Begin your trip by visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 and is still used for official events today. Take time to marvel at the intricate design work and stunning architecture of the palace before visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, located inside the palace complex. The temple houses the sacred Emerald Buddha and is a must-see when in Bangkok. Please note that the palace has a strict dress code. Keep your shoulders and knees covered, or you will not be allowed to enter.
Start your day with the largest market in Thailand, the Chatuchak Weekend Market. From clothes to jewelry and handicrafts, this market has just about everything. With so many stalls to explore, you'll want to get there early to make the most of your time. After the market, take a cab to Jim Thompson House, once the home of a former American spy turned silk entrepreneur. The house is a museum and is designed in the traditional Thai style with beautiful gardens. A guided tour of the house is included in the ticket price.
On your third day, head to Pattaya to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, a 500-acre garden attraction featuring award-winning botanical displays, traditional Thai culture shows, and an elephant sanctuary. After exploring the garden, take a cab to the Sanctuary of Truth, a wooden temple that features intricate carvings of Thai mythology and philosophy. A tour of the temple is included with admission.
For your last day in Pattaya, take a speedboat to Coral Island or Koh Larn to experience white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. You can even enjoy a variety of watersports, such as snorkeling or parasailing. Take the last evening to visit the Pattaya Floating Market, famous for crafts, souvenirs, traditional Thai food, and fruits. The bustling and vibrant market will give you a taste of authentic Thai culture before you leave.
If you have more time in Bangkok, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. You can take a ferry across the river and admire the white and brown stupa and prang covered in colorful glass and Chinese porcelain. For nightlife, Khao San Road is the center of backpacker culture in Bangkok and has numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. If you have less time, you can skip the Coral Island and Floating Market trips and choose a cooking class experience in Bangkok that will give you the opportunity to learn about Thai cuisine.