5 best day trips from Pattaya

Day trips compared

The day trips

80 km · About 2 hours by road and ferry

1.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. It is quieter than Pattaya and works best with an overnight stay.

Getting there

Minibus or car to Ban Phe pier, then ferry

Best for

Couples, Beach, Quiet stays

40 km · About 45 minutes by car

2.Khao Kheow Open Zoo

A large open-concept zoo in the hills of Si Racha district, where many animals live in wide enclosures; visitors can drive, cycle or ride a tram around, and there is a night safari.

Getting there

Car or taxi

Best for

Families

50 km · About 1 hour by car

3.Bang Saen and Nong Mon market

A beach resort popular with Thai families, with a long palm-lined beach, seafood stalls and the Nong Mon market, famous for khao lam sticky rice and dried seafood.

Getting there

Car or bus towards Chonburi

Best for

Food lovers, Families

45 km · About 1.5 hours by car and ferry

4.Koh Si Chang

A small rocky island off Si Racha with the ruins and restored buildings of a former royal summer palace, a Chinese hilltop shrine and small swimming coves.

Getting there

Car to Si Racha, then ferry

Best for

Culture, Quiet stays

150 km · About 2–2.5 hours by bus or car

5.Bangkok

Thailand's capital has the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and huge markets. A day trip is long; most visitors combine Pattaya with a few nights in Bangkok.

Getting there

Bus from Pattaya to Ekkamai or Mo Chit, or car

Best for

First-timers, Culture, Shopping

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Pay the standard fare when you get off on the main loops, and agree a price first if you want a private charter.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask