A Shoestring Budget Itinerary to Pattaya: Exploring Local Life and Girl Bars and Clubs

  • Day 1: Walking Street
    13 minutes (550 meters) from Central Festival Pattaya Beach

    Start your Pattaya trip by exploring the vibrant nightlife at Walking Street. Lined up with neon lights, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, Walking Street is ideal for bar hopping or watching street performers. Tip: Practice caution late at night and avoid purchasing drinks for strangers in girl bars.

  • Day 2: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
    33 minutes (13.9 km) from Walking Street

    Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is one of the best botanical gardens in Southeast Asia. Meander through the garden’s various zones, each with their unique ambiance, including French Garden, Animal Sculpture Garden and Butterfly Hill. The garden also has Muay Thai, The elephant and Thai cultural performances.

  • Day 3: Sanctuary of Truth
    20 minutes (7.7 km) from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

    A unique and awe-inspiring structure built entirely from teakwood, the Sanctuary of Truth features lifelike sculptures and carvings depicting religious beliefs and human evolution. The sanctuary also offers Elephant Trekking experiences and ATV rides around the compound of the sanctuary.

  • Day 4: Jomtien Beach
    33 minutes (9.9 km) from Sanctuary of Truth

    Get some sea, sun, and sand at Jomtien Beach, a quieter and less crowded alternative to Pattaya Beach. Relax on the beach or try your hand at various water sports, from Jet-ski, Parasailing, floating water parks.

  • Day 5: Koh Larn
    22 minutes (7.6 km) from Pattaya Pier

    Take a ferry ride from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn, also known as “Coral Island”. There are many water activities to enjoy, including Banana Boat and Sea Walking. If you're looking for a quiet retreat, head to the southern end of Koh Larn to Ta-Yai Beach for some sunbathing and relaxation.

  • Day 6: Art in Paradise 3D Museum
    24 minutes (7 km) from Koh Larn Pier

    If you're looking for a change from outdoor excursions, visit Art in Paradise, Pattaya's first 3D art museum. The museum has over 150 interactive exhibits where you can click photos with the stunning 3D-themed artwork.

  • Day 7: Pattaya Floating Market
    15 minutes (5.8 km) from Art in Paradise 3D Museum

    Experience the bustling vibe of Thai markets at Pattaya's Floating Market, the largest floating market in Eastern Thailand. Take a leisurely boat ride around the canal and shop for an eclectic range of items, from fashionable clothes to delicious traditional Thai food.

  • Day 8: Tiffany's Show Pattaya
    14 minutes (4.6 km) from Pattaya Floating Market

    Conclude your Pattaya trip with a celebratory visit to Tiffany's Show Pattaya, a world-famous transvestite cabaret show. The show features elaborate costumes, impressive dance routines, and stunning performances. It's a must-visit with your friends to experience the vibrant nightlife in Pattaya.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Walking Street (2-3 hours, Drinks and Food): $20
  • Nong Nooch Tropical Garden (3-4 hours, Admission Fee): $10
  • Sanctuary of Truth (2-3 hours, Admission Fee): $15
  • Jomtien Beach (4-5 hours, Water Sports): $20
  • Koh Larn (6-7 hours, Ferry and Water Sports): $25
  • Art in Paradise 3D Museum (2-3 hours, Admission Fee): $8
  • Pattaya Floating Market (2-3 hours, Souvenirs and Food): $15
  • Tiffany's Show Pattaya (1.5-2 hours, Admission Fee): $40
  • Total Estimated Costs: $153

Transportation

To explore Pattaya, you can rent motorbikes or grab taxis, Songthaews. Taxis are slightly more expensive but safer, while Songthaews are shared transportation trucks, and you can wave them down at any time of the day. Always negotiate before taking a taxis or songthaews, as there are usually no meters, and agree on a fixed price beforehand.

Estimated Transportation Costs:

  • Motorbike rental - $5 per day
  • Shared Taxis or Songthaews - $1-$2 for short distances, up to $8 for longer distances

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, include visits to the Pattaya view point, the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya, and the Ramayana Water Park. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can skip Art in Paradise 3D Museum or any girl bar of your choice. It's better to be cautious when visiting girl bars, and you can also watch from the outside the Ladyboy Shows in Walking Street.

Airports

Pattaya's nearest airport is U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport (UTP), about 40 km from Pattaya City Centre. Another option is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, which is 120 km from Pattaya City Centre. Visitors from UTP can take a taxi which cost around 1000 baht, while from BKK can take either a taxi or bus with a cost ranging from 1500-2000 baht and take around 2 hours.

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