Pattaya rose from a quiet fishing village to an international beach city in a few decades, its curve of golden sand framing the blue swells of the Gulf of Thailand. Today it balances resort comfort with lively nightlife, and counterpoints neon with tradition—from hilltop Buddha shrines to intricate teakwood marvels.

History and culture are close at hand. The Sanctuary of Truth, a hand-carved, sky-piercing wooden hall, nods to Thai craftsmanship and cosmology. Nearby, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden showcases orchids, palms, and a photogenic canopy skywalk. Offshore, Koh Larn and neighboring islets promise snorkel-friendly waters and sun-splashed afternoons.

Practical notes: Pattaya uses Thai baht; cards are widely accepted, but small bills help for songthaews (shared pickups). Dress shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and hydrate in the tropical heat. Street food is superb—think papaya salad, grilled seafood, and mango sticky rice—while rooftops and beach clubs deliver sunset views made for lingering.

Pattaya

Pattaya shines for variety: beach time at Jomtien and Wongamat, culture at Big Buddha Hill and Wat Phra Yai, shopping at Central Pattaya and Terminal 21, plus a dining scene that runs from market noodles to destination seafood restaurants over the water.

• Top sights: Sanctuary of Truth, Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint, Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha), Pattaya Floating Market, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Art in Paradise.
• Best beaches: Jomtien (family-friendly, watersports), Wongamat (quieter), Dongtan (relaxed), and day trips to Koh Larn.
• Food & drink: Seafood sunset dinners at The Glass House or Rimpa Lapin; craft beer at Hops Brew House; desserts at The Chocolate Factory; Thai classics at Leng Kee.
• Fun fact: The Sanctuary of Truth is built entirely of wood—no nails—continuously carved by artisans since the 1980s.

Where to stay: Browse seaview condos and villas on VRBO in Pattaya or compare resort hotels and city pads on Hotels.com Pattaya. For first-time visitors, Central Pattaya is convenient; for quieter nights, consider Jomtien, Pratumnak, or Wongamat.

Getting there: Fly into Bangkok (BKK or DMK) using Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com, then transfer 1.5–2 hours by taxi (approx. 1,500–2,500 THB), or bus (2–2.5 hours, ~150–200 THB). There’s also a budget-friendly Bangkok–Pattaya train (2.5–3.5 hours) you can review on Trip.com trains.

Day 1 — Arrival, Beach Walk, and Sunset Bites

Morning: Travel day. If landing in Bangkok, fuel up at the airport and transfer to Pattaya. Check in and refresh—beachfront properties along Beach Road make first-time logistics easy, while Jomtien suits a calmer start.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs along Pattaya Beach’s promenade. Grab an iced latte and croissant at La Baguette (Wongamat) or hit Bake n’ Brew near Pattaya Klang for Thai-style iced coffee and cakes. Dip into the sea or simply people-watch.

Evening: Toast your first sunset from Horizon Rooftop Bar at the Hilton—360-degree views and well-made classics. Dine at The Glass House in Na Jomtien for grilled prawns, steamed fish with lime, and a candlelit beach vibe. If it’s Fri–Sun, browse Thepprasit Night Market for mango sticky rice and souvenir trinkets.

Day 2 — City Highlights, Floating Market, and Tiffany’s Show

Morning: Join a guided overview to hit the icons in a half day and learn the backstories. The tour generally includes Big Buddha Hill and the viewpoint, plus time at the floating market for snacks and photos:

Pattaya Discovery Tour with Floating Market, View Points

Afternoon: Savor noodles for lunch at long-running Leng Kee—try roast duck over rice or tom yum seafood. Then head to the Sanctuary of Truth to admire the all-wood carvings; go late day for cooler temps and golden light.

Evening: Dress up for a glitzy night at the legendary cabaret—dazzling costumes, choreography, and songs spanning languages:

Tiffany's Show Pattaya: The World Class Best Show in Pattaya

Pre- or post-show, pop into Hops Brew House for house lagers and a plate of German-Thai comfort (grilled sausages one moment, basil chicken the next).

