Pattaya, Thailand is best known for its nightlife. Even if you’re not one of those tourists who travel primarily for carnal pleasures, a stroll along Walking Street at night is a must. It’s a very different world out there once the sun sets, and it is nice to sit down somewhere quiet, have a beer, and just watch the people going by.

However, there are other things you can do in Pattaya, once the sun is up. Here are just a few of them.

Lunch for sale at the Pattaya Floating Market.

You can shop for souvenirs at the Pattaya floating market… which was created primarily for tourists. The entrance is free, and everything inside is geared to maximize touristic experiences, from the boat tours on the man-made lake to the numerous stalls selling souvenir items. If you enjoy this kind of thing, or if this is your first time to see a floating market, I’m sure you’d enjoy it here.

One good thing about it is that there’s a variety of food available, and since Thai food, wherever you can find it, is very good, you can’t go wrong by eating here.

…or go swimming, snorkeling, island hopping, or diving.

The beach at the Birds and Bees Resort.

There are a lot of dive shops and other tour operators in Pattaya which can take you island hopping for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. I didn’t get a chance to do these things, though, since it was more expensive than in the Philippines. However, I did get to go to the Birds and Bees Resort, and their beach seen from the restaurant looked nice and inviting.

The resort had an organic farm too, which supplies the vegetables they use in their restaurants. They use old rubber shoes as planters, and play Mozart to their chickens. I’m sure their poultry know more of Mozart’s music than I do, hearing it over and over again the whole day!

An organic farm in Pattaya also recycles.

Happy are the chickens who listen to Mozart.

You can also visit and ride the elephants in the Elephant Village… You’ll be taken on a tour of the village, and have a chance to feed them and watch them display their skills. However, I have never taken the tour, so I have no idea if it’s worth it or if they’re treating the elephants well. I have read mixed reviews, and I don’t like supporting business which are cruel to the animals .

An elephant waiting for rides.

…or, best of all, just go on a food trip! Thai food is really the best, and even in Pattaya, you can find a lot of cheap and delicious meals anywhere. Even the street food taste great, like this spicy noodle dish sold in front of our hotel, or the variety of dishes sold by this woman along the street.

Street food is available anywhere in Thailand.

Various street food on a stick along Beach Road.

Aside from the “regular” dishes that Thailand is known for, there are more “exotic” ones too, like this insect dish that seemed to be quite popular. The leaves make it healthier, I suppose, but I had to say no to tasting it. I’m adventurous but not to the extent of tasting all the local insects and rodents. The noodles and fish balls seemed so much more palatable!

Anyone want a serving of this?

Pattaya is best known for its nightlife, yes, but like Thailand as a whole, it has many other facets, many other sides to its personality that are just as fun and just as worthwhile to find out.

Have you been to Pattaya? What are the other things to do there that you can recommend?

 Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you!

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