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Pattaya in 3 days and 2 nights: island getaway or markets and shopping?
Itinerary A suits travelers who want to take the Koh Larn ferry from Bali Hai Pier and enjoy the island and sea. Itinerary B is a good fit if you’re after the floating market, shopping, and a stroll along the city beach. Both itineraries start with a transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya and end with a return to the airport.
How do you get to Pattaya from the airport or Bangkok?
From Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take a direct bus to Pattaya from Gate 8 on Level 1. The trip takes about 2 hours. Roong Reuang Coach lists one-way fares of 135 baht to North Pattaya and 158 baht to Jomtien, so choose the route that best matches your accommodation.
If you’re leaving from central Bangkok, take a Pattaya-bound bus from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal. Fares start at 144 baht one way, and the journey takes about 2 hours. In Pattaya, get around on the Beach Road southbound and Second Road northbound songthaew loop, or use Bolt or Grab.
3 days and 2 nights, itinerary A | Koh Larn and the beach
Spend the first day relaxing in central Pattaya and along the southern beaches, then take a ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn on day two. On the last day, shop and eat in town before returning to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Day 1 | From the airport to Pattaya Beach and Pratumnak
- Suvarnabhumi Airport → Central Pattaya
Take a direct bus to Pattaya from Gate 8 on Level 1 of the airport. The trip takes about 2 hours. North Pattaya buses are listed at 135 baht one way and Jomtien buses at 158 baht, so choose the route closest to your accommodation.
- Pattaya Beach · Pattaya Beach · หาดพัทยา → Pratumnak Hill
Take the Beach Road–Second Road songthaew loop or call a Bolt or Grab to head south to Pratumnak Hill. Take in the sweeping views of the bay and beaches from the Pattaya Viewpoint. For dinner, try Three Mermaids in nearby South Pattaya, or enjoy the night view at Over the Moon Sky Lounge. The posted standard fare for a songthaew ride in town is 15 baht.
Day 2 | From Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn
- Central Pattaya → Bali Hai Pier
Take a songthaew or car to Bali Hai Pier, then check the day’s ferry times and fares on the pier’s notice board.
- Bali Hai Pier → Koh Larn’s Na Baan Pier → Tawaen Beach
The public ferry to Na Baan Pier takes about 35–45 minutes and is listed at 40 baht one way. On the island, take a shared songthaew to the beach and enjoy the sea and sand. Shared rides cost about 20–40 baht per person. Have lunch near the beach, then return to Pattaya and enjoy live music at Hottuna Bar in the evening.
Day 3 | Shop in town, then head to the airport
- Central Pattaya → Central Pattaya
Take the songthaew loop or walk to Central Pattaya to explore the beachfront shopping center and restaurants. Have lunch at Tee Lek Im Aroi, then grab a coffee at Squid Coffee before your flight. The posted standard songthaew fare is 15 baht per ride.
- Central Pattaya → Suvarnabhumi Airport
Book a bus to Suvarnabhumi Airport from a stop such as the Pattaya Bus Terminal, based on your accommodation and flight time. Roong Reuang Coach lists a one-way fare to the airport of 130 baht.
Confirmed admission and transport costs for 3 days and 2 nights, itinerary A (per adult)
Airport bus 135 baht + round-trip Koh Larn ferry 80 baht = 215 baht total. Shared songthaew rides on Koh Larn and local transport in Pattaya cost extra, depending on your route.
- Included: airport bus 135 baht, round-trip Koh Larn ferry 80 baht
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, local transport in Pattaya and on the island
3 days and 2 nights, itinerary B | Floating market and shopping
Enjoy Pattaya’s city atmosphere, with a focus on the beach and shopping malls. Pair a visit to the floating market with a North Pattaya mall, and consider exploring the southern beach and night market too.
Day 1 | From the airport to a beach stroll and live music
- Suvarnabhumi Airport → Central Pattaya
Take a direct bus to Pattaya from Gate 8 on Level 1 of the airport. The trip takes about 2 hours. North Pattaya buses are listed at 135 baht one way and Jomtien buses at 158 baht, so choose the route that best matches your accommodation.
- Central Pattaya → Pattaya Beach · Pattaya Beach · หาดพัทยา
Drop off your bags at your accommodation, then stroll along the beach via Beach Road. Have dinner at Hop’s Brew House, then catch live music at Rock Factory. The posted standard fare on the songthaew loop is 15 baht per ride.
