Pattaya is not just a party place. Yes, it has a reputation for being a haven for those seeking “pleasure” in the form of massages (not your typical ones), wild parties, and a certain unspoken nightlife. But as someone who isn’t into that, I quickly discovered Pattaya is so much more than how it is being projected. 

First Impressions of Pattaya: A City with Layers

The first two and a half days of my trip were spent in Pattaya. Upon landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport, we met our lively travel guide, Jennie, and headed straight to the Big Buddha Temple on the tour bus. The drive there was interesting; the fields and vegetation lining the road reminded me of the southern villages of Tamil Nadu. Funny how thousands of miles away, a new place can feel oddly familiar.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) was the perfect start. “Wat” in Thailand means temple, so any place starting with that is likely to be a sacred space. As I climbed the steps to this towering where the Big Buddha sits, I found myself taking in the panoramic views of Pattaya’s beachy blues, towering buildings, and patches of green. The temple itself had a calming energy. I absorbed every bit of it, the golden hues, the sound of the gentle wind which flows through the wind chimes, and yes, the smell of incense lingering in the air.

Pro tip: When visiting temples in Thailand, be mindful of your attire. Cover your shoulders, skip the tank tops, and make sure your bottoms extend below the knees.

Pattaya’s Shades of Blue

Pattaya, in general, feels like it’s tinted with a dusky blue filter. The weather was hot, even for someone like me who’s used to Chennai’s heat. But Pattaya’s heat? It hits differently. And while Pattaya has its beaches and party streets, for me, it was the roads that stood out. 

Unlike Indian roads that range from smooth highways to pothole-ridden nightmares depending on the wealth of the people who reside in the area, Pattaya’s roads are immaculate. No joke—they’re perfect. I saw an endless parade of Isuzu pickups, Mitsubishi SUVs, and Ford Rangers, with a solid sprinkle of sleek scooters, most of them EVs. It’s like a vehicle fashion show out there. I loved the streets of Pattaya. I loved those vehicles. I really really had the urge to drive through that roads. Too much dream for a person who is yet to get her driving license.

Everyday, people clean their places. The front of every shop and stores are clean. Again, looking at a clean street is a dream of an Indian. Some times I feel like policies that put fine on people when they litter needs to be there. I don’t think education is working. People are responsible in Pattaya. You can see it from the way they treat their business and their places. That speaks for itself.

There are also some things that gave me culture shock – Cannabis cafe. Next Anjappar restaurant branch in Pattaya charging coffee for 80 Baht which is 208 rupees. lol… never gonna dine at indian restaurant again at foreign countries. Neva… eva eva…

Pattaya Beach Vibes

Yes, Pattaya is known for its beach. The bluish-green waters are mesmerizing, but I’ll be honest—if you’re craving a real “wow” beach experience, Phi Phi Island is where you should head. Pattaya’s beach is more about fun-filled adventure by day and laid-back vibes by night. But at night? Pattaya feels designed for men. The scene you catch there caters to male tourists, which was… slightly how could I put it, sometimes this world is designed just for the needs and wants of Men. 

The Reality of Pattaya’s Nights

Nightlife in Pattaya is exactly what you expect. Walking Street is the epicenter of it all. I knew what was coming, thanks to our college paper on sex tourism that touched upon redlight areas around the world, but seeing it firsthand still stung. So, how was the view? Old English man smothering 2 young Thai girls on the beach. Women of different color standing in line along the pavement, calling out men. And some men slowly pay them and leave with them. Some people will be fishing while others will sit and stare at the emerald waters and the darkest horizon.

That made me question lots of things. Alot. It broke my heart. I think I have took-in too many details from observing. It showed what happens when love is completely consumed by pleasure where there is no more love left out. When pleasure takes too much space with little things that define love becomes smaller… thats when a woman becomes an object.

But Pattaya nights aren’t just about this. For me, it was about the food (seriously, grilled dried fish by the beach—an olfactory experience – but one of my co-tourist found it disgusting. I still remember the way his face goes while its smell crosses us), the music, and the warm night air. I loved the culinary experience Pattaya has to offer. It felt raw and authentic. I wasn’t lucky enough to savor it completely.

Oh, and the smell of the fiery clams being cooked at the food markets still lingers in my mind. I’ll come to Pattaya again just to experience this.

The Flaws Experienced At Pattaya Trip

Let’s talk about food. Because I was on a group tour with GT Holidays, we mostly ate at Indian restaurants. That’s how they save money. Plus, a lot of Indians are picky. We all know and since most of my co-passengers are above 60. I could see myself understanding it there. My highlight? Coconut ice cream at Blue Taj Restaurant. Thailand’s coconut ice cream is a must-try—don’t leave without indulging.

On the downside, staying at Season’s Pattaya left me unimpressed. Hotels play tricks with extra charges, so keep your room key and valuables safe. Trust me, a lost room key costs 200 baht, and a stained pillow will set you back a whopping 2000 baht. I paid 200 Baht. And I am never gonna forget about how it hurts to get your key stolen. Stolen… while it was kept inside the room.

