TH · Chonburi · 12.94°N 100.89°E

pattaya

Bangkok's loud beach cousin: Koh Larn day trips, night markets, Sanctuary of Truth.

Best time
November to February is driest and least humid. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season runs roughly May to October.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok, about 2 hours, then about 1.5–2 hours by road to Pattaya. Buses and taxis run from Suvarnabhumi Airport; from Don Mueang it takes a bit longer.
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TH · Chonburipattaya12.94°N 100.89°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Bangkok's loud beach cousin: Koh Larn day trips, night markets, Sanctuary of Truth.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingPattayaTH, Chonburi
KLpattaya
≈ 1,093 km from KL, as the crow flies
Pattaya beach from view point

Photo: Sergey S. Dukachev · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A big, loud beach city on the Gulf of Thailand, about two hours from Bangkok. It's known for its nightlife, but there's plenty for families too: island day trips, night markets, gardens and the giant wooden Sanctuary of Truth.

Makan

  1. Grilled seafoodFish, prawns and squid grilled by the beach and at the night markets.Map ↗
  2. Som tamSpicy green papaya salad, best with grilled chicken and sticky rice.Map ↗
  3. Mango sticky riceSweet mango with coconut sticky rice, at almost any night market.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Sanctuary of TruthA huge temple-like building carved entirely from wood, still being worked on decades after it started.Map ↗
  2. Koh LarnFerries and speedboats from Bali Hai Pier run to the island's beaches.Map ↗
  3. Night marketsStreet food, clothes and souvenirs, busiest on weekend evenings.Map ↗
  4. Jomtien BeachA long beach south of the centre, calmer than Pattaya Beach.Map ↗
  5. Nong Nooch Tropical GardenBig landscaped gardens with cultural shows, south of town.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Walking Street is the adult nightlife strip. Families usually prefer Jomtien.
  • Agree the fare before you hop on a baht bus or taxi, or use a ride-hailing app.
  • It pairs well with a few days in Bangkok.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.