day-trip spot for travelers based in Bangkok who are searching for some TLSea, Pattaya is only two hours from Thailand’s capital city! Of course, it’s not only a day trip destination and is often frequented by locals and internationals alike for a short break from the city (if this is where you plan on spending the majority of your time). 

In the last few years, Pattaya has really seen a revamp from its prior reputation, and there are epic things to do, see, and explore around these parts. I mean, just 15 minutes on a speedboat from Pattaya and you’ll arrive to Thai island paradise! Then, of course, there are famed locales like the Sanctuary of Truth and the city’s iconic botanical gardens — the biggest in Thailand for all you green fingers! 

Among the best things to do in Pattaya, bohemian beach bars await, and even secret spots for social media uploads. You’ll want to bookmark this ultimate guide to the 7 best things to do in Pattaya for 2025!

7 Best Things To Do In Pattaya for 2025

1. Sanctuary of Truth: A spiritual masterpiece 

Many of us travelers arrive in Thailand for a spiritual fix — whether it’s a re-boost or a discovery of the self. There’s this indescribable yet tangible magic in the air, and I call it contagious. It’s one of the reasons I am in love with the Land of Smiles (which it truly is). While you’re in the city, one of the best things to do in Pattaya centers around spirituality and local mythology is the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Truth! 

But it’s not to be confused with a Thai temple! This is, in fact, a sanctuary, and it’s made completely from wood. It’s more of an art monument which is centered on the “philosophy of life.” It’s probably best classified as a museum. 

The architecture here resembles the typical Thai, but statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities are in its halls. A standout feature for me is a section of statues for different days of the week correlating to a different planet. This is related to the exact day on which you are born, and is believed to tell a lot about one’s personality — I was born on a Thursday and mine was accurate to a tee!

2. Beach clubs: Cocktails, comforts and cool vibes  

Half the reason why the masses flock to Pattaya from Bangkok is for the beaches! (There are no beaches in Bangkok, FYI). Now, what’s better than lazing on a beach all day? How about hanging out at a beach club/restaurant with a cold cocktail in hand, and just a comfy stone’s throw from the ocean? 

Cave Beach Club has a European beach club kinda feel, and I love the natural elements used across the decor! It’s very boho chic. An extension of Cave, The Glass House is a beachfront restaurant/bar, that’s just as gorgeous. Open for brunch from 11 am, and closing midnight, the menu is a fusion of Western and Asian. I love Cave Beach because its only just over 20 minutes from Pattaya city, but, yet again, feels like a whole new world.

Set up right on the water, and another beach club in Pattaya with multiple seating areas, The Oxygen Beachfront Oasis is a sublime sunset hour spot, followed by cocktails. They serve food here, too. 

3. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: Home to 50 gardens and attractions 

Some words of advice before arriving at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: Wear comfortable shoes, and set aside at least four hours for this monumental garden. It’s a fantastic option for all ages from the best things to do in Pattaya. Not only this, it’s legit considered in lists of the most beautiful gardens around the world. 

You’ll immediately notice why as soon as you hit the ground running — all 600 acres of it!

There are so many themed gardens, it’s impossible to list them all here. These include an Italian, Lotus, Orchid, Pottery, Cactus, European, and Bonsai Garden. But this isn’t even a quarter of them! Honestly, you’ll need to come check this out yourself as no description does this site justice.

A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus transports you around. You can also enjoy a cultural Thai performance show or a Cabaret Show. Feed the giant fish, or cycle around the green oasis. And parents, take note: don’t miss the Valley of the Dinosaurs (where 213 life-size models of dinosaurs roam)!

P.S. If you love green spaces, do make sure you fall in love with Pai (in Northern Thailand). It’s my favorite place in all of the country. 

4. Day trip to Ko Lan or Ko Samet: For island vibes

If you’re keen on a break from the bustle of Pattaya, I highly recommend hopping over to one of its neighboring islands. Both Ko Lan and Ko Samet are super-duper-easy to reach. In my opinion, these are where you’ll find the best beaches, with that “bluer” water you’ve been dreaming of when you think, Thailand! 

Ko Lan (also known as Ko Larn/Ko Laan) is only 20 minutes via speedboat, or a 40 minute ferry (the more affordable option). The top beaches here include Samae, Tien, Naon, and Tonglang. If you’re feeling up to it, trek via a long flight of stairs to Big Buddha, or just catch a motorbike taxi here. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of arranging boats on the ground (and potentially getting ripped off), I really love this easy day trip which does all the hard logistics work for you.

