How many days · Pattaya · Thailand
How many days do you need in Pattaya?
A straight answer, then what each trip length really gets you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: WPPilot, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
4 days is the sweet spot for Pattaya, and 2 days is the minimum to see the main sights. Two days covers the city beach, a Koh Larn trip and the Sanctuary of Truth. Four days lets you add Nong Nooch, Khao Chi Chan, a water park and the night markets; a week leaves time for Koh Samet or Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
Key facts
- Ideal
- 4 days
- Minimum
- 2 days
- Day trips available
- 5
- Daylight
- 11.4 h (Jan) to 12.9 h (Jun)
What each trip length gets you
| Trip | Pace | What you can see |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Rushed | Sanctuary of Truth, Koh Larn (Coral Island), Walking Street and Khao Chi Chan |
| 2 days | Good | Khao Chi Chan, Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach |
| 3 days | Good | Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak), Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden |
| 5 days | Relaxed | The highlights plus a day trip to Koh Samet |
| 7 days | Plenty | A slow trip with day trips such as Koh Samet and Khao Kheow Open Zoo |
How long the top sights take
The 12 best-known sights in Pattaya add up to roughly 21–29 hours of visiting time — about 3–4 days at seven sightseeing hours a day, before travel between them and meals. The biggest time commitments are Koh Larn (Coral Island) (Full day), Jomtien Beach (Half a day) and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden (Half a day).
| Sight | Time needed | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary of Truth | 1.5–2 hours | Naklua and Wongamat |
| Koh Larn (Coral Island) | Full day | Koh Larn |
| Walking Street | 1–3 hours | South Pattaya and Walking Street |
| Khao Chi Chan | 45 minutes | Sattahip |
| Pattaya Beach | 1–2 hours | Central Pattaya |
| Jomtien Beach | Half a day | Jomtien |
| Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak) | 45 minutes | Pratumnak Hill |
| Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill) | 45 minutes | Pratumnak Hill |
| Nong Nooch Tropical Garden | Half a day | Sattahip |
| Wat Yansangwararam | 1–1.5 hours | Sattahip |
| Lan Pho Naklua seafood market | 1 hour | Naklua and Wongamat |
| Thepprasit Night Market | 1.5 hours | Jomtien |
By type of trip
| Trip | Days | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | 4 days | The main sights at a comfortable pace |
| Short break / repeat visit | 2 days | Focus on Sanctuary of Truth and Koh Larn (Coral Island) |
| With children | 5 days | Slower days and time for Koh Larn (Coral Island) |
| With day trips | 6 days | Add Koh Samet and Khao Kheow Open Zoo |
Daylight changes the maths
Sightseeing days are much shorter in January (about 11.4 hours of daylight) than in June (about 12.9 hours). Daylight varies little through the year, so plan by weather instead.
Ready-made itineraries
Combining Pattaya with other destinations
| Destination | Distance | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | About 101 km | 4 days |
| Koh Phangan | About 367 km | 6 days |
| Koh Samui | About 391 km | 6 days |
Questions travellers ask
+Is 2 days enough in Pattaya?
It covers the main sights at a brisk pace; 4 days is more comfortable. Two days covers the city beach, a Koh Larn trip and the Sanctuary of Truth. Four days lets you add Nong Nooch, Khao Chi Chan, a water park and the night markets; a week leaves time for Koh Samet or Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
+Is a week too long in Pattaya?
No — a week leaves time for day trips such as Koh Samet and Khao Kheow Open Zoo.