Beyond Beaches: Places to Visit in Pattaya You Didn’t Know About

Pattaya might be known for its beaches and nightlife, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a destination full of culture, creativity, and quiet corners that rarely make it to the guidebooks. Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or on your own time, there are plenty of places to visit in Pattaya that go beyond sun and sand.

This guide is for the curious — for those who want to see what else this coastal city has to offer. Art parks, hilltop temples, fishing villages, and gardens that feel like they belong in a fantasy novel. Let’s explore Pattaya from a new angle!

Why Pattaya is More Than Just the Beach

Sure, the beaches are iconic. But Pattaya also has a rich local identity, shaped by its fishing heritage, Chinese-Thai communities, and its role as a creative escape from Bangkok. In recent years, it’s become a haven for eco-attractions, quirky museums, and beautifully restored landmarks that reveal a different kind of charm.

For travelers looking for new places to visit in Pattaya, this is your sign to dive deeper!

1. Wat Phra Yai and the Big Buddha Viewpoint

The steps leading up to the Big Buddha are lined with golden naga serpents, making the walk feel almost ceremonial. At the top, the 18-meter Buddha watches over the city, and you get a sweeping view of both Pattaya and Jomtien. Locals come here to make merit or just breathe in the peaceful air. Around the main statue, you’ll also find smaller Buddhas for each day of the week, each with its own meaning and charm.

 

How to get there:

Located on Pratumnak Hill. Take a songthaew or taxi from central Pattaya (about 10 minutes). Parking is available.

Travel Tip:

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the softest lighting. Bring a small offering if you'd like to take part in local merit-making traditions.

2. Pattaya Sheep Farm & Swiss Sheep Farm

These quirky, family-friendly farms offer a fun escape from the city’s faster pace. You’ll find mini zoos, carnival games, and European-style photo zones, all tucked into well-kept farmland. Feeding alpacas or snapping selfies beside a pastel-colored barn might not be what you imagined, but that’s what makes these farms two of the most playful places to visit in Pattaya.

How to Get There: 

Located north of Pattaya city center. Accessible by car or motorbike; about 20 minutes from downtown. Plenty of parking is available.

Travel Tip: 

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat — the open-air layout offers little shade. Your camera will get a workout here!

3. Ban Amphur Fishing Village

Just a short drive from the main drag, Ban Amphur feels like stepping back in time. Fishermen haul in their catch, mend their nets by hand, and sell fresh seafood right from their boats or simple waterfront stalls. Come in the evening and the smell of grilled fish, the soft light from lanterns, and the lapping of waves create an impossibly calm scene. It’s Pattaya’s quietest face and one of the most authentic places to visit in Pattaya.

 

How to Get There: 

Located off Sukhumvit Road, south of Pattaya. Best reached by taxi or private car; about 25 minutes from the city center.

Travel Tip: 

Arrive before 10 a.m. for the freshest seafood and a more peaceful atmosphere. Bring cash — many stalls don’t accept cards.

4. Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)

This giant golden Buddha image was laser-carved into a limestone cliff in 1996 to honor King Rama IX. Surrounded by lotus ponds and carefully landscaped gardens, it’s not only impressive but also incredibly peaceful. The contrast of sacred art against natural stone makes it one of the most unique places to visit in Pattaya.

 

How to Get There: 

About 30 minutes from Pattaya by car. Easily combined with other attractions like Nong Nooch and the vineyard.

 

Travel Tip: 

Early mornings are best for photos and cooler weather. Pair your visit with Silverlake Vineyard nearby for a half-day escape.

5. Love Art Park and Three Kingdoms Park

Love Art Park is bold, fun, and full of cheeky sculptures designed for interaction. Pose with them, laugh at them, and don’t take anything too seriously. A short ride away, Three Kingdoms Park offers a quiet contrast with Chinese architecture, lotus ponds, and murals inspired by classic Chinese literature. These spots show two very different sides of Pattaya’s creative heart.

How to Get There: 

Both are located inland from Jomtien Beach. Best accessed by car or private tour (20–30 minutes from town).

Travel Tip: 

Start at Love Art Park, then unwind at Three Kingdoms Park. Bring water and expect a lot of walking — both parks are spread out.

6. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch is so much more than a garden — it’s an immersive experience. Walk among topiary dinosaurs, marvel at the orchid nurseries, or catch a cultural show with traditional Thai dancing and Muay Thai demonstrations. It’s one of the most diverse and photogenic places to visit in Pattaya, perfect for all ages.

 

How to Get There: 

About 30 minutes south of Pattaya. Songthaews or private transport is recommended. Shuttle service is available from some hotels.

 

Travel Tip: 

Set aside at least 3–4 hours and go early to avoid the midday heat. Some areas are wheelchair and stroller friendly.

7. The Glass House Pattaya

Set under tall trees along a peaceful stretch of Na Jomtien Beach, The Glass House is where great food meets great atmosphere. With beachfront beanbags, a wood-and-glass design, and a fusion menu that ranges from seafood to desserts, it’s one of the most stylish places to visit in Pattaya for a laid-back meal.

 

How to Get There: 

Located along Na Jomtien Beach. Take a taxi or motorbike (15 minutes from the city center). Parking and tuk-tuk drop-offs are available.

 

Travel Tip: 

Arrive before sunset to claim the best beachside seating. It’s a perfect reward after a day of exploring.

8. The Sanctuary of Truth

This all-wood structure is part temple, part museum, and part monument to traditional craftsmanship. The Sanctuary of Truth is still being built — and you can watch the artisans at work. With hand-carved details representing Buddhist, Hindu, Chinese, and Khmer philosophies, it’s not only one of the most iconic places to visit in Pattaya, but one of the most thought-provoking too.

How to Get There: 

Located in Naklua, north Pattaya. Easily accessible by taxi, motorbike, or minivan. Many local tours include round-trip transport.

 

Travel Tip: 

Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered, as it’s a spiritual site. Guided tours are highly recommended to understand the symbolism in the carvings.

Ready to See Pattaya Differently?

Pattaya doesn’t need to change. You just need to look at it differently. Beyond the beach clubs and tourist strips lies a whole world of culture, creativity, and calm, waiting for the curious traveler to slow down and see it.

If you’re ready to explore deeper places to visit in Pattaya, the TAGTHAi Premium Pattaya Pass makes it easier to go beyond the usual. Let your next trip be full of things you didn’t expect and everything you didn’t know you’d love!