2 Day Pattaya Itinerary: What to Do in Pattaya

Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by admin

Planning the perfect 2 day escape to Pattaya? This comprehensive itinerary maximizes your time by combining Thailand’s famous beaches, authentic cultural experiences, and vibrant nightlife. Designed for travelers coming from Bangkok, this guide ensures you experience the best of Pattaya without feeling rushed or missing the essential highlights.

Getting to Pattaya from Bangkok

From Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: The journey from Bangkok’s airport to Pattaya takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.  For convenience, book a direct taxi to Pattaya for around 1,000 baht.

 

From the Sukhumvit area: Budget travelers can take the BTS to Ekkamai Station, then board a bus to Pattaya and take a Grab or Bolt taxi to their hotels. Otherwise, book a taxi in advance for approximately 1,000 baht. For more details, check out our article on the best ways to get from Bangkok to Pattaya.

Pre-Arrival Planning

Essential Preparation:

• Complete your TDAC digital arrival card within 3 days of travel
• Check current weather conditions for packing decisions
• Review safety guidelines and common scams to avoid
• Book hotel accommodation in advance, particularly for weekend travel. Here are the four main hotel areas in Pattaya to consider and how to get the best hotel prices in Pattaya.

Day 1: Beaches, Culture & Night Markets

Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Beach Experience

Start at Jomtien Beach Begin your weekend at Jomtien Beach, known for its cleaner water and family-friendly atmosphere. The 6-kilometer stretch offers excellent swimming conditions and fewer crowds than central Pattaya Beach. Don’t swim at Pattaya Beach itself as it often has high bacteria levels from untreated sewage. Consult our guide to the best beaches in Pattaya for more information.

Activities:

• Swimming in cleaner waters
• Beach massage
• Beachfront breakfast at local cafes
• Water sports if desired

Transportation: Take a Grab or Bolt ride from your hotel (60-100 baht) or use the baht bus system (20 baht total from Soi Buakhao in Central Pattaya).

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Cultural Highlights

Choose Your Cultural Experience:

Option A: Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) Visit Pattaya’s most famous landmark atop Pratamnak Hill for panoramic city views and the iconic 18-meter golden Buddha statue.

Highlights:

• Spectacular views of Pattaya Bay
• Outdoor shop that sells powerful Thai amulets (these make great, inexpensive souvenirs)
• Popular photo opportunity and city landmark
• Several opportunities to “make merit” by donating 20 baht notes
• Free admission with easy access

Option B: Sanctuary of Truth Explore this architectural marvel featuring intricate hand-carved wooden structures (500 baht/$15 admission fee per adult).

Budget-Friendly Alternative: Hidden Local Temples Visit Wat Nong Oo for authentic fortune-telling experiences or Wat Nong Yai (white temple with underground caves).

Learn proper temple etiquette and discover more hidden temple gems for authentic experiences.

Evening (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM): Night Market Adventure

Thepprasit Night Market Experience Pattaya’s premier night market featuring an enormous warehouse-style food court and hundreds of shopping stalls.

Highlights:

• Massive covered food hall with 100+ vendors
• Authentic Thai street food at local prices
• Shopping for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs
• Genuine local atmosphere

Must-Try Foods:

• Fresh grilled seafood with spicy dipping sauces
• Traditional som tam (papaya salad)
• Mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream
• Regional noodle specialties

Learn how to bargain in Thai to get the best deals and discover the best night markets in Pattaya for more authentic dining and shopping experiences.

Day 1 Budget: 800-1,500 baht per person (including transportation, meals, temple visits, and shopping)

Day 2: Island Adventure & Unique Experiences

Morning (7:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Koh Larn Island Trip

Ferry to Coral Island Take the 30-minute ferry ride to Koh Larn for pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that showcase Thailand’s coastline at its best. Ferries run hourly starting at 8 am. Arrive early to catch the first ferry of the day. The last ferry departs from Koh Larn at 5 pm. Take a speedboat back to Pattaya if you miss it.

Transportation:

• Ferry from Bali Hai Pier: 60 baht round trip (30 baht each way)
• Speedboat (significantly higher prices)

Best Beaches on Koh Larn:

• Tawaen Beach: Main arrival point with full facilities
• Tien Beach: Quieter with equally beautiful water
• Samae Beach: Most secluded option

Island Activities:

• Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
• Parasailing with panoramic Gulf views
• Fresh seafood dining
• Photography with pristine tropical backdrops

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Quirky Pattaya Experiences

Return to Pattaya for Unique Adventures

World’s Largest 7-Eleven (Boat-Shaped Store) Visit this viral sensation – a massive convenience store designed like a cruise ship with interactive robots.

