Clear immigration/baggage and buy a local SIM or grab coffee; arriving at 7:00am gives time to purchase bus tickets and prepare for the coach to Pattaya.
Take a scheduled airport coach or shared minivan from Don Mueang to Pattaya (buses run frequently in the morning). Booking online or at the counter is possible; allow boarding time and slight delays.
Arrive at your Pattaya hotel, check in or at least drop luggage, and take time to freshen up (shower/change) after the morning transfer — essential before heading out to the beach or nearby attractions.
Relax with fresh grilled seafood or Thai favourites on the seafront; most beachfront restaurants serve lunch from 11:00am onwards with pleasant sea views.
Spend a lazy afternoon on Pattaya Beach (central, lively) or Jomtien Beach (calmer) soaking up sun and trying a short swim; beaches are open all day and ideal after a freshen-up.
Visit the intricately carved all-wood Sanctuary of Truth by the bay; site open ~8:00am–6:00pm and the late afternoon light is great for photos and a quieter visit.
For lively atmosphere, go to Walking Street for seafood stalls and entertainment; for a quieter, scenic dinner try The Glass House on the beach (open in the evening).
Catch a ferry (30–45 minutes) or speedboat (15–20 minutes) to Koh Larn for clear water, snorkelling and sandy beaches; services run from morning until late afternoon.
If you prefer gardens to another beach hour, head to Nong Nooch Garden for botanical displays and cultural shows (open ~8:00am–6:00pm); otherwise relax at your hotel or the beach.
Choose a relaxed beachfront grill for sunset dining or a teppanyaki restaurant for a lively cooked-to-order experience; many restaurants operate until 10:00–11:00pm.
Travel back to central Bangkok (approx 1h30m–2h). A private transfer is faster and more comfortable, minivans and buses are cheaper but can be slower with stops.
Visit the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha (open 8:30am–3:30pm). Dress appropriately (no shorts or sleeveless tops) and arrive early in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
Leave early to reach Ayutthaya Historical Park by mid-morning; driving time approx 1.5–2 hours. Early departure helps avoid heat and crowds at the ruins.
Explore Ayutthaya’s iconic ruins including the Buddha head in tree roots at Wat Mahathat; most temple sites are open 8:00am–6:00pm and the morning is the best time for walking tours.
Leave early to reach DMK with time for domestic check-in and security; allow at least 90 minutes before your flight. Early morning transfer is recommended to avoid traffic uncertainty.
Fly to Chiang Mai (flight ~1h10m) and take a short taxi to your Old City or Nimmanhaemin hotel; hotels often accept an early luggage drop if rooms aren’t ready.
If it’s Sunday, visit the Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen) for crafts and street food (approx 5:00pm–11:00pm). Otherwise the Night Bazaar is lively from about 6:00pm–11:00pm.
Spend the day at an ethical rescue sanctuary (for example Elephant Nature Park or a similar certified centre) learning about elephant care, feeding and bathing; pick-up typically around 7:00–8:00am and the programme runs until mid/late afternoon. Confirm booking and pick-up time in advance.
Flight time is about 1h10m. Arrive DMK and prepare for onward international check-in or connecting transport; allow extra time if you need to change terminals or transfer into central Bangkok.
Proceed through check-in, security and immigration as required for your departure; for international flights allow 2–3 hours before scheduled departure.