Itineraries for Your Trip to Pattaya
2 Days in Pattaya for First Timers
On paper, Pattaya is far from my idea of a beachside paradise. It’s loud, brash, and chock-full of tourists, high-rise hotels, and go-go bars—a hedonist wonderland that’s hardly designed for someone who likes to be asleep before midnight (guilty!). It is, however, the closest beach resort to Bangkok, so I gave it a chance on one of my many stays in the capital, and it turns out that there is much more to this coastal town.
This itinerary is my preferred way to spend two days in Pattaya—packed with cultural highlights, fun activities, and beautiful beaches with just a sprinkling of the city’s famous nightlife.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the famous floating market.
The dry, cooler months of November to February offer the best beach weather.
Pattaya is bigger than it looks, so rather than taking taxis everywhere, try booking tours that combine two or more top attractions. Start with a longtail boat cruise around Pattaya Floating Market, a long-standing Thai tradition where vendors sell handicrafts, street food, and other souvenirs from stilted huts along the river, then spot sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish at Underwater World Pattaya.
A half-hour drive north of Pattaya, visit the ornate Sanctuary of Truth, a structure so intricate that it won’t be finished until 2050. The magnificent wooden temple stands 20 stories high. Local artisans have been carving it by hand by using traditional techniques. Visit with a guide to fully appreciate the architecture and enjoy a cultural performance on the grounds.
Opting for a nightlife tour is the ideal way to experience Pattaya after dark and gain a local perspective on its infamous party scene. Travel around town in a tuk-tuk, visit some of the liveliest bars and cabaret venues, and seek out the most popular spots to drink and dance.
Hop aboard for a short speedboat ride out to Koh Larn (Coral Island), off the shore of Pattaya. With its white sand beaches and azure waters fringed with lush jungle, it’s the perfect spot to swim, snorkel, or take part in water sports like sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet-skiing.
Back in Pattaya, there’s time for some final sightseeing and souvenir shopping. The Big Buddha temple, Bali Hai Pier, and the Pattaya City sign are popular photo spots and can be reached on foot or on a short tuk-tuk ride. Afterward, relax and unwind with a traditional Thai massage.
For your final evening, snag tickets to one of the city’s legendary transgender cabarets. There are several to choose from, but Tiffany’s Show is one of the longest-running, dating back to 1974. Prepare to be entertained by the spectacular evening show that features dancing, lip-syncing, show-stopping costumes, and gravity-defying headdresses.
