Exploring the seaside town of Pattaya normally evokes all the thoughts of Sex, Drugs and waking up in your own vomit with some stranger beside you. Well I’m here to tell you that Pattaya is much more than it’s reputation.
I want to start with one of the must see things in Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth. The sanctuary is an all-wood building filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs by the same brain child as the Erawan Museum in Bangkok.
Made entirely of wood, no steel nails or screws here, the Sanctuary of Truth is best described as a visionary environment: part art installation, religious shrine and cultural monument.
Every inch of this 20 storey tall building is covered with wooden carvings, featuring Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses – an artistic consolidation of centuries of religious myths under one unifying roof for greater spiritual enlightenment.
For non-Buddhists the experience may be more educational than transcendent as much of the symbolism will be unfamiliar. At 500THB entry, you could do a lot worse with your money.
Next up is a boat ride to Kho Larn just off the coastline at Pattaya. Taking an over crowded ferry ride to the island takes approximately 1 hour and costs 30THB. Speedboats are also available for a quicker and bumpier trip, which will cost you ten times the amount.
Once on the island arriving at Na Ban Pier, you can explore the street markets, or bargin with a local for a scooter to explore the island.
I hopped a scooter for 200THB for the day, and buzzed around the narrow paved streets, taking time out for lunch and a swim on the less populated beach Tian Beach.
For 50THB grab yourself a reclining seat on the sand and swim in the less polluted water.
My last hot tip, is Jomtien beach, a more family orientated beach setting. Situated approximately 2km from Walking Street Pattaya, this 6km straight stretch of sand is much quieter compared to it rowdy neighbours.
Enjoy the cheaper seafood snacks before splashing around in the uncluttered sea. Nightlife in Jomtein is much slower than the blunt and frenetic experience found Pattaya.
So yes, there are more options than just Pattaya Sex!