Pattaya began as a quiet fishing village and morphed into one of Thailand’s most famous coastal escapes—equal parts beach resort, entertainment hub, and gateway to the islands of the Eastern Gulf. Today it’s a place where you can snorkel clear waters by day, watch a world-class cabaret by night, and still find serene corners in temples and tropical gardens.

Beyond the neon, Pattaya rewards curiosity: the all-wood Sanctuary of Truth rising like a myth from the sea, the hilltop Big Buddha gazing over the bay, and the family-friendly Jomtien stretch for laid-back swims. Day-trippers love Koh Larn, while food lovers zero in on seafood shacks in Naklua and sunset dining in Na Jomtien.

Practical notes: November–February is breezy and ideal; March–May is hot; June–October brings tropical showers. Dress modestly at temples, carry small cash for songthaews (shared pickup trucks), and use ride-hailing for convenience. Street-food standards are high—follow queues and sizzling woks.

Pattaya

Pattaya sits in Chon Buri Province, two hours from Bangkok, with an easygoing beach vibe and a nightlife pedigree. The city splits into distinct zones: Central Pattaya for malls and bars, North Pattaya/Naklua for seafood and quieter stays, and Jomtien/Na Jomtien for calmer beaches and breezy sundowners.

Top sights stitch together culture and fun: the hand-carved Sanctuary of Truth, hilltop viewpoints, the floating market, and lush Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Offshore, Koh Larn and neighboring isles deliver coral-hugged coves and postcard blues.

• Where to stay: Browse beachfront condos and villas on VRBO Pattaya or compare hotels across Central, North, and Jomtien on Hotels.com Pattaya. For beach access and quieter evenings, look to Jomtien/Na Jomtien; for shopping and nightlife, Central Pattaya is most convenient.
• Getting there: Fly into Bangkok (BKK/DMK) or U-Tapao (UTP). Check fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. From Bangkok, a car takes ~1.5–2 hours (roughly $40–80 for a private transfer); the SRT train runs ~2.5–3 hours—browse schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Sea Breeze, and Sunset Views

Morning: Fly into Bangkok or U-Tapao. If connecting through Bangkok, consider a mid-morning arrival and a leisurely transfer to Pattaya (~2 hours). Check in via Hotels.com Pattaya or VRBO Pattaya, then drop bags and freshen up.

Afternoon: Ease in with a beach walk along Pattaya Beach or the quieter Jomtien strip. Grab a late lunch at Leng Kee (Thai-Chinese classics like roast duck over rice and crab fried rice) or Surf Kitchen Jomtien (pad thai and tom yum steps from the sand).

Evening: Head to Khao Pattaya Viewpoint for a golden-hour panorama of the bay. For dinner, The Sky Gallery serves grilled seafood and Thai plates with wave-lapped vistas, while Cabbages & Condoms (Birds & Bees) pairs beachfront dining with a social mission. Cap with a craft pint at Hops Brew House (pork knuckle, Thai curries, and house lagers).

Day 2: Wood-Carved Wonder and Cabaret Night

Morning: Start at La Baguette (croissants, mango mille-feuille, strong espresso). Then dive into Pattaya’s most astonishing landmark, the all-wood Sanctuary of Truth—an intricate fusion of Thai, Khmer, Chinese, and Indian motifs built without nails.

Book ahead: Entry Ticket to the Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya

Afternoon: Lunch by the sea at Moom Aroi Naklua (grilled river prawns, spicy som tam) where waves slap the deck. If it’s hot, pop into Art in Paradise (interactive 3D trompe-l’oeil) or browse Terminal 21 Pattaya’s global-themed floors and wallet-friendly food court.

Evening: Dress up for a Pattaya icon: Tiffany’s Show—glam costumes, choreography, and Broadway polish from the world’s first transgender cabaret institution. Pre-show sundowners and sharing plates at Pippa (rooftop at Mytt) make a chic lead-in.

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

Day 3: Island-Hopping on the Gulf

Morning: Fuel up at Bake n’ Brew (eggs Benedict, Thai iced coffee). Make for Ocean Marina or a city pier for a full-day catamaran to three crystalline islands, with snorkeling over reefs and a beach stop. Sunscreen, rash guard, and a hat are musts.

