Thailand weaves ancient kingdoms and modern cityscapes into a traveler’s dream. From the Gulf of Thailand’s blue-green waters to gilded temple spires along the Chao Phraya River, it delivers sensory overload—in the best way possible. Expect award‑winning street food, warm hospitality, and a calendar full of festivals (Songkran in mid‑April is a joyous water fight nationwide).

Pattaya, two hours from Bangkok, is a gateway to easy island-hopping, beach cafés, and famous cabaret stages. Offshore, Coral Island (Koh Larn) is a snorkel-friendly playground; on land, hilltop viewpoints and lively markets keep evenings buzzing. Go beyond the neon to find serene temples, fresh seafood shacks, and sunrise beaches locals love.

Bangkok is a city of contrasts: royal palaces and river canals, Michelin‑mentioned street vendors and sky bars perched above the skyline. Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered), carry small bills for boats and markets, and hydrate—it’s tropical year‑round. The coolest, driest months are November to February.

Pattaya

Pattaya pairs sandy days with an after-dark sparkle. Base yourself in Central Pattaya for convenience, Jomtien for a calmer beachfront, or Naklua/Pratumnak for breezy hill views. Offshore, Koh Larn’s coves are turquoise postcards; onshore, Big Buddha Hill and the Sanctuary of Truth offer spiritual and architectural stops.

• Top sights: Koh Larn (Coral Island), Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak), Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), Sanctuary of Truth, Thepprasit Night Market (Fri–Sun).
• Eat & drink: Sky-hugging sundowners at The Sky Gallery; seafood feasts at Mum Aroi (Naklua) or Rimpa Lapin (Ban Amphur); French pastries at La Baguette.
• Stay here: Browse beachfront condos, villas, and hotels on VRBO Pattaya or compare top-rated stays on Hotels.com Pattaya.

Day 1 — Arrival in Bangkok, transfer to Pattaya, seaside sunset

Afternoon (arrival): Land in Bangkok (BKK or DMK). For international flights, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Transfer to Pattaya (approx. 2–2.5 hours by car). A private car is ~1,500–2,200 THB ($45–65); public buses from Ekkamai are ~150–200 THB ($4–6), 2.5–3 hours.

Afternoon (check-in + beach walk): Drop bags and stretch out along Pattaya Beach or head to Wong Amat for a quieter stroll. Grab an iced coffee at La Baguette (Naklua) or Bake n’ Brew near Central Pattaya.

Evening: Sunset drinks at The Sky Gallery (Pratumnak; coastal views; reserve outdoor tables). Dinner on the water at Mum Aroi Naklua (live seafood, spicy lime-steamed fish, charcoal-grilled prawns). If it’s Fri–Sun, wander Thepprasit Night Market for mango sticky rice and grilled squid; otherwise, explore Terminal 21’s food court for easy bites.

Day 2 — Coral Island adventure: snorkeling, parasailing, jet ski

Morning: Speedboat over glass‑clear water to Koh Larn for a day of ocean thrills.

Pattaya : Coral Island Full Day Tour with Snorkeling, Jetski and Parasailing

Afternoon: Rotate between Tawaen or Samae Beach, snorkeling by glass-bottom boat, and water sports (parasailing, jet ski, banana boat). Expect clear water, soft sand, and a relaxed island tempo.

Evening: Back in Pattaya, celebrate with dinner at The Glass House Silver (Jomtien; beachfront Thai dishes—soft-shell crab curry, tom yum—and good wine list). Nightcap at Drift (Hilton Pattaya) for sea-breeze cocktails.

Day 3 — Ethical elephant morning, hilltop views, and cabaret night

Morning: Meet Thailand’s gentle giants at an ethical sanctuary—feed, learn, and observe in a natural setting.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Half Day Morning Program

Afternoon: Lunch at Café des Amis (French-Thai fusion; book ahead for their tasting menu) or Surf & Turf Pattaya (beachside, wagyu burgers and grilled seafood). Then climb to Pattaya Viewpoint on Khao Phra Tamnak for a panoramic sweep of the bay; stop by Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) next door for serene photos.

Evening: Experience the legendary cabaret—opulent costumes, precision choreography, and classic Thai pop numbers.

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

Post‑show bites at Hops Brew House (house lagers, pork knuckle, wood‑fired pizza) or Leng Kee (Teochew‑Thai classics, late hours).

Day 4 — Culture, markets, or waterpark play

Morning: Choose your flavor. Culture lovers: the Sanctuary of Truth (hand‑carved wooden temple by the sea) and Wat Yansangwararam (modern royal monastery complex). Families: Columbia Pictures Aquaverse near Bangsaray (rides themed to Ghostbusters/Jumanji).

Afternoon: Lunch by the shore at Rimpa Lapin (cliffside views; roasted duck red curry, sour orange curry) or Pupen Seafood (Jomtien; family‑style platters). Coffee break at Tree Tales (garden café; iced Thai tea and cakes).

