🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
This plan suits anyone with their own car or a rental, since the stops are spread out from Mueang district (Bang Saen) down through Bang Lamung (Pattaya) to Sattahip. You can still do it without a car, but you'll be leaning on Pattaya's songthaews (shared pickups) and taxis between stops. We've set the hotel near Pattaya for both nights so you don't have to switch, and used Bang Saen as a stop on the way down.
The 3-Day Plan at a Glance
- Day 1 — Bangkok → Bang Saen for a swim, up Khao Sam Muk for the view, a stop at Nong Mon Market for snacks to take home, then into Pattaya
- Day 2 — A full day on Koh Larn: swimming and snorkelling over coral, then a stroll along Pattaya Beach in the evening
- Day 3 — Sanctuary of Truth in the morning, then Nong Nooch Garden or Khao Chi Chan, before heading back
🎟️Book the activities in your Chonburi trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
🎟️ See all Chonburi tours & activities (Klook) Day 1 — Bang Saen, Khao Sam Muk and Nong Mon
Day 1
Near-city beach + Chonburi snacks to take home
08:30
Leave Bangkok, heading for Bang SaenTake the Motorway or Bang Na-Trat; it's about an hour and a half to Bang Saen Beach.
10:00
Swim at Bang Saen BeachIt's a long beach you can swim at, with deck chairs to rent along the sand and seafood you can order right at the water's edge. This is a lively local-style beach that draws a big Thai crowd.
12:30
Lunch on seafood at Laem TaenThe Laem Taen area carries on from Bang Saen, with seafood restaurants and rocky views. Try the curried crab or baby clams stir-fried with chilli paste.
14:00
Up Khao Sam Muk for the Bang Saen bay viewThe viewpoint on the hill has the Chao Mae Sam Muk shrine and a troop of monkeys — keep an eye on anything in your hands. The view takes in the whole sweep of Bang Saen Beach.
15:30
Stop at Nong Mon Market for snacks to take homeRunning parallel to Sukhumvit Road, it's known for khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo, from old-time shops like Mae Khai Toonklao), dried squid, shrimp paste and ho mok. It stays open late.
17:30
Into Pattaya, check in to the hotelBang Saen to Pattaya is about a 50-minute drive. Staying in Central Pattaya or Jomtien keeps you handy for the next day's plan.
Day 1 tip
Bang Saen gets crowded on weekends with heavy traffic in the evening, so a weekday is far more relaxed. After your swim it helps to have fresh water to rinse off, as the beachside showers are limited.
Day 2 — A Full Day on Koh Larn
Koh Larn is the highlight of this trip — the water is much clearer than the beaches on the Pattaya side. Boats leave from Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya, and it's worth going early so you have plenty of swimming time and can head back before the last boat.
Day 2
Cross to the island, swim, snorkel over coral
08:30
Head to Bali Hai PierThe pier is at the end of South Pattaya Road, with parking for cars and motorbikes. Buy your ferry ticket at the pier.
09:00
Take the boat across to Koh LarnThe big ferry costs around 30 THB per person and takes about 40 minutes. If you're in a hurry, a chartered speedboat starts around 100 THB and up and is faster, at roughly 20 minutes.
10:00
Swim at Tawaen Beach or Samae BeachTawaen Beach is the busiest, with deck chairs and umbrellas to rent, while Samae Beach is quieter. The water is clear at both, with water sports to choose from.
12:30
Lunch on seafood on the islandThere are several beachfront restaurants to pick from. Prices on the island run a little higher than on the mainland, so check before you order.
14:00
Snorkel over coral or rent a bike around the islandFor snorkelling there are boats that take you out to the spots, while anyone after a more relaxed pace can rent a motorbike to take in the views of the different beaches around the island.
16:30
Catch the boat back to PattayaThe last ferry leaves around 18:00, so allow time to get to the pier and don't wait for the very last run.
18:30
Stroll along Pattaya Beach, find dinnerWalk along Pattaya Beach at sunset, then find somewhere to eat around Central Pattaya or Walking Street, depending on your style.
Koh Larn tip
Most beach chairs and umbrellas come with a rental fee, so ask the price before you sit down. Cover up well — the sun on the island is strong — and bring cash, as plenty of shops on the island don't take transfers.
Day 3 — Pattaya Sights Before Heading Home
Day 3
Sanctuary of Truth + Nong Nooch Garden
09:00
Visit the Sanctuary of TruthAn entirely hand-carved wooden temple on the sea at Laem Ratchawet. Open 08:00–18:00, adult entry around 500 THB, reduced for children, with shows and good photo spots. Allow roughly 1–2 hours to walk around.
11:30
Lunch on the way southFrom the sanctuary you head toward Nong Nooch Garden via Sattahip, and you can find somewhere to stop and eat along the way.
13:00
Visit Nong Nooch Tropical GardenThis big garden has landscaped sections, dinosaur figures, and cultural and elephant shows. It's a half-day on foot, with a tram to ride around. Check the entry fee and show times at the gate or online before you go.
15:30
Stop at Khao Chi Chan (if you have time)A Buddha image carved in line work on a cliff about 109 metres high in Sattahip, not far from Nong Nooch. It's a landmark photo stop before you head back.
16:30
Drive back to BangkokFrom Sattahip-Pattaya it's about 2 hours back to Bangkok. Avoid leaving on a Sunday evening if you'd rather not hit the traffic on the way out on the Motorway.
Tweak the Plan to Your Style
FamilyTravelling with kids
Swap Nong Nooch for a full day and add Frost Magical Ice of Siam, or the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha — more fun for kids.
Shop & eatCulture lovers
Add the Pattaya Floating Market (Four Regions). Thais enter free, and you can spend a half-day grazing on snacks and taking a boat through the old-style market.
No carRelaxed, no car
Drop Bang Saen, stay 2 nights in Pattaya, and use songthaews to get around town — focus on Koh Larn and the Sanctuary of Truth and call it good.
