Itinerary · Thailand
Pattaya first trip: how do you get from the airport, and how many days do you need?
Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya by bus or taxi (about 2 hours), a 3 to 4 day plan, songthaews and Ko Larn boats, and why November-February is the easiest time.
Published
How many days for Pattaya? 3 to 4 days
Pattaya is a beach city on the Gulf of Thailand about 150 km southeast of Bangkok. Hop between the city beach, quieter Jomtien and the island of Ko Larn by boat for swimming, and take in sea views from hilltop viewpoints and temples. The guide suggests 3 to 4 days.
With 4 days, see Pattaya Beach on day one, take a Ko Larn day trip on day two, visit Wat Phra Yai, the Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint and Jomtien Beach on day three, then stop at Khao Chi Chan on the last morning before heading to the airport. Its closeness to Bangkok also makes it an easy short beach trip or add-on.
Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya: two buses and a taxi
The usual gateway is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Pattaya is roughly a two-hour drive away, and buses and taxis run from the airport. U-Tapao Airport (UTP) is also near Pattaya; check airline information for routes.
The simplest option is the airport bus from the Level 1, Gate 8 area of the main terminal, from about 135 THB. One checked bag up to 20 kg plus one personal bag is usually free; extra or oversized bags cost more. Intercity buses to Pattaya also run from the airport's Public Transportation Center (bus terminal), roughly 06:30-21:00, for about 140-190 THB. Take the airport shuttle to reach the center.
With lots of luggage or a late-night arrival, a taxi is easier. Public taxis leave from Level 1 of the main terminal between Gates 4 and 7, charging the meter plus an airport surcharge of about 50 THB. Airport limousines are booked at Level 2 counters. Check official information for taxi and limousine fares and bus timetables.
- Airport bus: main terminal Level 1, Gate 8; about 2 hours; from about 135 THB
- Intercity bus: airport Public Transportation Center; roughly 06:30-21:00; about 2 hours (depends on traffic); about 140-190 THB
- Public taxi: Level 1 between Gates 4 and 7; meter plus an airport surcharge of about 50 THB
- Airport limousine: Level 2 counters; check official information for fares
Getting around Pattaya: songthaews, ride-hailing apps and Ko Larn boats
Songthaews are shared pickup trucks that loop along the beach roads and through town. They are cheap on set routes, but going off-route or hiring the whole truck costs more. Confirm the destination and fare before boarding, and agree a price in advance if you hire the whole truck.
With ride-hailing apps, fares are set in advance, which helps in the evening or for longer trips to Jomtien or the viewpoints.
Boats to Ko Larn leave from piers in south Pattaya. Check locally where to board, and check official information for regular ferry and speedboat times and fares. On the island, minibuses and motorbike taxis link the beaches. Scooter rental is popular but accidents are common: check you hold a licence valid in Thailand and what your travel insurance covers, and always wear a helmet.
- Songthaews: confirm destination and fare first; agree a price to hire the whole truck
- Ride-hailing apps: fares set in advance; handy in the evening and for longer trips
- Ko Larn boats: piers in south Pattaya; check official times and fares
- Scooter rental: check licence and insurance; always wear a helmet
A basic 4-day route
On day 1, take a bus or taxi from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya, check in, and walk Pattaya Beach at sunset. Have grilled seafood for dinner: you pick prawns, fish, squid or crab priced by weight, so check whether prices are per 100 g or per kg before choosing.
On day 2, take a morning boat to Ko Larn for clear water and sandy beaches. The wooden walkway of about 150 m running from Sangwan Beach toward Tawaen Beach is a fairly quiet photo spot. Come back late in the afternoon and stroll Walking Street; early evening is best, and watch out for pickpockets in the crowds.
On day 3, visit Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) and the Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint in the morning; cover shoulders and knees at the temple. Spend the afternoon on Jomtien Beach and have dinner at sunset. On the morning of day 4, see Khao Chi Chan, a Buddha image about 30 m high and 70 m wide etched into a cliff to mark King Rama IX's 50th year on the throne, then leave plenty of time for the drive of about 2 hours to the airport.
- Day 1: Suvarnabhumi → check in in Pattaya → sunset walk on Pattaya Beach → seafood dinner
- Day 2: morning boat to Ko Larn → Sangwan Beach wooden bridge → back late afternoon → Walking Street (early evening is best)
- Day 3: Wat Phra Yai → Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint → Jomtien Beach → dinner at sunset
- Day 4: Khao Chi Chan → Suvarnabhumi Airport (about 2 hours by road)
When to go: November-February is easiest
November-February is somewhat cooler and drier, the easiest time to visit. March-May is very hot, and in the May-October rainy season showers are frequent and boat services can change on rough days.
By the climate normals, average daily highs in November-February are 30-31°C, lows 23-25°C, and monthly rainfall 12-57 mm. In March-May, average highs reach 32-33°C. Within the rainy season, September (214 mm) and October (225 mm) are the wettest months.
The climate figures are 1991–2020 normals for Pattaya station, submitted by the Thai Meteorological Department to the WMO normals collection (published by NOAA NCEI). The sun is strong, so bring sunscreen and a hat, and drink water often.
- November-February: highs 30-31°C, lows 23-25°C, monthly rainfall 12-57 mm
- March-May: highs 32-33°C, very hot
- May-October rainy season: wettest in September (214 mm) and October (225 mm)
Where to stay, plus safety and entry checks
For a first visit, Pattaya Beach (city center) is the easy choice, with restaurants and shops along the beach road, though it can be busy and noisy late into the night. For a quieter beach, try Jomtien to the south; Pratumnak Hill, between the two, is close to the viewpoint and the Ko Larn pier; and Naklua, north of the center, has a local feel.
At sea, always follow warning signs, especially red flags, and swim only at designated beach zones. Avoid the sea after heavy rain or at night. Rent jet skis and water sports gear only from registered, insured operators; agree the price and time first and photograph any existing damage.
Daily budgets per person run about 1,200-1,800 THB (guesthouse, street food, songthaews), about 3,000-5,000 THB (beach hotel, a Ko Larn day trip, restaurants), and about 10,000 THB+ (resort, private car or boat). Thai entry rules (visa exemption periods, digital arrival card, etc.) can change, so check official Thai government or embassy information, and check your own government's travel advice for Thailand before you go.
- Pattaya Beach: first visit, transport, dining
- Jomtien: quieter beach, families
- Pratumnak Hill: views, quieter stays
- Naklua: local feel, quiet breaks
Plan your Pattaya trip
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FAQ
How long does it take from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya?
About 2 hours by bus or taxi. The airport bus leaves from the Level 1, Gate 8 area from about 135 THB, and intercity buses from the Public Transportation Center cost about 140-190 THB. Check official information for timetables and fares.
How many days do I need in Pattaya?
The guide suggests 3 to 4 days. That covers Pattaya Beach, a Ko Larn day trip, the viewpoint and temple, Jomtien Beach and Khao Chi Chan.
How do I get to Ko Larn?
Take a regular ferry or speedboat from the piers in south Pattaya. Check locally where to board and check official information for times and fares. Services can change on rough days.
When is the best time to visit Pattaya?
November-February is somewhat cooler and drier. By the 1991–2020 normals, average highs then are 30-31°C and monthly rainfall is 12-57 mm.
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