Visiting Pattaya is not all about shopping and sunbathing. The city also offers many excursions and day trips. Some of the more popular ones include Ko Man Wichai, Big Buddha Temple, Elephant Village and the Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens.
Khao Pattaya Viewpoint
Located on a hill, Khao Pattaya Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You can enjoy uninterrupted views of the crescent shaped bay and Jomtien Beach.
Aside from the viewpoint, there are several other interesting attractions in Pattaya. You can visit the temples of Wat Phra Yai and Wat Khao Phra Bat. The temples have a huge Buddha statue and you can find a monument dedicated to Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, the founding father of the Thai Navy.
You can also visit the Sanctuary of Truth, which is an impressive example of local architecture. It is a short drive from Pattaya. It is built from hand-carved wood carvings. The temple has many archeological finds.
Another popular tourist destination is the Koh Larn Island, also known as Coral Island. It is a beautiful island with great beaches. You can go jet skiing here.
Elephant Village
Located in Nong Prue, Pattaya, Elephant Village is a place to watch elephants in action and learn more about them. It is a unique tourist attraction that is popular among travelers.
During the day, visitors can observe elephants doing their everyday activities. They can also feed them and participate in other activities. They can ride on an elephant, take a photo with them and even play with them in the water.
An elephant show is held several times a day. The most entertaining one is at 14.00PM.
The village is surrounded by tropical shrubs and a lake. The elephants can draw a hoop and do other tricks. The elephants also play in the water, which is a novelty for most tourists.
The most important thing to know about the elephant village is that it does not receive any state subsidy. Rather, the village is run by volunteers. It costs about 1000 baht per day to care for an elephant. It also costs between 5000 and 6000 baht to keep one in good health.
Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens
Located near Pattaya, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Resort is a fascinating tourist destination. It is one of the most popular attractions in Thailand. The park offers an amazing variety of animal displays, exotic plants and cultural shows. In addition to these, the park also has a zoo. It is best to visit the garden in the morning, before the heat of the day.
The gardens are divided into two sections, namely the Animal Kingdom and the Plants' Zone. There are three kilometer-long walkways, which offer stunning views of the garden. It is recommended to walk around the gardens, as there are many beautiful and unique displays. The Elephant and Thai Cultural Show is a particularly popular attraction. It features a performance by elephants and a tug-of-war.
Big Buddha Temple
Located in Pattaya, Big Buddha Temple is one of the most popular sites to visit. Built in 1940, it is considered as one of the oldest temples in Pattaya. It features a magnificent 18-metre-tall Buddha.
Visiting a temple is a great way to immerse yourself in Buddhism. Aside from gaining peace, visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the temple.
There are many different temples to choose from in Pattaya. These temples are filled with a peaceful atmosphere and dramatic statues. The temples are also clean and are a good place to relax and get away from the bustling streets.
The main reason to visit a temple is to take part in a special ceremony. A monk or priest will read a prayer and offer holy water. This ritual is considered as a form of cleansing the sins and praying for enlightened health and well-being.
Ko Man Wichai
During your holiday in Pattaya, you may want to consider taking some day trips. These excursions will give you a chance to see the beauty of this lovely city while also enjoying some exciting activities. These day trips are available for both children and adults and include transportation, a professional guide and a mouth-watering lunch.
Ko Man Wichai and Ko Lan are two islands near the coast of Pattaya. These two islands are excellent for fishing, swimming and snorkeling. The waters at these beaches are calm and clear. These islands are ideal for all levels of experience.
The beaches at these islands are also great for sunbathing and water sports. You will get to see coral and tropical fish at these islands. There are three sandy coves at these islands.