Bangkok & Pattaya first trip · 6 days
6 days, 5 nights: Pattaya (2N), Bangkok (3N). Best time to go: Best Nov–Feb; works year-round.
Day 1: Arrive in Pattaya
Pattaya
- Alcazar or Tiffany's cabaret show · 1.5 h. Several shows nightly; online tickets are usually cheaper than at the door.
- Pattaya Floating Market · 2 h
Local tip: Several shows nightly; online tickets are usually cheaper than at the door.
Day 2: Coral Island (Koh Larn) speedboat day
Pattaya
- Coral Island (Koh Larn) speedboat day · 6 h. Public ferries from Bali Hai pier cost ~30 THB each way; tours add lunch and water sports. Agree water-sport prices first.
Local tip: Public ferries from Bali Hai pier cost ~30 THB each way; tours add lunch and water sports. Agree water-sport prices first.
Day 3: Pattaya → Bangkok
Bangkok · Pattaya to Bangkok, Bus or private car ~2–2.5h
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) · 2.5 h. Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.
- Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha · 1.5 h. A 5-minute walk from the Grand Palace; the massage school inside takes walk-ins.
Local tip: Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.
Day 4: Explore Bangkok
Bangkok
- Wat Arun by Chao Phraya cross-river ferry · 1.5 h. Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.
- Chao Phraya river dinner cruise · 2.5 h. Most depart from ICONSIAM or Asiatique piers around 7–8pm; vegetarian menus on request when booking.
- ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon & Pratunam shopping · 3 h. Pratunam and Platinum Fashion Mall for wholesale prices; carry your passport for VAT refunds.
Local tip: Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.
Day 5: Safari World & Marine Park
Bangkok
- Safari World & Marine Park · 7 h. About 1h north of the centre; book a ticket that includes hotel transfer and lunch.
Local tip: About 1h north of the centre; book a ticket that includes hotel transfer and lunch.
Day 6: Depart from Bangkok
Bangkok
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Pattaya (2 nights): Beach Road / North Pattaya. Sea-view hotels near malls and the Bali Hai pier run.
- Bangkok (3 nights): Pratunam / Siam. Malls, wholesale shopping and food courts close by; Airport Rail Link nearby.