Top 10 Main Reasons to Enjoy a Pattaya Family Holiday

Rowan (Guinness Bear) 9 min read

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When we think of Pattaya, a family-style holiday destination is not what initially springs to mind. You might usually think of beers, babes, and nights out, but Pattaya has so much more 🥇 

Many people don’t realize that Pattaya has some of the best family attractions of any major tourist destination in Thailand. More than Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok)? Maybe more than all of them combined! 🏆

Here are our list of the top 10 main reasons to enjoy a Pattaya family holiday:

#10 People Living in Pattaya

Pattaya has roughly one million residents and receives a record number of tourists yearly. Residents of Pattaya are amiable and very welcoming, which is one of the reasons to enjoy a Pattaya family-friendly holiday.

In my opinion, tourism in Pattaya and Thailand is only possible due to the friendly nature of the locals 🥇 By looking at the massive number of tourists arriving here, we can safely assume this. Therefore, you can find family-friendly tourist destinations and places to stay and enjoy authentic foreign eateries worldwide. The people of Pattaya are very welcoming.

#9 Not Just the Sin City of Southeast Asia

Pattaya has changed a lot recently, and many family-friendly parks and shopping malls have emerged 🏅 There are many reasons to be in Pattaya with your family. Family-friendly accommodations and activities are one of the main reasons to be here. If you are visiting Pattaya with your family, many accommodation options exist. I would recommend North Pattaya, which has a quiet and calm environment away from the hustle and bustle. There, you can find all sorts of places to stay 🧔

Pattaya is filled with fun activities for families as well. You can enjoy a day trip to one of the nearby Islands or waterparks in Pattaya. If the day is getting hotter, you can take your kids to the beach, such as Jomtien Beach, to cool off. Pattaya also has several shopping malls where you can take kids to cinemas and kid-friendly activities. Seeing is believing, and one must see that Pattaya is not just a sin city anymore; it is a place for families to visit, enjoy, and have fun during their holidays.

#8 Pleasant Climate of Pattaya

I must say that the climate of Pattaya is one of the many reasons visitors flock here, as it has four seasons, which are wet, dry, warm, and tropical. Most tourists are from Europe and Russia, where winters are harsh, and seek the beautiful climate.

The perfect time to visit Pattaya city is from November to February when the weather is neither hot nor cold and remains pleasant 🧔 This is one of the peak seasons for tourism in Pattaya. From March to May, the weather in Pattaya is hot and humid, and beaches become packed during this season.

Don't forget to bring sunscreen when visiting this season. June to October is the wet season, and Pattaya receives consistent rainfall, making it ideal for many tourists as accommodation becomes affordable. And as always, don't forget to bring extra clothes after you enjoy the rain.

#7 Dining in Pattaya

Pattaya keeps welcoming tourists all year long. Due to many foreign tourists, the menus in hotels and restaurants have diversified 🥇 You can easily find any cuisine from any part of the world.

Local Thai dishes are also stars of the show, and street food can be found in abundance, which will keep you craving more. You can dine on the beach and the rooftops of the city's tallest buildings. With a choice of hundreds of food outlets, restaurants, and hotels, eating in Pattaya is the 7th top reason to enjoy a Pattaya family holiday.

#6 Become a Shopaholic in Pattaya

Pattaya is a bustling city with life and everything. Shopping is one of the favorite activities of all locals and tourists 🥇 And becoming a shopaholic in Pattaya is why you enjoy a holiday with your family in Pattaya.

You can come across large shopping malls to street markets, and you can find anything anywhere from high-end fashion accessories to bargain deals, you name it, and Pattaya has it 🧔 The largest seaside mall and jewelry store in the world are in Pattaya. Some of the recommendations are:

• Central Festival Pattaya Beach
  
  • This vast shopping mall dominates the Pattaya beach skyline, and you can find all sorts of brands, a movie hall, a bowling alley, great food options, electronics stores, and much more.
  • Business Hours:
    • 11 AM – 11 PM
      
  • Location:
    • 333/99 Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260

• Pattaya Floating Market
  • The floating market offers a sneak peek into authentic ways of life. You can hop onto a floating boat, roam around four market sections, and pick up beautiful souvenirs, handicrafts, antique toys, and more.
  • Business Hours:
    • 9 AM – 8 PM
      
  • Location:
    • 451/304 Moo 12, Nongprue, Banglamung. Chonburi 20150

• Pattaya Night Bazaar
  
  • Although named a night bazaar, this market is open all day, and visitors come looking for budget shopping in Pattaya. With a massive array of shops, you can find clothes, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, and even souvenirs in the Pattaya Night Bazaar.
  • Business Hours:
    • 11 AM – 11 PM
      
  • Location:
    • 519/106 Soi Nong Thep, Tambon Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150

#5 Because Pattaya is Amazing!

What is there not to love about Pattaya? It is impressive for a family holiday! Do not get caught up in the ‘Pattaya is only about partying’ talk because it’s untrue. In a few years, we might discuss Pattaya as Southeast Asia's best family holiday destination! It is moving in the right direction 🏅 And is the fifth reason to enjoy a Pattaya family holiday.

