To have a truly fantastic dining experience in Thailand, you don’t need the upmarket, Michelin-starred restaurant that might be necessary in the West. All that’s really needed, in our opinion, is a couple of plastic stools, some good company and a fresh plate of seafood within the bustling seaside atmosphere of Naklua Fish Market. It’s a short drive away from the hotel, and the area is good for a family day trip, as it provides an insight into the local Thai residential areas of the eastern seaboard, as the fishing town of Naklua contains no shopping malls, bars or upscale restaurants that other areas are famed for. Tourists come to Naklua, albeit in smaller numbers, for a real Thai experience. It’s located north of Pattaya, in the Na Klua district on the coast. It would be wise not to try and haggle at this market due to the highly reasonable pricing, and food is not normally bartered over in Thailand. 6), while the squid, shellfish and fish are also generously priced. The market is open early, from 5am to 9am every day, so as with any fresh market around the world, the earlier the better. If you can manage a pre-sunrise trip you will likely have the pick of the goods before the lazier of us make it down to Naklua Fish Market. Even if you’re not intending to buy fish, and are prepared to get a little wet around the feet, touring around this market the and surrounding area can be an enlightening and rich experience, mostly due to the local Thai hospitality among the vendors and suppliers, creating a real community atmosphere.

Once a small fishing village, Pattaya has evolved over the years into one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. The city has an official population of just 107,000, although estimates put the actual population in the metro area close to one million people, as countless people use the city as a second or seasonal home. Pattaya Beach (more resources) is the largest and is close to the city’s downtown core, while other beaches like Pratumnak and Jomtien are also extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. The majority of those who visit Pattaya do so for the beaches, as the city is on the Gulf of Thailand and is home to numerous beach resorts. Three offshore islands, Ko Larn, Ko Sak, and Ko Krok, attract their fair share of guests as well and provide a quieter holiday for those looking to escape the bustle. One of the top attractions in the city is called the Sanctuary of Truth, which is a 105-metre-high building that is built entirely from wood.

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This structure is meant to promote unity between religions, as both Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses are depicted. The building has become very popular because of its unique construction and the message of unity that it represents. Another popular destination is Wat Khao Phra Bat, which is a temple that features a gold Buddha statue that is over 18 metres in height. Mini Siam is a miniature village that depicts some of Thailand’s most significant historic sites in model form. Miniature versions of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Democracy Monument can be found in this village. This temple overlooks Pattaya Bay and is close to many of the hotels that are found close to Pattaya Beach, one of the city’s main hubs. There is also a mini-world section that has models of important landmarks from all over the globe, including the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. Above all else, Pattaya is known for its outdoor activities.

For starters, when looking at a map, there are 19 different golf courses within a 40-minute drive of the city and its hotels. In addition, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is just south of the city and features 500 acres of orchids and gardens, along with a collection of local wildlife. It also has pools, a floating market, elephants, two children’s zones, a lazy river, and a maze for guests to use while visiting, so there is truly something for everyone at this park. RamaYana is one of the largest waterparks in Asia and has 21 different water slides for guest to enjoy. Visitors who want to get away from their hotels and see the local wildlife in Pattaya are in luck, as the region is home to a number of zoos and aquariums. Pattaya Elephant Village is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in the area and it acts as a place for elephants that were once held captive to live out their lives in a more natural environment.