Because Pattaya is so well known for its nightlife, beer bars, Walking Street and overall party atmosphere, We “my wife and I” decided to help out those who would like to step away from all of that.
This is a list we made up of things to do and places to see that “for the most part” are geared for couples that want to escape the rat race of Beach Road and Pattaya Beach.
So, if you are tired of the barflies, go-go’s and people watching on Beach Road, let’s take a ride through the more romantic side of Pattaya/Jomtien and see what we find.
The underlined links in this article are for resources only. They are not affiliates.
1. Rent a Pool Villa.
We know what you are thinking. “What are you talking about?” So let us explain. The first thing we want to do after flying for 25 hours to Thailand is get some peace and quiet and privacy. Sure you can get some in a hotel or an apartment, but you can’t swim in your own pool and have a glass of wine sitting in your own deck chairs with your significant other. It’s just not the same in a hotel.
We have also found that the prices for pool villas are not much higher than comparable mid priced hotels. Starting around THB 3,200 or $100 a night for a two bed, two bath villa. Considering that you get a pool, kitchen, living area, 2br, 2 bath and privacy to boot. You can’t beat it.
I cover lodging here. And you can find villas on any booking.com type of site.
2. Get a Good Massage.
This should be a no brainer but we will explain. After you have gotten some rest at your villa, it is time to loosen your bodies up so you can really get the most out of your time in Pattaya. A proper massage by a professional will do the trick. Now I’m not saying all the massage parlors all over Pattaya are not going to do a good job, we just want our first massage “yes, we said first” to be the best we can get.
We go to a place called Health Land. They have two locations in Pattaya. We usually get the 60 minute foot massage for around THB 400 or $13 or the 120 minute Thai massage for around THB 600 or $19. When we get another massage we just pick a place that looks good or go back to Health Land if it is near us.
If you are in a hotel with a pro spa, by all means, get a massage there to start your vacation!
3. Have a Sunset Dinner.
The next thing to do to get things back into focus is have a romantic sunset dinner. You just can’t beat the way you feel after sitting at a table watching the sun go down over the ocean. There are plenty of restaurants overlooking the gulf of Thailand to do just that. From rooftop to cliff top and directly on the beach with your feet in the sand.
We have been to several that are all different in their own ways. Here are a few.
This is our favorite, “Cabbage and Condoms“, a rustic Thai style place that is set on the cliff over Pratumnak Beach. Ask for what we call “the tree house” if you can get it. It is the highest balcony and you can’t beat the views. Unusual and quirky place. They even have their own mini farm.
The Sky Gallery is a unique coffee, beach bar and restaurant on Pratumnak Hill, overlooking Pattaya Bay and Koh Larn. We sit at tables on the green grass watching the sunset. The International, Thai cuisine and seafood are exceptional here.
D Varee is a rooftop bar overlooking the bay in Jomtien. Very modern in design and atmosphere.
The Glass House Restaurant Has two locations. We have been to the Na Jomtien branch and loved it. You can opt to sit at a table directly on the beach. The food and service was exceptional and the view is all ocean with Koh Larn in the distance.
Rimpa Lapin is located further south in Na Jomtien with Thai fusion cuisine. Spectacular cliff side ocean views and great food. Lots of decks to choose for dinning. We have only been here for lunch and we were impressed.
4. Do Some Unique Shopping.
Although there are shopping malls in Pattaya, very big and impressive malls. Why go to a typical, same as you have at home mall. Take your honey to Mimosa Pattaya. Also known as “city of love”, it is a re-creation of the French city of Colmar with over 300 shops and restaurants.
The entry fee for everything is a bit steep at THB 600 or $19. But, at the center of it all is a musical fountain that is also a stage for a 45 minute Tiffany style ladyboy show.
There are also plenty of bars, bistros and restaurants that serve French, Italian, Chinese and Thai food.
5. Go to Pattaya Floating Market.
Take a stroll through the over water market and feel the old ways of Thailand. There are four regions of Thailand and they are represented here with the different cultures and architectures.
There are plenty of things to do at the floating market. Take a traditional longtail boat ride around the market, glide across the water on a zip line or get a massage at the Thai Folkway Village. After your massage, learn about silk, from the silkworm to making thread to how they are made into cloth.
Food stalls and restaurants are in abundance throughout the market. The stalls are a good place to try authentic Thai food. There is also The Four Regions buffet restaurant that serves different food from all the four regions of Thailand.
