Stretching 500 kilometres along the Gulf of Thailand and only a few hours drive from Bangkok, the East Coast of Thailand has long been the favourite getaway destination for both residents and visitors to Thailand. Attracting more than 3 million tourists from all over the world annually, Pattaya offers the highest standard of hotels, excellent weather, restaurants, sports, entertainment and shopping facilities. In recent years, Pattaya has become home to an ever-expanding number of businesses and business-related service institutions, underlining its evolution from a tiny fishing village to a pivotal player in Thailand’s social, cultural and economic scene. The city still retains much of the charm and tranquillity of the past while offering all the vigour, multicultural diversity and conveniences of a modern city.
Location and distances
Pattaya is located southeast of Bangkok along the East Coast of Thailand. The Royal Cliff Hotels Group and PEACH are situated between south of Pattaya and Jomtien beach, on a secluded headland overlooking Royal Cliff Bay and the Gulf of Thailand.
- Bangkok to Pattaya: 145 km (approximately 90 mins by car)
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Bangkok) to Pattaya: 135 km (around 75 mins by car)
- South Pattaya to Royal Cliff Hotels Group and PEACH: 4 km (approximately 5 mins by car)
- The bus terminal and railway station are about 10 minutes drive from PEACH
- U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport to PEACH: 40km (for private and charter flights)
- The Royal Cliff Hotels Group offers deluxe limousine and mini-bus transportation in and around Pattaya as well as public transportation access and free shuttle bus service to downtown Pattaya.
Pattaya has a wealth of scenic, cultural and entertainment attractions and venues, with new developments emerging all the time. There are 21 golf courses in or near the Pattaya area and ample outdoor activities including tennis, go-kart (some of the fastest go-karts in Asia), horse-back riding, clay pigeon shooting and many more. Below are selections of some of the popular favourites.
Pattaya’s main attractions include:
Ramayana Waterpark is the biggest and number 1 water park in Thailand, located only 10 minutes from Pattaya beach within the natural beauty of the Silver Lake area. Natural lakes and hills create an amazing scenery that will make your visit a unique experience while you enjoy 21 of the biggest and most exhilarating rides, including four that you will find nowhere else in Asia and numerous fun recreational activities in over 50 attractions in total. Experience Thailand’s biggest thrilling water rides, float in the lazy river, relax in a private cabana on the hill or enjoy the unique food experience for a fun and memorable day out with family and friends. Click here to get your tickets.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary : is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project and the only Elephant Sanctuary located in Pattaya city. Whether it is feeding the elephants or bathing with them after a mud spa, guests will have an enjoyable opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in their natural home, as well as gain an insight into their history and behaviour while interacting personally with them in a safe and sustainable environment.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – World of Entertainment :is located on the 3rd floor of Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya. It features 7 world class entertainment attractions where guests can spend family time at the world’s most unusual museum or be exhilarated with Ripley’s 4D Moving Theater. You can challenge your friends to escape from Ripley’s Infinity Maze or The Vault: Laser Maze Challenge. Choose to venture into your worst nightmares at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure or take a surreal journey through Ripley’s Scream in the Dark! Take the chance to visit the first and only world-class Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks in Thailand.
Art in Paradise:is the largest indoor illusion art museum in Pattaya where you can free your imagination and have fun with three-dimensional paintings that are interactive and funny. Guests can treat loved ones to an exciting day of discovery spending a few hours snapping fun photos with various optical illusion artworks that will be sure to create the memories of a lifetime!
Sanctuary of Truth: is one of Pattaya’s most iconic building built in the Chaturamuk and Ayuttaya style and made entirely of wood, it is considered one of Thailand’s architectural marvels. The sanctuary’s primary purpose is to use art and culture as a reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy. Visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of Living, Life Relationship with Universe and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia and gain a strong sense of peace while exploring the wonders of the beautiful attraction.
Pattaya City is home to many temples, such as Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple), Wat Yansangwararam and many more.
Wat Phra Yai:(Big Buddha Temple) located a few minutes away from the resort, was built in the 1940s and is home to the largest Buddha statue in the region. Monks can bless visitors for a small donation, ring bells for good luck, take pictures of the many smaller statues of Buddha found in the temple walls as well as bring in the sights of the city from high above.
Wat Yansangwararam :sits on a massive 145 acres of land and is home to several buildings, gardens, and a large lake that boasts architectural styles from a variety of cultures, like India, Japan as well as China. Visitors can take in the spectacular sights, architecture and participate in a meditation class, which are offered twice daily.
Viharn Sien is a beautiful Chinese temple that has been being a museum that houses one of the best Chinese art collections in Thailand. It is made up of a three-story central building and many pavilion halls where visitors will see numerous granite carvings, old paintings, bronze and earthenware, sculptures of Chinese Gods and much more artwork. This museum is one of the best places in Asia outside of China itself to see some priceless and rare Chinese artefacts and antiques.
Underwater World: Discover the immense variety of Asia’s tropical fish at this huge aquarium, where visitors can get close to the marine life by a walk-through Plexiglas tunnel that goes under the water.
Entertainment Shows: Alcazar and Tiffany put on highly enjoyable cabarets that showcase the mimicry and entertainment talents of vivacious ladyboys. In contrast, Alangkarn focuses on depicting Thai history in a nightly Las Vegas-style cultural extravaganza filled with dynamic performers and elephants.
Go-Karts: Get your speed and adrenalin rush at Pattaya’s exciting go-kart circuits, racing the little karts around the tracks suitable for beginners to experts.
Water Sports: Pattaya is an active city, renowned for its wide range of on-water activities including jet skis, water-skiing, banana boats, parasailing, windsurfing, diving and fishing. For sailing enthusiasts, Pattaya Marina has yachts for charter, while smaller boats sail and race out of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club.
Golf: are 18 golf courses within easy reach to the resort, some designed by golfing greats Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Nick Faldo and Robert Trent Jones. Course layouts are excellent, coupled with stylish clubhouses and fantastic caddies to ensure a truly unforgettable golf holiday. Read more about golf in Pattaya on GolfersGlobe.com – your guide to better golf. Our front desk staff can help you with booking and arranging transportation to the course.
Here are some popular Golf venues in Pattaya:
- Burapha Golf Club (former members-only courses & site of 2010 Thailand Open)
- Crystal Bay Golf Club (lush fairways, palms and chance at a good score!)
- Laem Chabang International Country Club (Nicklaus design is among Thailand’s best)
- Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club (enjoyable with views over the Gulf of Thailand, site of 2016 Kings Cup European/Asian Tour Event)
- Siam Country Club (spectacular Pattaya course is a ‘must play’; 2015 Thailand Open venue)
- More information at http://www.golfasian.com/golf-courses/thailand-golf-courses/pattaya/
Shopping: The eastern coast of Pattaya is recognised for its beachfront shopping malls and lively atmosphere. With numerous shopping venues including large contemporary shopping centres, plazas, boutiques and night markets, the city provides a variety of shopping experiences for visitors from all over the world. Along with warm weather and rich culture, Pattaya provides an excellent shopping experience for tourists and locals.
Koh Larn: has six main beaches and a few smaller beaches for visitors to enjoy white sand and clear azure waters. Coral reefs are the hidden gems that visitors can find at the other end of the island. Activities are not limited to sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, fishing but also there is parasailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, and underwater sea walking if you are looking for adventurous activities.
