Pattaya walking tour & city guide
A lively beach city with a giant wooden temple and island trips.
Video by DV Media Pattaya on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗
Pattaya, on the Gulf of Thailand about two hours from Bangkok, grew from a quiet fishing village into one of Asia's busiest beach resorts. Beyond its famous nightlife, it offers a remarkable wooden temple, viewpoints, family attractions and easy boat trips to nearby islands.
Beaches and viewpoints
Pattaya Beach curves along the city center, lined by the busy Beach Road promenade, which is pleasant for a sunset stroll, as the walking tours show. To the south, Jomtien Beach is longer and calmer, popular with families and water sports.
On Pratumnak Hill between the two beaches, the Pattaya Viewpoint offers a panorama of the bay, and nearby Wat Phra Yai is home to a large golden Buddha overlooking the city.
The Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth is Pattaya's most extraordinary sight: a vast temple-like structure built entirely of wood and covered in intricate carvings of gods, mythical creatures and scenes from Asian philosophy. Construction began in 1981 and continues to this day, and visitors can watch carvers at work.
Other attractions include Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, with landscaped gardens and cultural shows, and floating markets selling snacks and crafts.
Islands and tips
Koh Larn, a short ferry ride from Bali Hai Pier, has clearer water and quieter beaches than the city. Pattaya's famous Walking Street is a neon-lit nightlife strip aimed at adults. The dry season from November to February is the most comfortable time to visit.
Top sights in Pattaya
- 1
Sanctuary of Truth
A giant temple carved entirely from wood.
- 2
Pattaya Viewpoint
A hilltop view over the bay.
- 3
Koh Larn
An island with clear water, a short ferry ride away.
- 4
Jomtien Beach
A long, relaxed beach south of the center.
- 5
Wat Phra Yai
A golden Buddha on Pratumnak Hill.
- 6
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Huge landscaped gardens and cultural shows.
Food markets & where to eat in Pattaya
Thepprasit Night Market
A large weekend night market with street food.
Naklua seafood market
A local market where you can buy fresh seafood.
Jomtien beachfront restaurants
Seafood with sea views.
Beach Road food stalls
Grilled snacks and fresh fruit.
Food to try in Pattaya
Grilled seafood
Prawns, squid and fish fresh from the gulf.
Som tam
A spicy green papaya salad.
Mango sticky rice
A classic Thai dessert.
Pad kra pao
Stir-fried holy basil with chili, served with rice.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Pattaya
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in PattayaCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Pattaya.
- eSIM for ThailandStay online from the moment you land.
Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More cities in Thailand
▶ 6 videosBangkok
Golden temples, river life and legendary street food.
▶ 6 videosPhuket
Beaches, viewpoints and a charming old town.
▶ 6 videosChiang Mai
A moated old city of temples in the northern mountains.
▶ 6 videosKrabi
Limestone cliffs, Railay Beach and island-hopping paradise.
▶ 6 videosKoh Samui
Palm-fringed beaches, a Big Buddha and island life in the Gulf.
▶ 5 videosKoh Phi Phi
Dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays and the famous Maya Bay.
▶ 6 videosAyutthaya
The ruined temples of Siam's great ancient capital.
▶ 6 videosChiang Rai
The White Temple, the Blue Temple and the hills of the Golden Triangle.
▶ 5 videosHua Hin
Thailand's royal seaside resort, relaxed and family-friendly.
▶ 6 videosPai
A laid-back mountain town reached by 762 curves.
▶ 6 videosKanchanaburi
The Bridge on the River Kwai, waterfalls and floating raft houses.
▶ 6 videosSukhothai
The 'Dawn of Happiness', Thailand's first great kingdom.