Day 2 | Floating market and North Pattaya shopping
- Central Pattaya → Pattaya Floating Market
Take a Bolt, Grab, or taxi to Pattaya Floating Market, south of Sukhumvit Road. It’s open daily from 09:00–20:00, and admission for foreign adults is 200 baht. Activities such as boat rides cost extra. For lunch, sample local food and enjoy the waterside views at the market.
- Pattaya Floating Market → Terminal 21 Pattaya
Take a ride-hailing car to Terminal 21 in North Pattaya and explore its shopping areas and restaurants themed around cities around the world. It’s open daily from 11:00–22:00. For dinner, try Nara Thai Cuisine in nearby Naklua.
- Terminal 21 Pattaya → Thepprasit Night Market
Take a Bolt or Grab to Thepprasit Night Market in South Pattaya to browse street food, clothing, and souvenir stalls. Recent guides list its hours as daily from 17:00–22:30. Check the market’s operating days and hours before your visit.
Day 3 | From Jomtien Beach to the airport
- Central Pattaya → Jomtien Beach
Catch a Jomtien-bound songthaew near the intersection of South Pattaya Road and Second Road. The fare from central Pattaya to Jomtien is usually 20 baht. Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy lunch at Hemingway’s Jomtien.
- Jomtien Beach → Suvarnabhumi Airport
Take a bus from Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Roong Reuang Coach lists a one-way fare of 130 baht; check the destination and schedule before you leave.
Confirmed admission and transport costs for 3 days and 2 nights, itinerary B (per adult)
Airport bus 135 baht + floating market admission 200 baht + round-trip songthaew between central Pattaya and Jomtien 40 baht = 375 baht total. Ride-hailing cars and other songthaew rides around town cost extra, depending on your route.
- Included: airport bus 135 baht, floating market admission 200 baht, round-trip songthaew between central Pattaya and Jomtien 40 baht
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, floating market activities, local transport
FAQ
How long does the bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya take?
The Transport Co. direct bus takes about 2 hours and boards at Gate 8 on Level 1 of the airport. Roong Reuang Coach also operates Pattaya routes, so check the arrival area and schedule when booking.
How much is the Koh Larn ferry, and how long does it take?
The public ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Na Baan Pier is listed at 40 baht one way and takes about 35–45 minutes. Check the pier’s notice board for current schedules and fares.
Does the floating market admission fee include a boat ride?
Basic admission for foreign adults is 200 baht. Activities such as boat rides cost extra.
Official sources & check dates
- 3 New Airport Routes to Pattaya & Hua Hin · 2026-10-19
- Bangkok to Pattaya (2026): Every Bus, the ฿31 Train, Airport Direct & Taxi Fares · 2026-10-19
- Roong Reuang Coach ticket booking · 2026-10-19
- Bangkok to Pattaya Bus Fare · 2026-10-19
- Getting Around Pattaya: Transport, Passes & Costs · 2026-10-19
- Grab Thailand: Book Rides, Taxis & Mobility Services · 2026-10-19
- Koh Larn ferry times and prices 2026 (from Bali Hai Pier) · 2026-10-19
- Getting Around Pattaya: Baht Bus, Grab & Scooter (2026) · 2026-10-19
- Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint – Tourism Authority of Thailand · 2026-10-19
- หาดพัทยา — 태국관광청 · 2026-10-19
- Pattaya Beach Road — 태국관광청 일본어 사이트 · 2026-10-19
- Getting around Koh Larn: motorbike taxi, songthaew, scooter · 2026-10-19
- Ko Lan – Tourism Authority of Thailand · 2026-10-19
- Temporary changes announced for Pattaya–Koh Larn boat routes · 2026-10-19
- Suvarnabhumi Airport — Public Transportation · 2026-10-19
- Pattaya Floating Market – SMART DASTA · 2026-10-19
- Pattaya Floating Market – Tourism Authority of Thailand · 2026-10-19
- Terminal 21 Pattaya 공식 사이트 · 2026-10-19
- Thepprasit Night Market — Visit Thailand Today · 2026-10-19
- Terminal21 Pattaya — 태국관광청 일본어 사이트 · 2026-10-19
- Thepprasit Night Market — Pattaya Land · 2026-10-19
- Getting Around Pattaya 2026 — Baht Bus, Bolt & Motorbike · 2026-10-19
Site updated: 2026-10-19