Pattaya, a bustling coastal city on the east coast of Thailand, offers photographers a rich tapestry of visual delights. From stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife to tranquil temples and lush gardens, Pattaya presents countless opportunities to capture stunning images. This guide will help you explore the best spots in Pattaya for photography, whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist. Get ready to discover the most photogenic locations in this vibrant city.
1. Beaches and Coastal Views
Pattaya Beach Location: Central Pattaya
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise and sunset
Overview: Pattaya Beach is a 4-kilometer-long stretch of sand that offers dynamic scenes day and night. During the early morning, the beach is serene and bathed in soft light, perfect for landscape shots. In the evening, the golden hour provides stunning colors, making it ideal for sunset photography. Tips: Capture the bustling nightlife along the beach road with its neon lights and street performances.
Jomtien Beach Location: South of Pattaya Beach
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning and late afternoon
Overview: Jomtien Beach is less crowded than Pattaya Beach, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great spot for capturing water sports action shots during the day and tranquil seascapes during sunrise and sunset. Tips: Use a long exposure to capture the motion of the waves against the shore.
Koh Larn (Coral Island) Location: A short boat ride from Pattaya
Best Time to Shoot: All day, with different lighting conditions
Overview: Koh Larn is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It’s a paradise for underwater photography as well as beach landscapes. Tips: Bring underwater housing for your camera to capture the colorful marine life.
2. Temples and Cultural Sites
The Sanctuary of Truth Location: Naklua, North Pattaya
Best Time to Shoot: Morning to avoid harsh shadows
Overview: The Sanctuary of Truth is a massive wooden structure adorned with intricate carvings depicting Buddhist and Hindu motifs. It’s both an architectural marvel and a cultural landmark. Tips: Focus on the detailed carvings and use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the building.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) Location: Pratumnak Hill
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon
Overview: Wat Phra Yai features a giant Buddha statue that overlooks the city. The temple grounds offer panoramic views of Pattaya and Jomtien beaches. Tips: Capture the Buddha statue with the cityscape in the background for a dramatic composition.
Wat Yansangwararam Location: Near Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Best Time to Shoot: Morning
Overview: Wat Yansangwararam is a sprawling temple complex with beautiful gardens, lakes, and traditional Thai architecture. It’s a serene place where you can capture both landscape and architectural shots. Tips: Look for reflections in the lakes and ponds for creative compositions.
3. Gardens and Parks
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden Location: Sukhumvit Road, South Pattaya
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning
Overview: Nong Nooch is a paradise for nature photographers. The garden features various themed sections, including French gardens, cactus gardens, and orchid nurseries. Tips: Use a macro lens to capture the intricate details of flowers and plants.
Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain) Location: Near Silverlake Vineyard
Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon for golden hour
Overview: Khao Chi Chan features a large Buddha image carved into the side of a mountain. The surrounding area offers beautiful landscapes and is often less crowded, providing a peaceful setting for photography. Tips: Capture the Buddha image with the setting sun for dramatic lighting effects.
4. Cityscapes and Night Photography
Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Pattaya Viewpoint) Location: Pratumnak Hill
Best Time to Shoot: Sunset and night
Overview: The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay. It’s the perfect spot for capturing the city skyline, especially during sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant colors. Tips: Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the city lights at night.
Walking Street Location: South Pattaya
Best Time to Shoot: Night
Overview: Walking Street is Pattaya’s most famous nightlife district, teeming with neon lights, street performers, and an energetic crowd. It’s a lively place to capture the essence of Pattaya’s nightlife. Tips: Experiment with slow shutter speeds to capture light trails and the movement of people.
Central Festival Pattaya Beach Location: Beach Road
Best Time to Shoot: Evening
Overview: Central Festival is a large shopping mall with a modern facade that lights up beautifully at night. The area around the mall is bustling with activity, making it a great spot for urban photography. Tips: Capture the reflections of the lights in the nearby ocean for an interesting effect.
5. Nature and Wildlife
Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Location: Huay Yai
Best Time to Shoot: Morning
Overview: The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers ethical interactions with elephants in a natural setting. You can capture these majestic creatures in their habitat, feeding, playing, and bathing. Tips: Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots without disturbing the animals.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo Location: Sri Racha, about an hour’s drive from Pattaya
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning
Overview: Khao Kheow Open Zoo is set in a spacious environment where animals roam freely in large enclosures. It’s perfect for wildlife photography. Tips: Patience is key—wait for the right moment to capture animals in action.
Conclusion
Pattaya offers a rich variety of photographic opportunities, from breathtaking natural landscapes and serene temples to vibrant cityscapes and unique wildlife experiences. By exploring these locations, you can capture the diverse beauty and energy of Pattaya through your lens. Whether you’re drawn to nature, culture, or urban scenes, Pattaya has something to inspire every photographer.