Free things to do · Pattaya · Thailand
8 free things to do in Pattaya
Pattaya without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 3 days in Pattaya without paying an entry fee: Walking Street, Khao Chi Chan, Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach are all free. Use baht buses and ride-hailing apps instead of taxis touting on the street.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 8
- Low-cost extras
- 3
- Cost level
- Affordable
- Lowest hotel prices
- June and September–October
Free sights and experiences
Street · South Pattaya and Walking Street
1.Walking Street
Walk the length of the street once for the spectacle, keep valuables secure in the crowds and check bar prices before ordering.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- After dark
- Iconic
- Free
Landmark · Sattahip
2.Khao Chi Chan
Combine it with Wat Yansangwararam and Silverlake vineyard nearby, and visit in the late afternoon when the gold catches the sun.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Beach · Central Pattaya
3.Pattaya Beach
Walk the promenade at sunset, when the heat eases and the bay glows; for swimming, Jomtien or Koh Larn usually have clearer water.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- After dark
Beach · Jomtien
4.Jomtien Beach
Head to the southern end for more space and kite-surfing schools, and visit the Jomtien Night Market in the evening.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Active
Viewpoint · Pratumnak Hill
5.Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)
Go about 30 minutes before sunset to watch the bay change colour, then walk down to Walking Street for dinner.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
Religious site · Pratumnak Hill
6.Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
Find the Buddha image for the day of the week you were born and make a small offering, as Thai visitors do.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
Religious site · Sattahip
7.Wat Yansangwararam
Dress modestly, and visit on the same trip as Khao Chi Chan, which is a short drive away.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
Beach · Naklua and Wongamat
8.Wongamat Beach
Combine a morning swim here with the Sanctuary of Truth at the southern end of the beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| South Pattaya and Walking Street | Walking Street | 1–3 hours |
| Sattahip | Khao Chi Chan and Wat Yansangwararam | 45 minutes + 1–1.5 hours |
| Central Pattaya | Pattaya Beach | 1–2 hours |
| Jomtien | Jomtien Beach | Half a day |
| Pratumnak Hill | Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak) and Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) | 45 minutes + 45 minutes |
| Naklua and Wongamat | Wongamat Beach | Half a day |
Worth a small ticket
Island · Koh Larn
Koh Larn (Coral Island)
Take the public ferry rather than a speedboat tour, and head to Samae or Tien beach, which are usually quieter than Tawaen.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
Market · Naklua and Wongamat
Lan Pho Naklua seafood market
Buy seafood by weight and have it cooked on the spot, then eat in the waterside park; go in the late afternoon.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Off the beaten path
Market · Jomtien
Thepprasit Night Market
Go on Friday or Saturday evening, arrive hungry and try grilled seafood, fried insects if you dare, and coconut ice cream.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- After dark
- Shopping
- Kids
More ways to save
- Use baht buses and ride-hailing apps instead of taxis touting on the street.
- Take the public ferry to Koh Larn rather than a speedboat tour.
- Eat at night markets and local restaurants rather than on Beach Road.
- Visit between May and October for much lower hotel rates.
- Book attraction tickets online in advance, where discounts are often available.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Pattaya expensive to visit?
Pattaya is affordable for most visitors, but 8 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Pattaya?
Walking Street: Walk the length of the street once for the spectacle, keep valuables secure in the crowds and check bar prices before ordering.