Silverlake vineyard and sunset among the vines

A tropical vineyard with a lake, wine tasting and grape juice for the children.

Area

Countryside

Start from

Pattaya

Distance

about 22 km south

Time needed

half a day

Best season

November – March

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Car, scooter or Grab

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

Silverlake is a vineyard and resort near Khao Chi Chan, with rows of vines, a lake and a European-style village of cafés and shops. It's popular for photos and for a slow afternoon.

You can taste local wine, eat in the restaurant and walk among the vines.

The setting is pretty: a lake with hills behind it, rows of vines and colourful buildings that look like a small European village. It's a favourite with Thai couples and families for photos.

There are cafés, a restaurant, a small shop with local products and sometimes seasonal events.

The story

Growing grapes in the tropics is a challenge, and Thai winemakers have experimented with varieties and harvest timing to make it work.

Silverlake is one of several vineyards in Thailand that helped create a small but growing local wine scene.

Thai winemaking is young, mostly dating from the late twentieth century. The challenge is that vines usually need a cold dormant season, so growers in the tropics prune and manage vines carefully to control when they fruit.

Some Thai wines have won international awards, which surprised many experts and helped create local pride.

Getting there

Close to Khao Chi Chan; drive or take a Grab.

The vineyard is around 30–40 minutes from Pattaya. If you're combining it with Khao Chi Chan, end here for sunset.

A suggested plan

1. AfternoonWalk the vineyard.
2. TastingWine or grape juice at the café.
3. SunsetWatch the sun go down over the lake.
4. ShopBuy grape products, jams or local wine as souvenirs.

Where to stay

Day trip; the resort offers rooms.

Good to know

• Harvest season is in the cooler months.
• Bring mosquito repellent at sunset.
• Weekdays are calmer.
• Bring a light jacket in the cool season evenings; it can get breezy by the lake.
• Children enjoy the grape juice and the open spaces.