Explore Thailand: Pattaya, Bangkok & Phuket - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Transfer to Pattaya

Welcome to Thailand! Upon your arrival in Bangkok, you'll be met by a private driver and transported to your hotel in Pattaya. The drive takes approximately two hours, with scenic views along the way that include the Bang Patong River and a possible glimpse of Wat Khao Din Temple. Originally a quiet fishing village, modern Pattaya means plenty of shopping, shows, and outdoor adventures! 

Your first day in Pattaya is all yours, with various tours and activities to choose from in and around the city. Start your day with a visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can see manicured trees and gardens, more than 670 species of orchids, and an elephant talent show. For a panoramic city view, head to Wat Phra Khao Yai, or the "Big Buddha" temple, home to Pattaya's largest Buddha. This giant statue is nearly 60 feet tall (18 m) and sits at the top of a hill overlooking the city and beaches. 

If you're looking for a delicious meal and authentic Thai goods, visit the Pattaya Floating Market, also called the "Four Regions Floating Market" in homage to Thailand's four (north, northeast, central, and south) regions. The world's largest man-made market is located just 10 minutes outside of central Pattaya, with plenty of restaurants and shops, as well as fun events like live boxing, dance, and music. In the evening, head to the popular Alcazar Cabaret Show, where Thailand's own kathoey (transgender) performers share traditional songs and dances from Thailand and around the world. 

Day 2: Coral Island Speed Boat Tour

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel today and take you to Pattaya Pier, where you'll depart for Coral Island. Locally known as Koh Larn, the island is approximately 4.5 miles (7 km) from Pattaya Beach and is accessed primarily via a speedboat or water taxi. You'll spend the day at Tien Beach, where you can relax on the white sand beaches, swim in the crystal clear waters, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this secluded gem.

Lunch will be provided, and you'll also have an opportunity to visit the island's numerous souvenir shops. The boat heads back in the late afternoon, and your driver will escort you back to your hotel to rest and regroup. 

For a wider view of the city, hop on the Sky Train, which travels high above the often-congested traffic and can quickly get you from point A to point B. The train is a convenient way to get around, making it easy to find your way to local Thai restaurants and souvenir shops. Get a good night's rest before you continue your exploration of Bangkok tomorrow! 

Day 5: Fly to Phuket

This morning you'll bid Bangkok farewell as your driver picks you up from your hotel and transfers you to Don Muang Airport for your flight to Phuket. Transportation will be waiting for you upon arrival, and you'll head to your hotel. Located in southern Thailand, on the coast of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the country's largest island, known for its resort-like beaches, blue waters, and rich, multicultural history. In the island's capital of  Phuket City, you can visit their Big Buddha, a 150-foot (45 m) statue built in honor of Maravija Buddha, and Wat Chalong Temple, which offers fantastic views of the city.

You can also venture into Phuket's Old Town, where you'll find colorful buildings and historic architecture alongside restaurants and shops. If your arrival falls on a Sunday, make sure to visit the market on Walking Street (locally called Lard Yai), where you'll find stalls selling local fare and handmade products. 

Day 6: Explore the Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat

Get ready for an adventure in paradise as you embark on a full-day boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands, known for their clear, jewel-toned waters and jungle-topped limestone cliffs. Meet your crew, pick up snorkeling equipment at the Phuket Pier, and then board your speedboat for the hour-long, 29-mile (46 km) crossing to the Phi Phi Islands. On the smaller island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, visit Maya Bay, made famous by the 2000 movie The Beach, as well as the picturesque inlets of Loh Samah Bay and Pi Leh Cove.

Break for lunch at a restaurant on the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don, then get back on the boat and head to Monkey Beach, a beautiful, jungle-backed stretch of sand where playful long-tailed macaques hang out (and often pilfer tourists' snacks). On your cruise back to Phuket, stop at the relaxed islet of Koh Khai, where you'll have a chance to swim and snorkel among colorful fish and coral reefs in shallow, crystalline waters. Your evening plans after this sun-filled day are up to you—whether it's a low-key dinner and early bedtime or a power nap and venturing out to a nightclub.

Day 7: Discover Phang Nga & the Little Amazon 

It's time for an Amazon adventure today, with a trip to Phang Nga and a tour of Thailand's own "Little Amazon." You'll enjoy a scenic drive from Phuket City to Phang Nga's Ban Tha Din Daeng Community. Here, you'll learn about the local villagers' way of life, which includes hydroponic vegetable fields and local fishing methods such as black crab trapping.

Next, you'll go kayaking into the mangrove forest, where you can see the natural beauty of the mangroves and canals, as well as a trip along the Sang-Nea River, otherwise known as the "Little Amazon." After a local lunch, you'll have the chance to explore a savanna meadow and finish up with a relaxing swim at beautiful Khao Na Yak Golden Beach, a secluded sandy beach that stretches more than 8 miles (13 km) along the shoreline. Your guide will return you to your hotel in the evening, where you can step out for a meal at one of Phuket's many restaurants. 

Day 8: Visit James Bond Island via Speedboat & Canoe

Take the ride of a lifetime on a speedboat tour that takes you to all the must-sees of Phang Nga Bay. You'll be picked up by your driver in the morning and transported to Ao Nang Pier, where it's all aboard! From there, you'll visit Panak Island, see real bats hanging in the Bat Cave, and explore I-Tim Cave and Diamond Cave. 

You'll transfer to canoes for a trip around Hong Island, then enjoy a traditional Thai lunch at Koh Panyee Sea Gypsy Village, a still-active fishing village where the locals live off the land and sea. After lunch, you'll visit the historic site of Koh Khian, a mountain with ancient paintings dating back more than 3,000 years. The day ends with a trip to Koh Tapu, also known as James Bond Island, where the Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun, was filmed. On the way back to the pier, you'll have time for a quick dip at Naka Island, a small and luxurious resort hotspot, before returning to your hotel for the evening. 

Day 9: Free Day in Phuket

Today you'll enjoy a full day at leisure to spend however you see fit. Exploring the beaches is at the top of most people's list while in Phuket, and there are dozens of world-class, white-sand options around the island. Check out Patong and its festive main drag, Bangla Road, for a buzzing beach scene of restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals. If you'd rather slow things down on your last day, the southern beaches of Karon and Kata are a bit quieter while still offering all the amenities you need. Or, for a different vibe, hop on a long-tail boat to the secluded Freedom Beach.

Looking for something besides a beach day? The ethically certified Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a popular outing for animal lovers. You can also satisfy any desire for thrills and adventure amid Phuket's lush interior with ATV tours, hiking excursions, zip lines, and bungee jumping. Shopping opportunities also abound in Phuket, whether you're looking to score Thai textiles, wooden figurines, souvenir T-shirts, or local spa products. Local experts can also help you organize things like cooking classes, Thai massage, Muay Thai training camps, and day trips outside of the city. 

Day 10: Depart Phuket

Time to say goodbye to lovely Thailand and the island of Phuket. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Phuket International Airport for your departure. Safe travels!