There’s more to Pattaya than meets the eye, so to speak. Or should I say there’s more to Pattaya than the usual popular tourist attractions and hot spots.
Just venture off the beaten path a little, down the road less traveled, and you will discover Pattaya is home to many lesser-known beauty spots and points of interest.
I’ve listed a few of those lesser-known places in Pattaya that you might be interested in seeking out or visiting en route to the more popular mainstream attractions in Pattaya.
Cosy (Cozy) Beach
Cosy, or Cozy Beach, is one of the most picturesque beaches in Pattaya and a great place to relax for the day or maybe after a sightseeing trip to Buddha Hill or the Pattaya Viewing Point. You might also consider sun-downers at the Sky Gallery or the Chocolate Factory restaurants, both of which overlook Cozy Beach.
Read more about Cozy Beach Pattaya.
Mabprachan Lake East Pattaya
Mabprachan Lake is one of the most popular beauty spots in East Pattaya. It is also popular among local anglers, mountain bikers, and runners. There is an expansive park/playground and picnic area on the lake shore, so it is well worth exploring if you’re looking for an alternative family day out in Pattaya. You could easily include a visit to the lake en route to and from other popular and lesser-known attractions in East Pattaya, such as the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Siam Motors (see below), Three Kingdoms Park (below), or Thai Wake Park.
Read more about Mabprachan Lake East Pattaya.
Krating Lai Beach
Unless you are staying at Cholchan Resort or Bella Villa Cabana, you will most likely never hear any mention of Krating Lai Beach. It’s not a good beach for bathing, but it is a great place to dine and take in the sunset and capture some of the best sunset pictures in Pattaya. The beach is still largely unspoiled but also boasts a wide traffic-free footpath and exercise areas. At the beach’s northern end, there is also a rather unusual and very photogenic temple on a pier.
Read more about Pattaya Krating Lai Beach.
Lan Pho Park & Coastal Path
Many parks and playgrounds provide free entertainment for your kids in Pattaya, but Lan Pho is one of the better ones. You can spend an hour or two at Lan Pho Park after or before a visit to Naklua Fresh Market, which is right next door; you can’t miss it; watch out for the sacred tree in the middle of the road.
Read more about Lan Pho Park & Coastal Path.
Siam Motors & Cherdchoomit Gardens
If you have ever traveled along Soi Siam Country Club en route to Highway 36, Siam Country Club golf courses, or the Bira race track, you may have noticed a plane, a train, and some vintage automobiles situated at the roadside.
They are a historical monument representing the achievements of the family who first introduced Nissan Motors to Thailand. The same family also owns the Siam Country Club and numerous hotels. You can stop and take those all-important selfies with the various trains, planes, and automobiles and explore the nearby gardens.
Read more about Siam Motors & Cherdchoomit Gardens.
Glass House Beach Restaurant
The Glass House restaurant is a few kilometers south of central Pattaya, on Na Jomtien Beach. If you’re heading back to Pattaya after a day of sightseeing at Nong Nooch Gardens or other popular tourist attractions in that area, the Glass House is a perfect place to stop and enjoy a romantic meal at sundown.
Read more about Glass House beach restaurant in Pattaya.
Three Kingdoms Park
Splendid pagodas, manicured gardens, and murals portray the story of the epic Chinese novel The Three Kingdoms. It is certainly worth a visit, especially if you want to combine it with a trip to other attractions and beauty spots in East Pattaya.
Read more about Three Kingdoms Park.
Chinese Walking Street at Huay Yai
Saturday afternoon or nighttime is the best time to visit when the village holds a weekly food market. But it’s worth visiting any time you are passing. The Chinese Walking Street is the focal point of an ancient Pattaya Chinese community. It’s a very old and traditional style village made up of mainly wooden architecture, giving one a sense of almost stepping back in time.
As a suggestion, you could visit Chinese Walking Street by taking an alternative route along Soi Siam Country Club, either to or from Buddha Hill, Wat Yansangwararam, or Ramayana Water Park.
Read more about Chinese Walking Street.
Islands Near Pattaya
You might say most are “well off the beaten path,” but if you want to go a little beyond Pattaya for a day trip or a mini break, you might want to consider exploring the islands near Pattaya.