A new way to enjoy Pattaya, Thailand: Siam Legend Theme Park: a complete guide to eating, drinking, playing, and shopping
Preface
When you think of Pattaya, what image comes to mind? Is it a world-renowned seaside resort with azure skies, coconut-lined beaches, and the nickname "Hawaii of the East"? Is it a "man's paradise" and a city that never sleeps, filled with cabaret shows, dance halls, revelry, and nightlife? Or is it a crowded, noisy tourist destination dominated by domestic tour groups?
Last weekend, I visited Pattaya with some friends. This time, we skipped the beach or the city's vibrant nightlife. Instead, we headed straight to Siam Legend, Thailand's first Thai cultural theme park, which opened earlier this year. We spent two full days there, transforming Pattaya into a unique yet fascinating cultural adventure. Let's explore the charm of this place!
Pattayacheck the details
Pattaya, a renowned Thai seaside city at the southern tip of the Indochina Peninsula, belongs to Chonburi Province and is located on the Gulf of Siam between the Indian and Malay Peninsulas. It's approximately a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Known worldwide for its sunshine, beaches, and seafood, Pattaya is known as the "Hawaii of the East," a world-renowned seaside resort destination. During the day, Pattaya is bustling with activity, its vibrant sunshine and Siliau Beach attracting a flood of tourists. Of course, there are also thrilling water sports like water skiing, diving, and sailing. At night, Pattaya takes on a whole new dimension: bars are packed, blaring pop music fills the streets, and the vibrant energy of the city is resonant. A variety of performances and shows also take place throughout the city, keeping the city awake all night long.
Recommended months: November to February
6495 recommendations, 4075 visits
Pattaya's new landmark
Siam Legend Thai Theme Park Overview
Legend Siam is the world's first Thai cultural theme park. The entire park covers an area of about 150,000 square meters and cost 4 billion baht to build. It opened in early March this year. It is said that on the opening day, popular Thai stars such as Mario and the male and female protagonists of "The Perfect Match" were invited to come to support. It can be said to be huge in scale and extremely lively.
The park is divided into three themed areas: Siam Vilize (Siamese Civilization and Fashion), Thai Araya (Thai Civilization), and Bhumi Pan Din (National Glory), each of which records the glorious legend of Siam and reproduces various periods of Siam. Exploring the park inward will trace back from the early Rattanakosin Dynasty to the Sukhothai Dynasty, all the way back to ancient Siam.
The entire park can be said to be a fusion of the folk wisdom of Thailand's 77 provinces. Through art, culture, tradition, faith, lifestyle, commodities, food, entertainment, songs and other elements representing the Thai spirit, they are transmitted to this large stage and presented to the public.
Tickets, Location and Accommodation
The Legend of Siam theme park is located near Pattaya, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Pattaya. There aren't many accommodation options in this area, so you can stay in downtown Pattaya.
Address: Sukhumvit Road (162 km marker), Na Jom Tien sub-district, Sattahib district, Chonburi (Google Maps search: Siam Legend Park)
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
Ticket price: 250 baht/person, including buffet lunch/dinner: 450 baht/person (about 90 RMB)
Ps: Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance online. There are also various combination packages available for direct purchase on major domestic platforms.
【What to do】This is an amusement paradise for adults and children
There are various activities to enjoy in different places throughout the park, including a romantic Ferris wheel, a leisurely cruise, an exciting haunted house, a joyful pirate ship, and even a foreign version of an escape room that tests your brainpower... In short, both adults and children can find their own sense of belonging and happy time here.
01. The tallest Yaksha in the world
At the entrance, there are two super-giant Yaksha gods "Ravana" and "Shahasdecha", which are said to be the world's first, tallest and largest Yaksha gods. They stand majestically at the archway. Standing at the door and looking up is quite shocking.
02. You can overlook the Ferris wheel on the seaside
Located in the Thai Civilization Zone, the Ferris wheel 🎡 offers a panoramic view of the entire park, and you can also see the beach not far away. Dusk is the best time to visit, and the sunset and the slightly blue night will definitely fascinate both adults and children.
03. Horror Nana Haunted House
The project was built based on the most tragic love story between a human and a ghost in Thailand. The whole experience took about 10 minutes. While waiting outside, I heard bursts of screams, and every step I took in the house was creepy.
