You may know exactly what to expect from Pattaya, as our title suggests. But, we’re going to change your mind. This multicultural beach-resort will ignite you in a sensory and cultural overload, it has way more to offer than neat-beaches bundled with tourists and its rightful reputation as a sex capital.

The city is built around Ao Pattaya, a bay that was one of Thailand’s first beach resorts in the 1960s when American GIs came for some R & R. Since then, its catapulted to tourist stardom.

In this blog, we’ll be giving you a rundown of the-best-of-the-best unique and cultural attractions that you’ve probably never heard of. Plus, the best place to stay to avoid the crowds!

Sanctuary of Truth

The definition of peaceful

Made entirely of wood, this monumental masterpiece stands 150 metes high and features rich symbolism binding eclectic mixtures of Thai, Khmer, Indian & Chinese influences.

Extravagant wooden statues are spread across the four wings of the building. Each wing is dedicated to different styles of religion – Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Confucianism. The temple showcases the philosophy of life through the delicate carvings of teak wood in relation to the different religion within each wing.

Fun fact! The sanctuary towers 345ft above the Pattaya beach and covers approximately 3,200 sqm – that’s an insane amount of land!

Beautiful, inspiring and educational. That’s what we call culture!

The Important Stuff

• Price – £13.28 (500 Bhat)
• Location – 206/2 หมู่ที่ 5 ถนน Pattaya-Naklua, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Art In Paradise

It’s every artist’s paradise

Covering 5800 sqm and known to be the largest in the world, this illusion-saturated art gallery breaks the fourth wall, allowing art and spectator to interact with each other. Don’t believe us? Take a look at this…

Is this in Venice or is this in the Art of Paradise? A truly fun day out for anyone, these immersive art instillations are a fantastic spin on your standard art gallery. Get involved and get some pics for the gram.

The Important Stuff

• Price – Adult £13.24 ( 500 Baht) Child £7.94 (300 Baht)
• Location – หมู่ที่ 9 78/34 Pattayasaisong Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Floating Market

No, it’s not floating midair

Years ago, the local population would use floating markets to do their weekly grocery shopping in, let’s be honest, a rather relaxed manner. Nowadays, it’s off to the supermarket for a quick shop and then we’re rushing back home again.

The floating market is an iconic tradition that has been around for decades. Vendors wearing rice-hats peacefully float along the river in the middle of a busy city selling their fresh produce. A wonderful place to get involved and pick up some Thai favourites or a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

The Important Stuff

• Price – £5.32 (200 Baht)
• Location – หมู่ที่ 12 451/304 Sukhumvit Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Historical-aficionados love this place

If botanical gardens are more your forte, then let us introduce you to the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.

This graceful collection of gardens has a charming array of themes, from the renaissance era to Stonehenge. You’ll find all sorts of historicaly influenced gardens at this attraction.

Approximately 600 acres long, the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden offers interesting events that are made for all ages, such as elephant shows or the highly sophisticated Thai Cultural performances.

However, none of these takes anything away from the main attractions. The stunning flower displays are put together by the award-winning Nong Nooch Team and make for quite the viewing.

The Important Stuff

• Price – Adult Garden Only: £2.67 (100 Baht) Children Garden only: £1.33. Adult Show and Garden: £8.00 (300 Baht) Children Show and Garden: £4.00 (150 Baht).
• Location – 34/1 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand

Right, that’s the attractions sorted. Next?

Where to Stay!

The most popular places to stay by far are all the high-rise modern hotels on the beachfront. You can see why – they’re cheap and have great views of the Gulf of Thailand.

But, some (not all) will be shocked when they about-turn and face inland. Pattaya’s city is hecticly busy and not the nicest view, even more so at night when the go-go bars are in full swing. Regardless check out Cape Dara Resort, this is slightly out of the way of the hustle and its stunning.

Now, if your planning on getting rural and exploring the cultural wonders Pattaya has on offer you may want to stay in-land where you can get a bit of peace and quiet. We’d recommend The Monttra it’s out of the way of the centre and perfect distance to explore all the wonders listed above.

The Important Stuff

• The Monttra Price – £160 p/n
• LocatioCape Dara Resort Price – £126 p/n

There you have it! Proof that Pattaya isn’t all tourists and parties. Got some recommendations we may have missed? Let us know in the comments below.