My Top 5 Experiences in Pattaya

1. Sanctuary of Truth:

One of the most mesmerizing spots I’ve ever seen. It’s not a temple, but a massive wooden structure that combines religious and cultural influences from across Asia. Built entirely of wood, the craftsmanship is breathtaking. I snuck out of the group to visit it by booking a cab through the Bolt app, and it was worth every moment. The air had a woody scent from the ongoing renovations, adding to the mystical vibe. If you go, aim for sunset—it’s magical.

Entry Fee: 500 Baht

2. Coral Island At Pattaya: 

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is the place to be. With pristine waters, no waves, and thrilling activities like parasailing and jet skiing, it’s perfect for a day of adventure. I tried parasailing for the first time and had a blast. Just be prepared for the relentless photo sellers. You will be taken photos here and there and they’ll sell it on the entry point while you get back to bus. Its mostly 100 baht per image. I picked one because i looked good in that. Rest of my photos I abandoned which eventually will be burnt.

No entry fee per se but there are fee for activities…

All Water Sport including Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Underwater walk, Banana Boat: 2600 Baht (subject to change when you go)

Parasailing: 700 Baht (which I tried)

Underwater walk: 1200 Baht

Jet Skiing: 800 Baht

Banana Boat: 500 Baht

3. Pattaya Floating Market: 

A quieter experience, perfect for introverts like me. The market is full of cultural nuggets, with tuk-tuks ferrying you around. There’s a fee for everything, but it’s worth it for the unique experience. I spent more on experiences than souvenirs here.

Entry Fee: 200 Baht

Boating Activity: 800 Baht

4. Alcazar Show: 

Wow, just wow. This cabaret show run by Thailand’s third-gender performers is beyond entertainment—it’s an art form. The choreography, costumes, and energy were on another level. A bunch of Indian men spewed some vulgar nonsense in hindi at them. It was disgusting how they were being obnoxious. I was ashamed of being an Indian. But the show itself was unforgettable. Those outfits and jewels they wore. The colors and the backgrounds change in a flash during shuffling performances. God. I was so mesmerized that I didn’t get to steal a little of the scenes through my camera. But… it’s important you remember that you aren’t supposed to record the show. That is another reason why I didn’t. But I enjoyed it. Those performers were gorgeous.

Entry Fee: 800 Baht

To take photo with the dancers: 30 Baht – 50 Baht

5. Gem Gallery: 

This place is a gem (pun intended). If you’re into jewelry and have some cash to spare, don’t miss this. I have always loved pearls. And the pearl collection here stole my heart. They sold so many jewels, whereas I walked away from a Gem Gallery with scented soap. I was on a budget! Incase you are buying jewels and gems get Vat bill to get refund at airport. Also, if I am not wrong, for Sapphire there won’t be vat bill. And also the Vat bill is available for purchase above 2000 Baht.

Entry Fee: Free

Must-See Spots: Don’t Miss Them Like I Did

With limited time to explore, I missed out on some spots, but here are a few that I’d highly recommend for your next trip:

• Wat Yansangwararam: A serene temple complex located about 20 km from Pattaya. The temple reflects the spiritual side of Pattaya, a contrast to the city’s liveliness. It’s a perfect spot for anyone interested in Thailand’s rich Buddhist traditions and architecture.
• Mini Siam: Mini Siam is a miniature park with replicas of famous monuments from Thailand and across the globe. Think of it as a bite-sized world tour—only way cheaper!
• Million Years Stone Park: This one’s for the nature lovers and geology geeks. It’s a bizarre yet fascinating park with centuries-old stones, fossilized trees, and a crocodile farm. There’s an element of “is this real?” while you walk through.
• Cruise: Taking cruises at night is also worth an experience here. It starts from 1500 baht and above. For those who want to party hard and feel the world of extroversion, don’t miss it. 
• Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: A vast garden known for its beautifully landscaped botanical displays and cultural performances. If you love nature and want to explore Thailand’s flora, this garden is an absolute must-visit. I regret not making it here!
• Massage: Terminal 21 is a coolest looking mall in Pattaya where you can go and get some relaxing massage. A proper massage. Not the spicey one you are looking for. Or you can also get it at the food market places where some ladies will be giving a full body massage. As far as I heard from my co-travellers, they had a very effective massage there.
• Take a night ride: Its worth going for a night ride. Road will be congested. But the view of Space building and other monuments around is worth exploration. Or atleast go for a walk and explore till your legs are tired out.

That’s all about my experience in Pattaya. It’s not just a party hub, it’s a city with depth and diversity. And this is just the beginning—stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll take you through more of my experiences and highlights of Bangkok. There’s so much more to discover! Bangkok is my favorite… never expected it would become like it. 

Visit my intagram for other beautiful images which I shot through my Fujifilm XA & Pixel 7A on my trip and day to day activites updates which I made there!

@asolivagantsshoes – Instagram Handle