Things to Do in Pattaya: Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch, Big Buddha Hill and More
This guide to things to do in Pattaya covers nine sights, from the Sanctuary of Truth to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Each part says where it is, what you see and when to go.
Pattaya is more than the beach. There are temples, gardens, a floating market and indoor sights for hot or wet days. Pick one or two a day and keep the rest for later. When you are done, the last part shows an easy way to rest at your hotel, condo or villa.
Top 5 Pattaya Sights
These five are the sights most visitors put first. Tap a name to jump to its write up.
| Place | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary of Truth | North Pattaya, Naklua | A huge carved wood building by the sea |
| Nong Nooch Tropical Garden | South of Pattaya | Gardens and shows for a half day |
| Big Buddha Hill | Pratumnak Hill | A golden Buddha up a long staircase |
| Pattaya Viewpoint | Pratumnak Hill | The bay at sunset, free |
| Pattaya Floating Market | South, near Jomtien | Food, crafts and boat rides |
North Pattaya and Naklua
Naklua is the quiet north end of the city. It is a good start for a morning, before the heat builds.
Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth is a very large temple style building made of carved wood. It stands on the shore at Naklua, and it is still being built. You will see workers carving. Every wall, pillar and roof is covered in figures from Asian myth. Entry is paid. Go in the morning for softer light and fewer tour groups. It suits anyone who likes art, history and photos. Wear a hard hat if the staff hand you one, and wear covered shoulders and knees. The drawback is the walking and the stairs, which are tiring in the heat.
Underwater World Pattaya
Underwater World is an aquarium on Sukhumvit Road in north Pattaya. A glass tunnel lets fish and rays swim over your head. It is cool inside, so it is a good pick for a hot or wet afternoon. It suits families and small children. Entry is paid, so check the ticket desk for today's price. The drawback is the size. It is a small visit, about an hour or two, so pair it with a second stop.
Staying in the north? See outcall massage in Naklua and Wongamat.
Pratumnak Hill
Pratumnak is the green hill between the main bay and Jomtien. Two of the best free sights in the city are here.
Big Buddha Hill
Big Buddha Hill, also called Wat Phra Yai, has a large golden seated Buddha on the hillside. A long staircase leads up to it, and the climb takes a few minutes. Entry is free. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off where signs ask. Go early or near sunset, when the air is cooler. It suits couples and photographers. The drawback is the steps, which are hard on hot days. Bring water.
Pattaya Viewpoint
The Pattaya Viewpoint on Pratumnak Hill looks over the whole curve of the bay. It is the classic place for a sunset photo. Entry is free. Come about an hour before sunset to get a spot at the rail. It suits anyone who wants one easy stop with a big view. The drawback is the road up. It is steep, so take a Grab or a songthaew rather than walking.
Staying on the hill? See outcall massage in Pratumnak.
Central Pattaya Indoor Sights
These two sit in the middle of the city, close to Beach Road. Both are indoors, so they work when it rains.
Ripley's Believe It or Not
Ripley's Believe It or Not is inside Royal Garden Plaza on Beach Road. It is a museum of odd facts, strange objects and fun rooms. It suits families and groups. Entry is paid, so check the ticket desk for the price. It is easy to combine with lunch or shopping in the same building. The drawback is that it is small, so plan about one to two hours.
Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise is a museum of 3D paintings. You stand in front of the art and pose so the picture looks real. It is a fun stop for photos with friends or children. Entry is paid, and the price depends on your ticket. It is cool inside and takes about an hour or two. The drawback is that it is all about photos, so bring a charged phone and some patience in busy hours.
Staying in the middle of the city? See outcall massage in Central Pattaya.
South of Pattaya
The south is where the larger sights are. Plan a half day for each, and take a taxi or Grab, as public transport is slow.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a very large park with palm lined paths, flower beds, orchids and a small lake. It also has shows and animal areas. Entry is paid. Arrive when it opens to walk in the cool morning, and plan a half day. It suits families, garden lovers and couples. Wear a hat and good shoes, and carry water. The drawback is the distance from the city centre, so plan the ride there and back.
Pattaya Floating Market
The Pattaya Floating Market has wooden walkways over canals, with stalls for food, fruit and crafts. Small boats move along the water. Entry is paid. Go in the morning or late afternoon, as midday is hot and the walkways have little shade. It suits families and people who like street food. Bring small cash notes. The drawback is the crowd at weekends.
Wat Yansangwararam
Wat Yansangwararam is a large temple park south of the city. It has a big pavilion with a pointed roof, a lake and green hills, and it feels calm and open. Entry is free. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off where signs ask. Go early, when it is cooler. It suits anyone who wants a quiet break from the beach. The drawback is the distance, so take a Grab and agree the return ride.
Staying in the south? See outcall massage in Jomtien.
Pattaya Rainy Day and Hot Day Picks
Midday heat and sudden rain are normal in Pattaya. Match the sight to the weather.
- Rainy day. Choose Underwater World, Ripley's or Art in Paradise. All three are indoors.
- Hot day. Do the outdoor sights early, before ten, and the indoor ones at midday.
- Sunset. Pattaya Viewpoint and Big Buddha Hill are the best spots. Check the hill road before you go.
- Half day. Choose one big sight, Nong Nooch or Sanctuary of Truth, and add nothing else.
- With children. Underwater World and Nong Nooch are the easiest. The floating market is fun too.
- Staying safe. Keep your bag in front of you and agree the price of every ride before you start.
Pattaya Sightseeing Day Plan
Here is an easy plan for one day. Change it to fit your hotel and the weather.
- Morning. Start at Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua, while it is cool. Take a Grab from your hotel.
- Late morning. Drive to central Pattaya. Visit Ripley's or Art in Paradise, and eat lunch in the same area.
- Afternoon. Rest at the hotel in the heat. A short nap or a massage helps.
- Late afternoon. Go up Pratumnak Hill to Big Buddha Hill.
- Sunset. Walk or ride to Pattaya Viewpoint for the bay at golden hour.
- Evening. Eat dinner near the hill or on the beach road, then go back to your room.
Massage After a Sightseeing Day
A day of walking, stairs and heat is a lot for your legs and back. A therapist can come to your hotel, condo or villa after the trip. It is a calm way to rest. See hotel room massage in Pattaya, or home massage in Pattaya if you stay in a villa or condo. Back after dark? Late night massage in Pattaya covers late arrivals. We are open 24/7. Pay cash or PromptPay on arrival. The full area list is on outcall massage in Pattaya, and every area is on the Pattaya locations page.
Plan Your Sightseeing Day
- Best time. Go early. Mornings are cooler, and the big sights are less full. Keep midday for indoor stops or rest.
- Getting around. Use Grab or Bolt for longer rides, and agree the price first if you take a songthaew or a taxi. Ask the driver to wait or book the return ride at the far sights.
- More guides. For the sea, see the Pattaya beaches guide and the Koh Larn guide.