While Pattaya is legendary for its nightlife scene, it also showcases an array of day trips and activities for visitors of all ages. The spectacular wood-carved Sanctuary of Truth is a one hundred-metre-tall wonder of traditional Thai construction, Jomtien Beach is a popular spot for sun worshippers, and Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens has world-class tropical flora and stunning landscape sculptures. 

Tourists who want to see the sights can enjoy everything that Pattaya has to offer. However, because Pattaya has no official public transit, getting around means taking taxis. Those who wish to save money while having a more convenient experience should consider renting a car in Pattaya.  

With a rental at the ready, here are a few things to see and do in and around Pattaya:

Cultural Sites

Pattaya has a rich cultural heritage with many famous temples, sacred shrines, and cultural sites. Arguably the most famous is the Sanctuary of Truth. This Thai-style wooden temple is based on the temple styles seen in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, and stands more than one hundred metres tall. Construction began in 1981 and continues to this day, but it remains open for visitors.

Another popular site for visitors is the Big Buddha Temple, just north of Jomtien Beach. Not to be confused with the Big Buddha of Phuket, this statue boasts a golden colour compared to the white of Phuket. It sits on a lone hill and provides fantastic views of Pattaya and the nearby Gulf of Thailand. 

Further south of Pattaya city is the Khao Chi Chan Buddha. It is the world’s largest carved-outline Buddha image at almost 110 metres tall. It was constructed in 1996 in honour of the late King Adulyadej’s 50th anniversary on the throne. More than 1,000 monkeys are estimated to live in the area, and they can often be seen playing nearby.  

Finally, near the Khao Chi Chan Buddha is the gorgeous Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens. Measuring half a square kilometre, these legendary gardens are built to impress. What started as a simple fruit plantation in the 1950s blossomed after the owner went abroad and saw the great botanical gardens of the world. 

Opened in 1980, the Nong Nooch Botanical Gardens are home to a world-class collection of tropical flora and fauna. More than 5,000 visitors come to the gardens each day and stay for the cultural shows. A daily on-site theatre hosts a performance of traditional Thai dances and culture. 

Fun in the Sun

Prior to American troops being stationed at nearby U-Tapao airport during the Vietnam War, Pattaya was little more than a fishing village. American GIs on leave soon came to love the pristine sandy beaches just two hours from Bangkok, and local entrepreneurs began building hotels and resorts.

Today, Pattaya is known around the world for its numerous activities to enjoy as well as its beaches. Its two primary beaches are Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach. Pattaya Beach has a reputation as a party destination with plenty of restaurants, vendors, and a massive nightlife scene. 

Travellers who want a quieter, relaxed atmosphere are advised to spend their day at Jomtien Beach. It offers many of the same amenities without the chaotic atmosphere. Spend the day sipping fresh coconut water under the shade of a palm tree!

Families with kids who might get bored at the beach don’t need to worry. Pattaya is also home to two famous water parks: the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse and the Ramayana Water Park. Both are located south of the city, close to the Nong Nooch Gardens. With so many things to see and do outside of Pattaya, renting a car is the most economical option for many tourists.

Making the Most of Your Trip With Drive Car Rental

Pattaya isn’t the only thing you can see with a rental car–its location makes it ideal for exploring central and eastern Thailand. Nearby Rayong is a favourite for those who want a more beach atmosphere more relaxed than that of Pattaya, and further afield is Koh Chang, a small island off the coast, near the Cambodian border. Regularly scheduled ferries make it convenient to see the island while taking your car with you. 

Bangkok and Ayutthaya are also just a few hours to the north by car. Drive Car Rental has locations throughout Thailand’s larger cities, and for travellers with a flexible itinerary, we offer the option to pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another. For the best rates and vehicle selection, book early for the perfect trip to Pattaya and beyond!

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport) Bangkok - Donmuang Airport (DMK) Bangkok - Donmuang Office Bangkok - Srinakarin Office Bangkok - On Nut BTS Station Bangkok - Sukhumvit 71 (Partner Location)) Nonthaburi - Office (Partner Location) Buri Ram Airport (BFV) (Partner Location) Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Chiang Mai - Office Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) Chonburi (Partner Location) Chumphon Airport (CJM) (Partner Location) Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) Krabi Airport (KBV) Lampang Airport (LPT) (Partner Location) Loei Airport (LOE) (Partner Location) Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) (Partner Location) Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) (Partner Location) Nan Airport (NNT) (Partner Location) Pattaya Downtown Khao Lak - PTT Station Phitsanulok Car Rental (PHS) (Partner Location) Phrae Airport (PRH) (Partner Location) Phuket Airport (HKT) Phuket - Patong Beach Phuket - Ao Por Pier Phuket - Thalang Office (Partner Location) Ranong Airport (UNN) (Partner Location) Roi Et Airport (ROI) (Partner Location) Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) (Partner Location) Samui Airport (USM) Samui - Bophut Office Sukhothai Airport (THS) (Partner Location) Surat Thani Airport (URT) Tak - Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) (Partner Location) Trang Airport (TST) Trat Airport (TDX) Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) (Partner Location) Udon Thani Airport (UTH) Hat Yai Airport (HDY) (Partner Location) U-Tapao Airport (UTP)

