Along the Gulf of Thailand, a bustling resort city awaits to steal your heart away. Popular among tourists for its vibrant night scene along the infamous Walking Street, the allure of Pattaya as one of the top holiday destinations doesn’t end there.
There is more to Pattaya than its happening night scene. One can expect to let loose in the daytime with a smorgasbord of activities that are equally exciting as it is intriguing. Before you come to a verdict, have a look at what Pattaya has to offer and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a destination that beats this city.
Catch bedazzling cabaret shows at the iconic Tiffany’s Show
Even if you haven’t been to any of their shows, you’d most probably have caught wind of this iconic cabaret show. The Tiffany’s Show has been running for 42 years and has become a household name worldwide. This award-winning transvestite cabaret show is also one reason why throngs of tourist flock to Pattaya.
Until you’ve watched one of its show, you haven’t been to Pattaya. The enthralling song-and-dance segments leave you fixated on this world-class performance that doesn’t disappoint. The famed Swedish illusionist Joe Labero will showcase his magic chops in the World’s First Magic in Fantasy Tiffany show till the end of this August.
In this December, the audience of Singapore is in luck. The Tiffany’s Show will descend on the stage in Singapore, on the eve of Christmas and Christmas itself for locals to have a taste of its extravangaza.
464 Moo 9, Pattaya 2nd Road,
Pattaya Chonburi, 20260,Thailand
Ticket price: 650-1050 THB
Showtimes: 18:00/19:30/21:00
Seek the meaning of life at the Sanctuary of Truth
After all the glitz and glamour, you may find yourself wanting to take a respite and disconnect from the world. What better place than a real sanctuary to do just that?
At the Sanctuary of Truth, it is being shaped by influences and beliefs from various countries, namely Cambodia, China, India and of course, Thailand. Often mistaken as a public property owned by the government, this heritage site is actually a private property. The sanctuary is also completely made out of teakwood, with the exception of nuts and bolts used for parts undergoing ongoing maintenance works.
While many businessmen’s wishes for huge transactions were granted here, the sanctuary was not built with the intent of it being a temple. As mentioned by the guide for the tour, the essence that dwells within the sanctuary is to seek the meaning of life. I couldn’t agree more as I felt as though I’ve stepped into another realm that allowed me to ruminate about life, amidst the magnificent backdrop and serenity.
Also remember to be appropriately dressed as it is still a place of worship, otherwise the ladies may need to buy sarongs to wrap their short bottoms.
Cool off at Ramayana Water Park Pattaya
Summer is here! There’s simply no excuse not to take a dip in the pool to beat the sweltering heat at Ramayana Water Park. This newly opened water theme park spans across over 40 acres, with the must-have wave pool, 2.3m long slide as well as everyone’s favourite – the lazy river. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to try Freefall and AquaLoop, where you go into a capsule and slide down once the shutter at the bottom of your feet opens after 3 seconds.
9 Moo 7, Na Jomtien, Pattaya
Chonburi, Thailand 20250
Open Daily: From 10am to 6pm
https://www.ramayanawaterpark.com/
Be a kid again at the Teddy Bear Museum
The first-ever Teddy Bear Museum to be found in Thailand and Southeast Asia is now here in Pattaya. If you think that this museum is no different from its predecessor in South Korea, you couldn’t be more wrong. The museums are different with an element of the local culture; and in the one at Pattaya, it has a touch of the Thai culture.
436/49 Moo 9 Soi 1, Beach Road,
Nong Prue, Banglamung,
Chonburi, 20150
Open : Daily 09.00 AM – 10.00 PM
http://teddybearmuseumpattaya.com/en/
Be amazed at Baan Sukhawadee
This opulent dwelling used to be a place of residence by one of the wealthiest Thai businessmen, who made his fortune from owning chicken farms. He has now moved to another side of this vast area, away from the tourist crowds that visit this place of attraction.
The trademark pink-and-blue colour scheme at Baan Sukhawadee signifies happiness and water respectively. Essentially, the meaning behind this “Taj Mahal” of Thailand is that human beings need to learn to be adaptable like water in their pursuit of happiness in life. This significant purpose and the atmosphere it strives towards in Baan Sukhawadee can be likened to one in an utopian world.
Apart from witnessing the sheer opulence of this structure, many tourists have come here to pay their respects to statutes of sacred deities. The main religion being practiced here is Buddhism with the Guan Yin statute being one of the highlights in the tour around Baan Sukhawadee.
219 Moo 2 Sukhumwit Road
Na Kler Banglamung
Chonburi 20150
http://www.sukhawadee.com/new_web/
Get in touch with the Thai culture at Thai Thani Arts and Cultural Village
If your interest in the local Thai culture has been piqued, there is no reason to skip out on the Thai Thani Arts and Cultural Village for an extensive understanding of the Thai cultural roots. You can easily spend an entire day in the village with a multitude of activities for you to have a go at, such as the weaving
Enjoy an authentic Thai meal while learning more about the Thai culture as you watch the locals perform cultural dances deeply rooted in their heritage and traditions.
In celebration of the yearly and traditional Thai New Year, Songkran is usually held in April. A festival symbolic of a fresh new beginning, the Thais will wash themselves of sins by spraying one another with water. Without having to be in Thailand in April for the massive event, tourists can still take a stab at Songkran with appropriate attire provided by the village.
Moo 3 88 Bang Saray Pattaya,
Sattahip 20250,Thailand
http://www.thaithanipattaya.com/
The locals in Thailand have always been known being affable and people whom we, as tourists are quick to warm up to. Now that AirAsia flies direct to Pattaya thrice a week and the popular tourist city has so much to offer, there is simply little reason to miss out on this amazing getaway destination.
This post is written by Carrie Er from our sister site, Asia361.com.
