Nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya, one of Thailand’s magnificent islands, is a fascinating escape for singles, couples, friends and families alike in search of recreation, sports, sightseeing, vibrant nightlife, fantastic shopping, cabaret shows, sea, sand and sun.

Blessed with a broad range of things to do and an endless variety of attractions to suit any taste and budget, Pattaya Island is a truly unique exotic beach resort that welcomes approximately welcomes 5 million visitors annually. The following are some of the most popular attractions in Pattaya that are worth a visit during your holiday.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

A visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is an experience you’ll never forget! Located on Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi Province, the 500-acre garden is a beautifully landscaped recreational park and one of the most spectacular botanical gardens in South East Asia. Nong Nooch is best known for its impressive Thai cultural and traditional dance shows, marital arts, amazing elephant shows and religious ceremonies. The garden is also dedicated to education, preservation and research, preserving the world’s largest palm collection, largest variety of orchids in Thailand and other tropical flora and fauna. Things to see in Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden include: the Fountain Garden; Bonsai Collection; Butterfly Hill; Rock Garden; Antique Hall and Wrightia Religiosa Garden.

The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm

Located on an over-70-acre piece of land just 15 minutes’ drive from Pattaya, the Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm is a new appealing tourist attraction ideal for all nature lovers.  It is a living museum of natural beauty, containing more than its name suggests: landscaped grounds with tropical flowers, Thai-style trained trees over 200 years old, award-winning bonsai trees, rare plants and animals, strange rocks, the largest artificial waterfall in Thailand and, of course, amusing and thrilling crocodile wresting shows. Come and have a nice day!

Elephant Village

Those who visit the Elephant Village — a private sanctuary opened to save sick and injured elephants, are considered lifesavers as the fees paid by the visitors do contribute to the very survival of these heavenly creatures that live here with dignity and freedom from fear. Located on the road to Siam Country Club Golf Course, Pattaya Elephant Village is an interesting and fun packed day out with a wide selection of things to do, from river rafting, to elephant and jungle trekking to playing with the Gibbons, add to this Thai dancing, Ox-cart ride, Tahi sword fighting and much more. The elephant show, which lasts one and a half hours, demonstrates bathing, training and forestry skills of these intelligent animals. Enjoy the exciting elephant show and have a completely different experience, returning home with the desire to return again and again!

Sriracha Tier Zoo

Covering over-100-acre piece of land, the grand Sriracha Tieger Zoo is one of the most popular zoos of Thailand. It’s a fine place to see not only more than 200 Bengal tigers, thousands of crocodiles and various kinds of animals, but it’s also a fine getaway for many amusing activities and dazzling shows. You’ll be amused at the amazing Circus by tiger, bear and chimpanzee shows and enjoy watching elephants massaging, dancing, fashion show and playing basketball. Do not miss out to witness the kind-hearted pig feeding the tiger cubs with her own milk along with the piglets, and to experience the ‘Crocodile Hatching Festival,’ every day from May to August.