Pattaya Guide: Sanctuary of Truth THB 500, Koh Larn Boat THB 40

Base yourself in Jomtien or Naklua for calmer beaches, and budget THB 500 for the Sanctuary of Truth by day. Nong Nooch starts at THB 600 for a foreign adult, and the Koh Larn boat is THB 40. The rain peaks in August or September.

If you want a beach holiday with a few good sights, stay in Jomtien or Naklua, keep Pattaya Beach for the daytime and budget about THB 500 for the Sanctuary of Truth.

Where to stay

Pick your base by how you want your evenings. Central Pattaya is the nightlife base, and Walking Street is closed to vehicles from 18:00 to 02:00. For a quieter stay, Jomtien has broader beaches in better shape, and it feels more sedate and family-oriented. Naklua and Wong Amat are generally cleaner and better for quiet relaxation than Pattaya Beach.

Getting around

Blue songthaews, known as baht buses, run the beach loop and the main roads. A shared ride normally costs THB 15, and locals and foreigners pay the same on trips within Pattaya. Settle the price before you climb into a songthaew that is not running a route, and do the same with taxis, because Pattaya taxis do not use meters.

Coach and train fares from Bangkok have their own page: Bangkok to Pattaya.

The sights worth paying for

All prices here are what foreign visitors pay.

Sanctuary of Truth

This is the carved wooden temple above the sea, and it is the one sight I would not skip. An adult day tour costs THB 500, and the night tour costs THB 700. Children from 110 to 140 cm pay THB 250 by day, and under 110 cm go in free.

Entry is on a guided schedule, and English tours start at 9.10 am, 9.40 am and 10.10 am. Dress modestly and wear a helmet inside, and borrow a shawl or sarong for a THB 200 deposit. An online ticket is non-refundable and valid only on the date you book.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch is the garden-and-show day out, open daily with Package 1 from 08.00 to 18.00 hrs. Admission only is THB 600 for a foreign adult and THB 400 for a child. Adding the show brings the adult ticket to THB 800, and the shows run at 10.30, 11.30, 13.30 and 15.30 hrs.

Children are priced by height. Under 90 cm they enter free.

Khao Chi Chan

Khao Chi Chan is a Buddha image carved by laser into a cliff face, and you can visit every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Koh Larn boat

Boats to Koh Larn leave from Laem Bali Hai pier, the New Pier at the south end of Walking Street. The scheduled fare is THB 40 per person from 10 April 2026. Check which pier your boat lands at before you board, because some go to Na Baan and others to Tawaen Beach.

Staying safe

Swim at designated beaches with lifeguards, and heed the flags, red above all. Strong riptides have drowned people, especially during monsoon season. Jellyfish come close to shore in the rainy season, and stings can be fatal.

Jet-ski operators try to collect surcharges for supposed damage, and some rental shops ask to hold your passport. Do not leave your passport as a guarantee. Report a crime involving tourists on the tourist police hotline, 1155. For a medical emergency, call 1669. The tourist police guide and the scams guide cover the steps, and the emergency numbers guide has the rest.

For hospital care, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya is at 301 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road, Km. 143, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150.

When to go

For the least rain, come between mid-October and mid-February. The rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October. In upper Thailand the most rain falls in August or September.

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Not confirmed: Khao Chi Chan entry fee: the Ministry of Tourism directory gives hours but no fee, so confirm at the gate. Koh Larn boat timetable and speedboat fares: no 2026 timetable is published, so read the board at Bali Hai Pier.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

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