Evening: Explore Walking Street for sheer spectacle—neon, live bands, and people‑watching. For a more relaxed scene, Soi Buakhao’s night market has craft beers, skewers, and stalls selling souvenirs. Dessert: bingsu at Snow Wish or coconut ice cream from street vendors.

Bangkok

Bangkok dazzles with royal grandeur and everyday river life. Mornings begin with saffron-robed monks collecting alms; evenings melt into street-food grills and river breezes. The BTS Skytrain/MRT make city-hopping easy; boats and tuk‑tuks add fun between temple stops.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun, Chinatown (Yaowarat), Jim Thompson House, Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
• Eat & drink: Thipsamai for wok‑flamed pad thai, Jay Fai for crab omelets (long queues), Phed Mark for chili-forward burgers, Soei for fiery Isan‑leaning dishes. Rooftops: Mahanakhon SkyBar, Octave, or Sky Bar at Lebua.
• Stay here: Riverside for scenic calm, Old Town for temple access, Sukhumvit for nightlife and shopping. Compare stays on VRBO Bangkok and Hotels.com Bangkok.

Day 5 — Pattaya to Bangkok, royal Bangkok by river

Morning (travel): Depart Pattaya for Bangkok. By car: ~2–2.5 hours, ~1,500–2,200 THB. Public bus: ~150–200 THB, 2.5–3 hours. Thailand’s trains are slower but scenic; check schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Afternoon (temples): Join a focused half‑day that hits the big three efficiently (dress code enforced at the Grand Palace: shoulders/knees covered).

Bangkok Royal Road — Top 3 Major Monuments (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun)

Evening (Chinatown): Head to Yaowarat for dinner. Try Nai Mong Hoi Thod (crispy oyster omelet), T&K Seafood (grilled river prawns, pepper crab), and Sweet Time for warm ginkgo-in-ginger syrup. After, take a river taxi to Iconsiam for a calm stroll and night views.

Day 6 — Markets, canals, and a rooftop finale

Morning: Coffee at Factory Coffee (Phaya Thai; award‑winning brews) or Roots at The Commons (Thonglor). If it’s a weekend, dive into Chatuchak Weekend Market (souvenirs, ceramics, plants). Weekdays: Jim Thompson House for silk heritage and canal‑side teak architecture.

Afternoon: Khlong (canal) ride from Tha Tien or Phra Arthit to see stilt houses, waterside shrines, and orchid balconies—Bangkok as a “Venice of the East.” Lunch at Thipsamai (pad thai cooked over charcoal) or Soei (Samsen; fried mackerel heads and spicy salads).

Evening: Golden-hour cityscapes at Mahanakhon SkyWalk or drinks at Octave Rooftop (360‑degree views). Dinner options: Nahm (refined Thai tasting menus), Err (rustic Thai drinking food), or Jeh O Chula (late‑night tom yum mama noodles; expect a queue). Nightcap along Sukhumvit Soi 11’s cocktail bars.

Day 7 — Old-town coffee, last-minute shopping, departure

Morning: Grab a nostalgic breakfast at On Lok Yun (old-town canteen, kaya toast, Thai coffee) or Blue Whale Cafe near Wat Pho (butterfly‑pea latte and photogenic blue hues). Quick stop at the Erawan Shrine for a farewell blessing or Terminal 21 for last-minute gifts.

Afternoon (departure): Head to BKK or DMK. Compare flights and times on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. In-city travel is quickest on BTS/MRT (typical fares 16–59 THB). Allow 2–3 hours buffer for Bangkok traffic.

Practical notes and booking tips

• Getting there: Long-haul arrivals usually land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Compare options on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com.
• Between cities: Bangkok–Pattaya is ~150 km. Car: 2–2.5 hours; bus: 2.5–3 hours; train (limited services): 2.5–3.5 hours via Trip.com Trains.
• Money & etiquette: Cash is still useful for markets/boats. Remove shoes at temple thresholds. Dress modestly for royal sites.
• When to go: Nov–Feb is cooler and drier; May–Oct sees afternoon showers but smaller crowds and lusher scenery.
• Where to stay: Pattaya—Jomtien for quiet beachfront, Central for nightlife. Bangkok—Riverside and Old Town for culture walks, Sukhumvit for shopping and transit. Check VRBO Pattaya, Hotels.com Pattaya, VRBO Bangkok, and Hotels.com Bangkok.

Included Viator experiences referenced above (with images):

• Pattaya : Coral Island Full Day Tour with Snorkeling, Jetski and Parasailing
• Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Half Day Morning Program
• Tiffany's Show Pattaya: The World Class Best Show in Pattaya
• Bangkok Royal Road — Top 3 Major Monuments (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun)

This one‑week plan balances Pattaya’s sunny islands and evening shows with Bangkok’s royal landmarks and market flavors. You’ll snorkel clear waters, sip rooftop cocktails, and taste Thailand from beach barbecues to old‑town cafés—memories threaded by river breezes and sunset skies.