The market is open 9 am-8 pm and is located on 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit road south of central Pattaya.
6. Tuxedo Illusions Hall Magic Show.
Time for a little entertainment? You can’t go wrong with the magic show at Tuxedo Illusions Hall. It is a beautiful theater with 350 seats located in the center of Pattaya.
Mr. Tuxedo has mastered his art of illusions and has been in many international magic competitions. The 45 minute show is mixed with humor, card tricks and help from audience members.
Spend a little time on the first floor taking fun photos with live exhibits at the illusion wall.
There are six shows a day at 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm and costs THB 500-THB 700 or $16-$22, depending on the seat.
Located on Pattaya second road next to Big C shopping center.
7. Go to Buddha Mountain.
Buddha Mountain was originally mined for its stone during the Vietnam war and was later mined for construction purposes until 1976. Now it is one of the tallest images of Buddha in the world at around 426.6 feet or 130 meters high.
The image was carved out with a laser and then gold leaf was painted on in a procedure the lasted months.
The area in front of Khao Chi Chan “the mountains given name” has a temple, so it is advised to wear appropriate clothing as with any temple. (No bare shoulders and legs above the knees). The area also has beautifully landscaped gardens and small ponds filled with flowers. Just a relaxing place to visit and feel the culture of the Thai people.
It is free to visit the property but you can donate to the temple if you like.
To get there, go south on Sukhumvit road from Pattaya, then turn left on Ban Yen road. You won’t be able to miss it.
8. Go to Silver Lake Vineyard.
This is clearly a couples playground. Stroll around the vineyards gardens and lake on foot or join the tram and take in the breathtaking views. Visit the Silver Lake Wine and Grill and Pizza Cafe for lunch or dinner for fine Italian and Thai cuisine. Nightly live music also makes this a great spot to enjoy time together.
If you opt for a tour, the daily tours are THB 180 or $5.75 for foreigners, THB 130 or $4.20 for a tram ride and a bottle of grape juice. With two glasses of wine and a little more time at the cellar door, THB 250 or $8.
Silver Lake Vineyard is located at 31/62 moo 7 Jomtien south of Pattaya.
9. Visit Viharn Sien Chinese Art Museum.
This Chinese temple is also a museum that holds one of the best collections of Chinese artifacts outside of China. It was built for King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in 1987 for his 60th birthday.
The museum has three floors that exhibit everything from pottery, paintings, figurines and wall murals to ancient wood carvings and religious artifacts. The collection here is extensive and priceless.
Viharn Sien is open 7 days a week from 8 am-5 pm and costs THB 50 or $1.60.
It is located of Sukhumvit road south of Pattaya in the same area as Big Buddha Mountain.
10. Go on a Sunset Dinner Cruise.
A sunset cruise with a candle lit dinner makes for a wonderful night to remember. Just sit back with a glass of wine as you cruise out into Pattaya bay. Watch the sun go down over the ocean as you dine on a buffet dinner prepared by an on-board chef.
With an after dinner cocktail, look back at Pattaya bay to enjoy the city lights by night. Look at the stars and breath in the ocean air as you cruise back to the marina.
https://www.conciergepattaya.com/dinner-cruise-pattaya/
https://www.stimuluspattaya.com/sunset
http://www.pattayayachtcharters.com/our-charters/join-in-tours/vip-sunset-yacht-cruise
11. Go to Big Buddha Hill.
Big Buddha Hill “Wat Phra Yai”is located at the highest point in Pattaya on top of Pratumnak hill. The golden Buddha statue is 18 meters “59 feet” tall and can be seen from miles around.
Wat Phra Yai is a working temple and is open to everyone, so it is advised to dress appropriately and be respectful. This site is also a big tourist attraction, so the best time to go would be in the morning when it is slower.
The views of Pattaya bay and Jomtien are breathtaking and merit taking lots of pictures. There are over 250 steps to get up to the top of the hill, so wear comfy shoes. The easiest way to get there is take a Songthaew “blue pickup truck with covered benches in back” for under THB 200.
12. Go to the Beach.
From Naklua Beach “north Pattaya” to Sai Kaew Beach Sattahip, “just south of Na Jomtien, you have a lot of choices. But if you are looking for less crowded beaches, you should avoid Pattaya Beach and some of Jomtien beach. Working north to south, here we go.
Northern beaches.
