Pattaya Selfie City & Temple Tour by Songthaew (Local Transportation)

Exploring Pattaya Selfie City & Temple Tour by Songthaew: A Practical Look

If you’re considering a quick, guided overview of Pattaya’s most notable sights, the Pattaya Selfie City & Temple Tour by Songthaew offers an accessible way to tick off key landmarks in just a few hours. This tour promises visits to sacred sites, scenic viewpoints, and lively spots like Walking Street, all with local transportation and a guide to help navigate.

What makes this experience appealing? First, you’ll enjoy the convenience of transportation in a classic Thai Songthaew, providing an authentic local vibe. Second, the inclusion of all entrance fees means one less thing to worry about on the day. Third, the opportunity to capture great photos of Pattaya’s coast and landmarks with a guide often eager to help with shots. However, a potential downside is the variability in guide quality and the fact that some reviews report the tour diverging from its advertised itinerary.

This tour suits first-time visitors wanting a quick orientation, those interested in cultural and scenic highlights, and travelers who appreciate a local touch. But if you’re after a more immersive or flexible experience, this might feel a bit rushed or overly scripted.

Key Points

• Authentic local transport: Experience Pattaya’s streets on a traditional Songthaew, adding charm and local flavor.
• All-inclusive entrance fees: No hidden costs for the main attractions, simplifying your day.
• Short but diverse itinerary: Cover temples, viewpoints, beaches, and bustling streets in about four hours.
• Guided insights: Expect a guide to narrate key points, though quality varies.
• Limited flexibility: The tour follows a set schedule, which may not suit travelers seeking a personalized experience.
• Mixed reviews: While some find it practical, others feel it doesn’t match the advertised itinerary or prefer more engaging guides.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan): An Iconic Landmark

Your first stop is Buddha Mountain, home to the enormous sculptural image of Lord Buddha carved into the cliff face. Built in 1995, this site is striking from afar and offers a chance for photos that capture the scale of the statue and the natural surroundings. The tour includes 30 minutes here, with entrance fees covered, which should give you enough time to marvel at the craftsmanship and snap some memorable photos.

One reviewer pointed out that this is “well worth the visit,” especially for its impressive size and the serene backdrop. The statue’s location on a hilltop provides panoramic views, making it a favorite for capturing scenic shots.

Viharnra Sien (A Cultural Honor to King Bhumibol)

Next, the tour takes you to Viharnra Sien, built in 1987 within the Wat Yansangwararam complex. This is a dedicated space honoring King Bhumibol Adulyadej and features impressive stone sculptures and traditional architecture. The guide’s commentary here can add context, especially if they are knowledgeable, though some reviews mention guides being quite chatty or overly eager to take photos.

The site is 30 minutes, including time to appreciate the artistry of the stone lions and the peaceful surroundings. Many find it a meaningful stop, as it celebrates Thai royalty and history through art and architecture.

Jomtien Beach: A Relaxed Coastal Stop

A short 30-minute stroll at Jomtien Beach offers a break from the cultural stops. You’ll see a popular stretch of sand, often less crowded than Pattaya Beach, with free access. It’s a good place for quick photos or to soak in the coastal atmosphere. The reviewer noted that this stop is “admission free,” giving you a chance to relax or stretch your legs.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): An Impressive Religious Site

The Big Buddha Temple is undoubtedly a highlight. With a 300-foot-high statue of Lord Buddha, it dominates the skyline and is one of the largest Buddha images in the world. The tour provides 30 minutes to explore, offering access to the temple grounds and the chance to appreciate the intricate details of the statue and surrounding shrines.

According to the review, this is “most prominent” and provides a fantastic photo opportunity. The guide usually explains the significance of the statue and the rituals here, adding cultural depth to the visit.

Pattaya City Viewpoint & Wat Kho Phra Bat

From the hilltop viewpoint, you’ll get panoramic views of Pattaya Bay—a perfect spot to see the city’s layout and take some memorable shots. The sacred Wat Kho Phra Bat temple, also on the hill, offers a tranquil setting and a chance for spiritual reflection.

This stop is free, making it a worthwhile peek at the city from above. Be prepared for some crowding, especially during peak hours, but the views make it worthwhile.

Bali Hai Pier and Walking Street

The tour continues to Bali Hai Pier, a hub of activity on Pattaya Bay. It’s an energetic spot with boats, street vendors, and lively atmosphere. 30 minutes here allow for photos or just soaking in the bustling scene.

Walking Street is next, renowned as the nightlife heart of Pattaya. The 1 km stretch is packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, and makes for lively evening photos. While exploring during the day, you’ll see the vibrant vibe but might find it a bit overwhelming if you’re not into party scenes.

Beach Road: The Action Hub

Finally, the tour rounds out on Beach Road, the lively artery that runs along Pattaya’s coast. This 4 km stretch is lined with shops, cafes, and street stalls. It’s perfect for a quick walk or shopping, with plenty of photo ops of the sea and city life.

Transportation and Guide Experience

Traveling in a Songthaew offers an authentic Thai transport experience—open-air, informal, and a bit quirky. Most travelers appreciate this aspect, as it adds local flavor, but it can also mean less comfort or protection from weather. The tour includes a guide who speaks English, but reviews suggest guide enthusiasm varies significantly. One reviewer noted the guide was “very chatty” and insisted on taking constant photos, which some found a bit intrusive, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience.

Duration and Price Point

At around 4 hours and costing $75.21 per person, the tour is a decent value if you want a quick overview. It covers entrance fees, which often makes day trips more straightforward, but the fixed schedule might feel rushed or superficial for some.

Overall Value and Impression

While some attendees mention the guide’s enthusiasm, others note the experience can diverge from the advertised itinerary. For instance, some reviews say the guide “did drive past places on request,” which could be a plus if you want a bit of flexibility, but it’s not guaranteed.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those new to Pattaya who want a quick, guided snapshot of the city’s popular spots without the hassle of planning individual visits. The inclusion of key religious sites, scenic viewpoints, and iconic landmarks makes it a practical choice for travelers interested in culture and photography.

However, if you’re looking for a more personalized or in-depth exploration, or if a relaxed pace is your priority, this might feel a bit too rigid. The variable guide quality and the fixed schedule are factors to keep in mind.

The value lies in the convenience, the local transport experience, and the opportunity to see a mix of Pattaya’s highlights in a short time, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or first-time visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation by Songthaew, a traditional Thai local taxi, which offers an authentic experience while moving between sites.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a quick but rundown of Pattaya’s attractions.

Are entrance fees included?
All entrance fees to the attractions are covered, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs at each stop.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, providing a more personalized feel.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts and receive a full refund.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour operates on a set schedule, and while some reviews mention the guide driving past requested sites, flexibility is limited.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the physical demands of walking around temples and viewpoints.

Will I be able to take good photos?
Absolutely, especially at the viewpoints and large sculptures. Guides are often willing to assist with shots, though the experience may vary.

To sum it up, the Pattaya Selfie City & Temple Tour by Songthaew offers a practical, quick way to see many of the city’s highlights, especially for first-timers. It’s a good value for those wanting a guided snapshot of temples, beaches, and bustling streets, but travelers seeking a more personalized or relaxed experience might prefer exploring independently or with a different tour. The mix of cultural sites, scenic views, and lively spots packs a lot into just a few hours, making it a solid choice if matched to your expectations.