What to see in Pattaya
Thailand's nearest beach — sand, an island, a teak temple

Pattaya Beach is the main in-town strand, a four-kilometre arc along Beach Road that you can walk to from most hotels and restaurants. Behind the sand run a line of coconut palms, a seafront promenade, loungers for hire and shops everywhere; by evening it's busy, with people out for a stroll and the sunset. I'll be honest: the in-town beach is crowded and the water turns murky after rain, so for genuinely clear water you'll want to cross to Coral Island or head down to Jomtien. But if you want an easy stroll close to your hotel, Pattaya Beach does the job.

Just south of Pattaya, over Pratumnak Hill, is Jomtien — a beach far longer and wider than Pattaya Beach, with clearer water and an easier-going feel. It suits families who want kids to play in the sand and swim without fuss, and it's the watersports beach too: jet-skis, windsurfing and banana boats all run here. Behind the sand are seafood restaurants, condos and accommodation at every budget, and the big Thepprasit Night Market is on this side. Good for anyone who wants Pattaya a notch calmer but still handy.

If you want genuinely clear water, you cross to Coral Island — a small island off Pattaya that's under an hour by boat from Bali Hai Pier, with water several shades clearer than the in-town beaches and fine white sand. There's a choice of beaches: Tawaen is the busy one with the most activity, while Samae and Nual are quieter and clearer. Songthaews and motorbike taxis run between the beaches, and there are seafood places to sit and eat. Go early — the water is clearest, the crowds thinner, and you'll make the afternoon ferry back. Watch out for jet-ski and parasailing offered on the sand, and always agree a price first.

The image that stops you in your tracks: a dark-teak temple over 100 metres tall on the seafront, every surface carved with gods, celestial figures and stories from religious belief — built entirely from wood, with no steel nails. Construction began in 1981 and it is still unfinished today, because as the wood weathers it has to be re-carved and repaired, an endless work in progress. Its name, "Truth," points to a philosophy of life and the truths of religion. You can walk through the interior, watch woodcarvers at work, and there are Thai dance shows, elephant rides and horse-and-carriage rides around the grounds. Allow about two hours, and dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

About 20 minutes south of Pattaya is a vast botanical garden ranked among the finest in Asia — Nong Nooch. The highlight is the French Garden, with hedges clipped into geometric patterns that look spectacular from above, alongside a cactus garden, a palm collection, an orchid garden and a model dinosaur valley that kids love. There are also Thai cultural shows and elephant shows several times a day (some travellers have mixed feelings about elephant welfare, so do what sits right with you). It makes a half day, with a tram to ride around the grounds.

On top of Pratumnak Hill, Wat Phra Yai is home to a large golden seated Buddha visible from far off, the city's landmark Buddha where Thais and visitors alike stop to pay respects. Around the main image are smaller Buddhas for each day of the week, and from the temple terrace you get a good view over Pattaya and the bay. It's an easy stop close to town, free to enter, and works as a quick half-hour to an hour — easy to pair with the Pratumnak Hill viewpoint right nearby.

On Pratumnak Hill, between Pattaya Beach and Jomtien, a viewpoint looks down over the whole arc of Pattaya Bay — the long beach, the line of buildings and the boats filling the water. It's the postcard view of Pattaya everyone knows. There's a colourful Pattaya City sign here for photos, and it's a popular stop, very easy to reach right by the hill road, with no entry fee. Best in the late afternoon before sunset to catch the city in good light — and from here you can drive straight on to the Big Buddha on the same hill.

Head 30–40 minutes south toward Sattahip and you'll find something striking — a seated meditating Buddha etched into a sheer rock cliff, over 100 metres tall, picked out in gold lines set into the stone. It was created to honour King Rama IX on the 50th anniversary of his reign, and it is the largest cliff-carved Buddha in the world. In front of the mountain are a broad plaza and a reflecting pool, making for calm, photogenic shots. The Silverlake Vineyard is nearby, so the two pair well. Good for anyone who likes somewhere quiet and uncrowded; it's free, and an hour is plenty.

North of Pattaya, past Naklua, is Wong Amat Beach — quieter and cleaner than the in-town beach, with fewer people and a more relaxed feel, good for anyone who wants to escape the bustle but stay near town. Behind the sand is a stretch of decent beachfront hotels and condos, with restaurants and beach bars to sit at in the evening. The beach faces the right way for a good sunset, and it's close to the Sanctuary of Truth, so the two are easy to combine. A solid pick for couples and families who want the calmer side of Pattaya.

You can't really talk about Pattaya without Walking Street — the pedestrian-only strip at the south end of Pattaya Beach that closes to traffic at night, lined with neon, bars, clubs, live-music venues and seafood restaurants. By day it's a quiet ordinary street; after dark it's at its busiest. To be straight, this area is known for its nightlife, so if you're with family or kids, walk it early in the evening for the atmosphere and the seafood, then head off. Watch for overcharging (check the menu and bill before ordering) and fees for photos with street performers. If you want an easygoing evening instead, try the beach bars at Jomtien or a rooftop.

If you want the feel of a Thai floating market near Pattaya, the Four Regions Floating Market packs it into one place — it recreates the life and food of Thailand's four regions, with paddle boats selling food, wooden houses over the water and bridges linking the zones. You can wander and graze on savoury dishes, sweets and craft souvenirs, with cultural shows at intervals and plenty of photo corners. I'll be honest, it's a market built for visitors rather than a traditional one, but it's a good stop for photos and a bite late morning or afternoon. Allow one to two hours.

There's plenty of sea and temple in the city, but with extra time the region delivers. Khao Kheow Open Zoo is a large open zoo to the north, about 40 minutes away, where you drive through and feed the animals — good for families. Sattahip and Ban Amphur to the south, about 40 minutes out, are fishing villages with quiet beaches and fresh seafood. The Silverlake Vineyard near Khao Chi Chan is a photogenic vineyard stop. Ko Samet, a clear-water island off Rayong, is about 1.5 hours and good for an overnight. And Bangkok is only about two hours away — many people pair Pattaya with the capital in one trip.