Plan 01
1 day in Pattaya
- 01
Day 1: Big Buddha, the Sanctuary and the beach
Start at Wat Phra Yai on Pratumnak Hill while the air is cool, then look at the city from the viewpoints nearby. Drive on to the Sanctuary of Truth for the wooden carvings and allow about two hours. Take a long lunch at Govindam or Jai Jinendra and rest. In the late afternoon walk along Pattaya Beach Road or sit on Jomtien Beach for the sunset, and have an early dinner.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) About 1 hour Moderate Morning or late afternoon Sanctuary of Truth About 2 hours Moderate Morning, in the cooler months from November to February Govindam 1 to 1.5 hours Easy Lunch or an early dinner Jai Jinendra 1 to 1.5 hours Easy Lunch or an early dinner Jomtien Beach 2 to 3 hours Easy Late afternoon and sunset Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha): The Buddha is reached by a staircase flanked by naga figures; you can see much of the temple from the lower level and the road. Take your time, rest on the platforms and avoid midday.
With parents at Sanctuary of Truth: There are many steps and uneven timber walkways, and a hard hat is expected inside. Take it slowly, ask staff about the quickest route, and sit down in the shaded areas.
Plan 02
2 days in Pattaya
- 01
Day 1: Hill, sanctuary and Jomtien
Begin at Wat Phra Yai, then the Sanctuary of Truth. After lunch and a rest, spend the late afternoon on Jomtien Beach, where the mood is calmer than the central beach. Dinner at a vegetarian Indian restaurant.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) About 1 hour Moderate Morning or late afternoon Sanctuary of Truth About 2 hours Moderate Morning, in the cooler months from November to February Jomtien Beach 2 to 3 hours Easy Late afternoon and sunset Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha): The Buddha is reached by a staircase flanked by naga figures; you can see much of the temple from the lower level and the road. Take your time, rest on the platforms and avoid midday.
With parents at Sanctuary of Truth: There are many steps and uneven timber walkways, and a hard hat is expected inside. Take it slowly, ask staff about the quickest route, and sit down in the shaded areas.
- 02
Day 2: Koh Larn
Take an early ferry from the Bali Hai pier to Koh Larn, choose a beach with shade and rent a deckchair, and be back on the mainland by mid-afternoon. Rest, then take a short stroll along Beach Road. Skip the nightlife streets.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Koh Larn Full day or half day Moderate November to February, mornings Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Koh Larn: The ferry pier and beach access involve steps and uneven boards. Choose Tawaen only if you are comfortable with crowds. Take a hat, water and sun protection.
Plan 03
3 days in Pattaya
- 01
Day 1: Temples and the sanctuary
Wat Phra Yai in the morning, the Sanctuary of Truth next, a rest after lunch, and Jomtien Beach at sunset.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha) About 1 hour Moderate Morning or late afternoon Sanctuary of Truth About 2 hours Moderate Morning, in the cooler months from November to February Jomtien Beach 2 to 3 hours Easy Late afternoon and sunset Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha): The Buddha is reached by a staircase flanked by naga figures; you can see much of the temple from the lower level and the road. Take your time, rest on the platforms and avoid midday.
With parents at Sanctuary of Truth: There are many steps and uneven timber walkways, and a hard hat is expected inside. Take it slowly, ask staff about the quickest route, and sit down in the shaded areas.
- 02
Day 2: Nong Nooch and the floating market
Hire a car for the south. Reach Nong Nooch Tropical Garden at opening time for the gardens and a cultural show, lunch there or on the way back, then the Pattaya Floating Market in the cooler late afternoon.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Half day (4 to 5 hours) Moderate Morning, November to February Pattaya Floating Market 1 to 2 hours Easy Morning, or late afternoon in the cooler months Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: The grounds are large and mostly open to the sun. Use the on-site transport if available, take hats and water, and rest in shaded pavilions. Some paths are uneven.
- 03
Day 3: Koh Larn or the Buddha Mountain
Take a morning boat to Koh Larn for a beach day, or drive south to Khao Chi Chan and Wat Yansangwararam for a quieter temple morning. Finish with an easy dinner on Beach Road.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Koh Larn Full day or half day Moderate November to February, mornings Wat Yansangwararam 2 hours Moderate Morning, November to February Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Koh Larn: The ferry pier and beach access involve steps and uneven boards. Choose Tawaen only if you are comfortable with crowds. Take a hat, water and sun protection.
With parents at Wat Yansangwararam: The grounds are large, with long walks between buildings and limited shade. Hire a driver and ask about carts or shuttles; rest at the pavilions around the lake.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Pattaya trip for parents and children
- Pick a hotel with a lift, a pool and a short level walk to the sea or a baht bus stop. Pratumnak and the central beach strip have steep sois that tire older legs.
- Plan outdoor sights for the first three hours after the sun is up and rest after lunch. Even in the cool months the afternoons are warm and humid.
- Wat Phra Yai and the Sanctuary of Truth involve steps and, at the Sanctuary, hard hats; ask about the vehicle and viewing arrangements, and take a hat and water.
- Take comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover and keep copies of prescriptions. Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has a 24-hour emergency centre, which is the main private option in the city.
- Use a Grab-style app or a metered taxi for late returns, and avoid the Walking Street area at night unless you know what you are in for.
- For Koh Larn, choose a calm day and a morning boat, and sit on the shaded side. The pier steps can be uneven in swell.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Pattaya compares the areas.
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