Terminal 21 Shopping & Photo Ops Explore this themed mall where each floor represents different world cities.

Photography Opportunities:

• Paris floor with Eiffel Tower replicas
• London floor with Big Ben and British telephone booths
• Tokyo floor with vibrant Japanese street culture
• Hollywood floor with walk-of-fame elements

Pattaya Dog Club Experience authentic animal therapy at this heartwarming dog cafe (300 baht entry includes drink, treats, and Polaroid photo with the dogs).

Discover more quirky, offbeat places and read our complete Pattaya Dog Club guide.

Evening (6:00 PM – Late): Shopping & Nightlife

Central Festival Shopping Beat the heat with air-conditioned shopping at Pattaya’s premier mall.

Shopping Benefits:

• Excellent food courts and restaurants
• Relief from tropical temperatures
• Late-night dining options

Nightlife Experience End your weekend exploring Pattaya’s famous entertainment areas.

Options:

• Walking Street for the full Pattaya experience
• Rooftop bars with city views like Hilton’s Horizon Lounge
• Beach bars with ocean breezes
• Live music venues

Learn about Pattaya’s main nightlife areas and review our safety tips for evening activities.

Day 2 Budget: 1,200-2,200 baht per person (including ferry, attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment)

2-Day Travel Tips

Transportation Mastery

Getting Around Pattaya:

• Baht Bus (Songthaew): 10-20 baht for most routes
• Grab/Bolt: 40-150 baht depending on distance
• Motorbike Taxi: 20-60 baht for short distances

Master the baht bus system and download the Grab and Bolt rideshare apps.

Accommodation Strategy

Best Areas for 2-Day Visitors:

• Central Pattaya: Close to nightlife and attractions
• Jomtien: Family-friendly with better beaches
• North Pattaya: Quieter with easy temple access

Understand Pattaya’s four main hotel neighborhoods to choose your optimal location.

Timing Optimization

2-Day Trip Considerations:

• Book accommodation in advance for better rates
• Popular attractions can be busier on weekends
• Night markets are most active Friday-Sunday
• Allow extra time for transportation between activities

Check our complete weather guide for seasonal timing advice.

Cultural Sensitivity

Essential Thai Phrases: Learning basic Thai phrases enhances interactions:

• “Sawsdee ka/kup” (Hello)
• “Kob khun ka/kup” (Thank you)
• “Mai pen rai” (No problem)

Budget Planning

2-Day Weekend Costs:

• Budget: 2,000-3,000 baht per person
• Mid-range: 3,000-4,500 baht per person
• Comfort: 4,500-7,000 baht per person

Money-Saving Tips:

• Use baht buses for local transportation
• Eat at night markets rather than tourist restaurants
• Book island tours directly at the pier
• Take advantage of shopping mall food courts

Safety Essentials

Weekend Safety Tips:

• Keep copies of important documents
• Use official transportation options
• Stay aware during nightlife activities
• Respect temple dress codes and customs

Review comprehensive safety guidelines and common scams before your trip.

Early Arrival/Late Departure

Maximizing Your Weekend: If arriving early or departing late, review our early arrival and departure strategies to make the most of your time.

Customizing Your Trip

For Beach Lovers

• Extend Koh Larn time to a full day
• Add Jomtien evening beach walks
• Include additional water sports

For Culture Enthusiasts

• Visit multiple temples using our hidden temples guide
• Add cultural performances or workshops
• Include traditional massage experiences

For Nightlife Seekers

• Extend Saturday evening activities
• Explore multiple entertainment districts
• Add live music and entertainment venues

For Families

• Focus on Jomtien Beach activities
• Emphasize day attractions over nightlife
• Include kid-friendly restaurants and activities

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Conclusion: Your Perfect 2-Day Pattaya Experience

This 2-day Pattaya itinerary delivers a complete experience combining the destination’s three main attractions: beautiful beaches, authentic culture, and vibrant entertainment. By following this guide, you’ll maximize your limited time while experiencing both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

The compact 2-day format ensures you never feel rushed while still covering Pattaya’s essential experiences. From pristine island waters to bustling night markets, from golden Buddha statues to quirky attractions, these two days provide a comprehensive taste of everything that makes Pattaya special.

Remember that planning is key to maximizing your 2-day visit – booking accommodation in advance, understanding transportation options, and having backup plans for weather ensure a smooth experience. The key is balancing must-see attractions with spontaneous discoveries, structured activities with relaxation time.

Whether this is your first Pattaya experience or a return visit, this 2-day itinerary provides the perfect framework for an unforgettable getaway that will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even returned to Bangkok.

Ready for your 2-day Pattaya adventure? Bookmark this guide and explore our other travel resources for the most current information and insider tips.