Before visiting, consider learning about or watching "Nana," the Ghost Wife. This story is familiar to every Thai. Its horror, yet poignant beauty, moves viewers with Nana's tragic fate and unwavering devotion to love. It has been adapted into several television and film series. Nana's tragic fate and unwavering devotion to love evoke both fear and sadness, and her story lives on today.
04. Dark Magic Wizard Experience Hall
It's a bit like a secret room escape in China, where a black magic wizard casts a spell and transforms an ordinary house into a mirror maze. If you like secret room escape or adventure games, this place is a must-see. (Because you can't take pictures inside, it's not shown here.)
05. Take a boat to the floating market
The boat ticket is 100 baht and the trip takes about ten minutes. The boat is rowed with very primitive artificial oars, which will take you through the entire floating market and restaurant. Sitting on the boat and feeling the breeze is very pleasant and a rare experience.
06. Anon Fish Pirate Ship/Animal Carousel
The pirate ship and carousel, also located in the Thai Civilization Zone, are also worth experiencing. Unlike those in China, the pirate ship and carousel here have various meanings of the original Siamese people. For example, the carousel is a fantasy animal from the Himmapan Forest, which has been given life again and transformed into an amusement park facility for you to play with; the shape of the pirate ship is a kind of fish in the Himmapan Forest - the Saringkamasaya fish, the characteristic of this fish is a pointed horn on its head.
Here, you can find that the primitive Siamese people were really simple and happy, and even today this primitive happiness can still be easily felt after going through many dynasties.
07. Steam Train
The small train in the park imitates the shape of the old steam train. You can take it to another station for 20 baht per person. There will be explanations of the places passing by along the way, in both Chinese and Thai, which is very considerate.
【What to eat】Here you can taste all kinds of Thai food at once
The amusement park is dotted with a plethora of dining options. From the internet-famous restaurants around Phra Nakhon Square to the floating restaurants of Siam Vilize, to the all-you-can-eat Thai buffet and the unique Thai snacks...it's no exaggeration to say that you can sample the specialties of Thailand's 77 regions all in one place.
01. Homtong Durian Shop
This shop's quality is incredibly high. They have a master who specializes in freshly-cut durian, ensuring you get the freshest, best-tasting durian. Homtong Durian Shop is on the left as you enter the park. The aroma of durian is simply intoxicating. They offer durian smoothies, durian cheesecake, and platters... The durian cake is 155 baht, a real bargain.
02. Floating restaurant
The park also has a centralized dining area, which is surrounded by a water system and is a bit like a water market. It is said that it can accommodate 2,500 people at the same time.
The restaurant recreates the old floating market, with a wide selection of restaurants and good value for money. A meal costs around 40 baht, and there are also many traditional snacks from various parts of Thailand, which is definitely worth a visit for foodies.
03. Water Buffet Restaurant
The buffet restaurant is very large and the dishes are rich and varied, including staple foods, fruits, snacks, Thai specialties... everything is available and supplied in unlimited quantities. It is definitely the best value for money in the entire park.
The restaurant is also built on the water. The evening is the best time to dine here. You can choose a seat by the river, with the sunset 🌄 and the distant view as your companions, and the cool river breeze blowing, which is quite pleasant.
04. Thailand's first braised chicken
This store can be seen about 20 meters to the right after entering the main door. It is said to be the first braised chicken rice restaurant in Thailand. The dishes and taste are familiar and not unfamiliar at all. However, compared with those in China, there are slightly fewer styles to choose from.
The shrimp dumplings are very delicious and one person can eat a whole basket.
05·Pharmacy Hotel
Thailand also has a wine culture. The cash register displays the raw materials for the wine, all brewed from medicinal herbs, which are very healthy. The decor here is very retro, and you can enjoy a respectable and comfortable "afternoon drink." There are many varieties of wine here, so wine lovers may want to come and experience the taste of the medicinal wine here.
06·THAI CHAIYO🍷
This shop is located in the same direction as the Durian shop, and you can see it just a few steps away. The prices are not expensive, the drinks are very beautiful, and you can get a matching cup for free when you buy a drink. It is really a shop that you want to take away the cup after eating. It is especially suitable for taking photos and checking in.
