For a long time, Pattaya has been seen as a top spot for single people. However, despite what many might think, it’s actually one of the most family-friendly places in the country. With its sunny weather, fresh fruits, sandy beaches, and loads of attractions, Pattaya offers an experience that is hard to beat. 

Staying at hotels in Pattaya, like the Centara Hotels & Resorts, can make your trip even better with comfortable rooms and family-friendly services. In this blog, we will explore some of our favourite family-friendly day trips in Pattaya. 

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a 600-acre Tropical garden located in Pattaya. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Nong Nooch also hosts cultural performances, showing traditional Thai dancing, sword fighting, and even Muay Thai boxing. 

To fully explore Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours. This allows time to enjoy the themed gardens, cultural shows, and attractions such as Dinosaur Valley and the Animal Kingdom. The garden opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM, and it's best to visit during the weekdays, as the weekend is usually crowded. 

Make sure you get your ticket early to take advantage of discounts. Tickets usually cost about 500 THB for adults and 300 THB for children. 

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

If your family loves animals, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is the perfect day trip from Pattaya. The zoo is home to over 8,000 animals from around the world, including giraffes, elephants, tigers, and penguins. The great thing about Khao Kheow is that many animals are in large, natural enclosures so that you can see them in environments similar to the wild.

One of the main attractions is the savannah zone, where you can drive through and see animals like zebras, antelopes, and rhinos roaming freely. Your kids will love the chance to feed giraffes from a raised platform. Children can also learn about endangered species and the importance of protecting these animals for future generations. The zoo offers tram rides, making it easy to explore the large area without tiring little legs.

The entrance fee for Khao Kheow Open Zoo is quite reasonable, at 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for kids. This includes two free shows, making it a great value. If you’ve rented a vehicle, driving through the zoo is easy, with plenty of parking spots. Although the zoo opens at 8 AM and closes by 5 PM, it is best to visit in the morning as the animals are more active during the early hours.

Pattaya Floating Market

Pattaya Floating Market is a unique and fun day trip for families visiting Pattaya. It’s a large market set on a network of canals where you can shop, eat, and enjoy local culture while floating on the water. The market gives you a taste of traditional Thai life, and it’s a great place to explore with your kids.

The market is divided into different sections, each representing a different part of Thailand. Each area has its distinct products, so you can find a wide range of handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs from different parts of the country.

One of the best things about Pattaya Floating Market is the food. There are plenty of food stalls offering delicious Thai dishes like pad thai, grilled seafood, fresh fruit, and sweet treats like mango sticky rice. To really experience the market, families can take a traditional Thai boat ride through the canals. The boat ride costs around 200 THB per person and lasts about 30 minutes. 

The market is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler and less crowded.

Koh Larn (Coral Island)

Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, is a great place for families that love spending time by the sea. There is plenty for families to enjoy, including parasailing, snorkelling, jet skiing, banana boating, and swimming. 

To reach Koh Larn, take a ferry or speedboat from Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier. The ferry takes 30-45 minutes and costs only around 30 THB per person. If you want to get there faster, speedboats are available for 150-300 THB per person and take about 15 minutes.

Koh Larn has several beaches, each offering different activities and atmospheres. Tawaen Beach is the most popular, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and water sports to enjoy. For a quieter family day, Samae Beach and Tien Beach are great options, offering more peaceful surroundings where you can relax and play in the sand.

The island is open for visitors all day, but ferries and speedboats generally operate between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. It’s best to arrive early to make the most of your time. 

Sanctuary of Truth

One of Pattaya’s most unique cultural landmarks, the Sanctuary of Truth, offers families a day of wonder. This massive wooden structure is not only a stunning piece of architecture but also a symbol of Thai craftsmanship and spirituality. Built entirely from wood, without a single metal nail, the sanctuary features carvings that tell stories from ancient mythology.

Children can get hands-on in interactive workshops to learn traditional wood carving techniques. Tickets can be bought from 8 am until 5 pm, and cost 500 baht for adults and 250 baht for children.

Ramayana Water Park

Ramayana Water Park is one of the largest and most exciting water parks in Thailand, making it a great day trip for families in Pattaya. Located about 20 minutes from Pattaya City, this park offers a full day of fun with a wide variety of attractions suitable for all ages. The park features a range of slides, lazy rivers, and areas for young children to play. Kids can splash around in the children’s play area while older kids and adults enjoy the more exhilarating rides. 

Safety is a top priority at Ramayana Water Park. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the park to ensure safety for all guests, and the park provides life jackets for children and those who need them. The park has several restaurants and snack bars offering a variety of food, from Thai dishes to international favourites. Prices for meals typically range from 150 to 300 THB.

To make the most of your day, it’s best to arrive early when the park opens in the morning. This way, you can enjoy popular rides before they get busy. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and reapply throughout the day to protect your family from the sun. Also, consider wearing water shoes for comfort while walking around the park and on hot surfaces. 

The entrance fee is approximately 1,200 THB for adults and 900 THB for children under 120 cm tall. Lockers can be rented for around 100 THB ($3) for the day.

Enjoy Your Stay with Centara Hotels & Resorts

If you’re planning family day trips from Pattaya, staying at Centara Hotels & Resorts can make your holiday even more special. We offer a range of family-friendly hotels in Pattaya that are perfect for relaxing after a fun day out. Our hotels in Pattaya provide everything a family needs for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. With spacious family suites, kids' clubs, and pools designed for children, the whole family can relax and have fun together. 

The Camp Safari and E-Zone kids' clubs are packed with fun activities. From arts and crafts to games, your children will have a blast while making new friends. Families can also participate in water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, or beach volleyball at Centara's Grand Mirage Beach Resort. We also offer special spa treatments for children to enjoy a gentle massage or facial just like mum and dad.

Take advantage of our Kids Stay and Eat Free promotion, available at selected hotels. With this deal, your children can stay in your room at no extra cost and enjoy free meals during your stay. To get the best deals, book directly through the website, which often has exclusive promotions. You can also join the CentaraThe1 rewards programme to earn points on your stays and enjoy special discounts of up to 15% and perks for future visits.

With so many family-friendly activities, comfortable rooms, and great offers, Centara Hotels & Resorts is the perfect place for families to stay while enjoying day trips from Pattaya. Plan your trip today.