Fast Facts: Pattaya Family Holiday

• Pattaya has more family attractions than any other Thai holiday destination.
• The city is home to some of the best water parks in Thailand.
• Pattaya has more zoos and theme parks than the rest of Thailand combined.
• If you search a little, Pattaya also has some stunning beaches.
• Pattaya is changing and is now a top-notch family destination.

#4 Natural Sights and Pattaya Beaches

Pattaya might not be in the same league as St. Lucia, Phuket, or the Maldives regarding beautiful beaches, but it can still hold its own. The area has some real surprises and hidden gems. The main beaches in Pattaya and Jomtien are a little too over-commercialized, but there are some great options if you are willing to look around.

A 20-minute drive from the city to the east, you will find Bangsaray Beach and the Royal Thai Navy Beach known as Sai Kaew. These are the two most beautiful in the region and starkly contrast to Pattaya Beach Road. You could take a short ferry ride to Koh Larn from Bali Hai Pier for only 100 THB.

At Koh Larn, you will be catapulted into a world of untold natural beauty. Koh Larn Island has several stunning beaches and crystal-blue seas, just like those south of Thailand. It's just a short ferry ride away!

#3 Pattaya Family Holiday Zoos and Theme Parks

Kids have a great time on a Pattaya family holiday as there are many family-style attractions, zoos, and theme parks. Did you know that the city is home to the largest aquarium in this part of Thailand? How about Pattaya having the most popular night safari? Did you know Pattaya has a park with ancient stones that are millions of years old? Here are some of the best Pattaya zoos and Pattaya theme parks that are ranked highly on TripAdvisor 🧔

Check out these recommendations!

• Underwater World Pattaya
  
  • Underwater World Pattaya Aquarium is a purpose-built facility famous for its 105-meter-long water tunnel. The park is home to many sharks, stingrays, fighting fish, turtles, and aquatic delights.
  • This aquarium is located in a central location on Sukhumvit Road between Pattaya and Jomtien.
  • The tickets cost (subject to change) 500 THB for adults and 300 THB for kids. It’s a great few hours of fun and offers a very educational experience.
    

• Million Year Stone Park & Crocodile Farm
  
  • If you want to see ancient stones that are millions of years old, crocodiles, snakes, monkey shows, and many other animals such as bears and much more, an afternoon or full day at the Million Year Stone Park is terrific family fun.
  • Located a 20-minute drive outside the city at Nongplalai, the zoo is easy to reach. The tickets cost 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for kids.
    

• Khao Kheow Open Zoo
  
  • This beautiful Khao Kheow Open Zoo and Safari Park is 40 minutes outside the city. It's home to the stunning Bengal Tiger and is known as an animal-friendly zoo.
  • A night safari option also takes place at 7 pm and 8 pm. The ticket prices for this zoo are 300 THB per person.
    

• Nong Nooch Gardens
  
  • Located at Bangsaray in stunning countryside, check out the mesmerizing botanical gardens, rides, and wildlife features in Nong Nooch Gardens.
  • This is one of the most popular and memorable theme park attractions for Pattaya family holidays for tourists of all ages.
  • Ticket prices cost 500 THB.

#2 Pattaya Water Parks

Some of the newest and most modern Pattaya family holiday attractions were recently built. Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Water and Theme Park (formerly Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark) and Ramayana Water Park are the most popular in the region. Both parks are located in the Bangsaray area, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Pattaya. They offer state-of-the-art water slides that create awesome aquatic adventures! Come and get down with Cartoon Network favorites such as Finn & Jake, Ben 10, The Regular Show, and much more.

The choice of water slides at the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Water and Theme Park (formerly Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark) is stunning. They are open seven days per week, and ticket prices start from 790 THB! Ramayana Water Park was built in 2016 and is already lauded as the best water park in the region. It is the cheapest and best value for money.

With ticket prices that start from 600 THB, the value is excellent. Pattaya has some of the most awesome water parks you can find, and it has to be the second-best reason to enjoy a family holiday here.

#1 Pattaya is Cleaning Up its act!

I like kids a lot. I used to be one myself back in the olden days.  Now I have a couple of kids of my own, I am starting to see Pattaya in a different light 🏆 The ethos and philosophy of Pattaya tourism are changing. And has been for the past 7 or 8 years. Pattaya was always known as a ‘City of Sin,’ but the cleanup is now in full effect. Major party areas such as Soi 6 and even the Pattaya Walking Street have recently been undergoing crackdowns.

Pattaya is moving away from its seedy nightlife reputation and trying to create a wholesome and family-oriented atmosphere. Recently, we have seen the construction of many infrastructures, such as the Pattaya underpass and ferry terminals to Hua Hin. Other plans are in place, such as reinventing Walking Street.

The Thai government has finally decided to change the city’s reputation for the better. Many Pattaya family holiday attractions have been constructed over the past 5-years, especially in the surrounding countryside areas in Nong Prue, Huay Yai, Na Jomtien, and Bangsaray.

Pattaya is not the same place 10 years ago and will be almost unrecognizable in 10 years. The city has changed, taking a new perspective on the holiday, making it the top reason to enjoy a family holiday in Pattaya.

Pattaya is one of the crown jewels of the natural beauty of Thailand. There are countless reasons to visit Pattaya on a family holiday because it has transitioned from a sin city to a more family-oriented tourist destination. Ensure you don't miss the top 10 reasons to enjoy a Pattaya family holiday and create some memories here.