Another side of Pattaya
Whilst Thailand’s Pattaya is perhaps more known for its wild night scene and adult entertainment, many visitors are somewhat surprised to find that the surrounding area is also home to some interesting attractions. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, the Sanctuary of Truth, a zipline experience, Khao Kaew Open Zoo, and Nong Nooch Tropical Botanic Garden are just a few places that might make your bucket list. Another great attraction in the Pattaya area is Silverlake Winery and Vineyards.
Located around a 25-minute drive from the heart of Pattaya, visiting Silverlake offers a pleasant and relaxing time in nature, worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of central Pattaya.
Whilst admission is free, this only allows you to discover the main entrance area, which is complete with European-style buildings, wine bars, restaurants, and shops. A range of cuisine, including international and Thai dishes, is available, making a great place to sit and unwind before or after exploring the rest of the site.
Explore more in Pattaya
If you want to explore more (highly recommended!) you will need to join a tour. There are two packages available, each taking you on a journey through the large estate by trolley bus. Frequent stops are made, allowing you to jump off, see more of the attraction, and snap some cool pictures. One package takes you around the vineyard and to the grape juice plant. The cost is 100 Thai baht per person, and it takes around 30 minutes. The other package includes a visit to the winery and wine tasting. Priced at 250 Thai baht per person, this trip takes around 40 minutes.
The winery and vineyard takes its name from the large sparkling lake around which the vineyards grow. Different types of grape are grown on site, and they are then harvested and processed, becoming either grape juice or wine. Both tours take you past the verdant rows of grapes.
Both grape juice and wine are made here, and each tour option allows you to taste the grape juice. On the wine tasting tour you will have the chance to sample two glasses of wine. There are also gift shops where you can purchase additional wine and grape juice, as well as a range of grape-flavoured goodies and souvenir items, to take home with you.
As well as seeing the production areas and learning about the processes, wandering around the large lake is also a great experience. Beautiful and vibrant flowers are scattered around the water’s edge, with glorious flower beds in an assortment of shapes and sizes. There are also many interesting and quirky ornaments and displays that are great for taking some fun pictures. Stand next to a large multi-coloured butterfly or a large watering can, admire the ornamental windmill, sit on the seat of a vintage bicycle, see an assortment of animal statues and cartoon-like statues of people, grab your significant other and steal a quick kiss in front of heart-shaped displays, and more.
Plan to spend a good couple of hours enjoying Silverlake Winery and Vineyard. It’s suitable for the whole family, although minors will not be given wine to sample.
/// Written by Sarah-Jane Williams, Thailand