Car Hire Bangkok Airport: Book Your Car Rental at Suvarnabhumi Airport | Drive Car Rental

Address

The counter is located in the International Arrival Hall, between gates 7 and 8. Suvarnabhumi Airport (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4376 or +66 (0) 84 700 4380 for assistance),
Samut Prakan ,
Thailand 10540

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4376 +66 (0) 84 700 4380

Opening Hours

Daily 24 hours

Car Rental Donmuang Airport: Make a Reservation at Donmuang Airport | Drive Car Rental

Address

Meet&Greet: International 1st Floor, Terminal 1 Gate 7 Donmuang Airport (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10210

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4378 +66 (0) 2 044 7277

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Bangkok – Donmuang Office

Address

73 Choet Wutthakat Rd, Don Muang Office located next from Donmuang District Office 1 KM. (Nearby SRT Red Line Donmuang Station Exit 2) (please call +66 (0) 2 044 7277 or +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10210

Phone

+66 (0) 2 044 7277 +66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

Daily 8.00 am - 6.00 pm

BKK Car Rental: Bangkok Srinakarin Car Hire Office

Address

727 Srinakarin Rd. Suanlang Office located in Nissan Showroom Srinakarin Road (Nearby MRT Yellow Line Kalantan Station Exit 1) (Between Thanya Park shopping Mall and Bangchak gas station) (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10250

Phone

+66 (0) 2 821 5992 +66 (0) 847 004 375

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bangkok – On Nut BTS Station

Address

Pick up instruction: Meet & Greet at Avani Hotel / BTS On Nut Station (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10110

Phone

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily 8.30 am - 5.30 pm

Bangkok – CJ Rent a car

Address

CJ Rent a car (Partner Location) 24 Soi Meesuwan 3 Intersection 1, Phra Khanong Nuea Subdistrict, Wattana District (please call +66 (0) 818 486 558 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10110

Phone

+66 (0) 818 486 558 +66 (0) 838 256 306

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 20:00 H.

Nonthaburi – Car rental with Delivery service

Address

Meet & Greet at Central Westgate (Please call +66 (0) 97 239 4398 for assistance),
Nonthaburi ,
Thailand 11110

Phone

+66 (0) 97 239 4398

Opening Hours

daily 08:00-20:00

Buri Ram Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Burirum Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance),
Burirum ,
Thailand 31150

Phone

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Car Rental Chiang Mai: Rent Cars at Chiang Mai Airport

Address

Arrival Hall Fl.,1 International Terminal between Gate 10-11, Chiang Mai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance),
Chiang Mai ,
Thailand 50200

Phone

+66 (0) 5 327 1293 +66 (0) 84 700 4384 

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Chiang Mai Office – Delivery service

Address

Our office located in Bangchak gas station (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance) 218 Moo 10, Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road, Pa Daed Subdistrict,. Mueang Chiangmai,
Chiang Mai ,
Thailand 50300

Phone

66 (0) 84 700 4384

Opening Hours

Open daily 08:00-17:00

Car Rental Chiang Rai Airport

Address

Meet&Greet: Arrival Hall, Exit 2 Chaing Rai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4381 for assistance),
Chiang Rai ,
Thailand 57100

Phone

+66 (0) 5 379 3683 +66 (0) 84 700 4381 

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Chonburi

Address

PU Service (Partner Location) 315/316 Moo.12 Thepprasit Road, Nongprue (Please call +66 (0) 928 932 823 for assistance),
Chonburi ,
Thailand 20150

Phone

+66 (0) 928 932 823

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 18:00 H.

Chumphon Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Chumphon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 854 739 885 or +66 (0) 813 677 956 for assistance),
Chumphon ,
Thailand 86160

Phone

+66 (0) 854 739 885 +66 (0) 813 677 956

Opening Hours

Daily: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hua Hin Airport

Address

Meet & Greet at Hua Hin Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point. Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance ,
Hua Hin ,
Thailand 77110

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 10.30 - 16.00

Car Hire Services: Car Rental Khon Kaen Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Arrival Hall, Khon Kaen Airport A representative will meet you. (Please call +66 (0)94 980 1666 for assistance),
Khon Kaen ,
Thailand 40000

Phone

+66 (0)94 980 1666

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Krabi Airport

Address

The counter is located on the 1st floor of the Domestic Arrival Hall, Krabi Airport. (Please Call +66 (0) 8 4700 4383 for assistance),
Krabi ,
Thailand 81130

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 21:00 PM

Lampang Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Arrival Hall, Lampang Airport A representative will meet you. (Please call +66 (0) 97 996 8499 for assistance),
Lampang ,
Thailand 52000

Phone

+66 (0) 97 996 8499 +66 (0) 97 958 8798

Opening Hours

Daily 8:30 - 18:00

Loei Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Loei Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 944 573 222 for assistance),
Loei ,
Thailand 42000

Phone

+66 (0) 944 573 222 +66 (0) 883 271 940

Opening Hours

Daily: 24 hours

Nakhon Phanom Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Nakhon Phanom Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 910 569 594 for assistance),
Nakhon Phanom ,
Thailand 48000

Phone

+66 (0) 910 569 594

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 895 513 234 for assistance),
Nakhon Si Thammarat ,
Thailand 80120

Phone

+66 (0) 895 513 234

Opening Hours

Daily: 07.00-21.00 H.

