5 days in Pattaya

Day by day

1. Day 1: Sanctuary of Truth and Lan Pho Naklua seafood market

   Sanctuary of Truth, Lan Pho Naklua seafood market and Wongamat Beach, then Walking Street in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Sanctuary of Truth

      Go early in the morning when the sun lights the seaward face, and dress modestly, as shorts and bare shoulders may need to be covered. (1.5–2 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Lan Pho Naklua seafood market

      Buy seafood by weight and have it cooked on the spot, then eat in the waterside park; go in the late afternoon. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Steamed sea bass with lime

      Seafood restaurants in Naklua, Jomtien and along the bay.

   4. Afternoon

      Wongamat Beach

      Combine a morning swim here with the Sanctuary of Truth at the southern end of the beach. (Half a day, free).

   5. Evening

      Walking Street

      Walk the length of the street once for the spectacle, keep valuables secure in the crowds and check bar prices before ordering.

2. Day 2: Koh Larn (Coral Island) and Khao Chi Chan

   Koh Larn (Coral Island), Khao Chi Chan and Pattaya Beach, then Thepprasit Night Market in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Koh Larn (Coral Island)

      Take the public ferry rather than a speedboat tour, and head to Samae or Tien beach, which are usually quieter than Tawaen. (Full day, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Khao Chi Chan

      Combine it with Wat Yansangwararam and Silverlake vineyard nearby, and visit in the late afternoon when the gold catches the sun. (45 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Grilled river prawns and crab

      Seafood restaurants on Walking Street and in Naklua, and the Lan Pho Naklua market.

   4. Afternoon

      Pattaya Beach

      Walk the promenade at sunset, when the heat eases and the bay glows; for swimming, Jomtien or Koh Larn usually have clearer water. (1–2 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Thepprasit Night Market

      Go on Friday or Saturday evening, arrive hungry and try grilled seafood, fried insects if you dare, and coconut ice cream.

3. Day 3: Jomtien Beach and Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)

   Jomtien Beach, Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak) and Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill), then Tiffany's Show in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Jomtien Beach

      Head to the southern end for more space and kite-surfing schools, and visit the Jomtien Night Market in the evening. (Half a day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)

      Go about 30 minutes before sunset to watch the bay change colour, then walk down to Walking Street for dinner. (45 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tom yum goong

      Thai restaurants throughout the city.

   4. Afternoon

      Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)

      Find the Buddha image for the day of the week you were born and make a small offering, as Thai visitors do. (45 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      Tiffany's Show

      Book seats a day ahead, and choose an early show if travelling with older children or tired from the beach.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Koh Samet

   About 2 hours by road and ferry each way. Getting there: Minibus or car to Ban Phe pier, then ferry.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Koh Samet

      About 2 hours by road and ferry (Minibus or car to Ban Phe pier, then ferry); about 80 km.

   2. Day

      Koh Samet

      A small island in Rayong province with fine white-sand beaches such as Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean, part of a national park. Best for couples, beach and quiet stays.

   3. Evening

      Back in Pattaya

      Dinner: try Oyster or mussel omelette.

5. Day 5: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Wat Yansangwararam

   Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Wat Yansangwararam and Underwater World Pattaya, then Walking Street in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

      Allow a full morning, use the in-park tram to save walking in the heat, and visit the elevated walkway for views over the gardens. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Wat Yansangwararam

      Dress modestly, and visit on the same trip as Khao Chi Chan, which is a short drive away. (1–1.5 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Oyster or mussel omelette

      Night markets such as Thepprasit and Jomtien.

   4. Afternoon

      Underwater World Pattaya

      Visit in the heat of the afternoon or on a rainy day, and check the feeding times at the entrance. (1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Walking Street

      The main nightlife strip of clubs, live-music venues, go-go bars and seafood restaurants.

Before you go

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Central Pattaya keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, South Pattaya and Walking Street ($$) suits nightlife, solo travellers and budget. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 27–36 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.4 hours in January to 12.9 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Pattaya
• 2 days in Pattaya
• 3 days in Pattaya

Questions travellers ask