Welcoming you with its Hollywood-like Pattaya signboard, endless line of palm trees and sand beaches, Pattaya is said to be the Miami of the East. Lesser known than its sister cities, Bangkok and Phuket, there is more in store for you on the island than meets the eye. From intricately carved teak structures to a Cartoon Network-themed waterpark, it could very well be your family’s next relaxing holiday destination.

Planning Your Adventure

1. Cartoon Network Amazone

Source: Shutterstock

Newly opened, Cartoon Network Amazone is the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed water park. Featuring all time favourites, The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Gumball, Chowder and tons of other characters, it is the perfect place to bring your kids to. Approximately an hour away from Holiday Inn Pattaya, the hotel offers free shuttle service to the waterpark at 08.00AM and 11.00AM (Bangkok time). Adult Non-Thai-Resident tickets go at 1,590 Baht while children are at 1,290 Baht. You can save 100 Baht if you purchase your tickets online!

Cartoon Network Amazone
Address: 888 Moo 8 Najomtien, Chonburi 20250
Telephone No.: +66 (85) 367 1611
Opening Hours: 10.00AM – 6.00PM
Website

2. Sea Sports

With the sea at your doorstep, there is no reason not to jet ski or have a bird’s eye view of Pattaya while strapped to your parasail. Depending on your sense of adventure and availability of time, you could purchase all-day packages that come with snorkeling, diving or island hopping options. There are numerous vendors along the beach for you to pick from but as kiasu Singaporeans, we decided to book through the hotel’s concierge. Albeit a little pricier, the convenience in booking, sense of security from the vendor’s affiliation to the hotel and being picked up and dropped off back at the lobby made it worth the price.

Retail Therapy At Pattaya

1. CentralFestival Pattaya Beach

When asked for shopping options, majority of the locals would point to this faded orange building. Home to 313 stores of international brands, local restaurant chains, fast food outlets, food court and supermarket, it is an unexpected find amongst all the low-rise establishments along the beach. However, if you are looking for Platinum Mall or Chatuchak-like buys, this may not be your place of choice. The variety of brands and price levels are largely similar to what we may find along Orchard road. One thing though, if you are a roasted meat or steamboat lover, you won’t want to miss out on this economically-priced plate of juicy goodness at MK Restaurant located on the fourth floor of the mall!

CentralFestival Pattaya Beach
Address: 333/99 Tumbon Nongprue Amphur Banglamung Pattaya, Chonburi 20260
Opening Hours: 11.00AM – 11.00PM
Website

MK Restaurant
Address: CentralFestival, 333/99 Tumbon Nongprue Amphur Banglamung Pattaya, #05-507/510, Chonburi 20260
Telephone No.: +66 (38) 043 2812
Opening Hours: 11.00AM – 11.00PM
Website  

2. Beach Pop-up Stalls

A better alternative to the mall is the pop up stalls lining the beach. If you are searching for clothing, you are unlikely to find any but you can definitely walk away with a souvenir or two. Run by locals, there are plenty of handicrafts, locally made products and snacks, items unique to Pattaya. What caught our eye were durian chips, which we thought would make good gifts for the durian lovers back home. It is also a lot more affordable purchasing it there than the commercialized packets sold in stores or at the airport.

Planning Some Relaxation

1. Sanctuary of Truth

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A 15-minute shuttle bus ride away from Holiday Inn Pattaya, it is a sight to behold. Overlooking the sea, this all-wood temple has been undergoing construction for decades, much like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Walking the grounds of the sanctuary has a surprisingly therapeutic effect as you take in the smell of teak, observe the craftsmen at their work and hear the periodic crashing of waves against the shore. Open from 08.00AM to 05.00PM (Bangkok time) daily, entrance fees are at 500 Baht per person.

Sanctuary of Truth
Address: 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12 , Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150
Telephone No.: +66 (0) 3836 7229
Opening Hours: 8.00AM – 5.00PM
Website  

2. Thai Massage

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There is no better way to end your adventure-filled day than with a relaxing Thai massage. Littering the streets, you have the luxury of picking the parlour that appeals most to you. Parents, this is the time to utilize Holiday Inn’s kids club and pamper yourself to an hour of royalty treatment – refreshing cucumber slices to cleanse your face, full body massage and for ladies, a manicure or pedicure.

So if you are planning your holiday destination for the upcoming June vacation, look no further. For a short weekend getaway, situated not too far off from Singapore, and one that is most likely within your budget with your children, Pattaya could be one of your top considerations!

 

Featured Image Credits

This trip was made possible by Expedia.com.sg & Holiday Inn Pattaya.