Whilst most people are happy to do the obvious things there are to be done in Pattaya, it would be a pity to be so close to some of the finest works of art, religious sites, historic places and specialized attractions and not to see at least a few of them. Pattaya is the centre for numerous half and full day trips and overnight sightseeing excursions. Finding one to suit you will be no problem. As a matter of fact, the difficulty will be whittling the list down to manageable proportions. The following tourist attractions are only a start.

Mini Siam and Mini World A wonderful of display Thai heritage on a miniature scale, bringing together more than 100 models of important art objects and historical sites throughout the kingdom, from the Sukhothai to the Ayuthaya and Rattanakosin periods, blended with today's prosperity.

Pattaya Elephant Village The village shows elephants displaying forestry skills, playing football and enacting a war-elephant parade. The village also demonstrates how wild elephants are captured in the northeastern part of Thailand. The daily show time is at 2:30 p.m.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo Attractive new zoo and crocodile farm with lots of crocodiles, also tigers, camels, deers, etc. Other facilities include: restaurant, ice cream bar and souvenir shop. Open daily 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m Khao Khiew Wildlife Sanctuary Khao Khiew Open Zoo's 1,200 acres of forest and natural beauty is one of the largest zoos in Asia. Forests, waterfalls and wildlife are distinctive features of organized tours.

Nong Nooch Village
The village is set in a 600 acres beautifully landscaped park. It features orchid nurseries, a cactus garden and a man made lake. They have daily cultural shows that include numerous folk dances, traditional ceremonies, sword fighting, cock fighting and Thai boxing demonstrations. And of course, there is an elephant show. The village has 2 restaurants and sells crafts from northern Thailand.

The Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction which covers an area of more than two rai. The tip of the building is about 105 meters high. It was constructed to withstand the wind and the sun on the seashore at Rachvate Cape, Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Chon Buri Province.

The building was constructed according to ancient Thai ingenuity and every square inch of it is covered with wooden carve sculpture. The purpose of decoration with wooden carved sculptures is to use art and culture as a reflection of Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. Within this complex, visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of living, Life Relationship with Universe and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia.

Panarak Park
The Park offers a tropical garden setting. It is equipped with fishing gear for the well-stocked fishing pond. The place also has bungalow accommodation, a restaurant, jogging and cycling paths, boating and water-cycling. It provides an upcountry experience for those staying overnight there.

Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm The park comprises breeding pens with more than 1,000 crocodiles, a zoo and a bonsai garden decorated with rock formations, Open daily from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Pattaya Park
Between south Pattaya and Hat Chom Thien is a water amusement park with water slides, whirlpools and a large pool for children. Open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wat Yansangwararam
This temple under the King's patronage is unique for it's modern Thai architecture. Here meditation courses are offered to laymen at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The temple is 12 km south of Pattaya and only 3 km from Nong Nooch Village. Nearby is a Chinese-style building called “Wihan Sian” housing antiques and art objects from China.

Ko Lan (Lan Island) 45 minutes off shore by tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, it is the largest island in Pattaya's archipelago. Major attractions include viewing coral reefs from glass bottomed boats, snorkelling, scuba diving, wind-surfing, skiing and parasailing. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the island's main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to Ko Lan's neighbouring islands, such as Ko Khrok and Ko Sak. Ko Phai (Phai Island) Beyond Ko Lan, another 40 minutes away by boat, is Ko Phai, an island currently under the care of the Royal Navy. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight here, but it has fine deserted beaches that are open during the day.

Attractions around Pattaya
Rayong town
Sai Thong Beach is a fine sandy beach in peaceful secluded setting. There are beach front bungalows for rent and restaurants offering fresh seafood. To reach Hat Sai Thong, on Sai Thong Beach drive about 12 km along High way 3 in the direction of Sattahip, turning off between Km posts 207 and 208 (opposite the Maptaphut Market). Roughly 5.5 km long, this road leads to the beach.

Mae Ramphung Beach
Some 10 km long, it is located between Ban Tapong and Ban Kon Aow, 11 km from town and within the Khao Laem Yah - Ko Samet Group National Park. This is a particularly beautiful spot with a headland forming a magnificent backdrop to a crescent shaped bay with broad sandy beaches that are ideal for swimming.

Khao Laem Yah-Ko Samet Group National Park
Designated a nature reserve in 1981, Khao Laem Yah and Ko Samet offer great natural beauty, enhanced by the tranquillity of the surroundings. Khao Laem Yah is about 6.4 km from the fishing village of Ban Phe, about 40 minutes boat journey off-shore. The park also covers Mae Ramphung Beach, Ban Kon Aow and some islands near Ko Samet, such as Ko Kudee, Ko Kraui, Ko Khangkhao and Ko Platin.

Ban Pae
This is the most famous of Rayong's attractions and offers beautiful beaches with white sand suitable for relaxation, watersport activities and exploring the coral reefs beneath the sea. It is located some 6.5 km from Ban Pae, offers a range of accomodation, and boat services are available all day long.

Suan Son Park
Located 1 km from Ban Phe, it is also known as the Casurina (pine) gardens as these trees line both sides of the 1 km road. The shady areas make it a popular place for picnicing.

Wang Kaew
One of the most picturesque parts of the east coast, Wang Kaew used to be a famous tourist spot. It is 38 km from town and is a beautifully landscaped headland with a fine beach.

Laem Mae Phim
At Km 26 on the coastal road between Ban Phe and Klaeng (48 km from town), Laem Mae Phim is a popular beach with Thai visitors.

Mun Islands
Lying off the coast near Kram, the Mun Island group consists of three islands, namely Ko Mun Nai, Ko Mun Klang and Ko Mun Nok, these islands are located about 5 km off Laem Mae Phim and take about 50 minutes to reach by boat at a cost of Bt 500 for the round trip. The islands' sandy white beaches offer good opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.