Bangkok, Pattaya & Phuket · 9 days

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.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

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.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

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.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

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.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

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.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Bangkok → Phuket

Phuket · Bangkok to Phuket, Flight ~1h25m

• Big Buddha Phuket · 1.5 h. Free with a donation; sarongs are lent at the entrance to cover knees.
• Wat Chalong · 1 h

Local tip: Free with a donation; sarongs are lent at the entrance to cover knees.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Phi Phi & Maya Bay speedboat day trip

Phuket

• Phi Phi & Maya Bay speedboat day trip · 8 h. National park fee (~400 THB) is often collected in cash on the day. Maya Bay usually closes Aug–Sep.

Local tip: National park fee (~400 THB) is often collected in cash on the day. Maya Bay usually closes Aug–Sep.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Explore Phuket

Phuket

• Promthep Cape sunset · 1.5 h. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for parking.
• Kata & Karon beach day · 3 h. Red flags in May–Oct mean rip currents; swim only between the flags.

Local tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for parking.

Open day 8 route in Google Maps

Day 9: Depart from Phuket

Phuket

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.