6‑Day Budget Beach Getaway in Thailand (Kolkata → Bangkok)

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Pattaya

Morning: Fly from Kolkata to Bangkok (approx. 3 h) and clear immigration. Grab a quick breakfast at the airport and catch the 2‑hour AOT Express bus to Pattaya.

Afternoon: Check into a budget‑friendly beachfront guesthouse in Jomtien. Stroll along Jomtien Beach and enjoy a relaxed lunch of fresh seafood at a local shacks.

Evening: Wander the lively Pattaya Walking Street for a glimpse of nightlife, then unwind with a sunset drink at a beachfront bar before heading back to your room.

Day 2: Exploring Pattaya’s Beaches

Morning: Rent bicycles and ride to Pattaya Beach for sunbathing and a dip in the clear waters. Sample Thai coffee at a seaside café.

Afternoon: Take a short boat trip to Coral Island (Koh Larn) – enjoy snorkeling, water sports, and a beachside lunch at a budget stall.

Evening: Return to Pattaya, explore the night market for souvenirs, and savor a romantic dinner of grilled fish at Na Jomtien restaurant.

Day 3: Transfer to Koh Samet

Morning: Catch a minibus to Ban Phe (≈2 h) and board a ferry to Koh Samet. Check into a modest bungalow on Ao Prao Beach.

Afternoon: Relax on the powder‑fine sands of Ao Prao, swim, and explore the nearby mangrove trail with a local guide.

Evening: Enjoy a beachside barbecue at a local stall, then stroll along the shoreline under the stars before retiring for the night.

Day 4: Journey to Hua Hin

Morning: Take the early ferry back to Ban Phe, then a bus to Bangkok and a connecting train to Hua Hin (≈4 h total). Check into a budget hotel near the pier.

Afternoon: Visit the famous Hua Hin Beach for swimming and a casual lunch of pad thai from a street vendor.

Evening: Wander the vibrant Hua Hin Night Market, sample tropical fruits, and watch a traditional Thai dance performance.

Day 5: Travel to Krabi (Ao Nang)

Morning: Fly from Bangkok to Krabi (budget airline, ~1.5 h). Transfer by shuttle to Ao Nang and settle into a budget hostel.

Afternoon: Explore Ao Nang Beach – rent a kayak, relax on the sand, and have a simple lunch of mango sticky rice.

Evening: Take the night ferry to Railay Beach (short boat ride) and watch the sunset from the iconic Phra Nang Cave before heading back.

Day 6: Final Beach Day & Departure

Morning: Spend a leisurely morning at Railay’s West Beach for swimming and cliff‑side photo ops.

Afternoon: Return to Ao Nang, grab a quick lunch, and catch the shuttle to Krabi Airport for the flight back to Bangkok, then connect to the evening flight to Kolkata.

Evening: Arrive in Kolkata with wonderful memories of Thailand’s best budget‑friendly beaches.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bangkok–Pattaya bus: 2 h, $8 per person
• Jomtien Beach: 2 h, free (food $5)
• Coral Island (Koh Larn) day trip: 5 h, $25 (incl. ferry & snorkel gear)
• Koh Samet ferry & bungalow: 4 h travel, $30 (accommodation $15/night)
• Ao Prao Beach: 3 h, free
• Bangkok–Hua Hin train: 4 h, $12
• Hua Hin Beach: 3 h, free (food $6)
• Hua Hin Night Market: 2 h, $10 (shopping & snacks)
• Bangkok–Krabi flight: 1.5 h, $45
• Ao Nang Beach: 3 h, free (kayak $8)
• Railay Phra Nang Cave: 2 h, boat $7
• Railay West Beach: 2 h, free
• Krabi–Bangkok flight: 1.5 h, $45
• Bangkok–Kolkata flight: 3 h, $150
• Meals & miscellaneous: 6 days, $120
• Accommodation (budget guesthouses/hostels): 5 nights, $75
• Transportation (local buses, ferries, taxis): $60
• Total Estimated Cost: $618 per couple

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, add a full day on Koh Samet or a day trip to the stunning Phi Phi Islands from Krabi. To shorten the itinerary, skip Koh Samet and fly directly from Bangkok to Krabi, focusing on Pattaya and Ao Nang for the beach highlights while still staying within a budget.