Nan Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Nan Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point (Please call +66 (0) 64-515-4997 for assistance),
Nan ,
Thailand 55000

Phone

+66 (0) 64 515 4997

Opening Hours

Daily: 06.00-21.00

Pattaya Downtown

Address

The office is located at 212/14-15 Moo 5, Pattaya-North Road, (Opposite Terminal 21 shopping mall). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
North Pattaya ,
Thailand 20150

Phone

+66 (0) 3 841 6125 +66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Khao Lak – PTT Station

Address

Phang Nga - PTT STation A representative will meet you at PTT Station Khao Lak (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4389 for assistance),
Phang Nga ,
Thailand 23150

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4387 +66 (0) 84 700 4389

Opening Hours

Daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Phitsanulok Car Rental (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Phitsanulok Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 81-348-5445 for assistance),
Phitsanulok ,
Thailand 65000

Phone

+66 (0) 81-348-5445

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.30

Phrae Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Phrae Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 86 421 6498 or +66 (0) 92 969 6159 for assistance),
Phrae ,
Thailand 54000

Phone

+66 (0) 86 421 6498 +66 (0) 92 969 6159

Opening Hours

Daily: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Car Hire in Phuket: Find a Car Rental, Phuket Airport Thailand | Drive Car Rental

Address

The counter is located on the 1st Floor of International Terminal Arrival Hall Phuket Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4387 or +66 (0) 8 4700 4389 for assistance),
Phuket ,
Thailand 83110

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4387 +66 (0) 84 700 4389

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 am - 12:00 am (midnight)

Car Rental Phuket Patong Thailand | Drive Car Rental & Hire

Address

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, Patong Counter located at Lobby Area 1st Floor (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4386 for assistance),
Patong ,
Thailand 83150

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4386

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Phuket – Ao Por

Address

Meet & Greet: Ao Por Port, Phuket (Please call +66 (0) 84-700-4387 for assistance),
Phuket ,
Thailand 83110

Phone

+66 (0) 8-4700-4387 +66 (0) 8-4700-4389

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

Phuket – Thalang Office (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Phuket Airport, A representative will meet you at Phuket Airport’s Arrival Hall, Gate 3, and will pick you up, and deliver the vehicle at Ton Car Rental office. (Please call +66 (0) 915 276 862 for assistance),
Phuket ,
Thailand 83110

Phone

+66 (0) 915 276 862

Opening Hours

Daily: open 24 hours

Ranong Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Ranong Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 86 277 8501 for assistance),
Ranong ,
Thailand 85000

Phone

+66 (0) 862 778 501

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Roi Et Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Roi Et Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance),
Roi Et ,
Thailand 45000

Phone

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sakon Nakhon Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Sakon Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 for assistance),
Sakon Nakhon ,
Thailand 54000

Phone

+66 (0) 966 236 964

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Car Rental Koh Samui: Rent a Car at Samui Airport

Address

The counter is located in the Arrival Hall at Samui Airport. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
Thailand 84320

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 08:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Samui – Bophut Office

Address

The office is located at Moo 4, Airport Road, Bophut. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
Thailand 84320

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sukhothai Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Sukhothai Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 828 521 732 for assistance),
Sukhothai ,
Thailand 64000

Phone

+66 (0) 828 521 732

Opening Hours

Daily: 06:00-19:00

Car Rental Surat Thani Airport- Great Value Car Hire

Address

Meet&Greet: Surat Thaini Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 81 970 5745 for assistance),
Surat Thani ,
Thailand 84130

Phone

+66 (0)81 970 5745

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Tak – Mae Sot Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Mae Sot Airport, Tak province A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 868 985 606 for assistance),
Tak ,
Thailand 63110

Phone

+66 (0) 868 985 606

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 18:00

Trang Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Trang Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4383 for assistance),
Trang ,
Thailand 92000

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

Trat Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Trat Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
Trat ,
Thailand 23150

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 11:00 AM - 15:30 PM

Ubon Ratchathani Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Ubon Ratchathani Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 659 694 909 or +66 (0) 616 955 646 for assistance),
Ubon Ratchathani ,
Thailand 34000

Phone

+66 (0) 659 694 909 +66 (0) 616 955 646

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-20.00 H.

Udon Thani Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Arrival Hall Exit 3 A representative will meet you. (Please Call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance),
Udon Thani ,
Thailand 41000

Phone

+66 (0) 81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Hat Yai Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Hat Yai Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 858 990 000 or +66 (0) 858 993 333 for assistance),
Hat Yai ,
Thailand 90110

Phone

+66 (0) 858 990 000 +66 (0) 858 993 333

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Car Hire Services: Car Rental U-Tapao Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: U-Tapao Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
Rayang ,
Thailand 21130

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 17:30 H.

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