Easy, social day out: Pattaya: 3 Islands one day trip on Catamaran with Lunch

Afternoon: Continue island-hopping—expect calm aquamarine coves, light currents, and tropical fish. Most trips include lunch on board and snorkel gear.

Evening: Back in town, casual dinner at Hops Brew House or The Glass House (beachfront, soft lighting, deep seafood menu). Nightcap at Siam@Siam’s Sky Bar with sweeping views and a coastal breeze.

Day 4: Ethical Elephants and Jomtien Sundown

Morning: Join a half-day program at an ethical elephant sanctuary to learn about rescue, behavior, and care. You’ll typically feed, walk alongside, and observe the herd—not ride—before returning to Pattaya around midday.

Responsible choice: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Half Day Morning Program

Afternoon: Recover with a beach siesta at Jomtien. Lunch on papaya salad and grilled chicken from beachfront vendors or grab a table at Sense of the Sea (Thai/seafood with shade and tunes). Consider a spa hour at Let’s Relax for a Thai massage.

Evening: Time your table at Rimpa Lapin in Na Jomtien for sunset—creative Thai dishes like crispy catfish salad and tamarind prawns against a cliffside horizon. If it’s Fri–Sun, wander Thepprasit Night Market afterward for mango sticky rice and skewers.

Day 5: Gardens, Buddha Mountain, and Vineyard Hour

Morning: Coffee at La Baguette, then head to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden—orchid houses, elephant topiaries, skywalks, and palm collections. It’s vast; focus on the French Garden and the elevated walkways for photos.

Afternoon: Continue to Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain), a 130-meter Buddha image laser-etched into limestone—striking in midday light. Nearby Silverlake Vineyard offers Italianate facades and grape juice or a glass of wine; pair with a simple pasta or Thai snack.

Evening: Back in Pattaya, try Cabbages & Condoms if you missed it, or opt for Pippa rooftop for modern Thai small plates and a DJ-backed sundown. For dessert, hunt down coconut ice cream at Jomtien Night Market.

Day 6: Markets, Adrenaline, and Floating Merchants

Morning: Breakfast at Bake n’ Brew or a Thai-style start of jok (rice porridge) and patongo (fried dough) at a local shophouse. Thrill-seekers can book ATV trails inland or karting at EasyKart near Thepprasit; families can head to Ramayana Water Park for slides and a lazy river.

Afternoon: Explore Pattaya Floating Market—wooden walkways, regional crafts, and vendors selling boat noodles and grilled squid. Try a sampler: northern khao soi, Isaan sai krok (fermented sausage), and sweet roti.

Evening: Dinner at The Glass House (order the steamed whole fish with lime and chili or soft-shell crab). Night owls can stroll Walking Street to see neon spectacle; if clubs aren’t your scene, choose a mellow beach bar in Jomtien instead.

Day 7: Big Buddha Blessings, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Climb the stairway flanked by Naga serpents to Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) on Pratumnak Hill for sea views and a reflective farewell. Dress modestly and speak softly around worshippers.

Afternoon: Do a last shop-and-snack loop at Terminal 21’s food court or Central Pattaya for souvenirs. Grab an early lunch at Leng Kee or a beachfront quick bite in Jomtien before your transfer back to the airport. Check flight/train options on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights, and rail back to Bangkok via Trip.com Trains if you prefer the scenic route.

Evening: Departure day—if your flight is later, squeeze in a final coffee at La Baguette and a beach stroll. Safe travels!

Optional Add-Ons (Swap Into Any Day)

• Ocean dinner cruise for skyline views and live music.
• ATV trail rides through countryside tracks (beginner to expert routes) or go-karting at EasyKart near Thepprasit.
• Extra Koh Larn time via public ferry from Bali Hai Pier (about 30–45 minutes; budget-friendly) for a DIY beach day.

Viator Picks Used in This Itinerary

• Entry Ticket to the Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya
• Tiffany's Show Pattaya
• Pattaya: 3 Islands Catamaran with Lunch
• Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Half Day Morning

This 7-day Pattaya itinerary balances island adventures, Thai flavors, cultural icons, and restful beach time. With smart transport, thoughtful ethical experiences, and a handful of show-stopping evenings, you’ll leave with salt in your hair and stories worth retelling.