07·Special snacks from 77 provinces in Thailand
In addition to the independent shops mentioned above, the park’s most distinctive feature is the various local snacks in the market, which brings together different foods from 77 provinces across Thailand. Here you will find that “eating all over Thailand in one place” is indeed not impossible.
What to buy? Here are the specialties from all 77 provinces of Thailand
Shopping opportunities within the park can be broadly divided into two categories. First, the small shops within the park offer mid- to high-end Thai goods, such as essential oil soaps, high-end clothing fabrics, and renowned souvenirs. Second, the inland bazaar within the park brings together shops with the most distinctive local characteristics from Thailand's 77 provinces. This means you can find specialty goods from all over Thailand, with many offering highly cost-effective products.
01. OTOP (One Village One Specialty) Exhibition
Like "Legend of Siam", the exhibition aims to showcase Thai culture and bring Thai specialty products from Thailand to the international stage.
Some of the products on display are purely handmade, some gadgets are particularly interesting, and some stores also have live performances and experiences. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can still spend a long time shopping and it’s really eye-opening.
02·Special must-buy list
Personally, I think the Bangkok bags, massage oils, cultural and creative products, local handicrafts, etc. here are all very worthwhile souvenirs, and they are not much more expensive than those outside. On the contrary, there are many more varieties to choose from.
Yaksha Doll
Hand-painted
Traditional clothing
[What to see] Here you can quickly understand Thai culture
Since it is a Thai cultural theme park, various elements, buildings, activities and other natural things that can reflect Thailand’s history and spirit are indispensable in the park.
01. Panakhon Square
Phra Nakhon Square was the most fashionable center of Phra Nakhon City at that time. The surrounding area is a collection of architectural features from various generations of Thailand and has high cultural value. Here you can appreciate the historical glory of the Rama Dynasty, Ayutthaya Dynasty and other periods. The further you go in, the older the era.
02. Indra riding the Elephant of Ailawan
Entering through the main gate, you'll see the statue of Indra riding the Elephant Alawan. This area also serves as a plaza. Indra (Indra) is a highly respected deity who protects those who do good, safeguards the happiness of believers, and protects them from disaster. Legend has it that praying around Indra riding the Elephant Alawan brings good fortune.
03. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet during the Ayutthaya Kingdom
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, originally the royal palace of King Rama I during the Ayutthaya period, was used for various important state ceremonies and served as a sacred Buddhist altar. While the restored Wat Phra Sri Sanphet lacks the grandeur of the original, the existing model offers a glimpse into its ancient splendor.
04. Get close to the rice fields
Thailand is the land of rice. There is a special agricultural area in the park, where rice and a variety of fruits are grown. There are regular related knowledge, performances, demonstrations, etc. It is said that you can also go to the fields to experience planting rice yourself.
05. Traditional drama performances
The park features daily performances, which differ significantly from traditional Chinese stage plays in that there's a lot of live interaction between the audience and the stage. If you have the time, you should definitely come and experience it. Of course, if you don't understand Thai, don't worry; the screens in the upper left and right corners provide Chinese-English translations of the actors' lines, making this a great place for domestic tourists.
06. Meet the King’s Birthday
The day we left was the 65th birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand. Every important day, there will be some corresponding ceremonies or celebrations in the Siam Legend Park, and this time was no exception.
After watching the performances and fireworks, we waited until the lanterns were lit before leaving. This marked the end of our two-day legendary Siam trip.
Tour Suggestions & Photography Tips
1. Ride the Ferris wheel for an amazing view of the entire park and the seaside.
2. Many local people in the park are dressed in traditional Thai costumes and look very photogenic in photos.
3. At the park's activity plaza, you'll have the opportunity to take close-up photos of ancient Thai dramas and performances that are on the verge of extinction.
4. You can rent traditional Thai clothing in the park for 200 baht a day, with a variety of styles to choose from, which is very cost-effective. The store also has a simulated royal environment for taking photos. Girls must experience it when they come here, and the photos they take are very beautiful.
5. If you don’t have much time but still want to come here, it is recommended that you have lunch in Pattaya, visit the park in the afternoon, and have dinner here in the evening. The sunset in the evening is very beautiful in the park, and the lights at night are also very beautiful. It is much quieter than during the day, so it is worth staying for a while, and then rush back to Pattaya for accommodation at night.
