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Pattaya in 3 nights and 4 days: island and beach time, or markets and shopping?
Itinerary A is ideal for travelers who want to take a ferry and enjoy the beaches of Koh Larn. Itinerary B suits travelers who want to explore Pattaya’s beaches, markets, and shopping malls. Both itineraries travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya and return to the airport on the final day.
How do you get to Pattaya from the airport or Bangkok?
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, 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.
From central Bangkok, you can take a bus to Pattaya from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal. Fares start at 144 baht one way, and the trip usually takes about 2 hours. In Pattaya, get around by songthaew (baht bus) on the loop running south along Beach Road and north along Second Road, or use Bolt or Grab.
3 nights, 4 days | Itinerary A: Koh Larn and the beaches
On arrival day, settle in around central Pattaya and enjoy a beach stroll and sea views. Spend the second day on Koh Larn. On your final day, allow plenty of time to catch an airport-bound bus from central Pattaya.
Day 1 | From the airport to Pattaya Beach and the hilltop viewpoint
Travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya, then enjoy a beach walk and views from Pratumnak Hill. Have dinner in the center, then spend the evening at a live music bar or rooftop venue.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport, Level 1, Gate 8 → central Pattaya
Take a Transport Co. direct bus for about 2 hours. Alternatively, Roong Reuang Coach charges 135 baht one way to North Pattaya or 158 baht to Jomtien. Leave your bags at your hotel in the center, then stroll along Pattaya Beach and Beach Road.
- Pattaya Beach → Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak) · จุดชมวิวเขาพระตำหนัก
From the center, take a songthaew toward Bali Hai, then continue up the hill on foot or by vehicle. Take in views of Pattaya Bay and its curving coastline from the viewpoint. For dinner, consider The Sky Gallery Pattaya on the nearby southern coast; later, head to Over The Moon Sky Lounge, a rooftop bar.
Day 2 | From Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn
Take an early ferry from Bali Hai Pier to enjoy Koh Larn’s beaches and snorkeling spots. It’s best to check the pier’s noticeboard for return ferry times on the day.
- Central Pattaya → Bali Hai Pier
Take a songthaew or vehicle to the pier. Ferries run daily. The Tourism Authority lists departures from Pattaya from 07:00–18:30 and from the island from 06:30–18:00.
- Bali Hai Pier → Koh Larn · เกาะล้าน
Take a public ferry to Na Baan Pier or Tawaen Beach. The trip takes about 35–45 minutes, and the listed one-way fare is 40 baht. On the island, shared songthaews cost around 20–40 baht per person. Explore the beaches and snorkeling spots, and have lunch on the island.
- Koh Larn → central Pattaya
Take a ferry back to Bali Hai Pier, then have dinner in the center. Consider adding Tee Rak Im Aroi for dinner and The Stones House for live music in the evening.
Day 3 | Jomtien Beach and the southern coast
Take a relaxed beach day, then explore restaurants and bars along the southern coast. You can get around by Jomtien-bound songthaew or ride-hailing service.
- Central Pattaya → Jomtien Beach · หาดจอมเทียน
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. Enjoy a beach walk and some downtime, then choose a beachfront lunch at Hemingway’s Jomtien or Poo Pen Seafood.
- Jomtien Beach → Pratumnak southern coast
Bolt rides from the center to Jomtien are typically listed at 60–100 baht; actual fares vary with demand. For dinner, try The Oxygen Beachfront Oasis. Later, enjoy live music at Hattuna Bar or sea views from a rooftop venue.
Day 4 | From Pattaya to the airport
On departure day, travel from your hotel to the airport bus stop and leave plenty of time. Check the bus destination and timetable before booking.
- Central Pattaya → Suvarnabhumi Airport
Roong Reuang Coach lists a one-way airport bus fare of 130 baht. The direct bus takes about 2 hours. Once at the airport, continue according to your flight schedule.
3-night, 4-day itinerary A: confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)
Round-trip Roong Reuang Coach buses to Suvarnabhumi Airport: 130 baht × 2 + round-trip Koh Larn ferry: 40 baht × 2 + shared songthaew on Koh Larn: 20–40 baht = 400–440 baht total. This excludes local Pattaya songthaews, transport to and from the airport and pier, and meals.
- Included: confirmed round-trip airport bus, round-trip public ferry to Koh Larn, shared songthaew on Koh Larn
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, local transport in Pattaya
3 nights, 4 days | Itinerary B: Markets and shopping
Enjoy Pattaya’s city atmosphere with a mix of beach walks, shopping malls, a floating market, and a night market. This itinerary is a good fit for travelers who want to limit trips to the outer suburbs and enjoy central Pattaya’s restaurants and live music bars.
Day 1 | From the airport to the beach and shopping mall
Travel from the airport to Pattaya, then walk along the beach and explore a North Pattaya shopping mall. Spend the evening dining and enjoying the nightlife in the center.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport, Level 1, Gate 8 → central Pattaya
Take a Transport Co. direct bus for about 2 hours. Roong Reuang Coach charges 135 baht one way to North Pattaya or 158 baht to Jomtien. Drop off your bags, then stroll along Pattaya Beach and Beach Road.
