When you think of Pattaya, your mind perhaps drifts to neon lights, lively walking streets, and the sun-soaked shores of the Gulf of Thailand. But if you’re looking to trade that beach chair for a bit of adrenaline, you’ll find that Pattaya has got a whole other side waiting for you.
Lately, more vacationers are leaving the sun and sand routine for activities that actually raise one’s heart rate. Whether you are a solo explorer or taking a trip with friends, there are ways to see the city sans getting sand in your shoes. Ready to see what is beyond the shoreline? Take a look at the active ways you can experience Pattaya.
Table of Contents
Master Your Swing with a Stunning Backdrop
If you think golf is nothing more than a leisurely stroll through a green meadow, well, you haven’t golfed through Chonburi! Pattaya has become the golf mecca of Southeast Asia without anyone really announcing it, featuring top-tier golf facilities that resemble tropical botanical gardens. The Siam Country Club and Chee Chan Golf Resort are legendary, especially when you have a giant golden Buddha perched on a mountain looking over your backswing.
One thing local pros will tell you is that timing is everything down here. Before booking tee times, it’s a good idea to check the Pattaya golf forecast to ensure a playing experience that won’t be interrupted by a tropical rainstorm in the middle of the game. The weather is unpredictable, yet when the sun does come out, the sea wind makes for a perfect playing day on the greens, as the courses are well-maintained, with the old course at Siam Country Club in Pattaya remaining a destination on every LPGA golfer’s bucket list.
Explore the Countryside on Two Wheels
Pattaya’s city center can be chaotic at times, but twenty minutes outside the city, you have rolling hills and pineapple plantations. Cycling has become extremely popular for those wishing to see the authentic Thailand.
Many of them will take you through the Silverlake Vineyard area or towards Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain). The geography is varied enough to be a workout and nice enough to distract you from how tired your legs are. You’ll pass by local markets and small villages where the pace of life is much more relaxed compared to the speed and hustle of the city. It’s a good way to burn some calories from the mango sticky rice while getting a fresh view of the geography in the area.
Step Into a Wooden Wonderland at the Sanctuary of Truth
While its location is literally right next to the water, the Sanctuary of Truth is not exactly the place to go if you want to relax on the beach. Picture a building that stands 105 meters high, made completely out of wood, with not a single metal nail visible. It’s not exactly a building, but rather a work in progress for some sort of art installation exploring philosophy and human existence.
It is like walking back into a different time period when you walk through the halls of the sanctuary, as you can see artisans at work creating their intricate carvings right before your eyes. It is a huge site, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. If you want a little more excitement, however, you can rent a rowboat to cruise the perimeter of the site, as well as the woods. Just don’t forget to dress modestly, as this is a sacred place.
Hike the Trails of Khao Kheow
Most tourists are not even aware that Pattaya is surrounded by lush forest reserves, such as Khao Kheow and Bang Phra Nature Reserve, where hiking trails take you through thick greenery and hidden waterfalls.
The Nam Tok Chan Ta Then waterfall is a popular spot among the locals. Hikers can follow this water for over a kilometer, and although this is no grueling climb through the mountains, the humidity will challenge even the most seasoned athlete. Keep an eye out for some of the beautiful, vibrant birds and maybe even a monkey or two. This is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle on Beach Road.
Chase Adrenaline at Ramayana Water Park
If you still want to be in the water but want a break from the ocean, then consider going to Ramayana Water Park. This is the biggest water park of this kind in the entire country, and also the first one with the forgotten ancient city theme. This is not a typical community pool here; the slides are huge, like the AquaLoop, where the floor literally falls out from under you.
The park is situated in a lovely valley, and there are beautiful green hills and natural lakes nearby. The park uses fresh water, drawing from its own underground water wells, and the water is clean and filtered. If you want to keep moving, there’s a lazy river that’s quite long, and there are a lot of active places for water volleyball. It’s a high-energy day out that definitely beats sitting under a beach umbrella.
Conclusion: A Different Side of the City
Pattaya does have a reputation for being one-dimensional, but as you can see from the above list, beyond the beach activities are where you can really get your adventure on. From checking the weather to planning a round of golf to hiking through tropical woods, there is much to get you on the move.
*This article has been written by Srijita Deb
Srijita Deb writes clear, engaging content that makes complex topics easy to understand. She enjoys research-driven storytelling and creating content people actually like reading. When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, playing with her dog, or planning her next trip
