How can I visit Pattaya from Bangkok? Essential FAQs answered!

This really depends on how much time you have on your hands. Both Pattaya and Phuket are quite similar in terms of what they offer: beautiful beaches and nightlife. However, Phuket is much further down the Thai peninsula and requires a flight to reach. Getting to Pattaya is much simpler and can even be done as a day trip from Bangkok.

That being said, Phuket’s remoteness means it’s got a more untouched feel to its natural beauty. Check out our complete Phuket Destination Guide to find out more.

There are multiple modes of transportation to get to Pattaya from Bangkok. By far, the most popular one is via bus. The bus stations in the Eastern Bus Terminal (Soi Ekkamai), Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit), and Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) all have frequent buses that depart between 5:30am to 6:00pm (or even 11:00pm depending on the station), and cost around THB120. Bus trips take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the traffic.

You can also opt to take a mini-van, with many tour agencies around Bangkok offering this service. This is a more convenient option if you want to be picked up at your hotel and be dropped off at a specific location in Pattaya. This costs roughly THB400 per person.

Another option is a taxi or Grab. While these are usually more expensive (with prices anywhere from THB1,000 to THB1,500 (without toll fees), these options ensure a private ride without you having to wait for other passengers. You can also hire a private car with a driver to get you to Pattaya as well.

There is also a train in the Hua Lamphong Station that travels to Pattaya. And while the fare is considerably cheap (THB140 for first class, THB75 for second class, and THB35 for third class), getting to Pattaya via train takes the longest (approximately 3 hours).

There are so many! For foodies and partygoers, it doesn’t get better than Walking Street. The road is closed to traffic from 6pm and over 100 bars stay open ’til the early hours.

While you might expect culture to be more prevalent in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Pattaya has a thriving temple scene. The Sanctuary of Truth is a teakwood temple site home to countless Buddhist shrines and displays impressive religious architecture – it’s worth a visit in our book.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is another beautiful place to visit in Pattaya, boasting 700 types of plant life. Culture lovers shouldn’t miss Pattaya Floating Market, a colorful display of local life held daily from 10am. Vendors make a living by selling local produce, trinkets, and clothing from wooden rowing boats. Support them by picking up your souvenirs here!

The short answer, yes!

The long answer: yes, although you’ll see the highlights rather than gather an in-depth local view of the region. If you just have a day to see Pattaya from Bangkok, we’d highly recommend visiting Pattaya City and the Sanctuary of Truth. Don’t forget to soak up the sunset on the beach before heading back to Bangkok.

It’s best to do a bit of research and find a Bangkok holiday package that visits the Pattaya attractions most appealing to you. For a beach day and trip to the spectacular Coral Island, consider this Pattaya Beach Tour from Bangkok.

Note: Many Bangkok trip packages leave the capital very early in order to beat the traffic and arrive in good time to Pattaya. Set your alarm for an early wake-up!

You sure can. Whether you take a local bus or book a day tour, it’s possible to visit Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary as a day trip from Bangkok. You’ll likely miss the morning slot at the sanctuary, but you’ll make the afternoon session which runs from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.

Note: While traveling at home or abroad, we recommend carefully evaluating animal attractions before visiting. Never visit an elephant sanctuary where rides are offered.

For an upscale night out, visit Horizon Bar located on the top floor of the Hilton Pattaya Hotel. Look out over views of the city and ocean as you sip cocktails in stylish surroundings. For a unique evening of entertainment, check out V2O Ice Bar & Cocktail Lounge. As the name might suggest, everything at this bar is made of ice, even the drinks and the bar itself!

If you’re keen to try the local cuisine while in Pattaya, visit The Flying Vegetable for hearty, healthy Thai dishes. To indulge while on vacation, we’d recommend Cafe des Amis which serves numerous world cuisines and manages to do them all justice. Don’t miss the extensive wine list at this elegant eatery!