12 days in Bangkok & Pattaya Itinerary

Enjoy cultural, historical, and culinary exploration during your holiday in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and the most populous city in the country.

Explore hidden gems such as Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute) and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Get out of town with these interesting Bangkok side-trips: Kanchanaburi (The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre & Kanchanaburi War Cemetery) and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (in Ayutthaya). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at The Grand Palace, buy something for everyone on your list at CentralWorld, stop by Patrick & Co (Bespoke Tailors), and explore the world behind art at Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

To see more things to do, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read Bangkok trip itinerary planning tool.

Hong Kong, China to Bangkok is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, subway, bus, and car. The time zone changes from Hong Kong Standard Time (HKT) to Indochina Time (ICT), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Hong Kong in January; daily highs in Bangkok reach 36°C and lows reach 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a shuttle to Pattaya.

Famous for its nightlife and activity-filled seafront, Pattaya remains a major party destination for tourists and expats in Thailand.

Step out of the city life by going to Sai Kaew Beach and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Discover out-of-the-way places like Jomtien Beach and Skydiving. Venture out of the city with trips to Samaesan (Ko Samae San & Nang Ram Beach) and Na Chom Thian (Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden & Ban Amphur Beach). There's still lots to do: browse the different shops at Terminal 21 Pattaya, see the interesting displays at Anek Kuson Sala (Viharnra Sien), don't miss a visit to Pattaya City Sign - Viewpoint, and kick back and relax at Pattaya Beach.

To see ratings, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Pattaya trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by shuttle from Bangkok to Pattaya takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Pattaya can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.