🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
First, it helps to understand that "Chonburi" is bigger than "Pattaya." Chonburi is the whole province, running from Bang Saen in the north, down through Pattaya in the middle, and ending at Sattahip in the south. Bang Saen to Pattaya is about 40–45 km, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car. So if you're planning a first trip, pick which zone you want to focus on first, then pick up the neighbouring zones as a bonus — that way you won't waste time driving back and forth.
5 things to know before you go
- The 3 main zones are different — Bang Saen is a family beach: affordable, a university-town vibe. Pattaya is lively, with nightlife and the most hotels and restaurants. Sattahip–Bang Saray has clearer water and is quieter — good for a relaxing stay.
- Driving yourself is easiest — from Bangkok take Motorway 7; it's about an hour and a half to Bang Saen. Many of the sights sit outside the town centre, so having your own car is much more convenient.
- You can still go without a car — vans and coaches from Ekkamai and Mo Chit run to Bang Saen and Pattaya all day. In Pattaya, songthaews (shared pickup trucks) loop around town from THB 10–30 per ride, or you can call a Grab or a private car.
- Seafood is sold by weight — seafood restaurants charge per kilo, so ask the price per kilo and have it weighed in front of you before ordering. Pick places with clearly posted prices to avoid a bill that balloons.
- Avoid long weekends — Saturdays, Sundays and long weekends are crowded, hotels cost more, and traffic backs up. Go on a weekday if you can — it's more relaxed and cheaper.
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.
Which zone to stay in for first-timers
Bang Saen
The closest beach to Bangkok and easy on the wallet — good for a morning-to-evening swim without even staying overnight. Plenty of moo kratha (Thai BBQ) and beachfront seafood spots. Great for families and budget travellers.
Central & North Pattaya
Right in the middle of the action, with hotels at every price level, malls, and international restaurants, and Pattaya Beach within walking distance. Good for first-timers who want easy access and things to do at night.
Jomtien–Pratamnak
On the water but quieter than Pattaya Beach, with a long stretch of sand and lots of beachfront restaurants, near the Pratamnak Hill viewpoint. Good for couples and anyone who wants to relax but still get into Pattaya easily.
Pick a zone to match your style
If it's your first time and you want both the beach and something to do at night, Central Pattaya is the best value because everything is within walking distance. If you're travelling with small kids or want to save money, Bang Saen is a solid choice and easy to drive in and out of Bangkok.
Sights first-timers shouldn't miss
Sanctuary of Truth
An entirely hand-carved wooden palace on the water at Naklua, intricately worked from top to bottom. It's the landmark to tick off on a first Pattaya trip — allow about 1.5–2 hours to walk around, and dress modestly with your shoulders covered.
Koh Larn
The island just off Pattaya, with clear water and white sand. The ferry from Bali Hai Pier takes about 45 minutes, and there are several beaches to choose from, including Tawaen Beach and Samae Beach. Perfect as a morning-out, evening-back day trip.
Bang Saen Beach + Khao Sam Muk
A long sandy beach you can swim at, with deckchairs to rent along the sand. Drive up Khao Sam Muk at the end of the beach to feed the monkeys, pay respects at the Chao Mae Sam Muk shrine, and take in the sea view. Watch the monkeys — they grab things, so keep your car windows shut.
Pratamnak Hill Viewpoint
The spot for a photo with the Pattaya City sign, with a view over the whole bay. It sits between South Pattaya and Jomtien, and the Big Buddha temple is nearby if you want to pay your respects. No admission and there's parking.
Nong Nooch Garden
A large botanical garden in the Sattahip area, with landscaped gardens, an elephant show, a cultural show, and lots of photo corners. Great with family or for photo lovers — you can easily spend half a day here.
Khao Chi Chan
A huge Buddha image etched in gold lines on a cliff face in the Bang Saray–Sattahip area, visible from far off, with a wide plaza to pay respects and take photos. A good stop on the way down to the southern beaches.
Nong Mon Market
The well-known souvenir market on Sukhumvit Road near Bang Saen — Nong Mon sticky rice in bamboo, khanom jak (palm-leaf sweets), hoi jor, dried shrimp, dried squid, and chilli pastes. A good place to graze and shop before heading home.
Lan Pho Seafood Market, Naklua
Naklua's fresh market has good-value fresh seafood — pick out prawns, crab, shellfish or squid and have a shop steam, boil or grill it for you, paid by weight. Come in the late afternoon before closing while it's still fresh.
Suggested 2-day 1-night plan
For a first trip, the best-fitting plan is to spend day one around Bang Saen, then move down to Pattaya on day two. That gets you the closest beach, souvenirs, and the landmarks without driving in circles. If you have an extra day, adding Koh Larn as a third day is well worth it.
Bang Saen · Khao Sam Muk · Nong Mon Market
Sanctuary of Truth · Pratamnak Hill · Naklua Seafood
If you can stretch it to 3 days 2 nights, set aside the third day for Koh Larn. Take the morning ferry from Bali Hai Pier, swim at Tawaen Beach or Samae Beach, have seafood on the island, then catch an afternoon ferry back before driving home to Bangkok. It's a great way to close out the trip if you love clear water.
Rough budget per person (2 days, 1 night)
- Accommodation — a mid-range Bang Saen/Pattaya hotel at THB 700–1,800/night (split between 2 people)
- Food — 5–6 meals, around THB 900–1,800 for the whole trip, depending on how heavy you go on the seafood
- Transport — fuel + tolls round-trip from Bangkok, around THB 800–1,200 split by 2
- Admission — the Sanctuary of Truth at around THB 500; the beach, Khao Sam Muk, the markets and Pratamnak Hill are free
- Rough total — around THB 2,200–4,000 per person, not counting souvenir shopping
Want a list of well-located hotels to base your first trip around?
See the Top 10 Chonburi hotels →