Naklua area beaches are small and not very crowded. Just east of Sanctuary of Truth is Wong Prachan Beach behind Garden Sea View Resort. Just southwest of that is a tiny beach called Crescent Moon Beach tucked behind the Modus Ocean Resort.
Next, Bamboo Beach is just north of Wong Amat Beach which is separated by the Wong Amat Beach Sunset View Point. This is a mellow beach and you can gain access from a walking path just past Siam Penthouse Condo 3. Within walking distance from the southernmost part on Wong Amat Beach is Coral Beach.
If we skip Pattaya Beach and come around the bend to Pratumnak hill area we have Cozy Beach. South of that is Pratumnak Beach which is accessed via Soi 5 or Soi 6 off Thappraya road. These are both laid back beaches. You can also use the walking path that connects Pratumnak, Dongtan and Jomtien beaches.
Dongtan Beach is known as Pattaya’s gay beach and is just north of Jomtien Beach. Skipping Jomtien Beach, to the south is Ban Amphur Beach. By far one of the better beaches in the area. Take Soi 32 off the Sukhumvit Road.
Going further south, there are several beach resorts such as Sunset Park and Sunset Village resorts. This is all part of Bang Saray Beach and mostly quiet. All are off of Sukhumvit Road.
The last two are mostly hidden gems. Klet Kaeo and Sai Kaew beaches are operated by the Thai Royal Navy and are kept clean and pristine. Off of Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip is the Naval School visitors center. Stop there and tell them you want to go to Sai Kaew Beach and follow their instructions.
13. Visit 3 Kingdoms Park.
Three Kingdoms Park was built by Kiarti Srifuengfung (the ex-owner of Asahi company). It was built to present art, culture and the history between Thailand and China. It is also based on the epic 14th century Chinese novel “Romance of The three Kingdoms”.
The park has many unique experiences for visitors. The setting is laid out in Chinese style Feng shui with many structures including the three pagodas. The main one which has four floors, has some excellent views of the park.
Make sure you look at the longest hand painted tile wall in the world that tells the story of the novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Definitely bring your camera.
Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm. Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Costs around $5 or THB 150.
14. Go to Dinner and a Cabaret Show.
Pattaya has some of the world’s most renowned Cabaret shows, so you really should experience at least one. These shows are around 70 minutes long and feature extravagant costumes, excellent choreography, special lighting and effects and the music is specially written for the shows. All of this is presented in detailed scenery with beautiful ‘showgirls’.
There are three main cabarets in Pattaya. Tiffany’s, Alcazar and Alangkarn.
This site books Alangkarn tickets with buffet and driver. And this site you can book Tiffany’s and Alcazar with dinner and driver for 4 or more people.
15. Rent a Beach Bungalow.
Renting a bungalow directly on the beach can’t get any more relaxing. Sit on your deck with your partner and watch the sun go down over the water. Open up the windows and listen to the water lapping at the shore line as you fall asleep.
If you rent a pool villa or a hotel for part of your stay in Pattaya, you have to experience at least two nights in a beach bungalow. For about THB 5,000 or $160 a night, you can stay in a rustic but updated bungalow with a small fridge and private bath and deck. Search the booking sites for these resorts as well.
16. Take in some 3D art at Art In Paradise.
Art in Paradise is an interactive 3D art museum. You will love the experience of looking down holes in the floor (that aren’t there) of an Egyptian pyramid. Or interacting with the animals in the safari. All the art was done by 12 Korean painters in beautiful 3D art.
There are 9 zones to experience at Art In Paradise. These include Aqua, Safari, Egypt, Fantasy, Thai, Ayutthaya, Classic Art, Dinosaur and Diorama.
They are open 9 am-9 pm.
THB 500-$16 for foreigners and THB 300-$9.60 for Thai’s.
Located on 78/34 Moo 9, Pattaya 2nd Road.
http://www.artinparadise.co.th/
17. Visit Underwater World.
Underwater World is the most beautiful aquarium in Pattaya with 100 meters of clear acrylic tunnels divided into 4 zones. Coral Reef, Shark and Stingray, Giant of Siam and Jellyfish zones.
There are more than 200 species from around the region and they have a feeding schedule that you can’t miss.
Because this is also a family and tourist oriented activity, the best time to go to beat the crowds is weekday mornings. We went around 10 am and as we were leaving the tour buses were rolling in around noon. Definitely a must do in Pattaya.
