Ah Pattaya. The land of beautiful beaches and endless fun. It’s that one place you would want to visit at least once in your lifetime. With just one direct flight away from KL, it’s fast becoming one of the most visited destinations among tourists in the country.
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Just picture pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters - those are the two distinct features of Pattaya that one must not overlook. You’ll find yourself immersed in the vibrancy and friendliness of the city.
While it may be the hotspot for nightlife, Muslim travellers can still experience the best of Pattaya, and it’s guaranteed to make your vacation a memorable one ?
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1. Indulge in delicious Halal food in town!
Finding halal food can be challenging when travelling but fortunately for Pattaya, it’s not that difficult to come across a decent one as this city welcomes plenty of Muslim visitors every month!
Amir Halal Food
Amir Halal Food serves up a mix of Thai and seafood dishes - all 100% Muslim-owned. The relatively humble little eatery off one of Pattaya’s main roads is often crowded and some days, guests would have to wait in line.
Credit: Maldive Suthuakuljiroch on Facebook
It’s well-known for its Tom Yam, crabs, mussels, prawns and fried chicken with strong flavours showing off the freshness! The portions are generous too, so it’s definitely worth it!
Address: Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 8.00am – 10.00pm
Phone Number: +66 38 373 992
Muslim Seafood Restaurant
The name is pretty self-explanatory. ?As with Amir Halal Food, Muslim Seafood Restaurant is small but big in quality.
Credit: @mahngao on Instagram
The chic beachside restaurant boasts a great view of the ocean, beach hut seating and a great variety of halal dishes! The menu offers authentic Thai dishes and seafood that won’t break your bank. Coupled with an amazing atmosphere, you know you’re in for a good meal when you’re here.
Address: 8/12 Moo 6, Tambon Nong Prue, Amphoe Laemchabang, Chon Buri
Phone Number: +66819531678
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10.00am – 8.00pm.
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Before we all get ourselves a little too excited about this, it’s important that we highlight that there’s only one KFC outlet that’s halal in all of Pattaya. It’s located in the Royal Garden Plaza along the beach road, just opposite of Pattaya beach.
Credit: @mporr_ on Instagram
Everything there is 100% halal certified so Muslim travellers should pop by and have a meal. The location is pretty strategic, so it can be crowded! Do come early if you can.
Address: Royal Garden Plaza, Pattaya
Phone Number: +66 2 655 0455
Opening Hours: Opens 24 hours
2. Experience the rich and beautiful culture of Thailand
When it comes to culture, there is no better place to do that than in Thailand. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the colourful culture of the locals. For a country that takes pride in the preservation of nature and architectural buildings, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Sanctuary Of Truth
Credit: @tirmld on Instagram
Of wooden art and hand-made carvings, this beachside building is actually a sanctuary. An interesting fact about it - the construction was initiated in 1981 and scheduled to be completed in 2050! As you step inside the complex, you’ll be greeted by the delicate carvings done by various figures from six different traditions.
Credit: John Hanon on Flickr
Pay attention to the architectural style and take your time just embracing the intricate details of the wood carvings. Although the sanctuary makes for an unforgettable experience, it is still important for visitors to be respectful and not cause any problem.
Credit: Darren Puttock on Flickr
#HHWT Tip: You can opt for a tour group with an English-speaking guide who will tell you everything you need to know about the sanctuary. There’s also a workshop where you can witness the craftsmen working on the sculptures, so do spend longer time at the complex and take in as much as you can :)
Thai Thani
Credit: Thai Thani Pattaya on Facebook
You can’t leave Pattaya without catching the cultural show! Make a trip to Thai Thani Arts and Cultural Village, a unique attraction that recreates the bygone world of Thailand, showing visitors what it was like back in the days. From culture to traditions and arts and crafts, visitors will be able to experience the old Thai way of life.
Credit: Thai Thani Pattaya on Facebook
Be fully entertained by the performing arts show where you witness the elegant traditional Thai dance. Be in awe of the carefully and beautifully choreographed dance steps that originate from four regions of Thailand, while you feast in delicious Thai delicacies.
Credit: Thai Thani Arts And Cultural Village on Facebook
Doesn’t that sound like a perfect evening? You won’t get it anywhere else other than Pattaya ?
#HHWT Tip: Halal food is available upon request. Do ask in advance prior to your trip (at least 2 working days) so it’ll be convenient for the kitchen to prepare!