Day 3 — Ethical Elephant Morning, Jomtien Beach Afternoon

Morning: Spend a meaningful morning learning about elephant care, feeding, and bathing with a responsible operator—no riding, just proximity and education:

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Half Day Morning Program

Afternoon: Head to Jomtien Beach for a late lunch at Suttangrak—order crispy fried sea bass, spicy papaya salad, and coconut shakes. Sail a hobie cat, try paddleboarding, or simply nap seaside with a fresh fruit platter.

Evening: Dine among treetops at Cabbages & Condoms (Birds & Bees) on Pratumnak for southern Thai curries and ocean breezes. Nightcap at The Roof Sky Bar (Siam@Siam) with a skyline view and Thai-inspired cocktails.

Day 4 — Island-Hopping by Catamaran

Morning & Afternoon: Sail the Gulf on a full-day catamaran to swim and snorkel around coral-brushed islands like Koh Phai or Koh Rin. Expect clear-water stops, onboard lunch, and plenty of deck time:

Pattaya: 3 Islands one day trip on Catamaran with Lunch

Evening: Back onshore, snag a reservation at Rimpa Lapin in Na Jomtien—cantilevered terraces, waves crashing below, and a standout tom yum goong. For dessert, swing by The Chocolate Factory for truffles and sea-view cakes.

Day 5 — Gardens, Skywalks, and Market Flavors

Morning: Wander Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, a sprawling botanical showcase with themed landscapes, a skywalk through towering palms, and orchid-filled corners. Arrive at opening for cooler temps and softer light.

Afternoon: Circle back to the Pattaya Floating Market for snacks you missed—grilled squid, coconut ice cream, and tiny pancakes. Coffee break at The Sky Gallery in Pratumnak for spectacular sea views and a light salad or krapao.

Evening: Explore Terminal 21 Pattaya for playful design and air-conditioned strolling, then try Nang Nual on Walking Street for classic Thai seafood. Prefer casual? Ninja BBQ Buffet delivers a fun DIY grill experience with local families.

Day 6 — Choose Your Adventure: Waterpark Thrills or Koh Larn Chill

Morning: Option 1: Make it a splash day at the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Bang Saray—movie-themed slides and wave pools suit couples, friends, and families. Option 2: Catch the public ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn (30–45 minutes; ferries are frequent) and settle on Tawaen or Samae Beach.

Afternoon: On Koh Larn, rent a scooter or hop a songthaew to visit multiple beaches; lunch at a beachfront shack for fried garlic prawns and pineapple shakes. Back in town, grab gelato at Da Vinci (Jomtien) or a Thai tea at a beach kiosk.

Evening: Sunset drinks at Pattaya Beer Garden over the water. For dinner, book The Glass House (if you missed it) or try Surf & Turf Beach Club (Wongamat) for tom kha soup and seafood pasta under string lights.

Day 7 — Spa, Souvenirs, and Farewell

Morning: Unwind with a Thai massage and herbal compress at a reputable spa such as Let’s Relax or Oasis. Brunch at Jasmin’s Café Jomtien or a second round at La Baguette for almond croissants and fruit platters.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Central Pattaya (bath salts, silk scarves, local snacks). Transfer to Bangkok for your flight—allow 2–3.5 hours total depending on traffic and airport. Check flight options via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have a late departure, enjoy a light farewell dinner at Hops Brew House or a rooftop toast at Horizon. Pattaya’s songthaews are inexpensive (often 10–30 THB); keep small change handy and confirm the route before hopping on.

Getting around tips: Songthaews crisscross Beach Road, Second Road, Jomtien, and Naklua; Grab/Bolt are reliable for door-to-door. For Koh Larn, the public ferry is the budget favorite; speedboats are faster but pricier—agree on price before boarding.

Dining pointers: For street food, explore Soi Buakhao’s evening stalls—grilled chicken, sticky rice, and papaya salad are musts. If you love spice, say “pet nit noi” (a little spicy) to calibrate heat, then graduate as you go.

Accommodation quick links for ease: VRBO Pattaya stays and Hotels.com Pattaya hotels.

In one week, you’ll touch Pattaya’s essentials—wood-carved wonder, floating flavors, island waters, and stage sparkle—at an easy pace. Mix beach hours with temple quiet, market snacks with sunset tables, and you’ll see why travelers keep returning to the Gulf’s bright shore.