Top 5 Family Activities
While Pattaya sometimes has a red-light reputation as the city of sin, certain aspects of Pattaya have kept their innocence and more and more Pattaya is developing into a family destination. Like all of Thailand, the surrounding nature and wildlife are enchanting, and there are even special attractions for kids of all ages.
Photo: Panoramic view of Pattaya from Buddha Hill
Nature and the outdoors
About fifteen minutes east of Pattaya's city center, the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden makes a great day trip. Visitors can explore the grounds and traipse through its waterfalls and lush gardens. “Cultural Extravaganza” performances are scheduled four times a day, and restaurant dining options make the day complete.
Another organized attraction for nature-lovers is the Siriphon Orchid Farm near the Pattaya Klang intersection. It offers a huge variety of orchids to marvel at or even purchase – these are exotic living things you can feel good about buying.
The Saithip Butterfly Gardens excursion is worth the 45 minute drive from Pattaya. Around 100 unique species of butterflies are on exhibit. The facility is also home to an orchid farm and a bee museum. This is truly educational fun that will spark a curiosity in nature's wonders and gifts.
For a self-guided excursion outdoors, many head to Buddha Hill. As one of the highest points of Pattaya, a great panoramic view of the city and its surrounding area opens up at the summit where Pattaya's largest Buddha statue is waiting. Watch the sunset here or on the neighboring hill for the best view of the coastline. Very romantic.
Photo: The Million-Years Stone Park
Adventure and theme parks
Adults and kids can enjoy Mini Siam, a model village of Thailand's most famous structures in mini-replica. Check out miniatures of icons such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Bridge over the River Kwai, and also replicas of international monuments like the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, and London Bridge in an area called “miniworld.”
The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm in Pattaya makes it onto family to-do lists too. Not only can the kids watch a crocodile feeding in the crocodile farms, they can also check out fire swallowing and magic shows in the park. There is enough here for an entire fun-filled day.
Photo: The Crocodile Farm of Million-Years Stone Park
Speaking of magic, Pattaya has a couple magic-related museums up its sleeve. The Open Eyes Museum has a number of shows each day from about the art of illusion and high-technological magic shows. There's also the Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum - a complex of Ripley's style entertainment, featuring a four-dimensional cinema, the Miracle Labyrinth, and the Haunting Warehouse.
For a subaquatic marine life adventure, there are a few options in Pattaya. Underground World is an aquarium with tunnels you can walk through for 180 degrees of green turtle and other sea life viewing, and regularly scheduled feedings to observe. Oasis Seaworld has package daylong trips that include a 45 minute swim with the dolphins. Coral Reef Submarine tours will transport you to the the underwater world around Ko Lan and Ko Sak. Semi-submarine option is also available.
Pattaya has something for everyone
Families and large groups can find wholesome fun and entertainment in and around Pattaya. Efforts to diversify the tourism offering are paying off. Just avoid Walking Street after dark.
Looking for some accommodation in Pattaya?