Admission fee from TB 300
Address: 88 Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chang Wat Chon Buri
Phone Number: +66 38 119 080
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10.30am – 8.00pm
Nong Nooch Botanical Garden
Credit: Sergey on Flickr
Make your way to the largest botanical garden in South East Asia – the one and only Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. Stretching over 600 acres, this garden was originally used as plantation to grow local fruits. In time, the entire place was transformed into a garden to conserve plants and flowers.
Credit: Siam Touristo on Facebook
While you stroll along the garden, you’ll find around four different settings - French garden, Animal Sculpture garden, Stonehenge garden and Butterfly Hill. Be sure to drop by the Stonehenge Garden that was modeled after the popular prehistoric monument in English!
Credit: Nongnooch Garden Pattaya on Facebook
For animal lovers, check out the Animal Sculpture Garden where you’ll find sculptures of your favourite animals such as kangaroos, llamas and so many more!
Admission fee from TB 500 (non-inclusive of shows) or TB 800 (inclusive of shows)
Address: 34/1 Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Phone Number: +66 38 238 061
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 8.00am – 5.30pm.
3. Get your adrenaline pumping with fun water activities
Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark
Want a little fun on your holiday? Families with kids will surely love Cartoon Network Amazone, one of Thailand’s largest water parks that’s themed around popular character of the channel. Yes, you name it - they’ve got Johnny Bravo, Ben 10, Courage the Cowardly Dog and the Powerpuff Girls!
Credit: Cartoon Network Amazone on Facebook
Step inside and you’ll discover a water park full of pure fun and excitement! Experience the wonders of exhilarating high-speed water slides and rides. The mega pool in the centre of the attraction whips up the kind of waves that the sea can, so you can be assured that you’ll have plenty of fun ?
#HHWT Tip: Amplify the thrill of it by surfing the waves. Rent a surf board and ride the waves like a pro.
Credit: Cartoon Network Amazone on Facebook
Those seeking for more thrills, go for the rides and slides that are catered for all bravery levels! Be sure to check out XLR8-TOR, the fastest and probably the steepest among other slides where you start off with a very steep free fall in an enclosed tube and end up in the pool with a big splash!
Credit: Cartoon Network Amazone on Facebook
For a longer ride, get on the Omintrix. With a length over 350 meters, the ride starts over 25 meters above the ground with four people in a circular raft. As you gently gain speed and enter an enclosed tube, be prepared for steep drops and sharp turns!
For families with kids, the Riptide Rapids river is perfect for a relaxing ride just floating down the river.
#HHWT Tip: Halal food is available at this park right by the food court. Just look for Foodville.
Ticket price from TB 900
Address: 888 Moo8 NaJomtien Najomtien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10.00am – 6.00pm
Coral Island
Whether you’re going down the shore or riding the waves in Pattaya, Coral Island is always a popular destination. At just 7km off the coast of Pattaya, the island boasts beautiful beaches with clear waters and lush foliage.
Water enthusiasts would be floating on cloud nine on Taewan Beach, the ideal spot for jet skis and banana boat! Due to its long sandy beach, Taewan is also popular amongst tourists, as compared to the other beaches.
If you want to be a little more adventurous, try parasailing over the sea. Feast your eyes on the majesty of Pattaya as you zoom along at 500 feet, pulled behind a power boat through the breeze. Comfortably strapped into your harness, dangle your feet and relax while you enjoy the fresh air and the breath-taking view.
Credit: Coral Island Pattaya on Facebook
Climb aboard the banana boat and let the speed boat take you over bumps, waves, tight turns and all you have to do is just hang on for your life! Doesn’t that sound like the perfect beach vacation you’ve always wanted? ;)
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4. Treat yourself to a shopping spree!
Central Festival Mall Pattaya
Credit: David Herd on Facebook
Central Festival Shopping Mall is the place to be for every shopaholic! With a beachfront location and a complex full of international brands and various entertainment options, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Opened almost 10 years ago, this mall is the go-to place for everyone seeking to step away from the ocean and go on a shopping spree.
Credit: Cath Kidston Thailand on Facebook
Filling half of the mall is the range of exclusive fashion brands like Calvin Klein, French Connection, Armani Exchange and Cath Kidston! Beyond these labels, for anyone who’s not up for shopping, can treat themselves to some good food or go to the bowling alley.
