Pattaya is maybe famous for being the capital of Go Go Bars in Thailand, but there is another side to this place and actually a holiday destination for a lot of Thai natives.
There are many beaches you can go to, from Pattaya Beach to Tien Beach. The better beaches are a little further out so might be worth hiring a car or moped. Plus the options you have if you like to check out different beaches. I won’t be putting beaches in this list as that deserves its own post.
In the list below, we’ll go through the top things to do in Pattaya for adults but first let’s give you some advice on how to get there.
How to get to Pattaya
Located 2 hours south of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport you can be there within 2 hours.
If you are thinking of renting a car, maybe do it from Bangkok and drive there, which will maybe take a little less than 2 hours.
If you want to use public transport you can get a seat with one big bag and 1 carry-on for the small fee of 147 THB (around $4 one way). Prices can vary during season and demand. You also have two drop off points, either Pattaya downtown or Jomtien bus station.
The easiest and cheapest way is to book at the counter in the airport, if you can in advance and also in the bus station in Pattaya, if you plan to return to Bangkok so you avoid an online booking fee. If you really want to plan and pre-book then you can on this website, but you’ll pay a premium for doing so.
Private mini bus / car is another option and can vary from 1,500 THB ($42) for a car to 3,000 THB ($84). You probably get there a little quicker too and also can get dropped off at the door of your accommodation but miss out on the fun of taking the coach!
Top things to do in Pattaya for Adults
Go see a cabaret show in Pattaya
The cabaret shows are famous for having a mix of transgender performers along with elaborate costumes (some are outrages in detail and glamour), music and dance, plus a little comedy thrown in. There are 3 shows to consider:
Tiffany Show Pattaya
Tiffany’s Show Pattaya is the one that started it, in 1974 it hit Pattaya billed as the first transgender cabaret show in south east asia and still going strong 50 years later. Tickets to this show are about 900 THB ($25), there are normally 3 performances daily 6pm, 7:30pm & 9pm.
Alcazar Cabaret Show
This is the show I managed to get to. One piece of advice, expect a lot of traffic, it took us nearly 45 mins to get here when it should have been more like 20 mins, we did allow for this but only made it in with 5 mins to spare. As this place is located in the heart of Pattaya.
As you would expect the costumes and the stage were super eye-catching and interesting, I was a little disappointed with the dancing, it just felt the same in parts and simple. There was a little bit of fun / interaction with the audience.
Overall I would recommend the experience as it’s something different, you can also have pictures taken with the performers after the show has finished.
Tickets are similar to the Tiffany show and start at 800 THB ($22). On the main website they offer VIP tickets which are starting from 1,800 THB (around $50), including food and drink. But you can just get a standard ticket, they do have a ticket office there and show you a map of the theatre and different pricing.
Showtimes most days are: 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm & 9:30pm
Colosseum Show Pattaya
This one has tickets starting from 800 THB too but the VIP starts from 1,000 THB mainly for better seating. There are 2 shows most days, one at 6pm and then another at 7:30pm, as with the other the performance lasts around 75 mins.
Take in the views with food at Pattaya Park Tower
One thing that I didn’t really know about was the Pattaya Park Tower until I went this time. Standing 240 metres tall, this structure overlooks Pattaya and Jomtien beach, the platform rotates (very slowly) for 360 panoramic views.
You’ll be on one of the floors, either 52, 53 or 54 and enjoy a buffet, all you can eat. If you are not Thai then your ticket will be a little more, it was 700 THB when I went (around $20). Is it worth it? I would say yes considering in most western countries a viewing deck alone would be over $20 without anything included.
The food is average with a few offerings above average. Soft drinks / water included, alcohol is an additional cost. I would recommend trying to get in around 30-45 mins before sunset so you can enjoy the landscape in daylight as well as night, that’s what we did. Big shout out to the banana bread there, my highlight of the food.
Have brunch at a Pattaya Cafe / beach club
I think I have mentioned in other posts, Thai’s love their Cafes to hang out, dress up and take pictures. So you know for a fact there are going to be some good cafes around. We went to a few while there but the two that stand out are:
Cave Beach Club
This was my favourite cafe, it is on the beach front, has bean bags for seats and the food and drink was so good. Could have easily stayed there all day rather than the 2 hours we did. Plenty of chances to get some pictures if you want to and even a little stroll on the beach.
Krua Ban Pa Boon 2
I would say this place was more for locals but I enjoyed it alot, you have a little island of your own to sit and eat/ drink. While fish swim under and around you. You can even feed the fish for 20 THB and they will flock to you like you are a god. Very chilled out vibes and decent food. The toilet was one of the nicest I’ve been to in Thailand, super clean and elegant.
Take a stroll down Pattaya Walking Street
I mean this had to be done, one of the most famous streets in Thailand alongside Khao San road in Bangkok.You are best to enter the strip at Beach road, where you’ll be welcomed with a huge sign labelled walking street. You will probably already hear music blurring as you approach.
The section is 1 km long end to end. I would say take in the atmosphere as nothing quite like it and maybe stop off for a drink at a few different places as you walk,there are many nightclubs and normally always pretty busy with tourists wanting to experience the street.
When I was there, I went to request a song from the DJ. He was busy counting money, made my request and he said yes, but it will be 300 THB ($9). I politely said no, as he shouldn’t expect to be paid for a request. Do watch out and don’t let people take advantage of you because you are Western.
House of Benedict
A huge building which allows you to walk around and take in different themes or areas. Influences come here to take pictures and also have changes of clothes to make as much content as possible. You can also buy an overpriced drink and you have to pay to enter between 100-300 THB ($3-9).
When inside it’s all about looking around and taking some cool pictures I would say. When I was there it was not that busy and it seemed some of the rooms had been changed a little and some places looked a little bare.
Worth a visit if you like to take some cool pictures and maybe have a cocktail. It’s off the beaten track so you’ll need a car or book a grab.
Day trip to Coral Island (Koh Larn)
Here you can go snorkelling, scuba diving, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters. You can also rent a speedboat or take a banana boat ride if you are feeling adventurous enough. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to make it here, but it was recommended by a few people to do.
You can even just go to Koh Larn, from the port in Pattaya it takes about 20-30 mins and costs about 250 THB ($7).
Visit Sanctuary of Truth
Explore the breathtaking Sanctuary of Truth, a majestic wooden temple featuring intricate carvings and sculptures. You can take a guided tour to learn about Thai culture, architecture, and philosophy. Entry fee is 500 THB (about $14).