Open 9 am-6 pm and costs THB 500-$16.
https://www.underwaterworldpattaya.com/en/
18. Go see Sukhawadee House.
Sukhawadee means pureness-happiness-wealthiness. All the main buildings are in both pink and blue. Pink stands for love “without love, you will never succeed. Blue stands for water. Water is the beginning of many lives.
This is a museum/park that showcases an extraordinary collection of antique arts, architectures and statues in Thai, Roman, Greek, classical European, Catholic, Hindu and Buddhist styles. The grounds are a beautiful sight to see with various botanical plants, stunning buildings and holy images to worship.
There are a few packages to choose from with just a tour to tour with buffet and a show. Take a look here so you can decide.
19. Spend the day on Koh Larn Island.
Koh Larn “also known as Coral Island” has 6 beaches that you can play in the white sand and turquoise waters. Here is the list in order of clean and less crowded to dirty and crowded.
- Had Ta Yai beach is the smallest and is usually less crowded with one restaurant and a few bungalows.
- Nual Beach is about the same as the last, with a few more restaurants and fewer people.
- Tien Beach is a nice picturesque and mellow beach with several restaurants, but with about a 5 minute walk from the drop off point.
The view from our loungers at Tien Beach. - Samae Beach is a short hike south from Tien Beach and is one of the bigger beaches with several restaurants and a resort. This one can get quite crowded.
- Tong Lang Beach is a beach mostly accessible by boat but you can hike north from Tawaen Beach along a trail and man bridge to get there. A few restaurants here.
- Tawaen Beach is by far the largest and most crowded. Perhaps because one of the main piers for the ferry is at this beach. Many people get dropped off and stay here all day.
If you take a ferry from Bali Hai Pier, take the ferry that goes to Harbor Island Home Pier. This takes you to the main village and is a much better environment for romantic couples.
Walk straight up the pier and look left down the first alley for a 7-Eleven. Walk down that soi and past the pizza/coffee place until you see an open area with songtows. Tell a driver what beach you want and they will tell you who will take you there.
The ferry from Bali Hai Pier is THB 30-$1 each way per person.
20. Take a stroll around Mini Siam.
Mini Siam is an entire park full of miniature replicas of landmarks from around the world. From the Eiffel Tower to Angkor Wat to The Statue of Liberty to relics of Egypt. I was really amazed at how real they all looked. The attention to detail was impressive.
There are a lot of sitting areas and the paths around the exhibits are well kept. There is a small cafe if you need food and drinks and parking is also free.
Open 7 am-10 pm at THB 300-$9.50 per person for Foreigners. THB 120-$3.85 for Thai’s.
Located at 387 Sukhumvit Road across from Bangkok Hospital central Pattaya.
21. Go to the Sanctuary Of Truth.
The Sanctuary of Truth is a structure made entirely of wood. No other materials are used. The project was started in 1981 and is not expected to be finished until 2025.
This is not a temple or a palace, although it looks like it could be both. The wood is intricately carved in every detail in and out and is not protected from the elements. Therefore it is a never ending endeavor to replace and repair the weathered carvings.
This Thai craftsmanship is unbelievable and should not be missed.
Open 8 am-5 pm and admission is THB 450-$15 depending on where you get tickets.
Click Here for klook.com
Click Here for sanctuaryoftruth.com
22. Spend the day at Nong Nooch Garden.
Nong Nooch is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and is complete with a zoo and real life size dinosaur valley. You can walk above the jungle on the suspended walkways and stop along the way for snacks at the little venders on the way.
There are over 25 garden categories to see here and the grounds are immense. From the orchid garden to Palms of the world to topiary trees to the French and Italian gardens, the list seems endless. I’m not sure you would have the energy to see it all on foot.
The dinosaur valley is impressive in size and scope as you stand next to life size replicas of the dinosaur age. Take lots of pictures here and plan on comfortable shoes for walking.
Check out their site here Click Here for tickets, programs, location and hours.
Conclusion.
I know this is a long list, but my intentions are to have something for everyone. Most on this list take only an hour or two to do or see, therefore you could do a few in one day. For Instance, “because these are all near to each other” go see Big Buddha Mountain, Viharn Sien , Three Kingdoms Park and then go have dinner at Silverlake Winery and watch the sunset at the end of the day.
Either way you go you have plenty of options for memorable moments with your honey.
Happy romantic Thailand travels.