Ko Samet (my personal preference of the two) is a 35-minute ferry journey or 15 minutes via speedboat. It feels more untouched than Ko Lan. Beaches around the island are wonderful and are a great spot for a seafood lunch. Much like Ko Lan, I’d recommend hoping on this easy tour which will ferry you to and from the island with absolutely no hassle. Feel free to extend the trip and stay overnight at Ko Samet, where you’ll find some simple but gorgeous hotels.

5. House of Benedict: A fantasy playground  

Often Asian countries like Japan get all the credit for being “zany.” However, if you’ve ever traveled to Thailand, you’ll already know that this Southeast Asian country has its fair share of weird and wonderful. Case in point, the whimsical, fairytale-like House of Benedict. Let your imagination run rampant here!  

Think of it as an indoor playground of photo ops, with a restaurant, a bright pink minivan bar, and a coffee shop. 

For example, there’s a photo booth below a spinning horse, pink fluffy eggs that you can sit inside, an Italian-style boat floating on water, a sleeping mermaid room, and spaces filled with dripping chandeliers of all shapes and sizes! Of the best things to do in Pattaya, this is certainly the most unique and a real treat for any social media influencers reading this! 

6. Wat Phra Yai Temple: To see Big Buddha

No matter where I go in Thailand, I always have to see at least one Buddha-centric temple/sanctuary. I’m always overcome with a sense of peace, and awe when visiting these sorts of places. 

Wat Phra Yai Temple is home to Pattaya’s Big Buddha Hill. A seven-headed naga-decorated staircase leads the way to the 18-meter golden statue of the sitting Buddha. It’s at the top of Pratumnak Hill, and officially Chonburi’s largest Buddha. You’ll have to dress appropriately to visit — i.e., knees and shoulders covered. Also, there is a small Chinese temple. It’s ten minutes from Pattaya. 

While we’re on a Buddha note, another unmissable landmark is Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain). This one-of-a-kind image is lasered onto a giant rock face, and is a 30×70 meter golden image outline of Buddha! Once you’re done checking this out, pop into Silverlake Wine & Grill Restaurant. It’s a three-minute drive. 

7. Backstreet House Pattaya: Craft coffee and beer 

Usually, you’ll find one spot that has mastered the art of artisanal coffee or beer. It’s not often when you stumble across a cafe specializing in both departments. Yet, in Pattaya, you can most certainly enjoy the best of both worlds at Backstreet House Pattaya. 

A coffee roaster that makes excellent drip coffee, Backstreet stores its special beans in test tubes. You can also find matcha drinks here — matcha ceremony included. 

Sip back on craft beers from around the world. Or, if you’re not the biggest beer drinker but do want an alcoholic beverage, they serve cocktails too, including hand-smoked options (which look like potions). On some days, chill out to live music in the garden area. Include this groovy spot to your list of best things to do in Pattaya! 

Before you go: Everything you need to know about visiting Pattaya

How to get to Pattaya? 

There is a small international airport in Pattaya, U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP), but not all international flights land at UTP. However, domestic flights do land here. Pattaya is a two-hour drive from Bangkok. There are a few options when it comes to transport. 

Hire a car and drive yourself, or pay for a taxi ride (these will be the priciest options). 

Some trains run between Bangkok and Pattaya, and the most comfortable for tourists are the “Rapid” trains (997 and 998). The train journey is 2.5 hours. Local buses also travel between Bangkok and Pattaya. This is the most affordable option. 

Where to stay in Pattaya?

If you’re not visiting Pattaya as part of a day trip, treat yourselves and check into the 5-star Meliá Pattaya Hotel. As the latest addition to the hotel and resort scene in the city, the grounds are brand new (opening up in 2025), and it’s everything you’d expect from a modern coastal stay. If you’re traveling as a family, there’s a great kids club here, as well as a pool with a slide (how fun!). With ocean views, I love the calming blue and white color palette used throughout the hotel, which feels refreshing and peaceful at the same time. It’s all tres chic!

Best month to visit Pattaya

First off, Pattaya experiences monsoon season during May to October. This may be summer, yet this is when the heaviest rains occur. 

Therefore, I’d recommend the best month to visit Pattaya is between November and February. This is technically winter, but this part of the country doesn’t experience a real winter. This is the least rainiest time of the year in Pattaya. 

Averages temperatures in: 

• November = 25°C to 35°C
• December = 25°C to 32°C
• January = 23°C to 33°C
• February = 23°C to 32°C

March is also a great time month to visit Pattaya.

Beyond Pattaya

Next up, the capital city! It’s silly not to visit Bangkok when you’re so close by. And luckily for you, we’ve prepared the ultimate itinerary for 2 days in Bangkok (including some unique and unusual things to do).

If you’re planning on exploring the northern parts of Thailand afterward, excellent choice! These 3-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary and Pai itinerary will come in handy! Or, seasoned travelers who love all things Thai: for completely different vibes, head northeast to Udon Thani.

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