How to Spend 2 Days in Pattaya

The coastal resort town of Pattaya is famous for its party atmosphere and its sunny beaches. While hedonistic pursuits top the bill here, there are plenty of other experiences to be had away from the city’s dance clubs, bars, and beaches. Here are a variety of adventures and outings you can enjoy with two days in Pattaya.

Day 1: Action-Packed Pattaya

**Morning:**There’s a lot more to Pattaya than meets the eye. Explore the port city with a guide, and visit attractions off the beaten tourist track, like the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), local art galleries, and a gem shop. 

**Afternoon:**Cool off in tubes, slides, swimming pools, and play areas—plus a spa for adults—at the Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark, located just 20 minutes from Pattaya. Take a surf lesson here to develop your skills before hitting the city’s busy beaches, and enjoy themed zones, adventure rides, and a menagerie of cartoon characters.

**Night:**When the sun goes down, the lights come on, and all of Pattaya feels like one big party. The city’s nightlife is second only to Bangkok’s and has to be seen to be believed. Pump up the volume in South Pattaya, where the main action takes place along the neon-drenched strip.

Day 2: Get Away From it All

**Morning:**Escape the crowds and tours by chartering your own boat to the islands, all of which are just a short distance from Pattaya. Book a luxury yacht or a speedboat, and soak up the sun, go snorkeling among the coral, and explore tucked-away coves on the Gulf of Thailand.

**Afternoon:**Head to popular Coral Island (Koh Larn), and enjoy an afternoon relaxing on its pure white sand and swimming in its translucent water. You can see the area’s remaining patches of coral with a trip in a glass-bottom boat, or, if you want a more active adventure, try water skiing, parasailing, or windsurfing. 

**Night:**If you’ve maxed out on the bars, dance clubs, and night entertainment of Walking Street, and you’re aching—literally—to relax, book a spa treatment from a skilled, professional practitioner. Choose from a vast menu, and enjoy a foot massage, traditional Thai massage, aromatherapy massage, body scrub, and/or a facial.