- Pattaya Beach → Terminal 21 Pattaya · เทอร์มินอล 21 พัทยา
It’s about a 10-minute ride from the center. Browse the shops and restaurants at this mall, which is open daily from 11:00–22:00. For dinner, try Nara Thai Cuisine or Tee Rak Im Aroi, then spend the evening at Rock Factory, a live music bar.
Day 2 | Floating market and South Pattaya night market
Browse regional shops and enjoy the waterside scenery at the floating market, then sample street food in the evening at Thepprasit Night Market. Ride-hailing is a convenient way to travel to both places from the center.
- Central Pattaya → Pattaya Floating Market · ตลาดน้ำ 4 ภาค พัทยา
Take Bolt, Grab, or a taxi south along Sukhumvit Road. The market is listed as open daily from 09:00–20:00, with an adult foreign visitor admission fee of 200 baht. Boat rides and activities cost extra. Opening information varies, so check before you visit.
- Pattaya Floating Market → Thepprasit Night Market · ตลาดเทพประสิทธิ์
Take Bolt or Grab to Thepprasit Road in South Pattaya. Recent guides list the market as open daily from 17:00–22:30. Browse the street food and souvenirs. Have dinner at the market, then consider a cocktail at Darkness Bar after returning to the center.
Day 3 | Beach stroll and Central Pattaya shopping
Walk along the city beach in the morning, then enjoy a meal and some shopping at the beachfront mall in the afternoon. Get around on the songthaew loop connecting Beach Road and Second Road.
- Central Pattaya → Pattaya Beach
The beach is within walking distance. Enjoy a stroll along the shore, then stop for lunch at beachfront Hops Brew House or Neon Boat Noodle.
- Pattaya Beach → Central Pattaya (Central Festival)
Walk or take a songthaew on the Beach Road and Second Road loop. Browse the shops and restaurants, then have dinner. In the evening, enjoy city and sea views from Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Bar.
Day 4 | From Pattaya to the airport
Check the airport bus stop and departure times before setting off. The journey takes about 2 hours.
- Central Pattaya → Suvarnabhumi Airport
Roong Reuang Coach lists a one-way airport bus fare of 130 baht. The direct bus takes about 2 hours. At the airport, continue according to your flight schedule.
3-night, 4-day itinerary B: confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)
Round-trip Roong Reuang Coach buses to Suvarnabhumi Airport: 130 baht × 2 + Pattaya Floating Market admission: 200 baht = 460 baht total. This excludes ride-hailing, songthaews, and floating market activities.
- Included: confirmed round-trip airport bus, Pattaya Floating Market admission
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, local transport in Pattaya, floating market activities
FAQ
Where do I catch the ferry to Koh Larn, and how long does it take?
Take a public ferry from Bali Hai Pier. It takes about 35–45 minutes to reach Na Baan Pier or Tawaen Beach. The listed one-way fare is 40 baht.
What transport can I use around Pattaya?
You can take songthaews (baht buses) on the loop running along Beach Road and Second Road, or use Bolt or Grab. A songthaew to Jomtien usually costs 20 baht.
How long does it take to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya?
A direct bus takes about 2 hours. Roong Reuang Coach lists a one-way airport bus fare of 130 baht.
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
- Bangkok Bus Terminal Ekkamai to Pattaya · 2026-10-19
- Getting Around Pattaya: Transport, Passes & Costs · 2026-10-19
- Getting Around Pattaya — Songthaew/Baht Bus vs Grab/Bolt vs Motorbike Taxi vs Rental Car · 2026-10-19
- Grab Thailand: Book Rides, Taxis & Mobility Services · 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
- Ko Lan – Tourism Authority of Thailand · 2026-10-19
- Koh Larn ferry times and prices 2026 (from Bali Hai Pier) · 2026-10-19
- Getting around Koh Larn: motorbike taxi, songthaew, scooter · 2026-10-19
- หาดจอมเทียน — 태국관광청 · 2026-10-19
- Pattaya Songthaew Guide 2026 · 2026-10-19
- Getting Around Pattaya 2026 — Baht Bus, Bolt & Motorbike · 2026-10-19
- Taxi & Ride-Hailing · 2026-10-19
- Suvarnabhumi Airport — Public Transportation · 2026-10-19
- Terminal21 Pattaya — 태국관광청 일본어 사이트 · 2026-10-19
- Terminal 21 Pattaya 공식 사이트 · 2026-10-19
- หาดพัทยา — 태국관광청 · 2026-10-19
- Pattaya Floating Market – SMART DASTA · 2026-10-19
- Pattaya Floating Market – Tourism Authority of Thailand · 2026-10-19
- Thepprasit Night Market — Visit Thailand Today · 2026-10-19
- Thepprasit Night Market — Pattaya Land · 2026-10-19
- Pattaya Beach Road — 태국관광청 일본어 사이트 · 2026-10-19
Site updated: 2026-10-19