Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary for Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand

1. Day 1: Grand Palace
   Estimated time from airport: 50 minutes (22.1 miles)
   Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of the Grand Palace, including the famous Wat Phra Kaew temple.
2. Day 2: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Chinatown
   Estimated time from Grand Palace: 30 minutes (2.8 miles)
   Admire the intricate design of the iconic Wat Arun temple, marvel at the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown's markets and street food stalls.
3. Day 3: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Jim Thompson House
   Estimated time from Chinatown: 30 minutes (7.1 miles)
   Browse thousands of stalls selling everything from clothing to antiques at Chatuchak Weekend Market before taking a tour of the beautiful teakwood mansion of Jim Thompson, the American entrepreneur who helped revive Thailand's silk industry.
4. Day 4: Pattaya Beach, Sanctuary of Truth
   Estimated time from Bangkok: 2 hours (82.5 miles)
   Escape the city for a day and relax on the golden sands of Pattaya Beach, then visit the exquisite wooden Sanctuary of Truth temple, featuring intricate carvings and stunning ocean views.
5. Day 5: Wat Yansangwararam, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
   Estimated time from Sanctuary of Truth: 30 minutes (11.8 miles)
   Explore the tranquil grounds and ornate buildings of the Wat Yansangwararam temple complex, then marvel at the vibrant colors and exotic flowers of the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
6. Day 6: Elephant Sanctuary, Khao Chi Chan Buddha
   Estimated time from Nong Nooch: 1 hour 30 minutes (38.9 miles)
   Get up close and personal with rescued elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary, then admire the stunning 360-degree views from the Khao Chi Chan Buddha mountain carving.
7. Day 7: Ayutthaya Historical Park
   Estimated time from Khao Chi Chan Buddha: 1 hour 40 minutes (47.8 miles)
   Discover the fascinating ruins and ancient temples of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of Thailand.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Palace (2-3 hours, 500 baht)
• Wat Arun (1 hour, 50 baht), Wat Pho (1-2 hours, 100 baht), Chinatown (2-3 hours, free)
• Chatuchak Weekend Market (2-4 hours, free), Jim Thompson House (1 hour, 200 baht)
• Pattaya Beach (4-5 hours, free), Sanctuary of Truth (1-2 hours, 500 baht)
• Wat Yansangwararam (1-2 hours, free), Nong Nooch Tropical Garden (2-4 hours, 750 baht)
• Elephant Sanctuary (3-4 hours, 2,500 baht), Khao Chi Chan Buddha (1 hour, free)
• Ayutthaya Historical Park (4-6 hours, 50 baht)
• Total Estimated Costs: 4,550 baht

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful island of Koh Larn or the scenic Khao Yai National Park. Alternatively, those with less time could skip the Elephant Sanctuary or Ayutthaya Historical Park, but these are not to be missed for history or wildlife enthusiasts.