8 Fun Facts About Pattaya

Ignore the chatter about Pattaya Beach and walk the Bali Hai pier down into these fun facts about Pattaya, Thailand.

The Pattaya Bay Area is one of Asia’s largest beach resorts and the second most visited area in all of Thailand, after Bangkok. Travelers head to Thailand’s east coast for its warm water beaches and choose Pattaya Beach over other popular Thai beach destinations like Phuket and Ko Samui because it’s a short 2-3 hour drive down the Bangkok-Chonburi-Pattaya motorway from the Bangkok.

I’m sure you’ve heard all sorts of things about Walking Street and the Pattaya sunset, but we’re going to give you the real fun facts about Pattaya beach that you don’t know.

1. Pattaya was a fishing village up until the Vietnam war

2. Pattaya receives more tourists than most countries

Sunset squad – students enjoy the beautiful beaches of Thailand.

According to the Pattaya City council, Pattaya receives approximately 5 million visitors per year. This puts Pattaya on par with the Dominican Republic, and above Peru, Costa Rica and Jamaica as tourist sites for 2024.

3. Pattaya is an arts hub

Pattaya is reborn as a family friendly arts city with street murals throughout. Top entries into the Pattaya arts scene follow:

• Pattaya Classical Guitar Festival: Local and international musicians showcase their talent at this annual event, organized by the Thailand Guitar Society, Siam Bayshore Pattaya, and the Pattaya People Media Group.
• Pattaya International Music Festival: This popular event
  features Thai and international artists, bringing a wide range of music to Pattaya Beach and the stages up and down Beach Road.
• Pattaya Film Festival: The 2024 edition ran from August 21st to 25th at the Central Marina Shopping Mall in Pattaya City, Chonburi Province, showcasing both local and international films.
• Pattaya Art in Paradise is an immersive museum where art becomes interactive not far from central Pattaya. TripAdvisor
• Thepprasit Art Market is an open-air market for handcrafted Thai goods. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of wood carving and Thai silk weaving.

Students master the art of fabric weaving with local experts.

4. Pattaya is now family friendly

Pattaya evolved; the city is alive with family-friendly attractions, especially after you get away from the busy central Pattaya beaches.

1. Mini Siam is a park with miniature versions of famous landmarks from Thailand and around the world. In fact, the miniature Statue of Liberty at Mini Siam is taller the real one in New York. A Thai businessman and artist realized that both Thai and international tourists were unlikely to visit the famous landmarks in Italy, so he brought the monuments to Thailand. Location 387 Sukhumvit Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
2. Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew Temple is the Temple of a Million Bottles. In 1984, Thai monks thought of a way to help the environment by gathering glass bottles and building a temple. Imagine this as a Climate Leaders Fellowship project! Location JC99+9M9, Si, Khun Han District, Si Sa Ket 33150, Thailand
   

   Sanctuary of Truth is truly impressive.

3. Sanctuary of Truth is a large, unfinished wooden temple in Pattaya under construction which started in 1981. The temple is made entirely of hand carved wood, without use of any metal nails. The exterior depicts a mash of ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom murals and Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Location 206, 2 Pattaya-Na Kluea Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
4. Columbia Pictures Aquaverse is a movie themed waterpark 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from South Pattaya. The park has attractions based on movies like Jumanji, Zombieland and Ghostbusters. Location 888 หมู่ 8 Sukhumvit Rd, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
5. Underwater World is an aquarium with a 100-meter-long underwater tunnel and a wide range of marine life. Location 22 22 หมู่ 11 Sukhumvit Rd, ตำบล หนองปรือ Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
6. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a 500-acre garden with cultural performances, elephant shows, and Thai culture. Location 34 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
7. Ramayana Water Park is the largest water park in Southeast Asia with 50 water rides. Location 9 หมู่ที่ 7 Ban Yen Rd, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand

Swan boats: because regular boats are so last year.

5. There is no drinkable tap water in Pattaya

The city of Pattaya does not have potable tap water. Do not drink it. Drink bottled water instead. Besides tap water, Pattaya also faces water shortages in many years. The Pattaya Provincial Water Authority is working on a plan.

6. Pattaya is a tale of two cities

Beaches, boats, skyscrapers and forests – Pattaya has it all!

Pattaya stands out among beach towns with its skyscrapers. The Reflection Jomtien Beach Oceanfront, its tallest building, overlooks Jomtien Beach.

Jomtien and Pattaya City offer different experiences. Pattaya City is known for its vibrant nightlife, especially along Walking Street. While Pattaya Beach lies parallel to the city center, Jomtien Beach, 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away, provides a quieter alternative with various condominium options.

7. This resort city has its own ‘Sister Cities’

Pattaya City has its own group of sister cities. Pattaya sister cities are predominantly located in Asia and don’t include Medellin or Las Vegas.

Perhaps it’s another opportunity for the little fishing village?

8. Pattaya has a “floating market” that doesn’t float

Pattaya has a floating market that is not on water. Vendors sell goods from boats placed on wheels and the motion simulates a traditional Thai floating market.