How To See Pattaya, Thailand In 48 Hours

When you think about planning a vacation in Thailand, destinations like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai jump to mind. But I discovered there’s plenty of reasons to include the coastal city of Pattaya in your itinerary. 

On a recent visit to Thailand, we sandwiched 48 hours in Pattaya between stops in Bangkok and Krabi. As soon as we arrived and gazed over Pattaya’s dreamy pristine beaches, filled with parasailers gliding above the calm sea, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, I knew I’d have to pull out my sharpest travel ninja skills to do this tropical paradise justice. 

Here’s how we managed to see the best of Pattaya in just 48 hours.

Day 1

9am – Travel from Bangkok to Pattaya

The most cost-effective way to get to Pattaya from Bangkok is by a bus operated by Roong Reuang Coach. This leaves Ekamai bus terminal every 30-40 minutes between 5am and 11pm, and costs 108 baht per person (including 1 piece of “check in” luggage). The journey from Bangkok to…