From Charming Resorts to Cultural Sites: how to Enjoy Pattaya Thailand

As I pulled open my curtains, I was shocked to see the glistening coastline stretched out in front of me. Locals and tourists trailed the forecourt on the beachfront, while adrenaline junkies danced along the waves with their paraglides and surfboards. The bewitching shoreline was my first taste of Pattaya – and a world away from what I expected. I has landed late the previous evening, and with my blinds shut had pulled the blanket over my head for some rest. Now I found myself face-to-face with Thailand’s most notorious city. The shining sun promised me it would be a good day. As I explored the city, I learned Pattaya was more charming and versatile than it’s given credit for. Ping pong shows, ‘lady boys’ and drunk and disorderly behaviour spring to mind when tourists think of the holiday hotspot about two hours south of the capital, Bangkok. With a stunning resort, a far-reaching coastline, gripping cultural sites and thriving nightlife, Pattaya should be enjoyed by solo travellers, couples and families alike.

Royal Palace Hotel Pattaya

Here, Daily Mail Australia breaks down how Thailand’s party capital can be enjoyed for all types of visitors. Pictured: The Sanctuary of Truth. The iconic 105-metre structure, which is carved entirely from wood, stands proudly on the coast, north of Pattaya City. The sanctuary is different to other prominent sites in Thailand as it is neither a temple nor a palace and isn’t tied to one religion. The sanctuary is still being built, and there is no end date in sight. While the sanctuary is stunning to the eye, the attention to detail and intricacy put into each piece of wood is awe-inspiring. I was able to walk through a room of Thai craftspeople working on different wooden shapes and objects, which would be added to the structure. After touring around and through the sanctuary, I tried a durian ice cream – encouraged to be enjoyed with caution – and watched a traditional Thai dance show. Taking the best of art and culture, Parody Art Museum blends the two together for one of the most Instagrammable adventures in Pattaya.

I didn’t really know what to expect from the museum, but was left pleasantly surprised as I zigzagged through the cheeky and creative space filled with paintings and sculptures. Mona Lisa is transformed into Captain America and Vincent Van Goh’s sidekick in some of the brazen adaptations of historic artwork spanning the walls. I was even more mesmerised by the ‘selfie studio’, where I became part of the artwork. I was transfixed by the imagination of the artists, as they were cleverly able to link dated work with modern themes. I was locked up in jail, cuddled up to a ginormous teddy bear and pretended to be a Barbie doll posing inside her plastic packaging. I posed as the face behind ‘The Girl With the Pearl Earring’, as my friend pretended to paint in my features with a brush. I can imagine it would take some visitors a few hours to make their way through the 8,000 square metre gallery, snapping hundreds of pictures along the way.

Parody Art Museum will leave you smiling, and give you the most colourful feed on Instagram. I stayed at Amari Pattaya, on the northern waterfront of the city. There are deluxe rooms, executive club ocean view suites, two and three-bedroom residential style suites, ensuring all guests find accommodation to meet their needs. The immense property comprises of two towers, with the newly built Amari Suites opening as recently as this year. While my room stunned with blue design details and invited me in with its comfy bed and pillows, I most enjoyed walking through the hotel grounds. Children screamed with joy as they ventured down the slippery dip or when they were splashed by a constantly tipping bucket filled with water. Parents would chat from the bar, lie beneath the greenery or take a peaceful dip in the large free-form swimming pool. Pictured: An aerial view of Amari Pattaya, on the northern waterfront of the city.