#HHWT Tip: There is a halal restaurant on the fourth level, Palace Restaurant that specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine, so take a break from shopping and have a bite at this beautiful restaurant.
Address: 333/99 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road, South Pattaya
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 11.00am – 11.00pm.
Pattaya Floating Market
Credit: @pattayafloatingmarket on Instagram
What is Thailand without its floating markets? Similar to Bangkok, Pattaya has its fair share of floating markets as well. Head over to Amphoe Bang Lamung where you can find a colourful floating market that showcases the ancient Thai community who still resides by the river.
Credit: @pattayafloatingmarket on Instagram
Covering an area of 100,00sqm, the market is divided into four sections, each representing the major parts of Thailand. Cruise along the river with your guide and feast your eyes on the many food stalls, and souvenir shops. The boat can accommodate at least four people and you can hire one for 30 minutes for a small fee.
Entrance fee from TB 200
Address: 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road Pattaya.
Phone Number: 038 706340
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 9.00am – 8.00pm.
Thepprasit Night Market
Credit: ชื่อพอเพียงนามสกุลเพียงพอ on Facebook
If you’re familiar with Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thepprasit Night Market is a little similar to that, but much smaller. This market is open every weekend (including Friday) between 6pm and 10pm. But the vendors would usually start trading around 5pm so don’t worry if you arrive a tad bit early.
Credit: Street Of’mind on Facebook
Whether you want to find affordable clothes or even authentic Thai street food, Thepprasit will not disappoint! The entire market comprises of a diverse range of goods that you can buy, from souvenirs to even cosmetics. There’s plenty of Muslim food vendors around as well, so you need not worry about the availability of halal food.
5. Stay in the heart of Pattaya at Muslim-friendly hotels
A-One New Wing Hotel
Credit: A-One The Royal Cruise Hotel on Facebook
Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and the salty breeze of the ocean? That’s exactly what you’ll get at A-One New Wing Hotel. There’s just so many interesting aspects to the hotel. The fact that it is shaped like a cruise is already enough to lure in guests!
Credit: A-ONE The Royal Cruise Hotel on Facebook
A luxurious escape that spoils guests with a beautiful swimming pool, it is an ideal accommodation for families and couples. With elegant designs for each room, A-One New Wing Hotel offers spaciousness, coupled with a view that’s hard not to love.
#HHWT Tip: Treat yourself to with a meal at Harbour Restaurant, a 100% halal-certified restaurant on the first floor of the hotel.
Rates from TB 2,000
Address: 500-501 North Pattaya Beach Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150
Phone Number: +66 (0) 38 259 555
Noursabah Pattaya
Credit: @leeseiki on Instagram
Looking for a cosy accommodation? Noursabah is the one! This Muslim-owned boutique hotel is adorned with the likes of Islamic patterns and designs that will make you feel like you’re in a different place. Don’t miss out on snapping Instagrammable photos around this unique hotel!
Credit: @umamayz on Instagram
There’s nothing sleeker and more stylish than an all-white room and that’s essentially what Noursabah is all about when it comes to the rooms. Minimalistic and comfortable! You’ll be sleeping in no time. ?
#HHWT Tip: You can take a dip at the swimming pool in the hotel’s vicinity or a leisurely walk around the premises. There’s also a halal restaurant in the hotel if you want to drop by!
Rates from TB 1,300
Address: 43/71 Pattaya Tai Soi 10 Nongprue, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri
Phone Number: +66 38 415 561
Vantage Resort
Credit: Vantage Resort on Facebook
A gorgeous accommodation nestled on a hilltop overlooking the green lawns, away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya streets. Located in Nong Prue, this spacious resort is Muslim-owned and the restaurant is halal-certified.
Credit: Vantage Resort Pattaya on Facebook
And what’s so Muslim-friendly about this accommodation? You’ll be able to enjoy the privacy of the whole resort with your loved ones and family! Also, with a great location close to a mosque (5-minute walk) and the picturesque greenery, it’s a bliss to end of the day.
Rates from TB 1,000
Address: 24/42, Soi Mabsong Kaimuay, Pattaya, Thailand
Phone Number: +66 038-405-383
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For any beach enthusiast or any traveller for that matter, Pattaya is the place that will guarantee only great memories with your loved ones. If Pattaya is not on your list, this article should convince you, so get your passports ready!
This article is brought to you by AirAsia.