What to Do in Pattaya in a Day

A sleepy fishing village in the 1960s, Pattaya is now dotted with resorts and modern condos, side by side with lively go-go bars and giant shopping malls. Most people make a beeline for the beach in Pattaya, but there’s so much more to do in this city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast. 

From waterparks and cafes to massage parlors and tropical gardens, here’s what to do in Pattaya in a day – all included in TAGTHAi’s Pattaya Premium Pass.

Start Your Day at Ordinary Coffee X The Now

Looking for an extraordinary start to your day? A far cry from the ordinary, Ordinary Coffee X The Now is arguably the best beach cafe in Pattaya, situated at Jomtien Beach. Taking coffee culture seriously, the guys use a high-end La Marzocco machine. 

Try a piccolo latte, freshly roasted coffee comprised of a ristretto shot, lovingly served in a pottery demitasse glass and brimming with steamed, latte-like milk.

Just as tasty as a piccolo is a flat white. Did we mention that you can choose the coffee type and brew method? Whether you like origin or blended, you can order aero press, pour-over coffee, and other exotic variations.

While the Ordinary Coffee X The Now isn’t in the center of the action, it’s a nice place to meet friends in an uncrowded setting and enjoy the salty ocean breeze tousling your hair.

What to do in Pattaya, and at this cafe in particular, if you’re a solo traveler? The barista is happy to have a chat as you sit on the terrace on the second floor, where relaxing jazz tunes warble in the background. Overlooking Jomtien Beach, it comes with a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to linger.

Enjoy Splashing Time at Ramayana Waterpark

Do you have kids in tow who are longing for water activities in Pattaya? After fueling up at the Ordinary Coffee, a day in Pattaya becomes big fun at the 160,000 square-meter Ramayana Waterpark, framed by verdant hills and gurgling rivers. Set in an ancient city, the Ramayana Waterpark which sits just 20 kilometers south of the city center is more than a waterpark. 

The remains of crumbling buildings and walls

telling the story of this long-forgotten city add the perfect theme running through Thailand’s largest waterpark.

Close to the Silverlake vineyards, Ramayana is one of the best things to do in Pattaya. Picture giant, high-speed water slides like the Boomerang and the Python, plus three wave pools creating surges and swells that carry people, boards, and tubes to the 160m beach. There’s also a pool bar to slurp drinks and a floating market to eat spicy Thai food once your stomach rumbles.

Deriving from ancient India, Ramayana’s enigmatic name implies there’s something mystical about this family-friendly waterpark. Kids love the antique, nail-biting legends and myths at the four huge themed zones. Rest assured that minimum height and maximum weight requirements guarantee everyone’s safety, and the wristband system works seamlessly for food and drinks at the restaurant.

Complete with a 600m-long river with waves and waterfalls, two kids’ playgrounds, and a swimming pool for sports with an obstacle course, Ramayana guarantees a fun family day out. You will have guessed it; Ramayana Waterpark is another benefit TAGTHAi’s Pattaya Pass offers.

Pamper Yourself at Kanenoyu Hotstone Spa by Gold Finger

First-time visitors to this fascinating city wonder, “What is Pattaya famous for?” Undoubtedly, the massage parlors! After all that splashing fun at Ramayana Waterpark, it’s time to rest and pamper yourself at Kanenoyu Hotstone Spa.

Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, this newly renovated spa on Pattaya 2nd road is one of the oldest in the city, being around for over 20 years. But more than just a massage parlor, Kanenoyu takes the spa experience up a notch. 

The Gambanyoku Set, included in the Pattaya

Premium Pass comes with a Japanese hot stone spa, where you can unwind as long as you wish. You’ll also get a face mask treatment that’ll make you look younger.

After what feels like a chill-out session, you can stay a little longer, enjoying the free afternoon tea set with a cake or ice cream and a cup of tea or coffee. Please note that you must make a reservation three hours in advance so the staff is prepared.

You can also choose a two-hour Thai massage or foot reflexology treatment. Targeting particular pressure points, both the Thai and foot massage will make jet lag melt away. A two-hour oil massage, where warm aromatic oil is applied to your skin in circular motions, will likely send you off to Snoozeville.

Explore the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

One of the unusual things to do in Pattaya, the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a great place to be at the end of the day when the heat is bearable – or after your morning coffee. Set on 500 gorgeous acres, the botanical gardens include a major scientific center dedicated to cycads with its Cycad Gene Bank.

Surrounded by cacti, beauties, and exotic plants from around the world, you’ll get close to nature. Walking along themed gardens like Stonehenge, Cactus, French, or Succulent Garden, you’ll marvel at the sight of topiary sculptures up to five meters high. 

The lake makes for enchanting photographs, as do the animal statues. From polar bears in the north to deer in the south, art hails from many corners. Life-sized dinosaurs bring Jurassic Park to life, and cultural shows like traditional ones.

Manora dance and martial arts performances give visitors a taste of Thai culture.

The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden alone would set you back $44 without TAGTHAi. The Pattaya Premium Pass, which costs $103.50, gives you access to the botanical gardens and 27 much more. Still wondering what to do in Pattaya? Check out our blog and dive into this vibrant city.