5 Days Thailand Itinerary: Pattaya & Bangkok Travel Plan 2026

Thailand is a great choice for travellers planning a short international trip. It offers everything from culture, nightlife, and beaches to delicious cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals, as well as a rich history to explore.

It is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India, with good connections, easy visa and entry requirements, and many attractions, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

Visiting during the best time gives you the opportunity to enjoy attractions with pleasant weather and mild temperatures. It is perfect for beach and island hopping, trying water activities, exploring temples, visiting heritage sites, and enjoying the glamorous nightlife.

This 5-day itinerary for Thailand focuses on Pattaya and Bangkok. It keeps travel simple and realistic. Instead of trying to see many attractions each day, this plan highlights a few key experiences. It also leaves space in the schedule for relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok and Transfer to Pattaya

After arriving at Bangkok Airport, head straight to Pattaya by private transfer. The drive usually takes approximately 2 hours to reach your beach destination, i.e., Pattaya, without changing transport.

Tiger Topia

Tiger Topia is an attraction in Pattaya that allows visitors to see tigers up close in a managed environment. Unlike traditional zoos, it offers supervised interaction experiences.

Tiger Topia Highlights

• Tiger and Crocodile Show
• Photo Sessions with Animals like large tigers, lions, white lions, and big crocodiles in safe, supervised settings
• Feeding Activities (feed tigers or crocodiles under staff guidance)
• Walks with Tigers (Controlled walkthrough experiences in a managed environment)
• Varied Wildlife Encounters (multiple session times between morning and mid-afternoon)

Why Visit Tiger Topia?

• It offers a rare opportunity to see tigers at close range, which you may not experience elsewhere during a short Thailand trip.
• The experience is guided and time-controlled, making it suitable for travellers who want a structured visit rather than an open-ended wildlife park.
• Visitors can choose interaction levels based on comfort, including time with medium-sized tigers, which is often preferred by first-time guests.
• A scheduled tiger show provides insight into trained behaviours and handling techniques, adding context beyond photo opportunities.
• Its location in Pattaya makes it an easy add-on attraction, without requiring long travel or a full-day commitment.

Ticket Price

• Timing: 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
• Tiger Show: 10:30 AM, 12:10 PM, 01:40 PM
• Crocodile Show: 09:50 AM, 11:20 AM, 01:00 PM, 02:30 PM

After the first planned visit to Tiger Topia in Pattaya, head to your hotel. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for the next two nights, which includes breakfast. 

The evening is free. Travellers may explore Pattaya Walking Street briefly or choose a quieter dinner near the beach, depending on preference.

Pattaya Walking Street

This walking street runs along Beach Road in central Pattaya. It turns into a pedestrian-only entertainment zone after sunset and is best enjoyed for nightlife.

Why visit?

• Popular nightlife spot with a wide range of bars, pubs, and live music venues serving different tastes.
• International restaurants and seafood stalls offering Thai and global cuisine late into the night.
• Street performances and live entertainment energise the atmosphere.
• Bright neon lights and signs bring the glamorous, lively vibe.
• The area has a mix of locals, tourists, and expats, creating a friendly social atmosphere rather than just a party scene.
• There are many opportunities for good photos and interesting streets to explore, especially when walking.

Timings: 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Note: Many visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, but families or those looking for a quieter experience may want to explore in the early evening or choose nearby, calm dining options.

Day 2: Coral Island Tour from Pattaya

After breakfast, depart for Coral Island (Koh Larn) for a half-day tour by speedboat. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Coral Island

Coral Island is in the Gulf of Thailand, located 7 to 8 km off the coast of Pattaya and is the best place to visit after reaching Pattaya. It has mainly three beaches:

• Tawaen Beach (the main beach)
• Samae Beach (a wider shoreline)
• Tien Beach (less crowded)

This island is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue water, suitable for swimming and beach relaxation.

Popular activities to try

• Water Sports: Parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides.
• Underwater Exploration: Glass-bottom boat tours, sea walking, and snorkelling.
• Relaxation: Sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying fresh local seafood.

Note: Most tours include lunch and basic facilities, making it a comfortable half-day excursion from Pattaya.

Return to Pattaya by afternoon. Take a rest and get ready for local shopping or a beach walk in the evening.

Best Places to Shop in Pattaya

• Central Festival Pattaya Beach: It’s a big mall by the beach that has global brands, local Thai shops, coffee places, and restaurants with ocean views. It’s perfect for shopping in a cool environment and then enjoying a meal or taking a stroll on the beach. Timing: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Terminal 21 Pattaya: It is a themed shopping mall inspired by global cities like Tokyo, Paris, and London. Good mix of fashion, souvenirs, food court options, and photo spots, works well for a relaxed evening. Timing: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Pattaya Night Bazaar: This night bazaar is a street-style market that sells everything from clothes and bags to souvenirs, beachwear, and handicrafts. Prices are negotiable, making it suitable for budget shopping and casual browsing. Timing: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Thepprasit Night Market (Weekend Only): This weekend market is great for trying local snacks and street food, as well as finding budget-friendly clothing and souvenirs. It has a more authentic atmosphere compared to Walking Street, making it less touristy.

Timings: Friday to Sunday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

After buying the best souvenirs, return to your hotel and sleep well.

Day 3: Pattaya Sightseeing and Journey to Bangkok

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Pattaya. Then, start a tour of Pattaya city before travelling to Bangkok. 

Pattaya City Tour Includes: Big Buddha, Bay Viewpoint and Gem Gallery.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

• This temple has an 18-metre-tall golden Buddha statue, which is one of Pattaya’s most recognised landmarks.
• It is located on Pratumnak Hill, which gives a calm break from the busy city below.
• Small shrines and bells around the temple show local Buddhist rituals and beliefs.
• The elevated position of this temple provides clear views of Pattaya city and the coastline.

Note: Dress modestly and maintain the temple’s decorum.

Timing: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Pattaya Bay Viewpoint

• It is also situated on Pratumnak Hill, close to the Big Buddha Temple.
• It presents a beautiful sight of Pattaya Bay, Beach Road, and the lovely urban skyline.
• It is one of the best photo spots in Pattaya, especially during late afternoon.

Timing: 07:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Gem Gallery Pattaya

• It is one of Thailand’s largest jewellery and gemstone showrooms.
• It has a wide collection of Thai gems, diamonds, and handcrafted jewellery.
• It offers a glimpse into the process of cutting and polishing gemstones.
• It acts as an informative stop to learn about Thailand’s gemstone trade and craftsmanship.

Note: Shopping is optional, so it suits even those who do not want to buy anything.

Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

After exploring these free sightseeing, continue by private transfer to Bangkok. Check in at your hotel in Bangkok for the next 2 nights.

In the evening, enjoy free time at Pratunam Market, known for affordable clothing, accessories, and street shopping.

Pratunam Market

• This market is one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping districts and is known for budget-friendly fashion.
• It is popular for casual wear and fast fashion, including clothing, footwear, bags, and accessories.
• There is a mix of street stalls and indoor shopping complexes, making it easy to browse in a short time.
• Nearby malls like Platinum Fashion Mall offer air-conditioned shopping with hundreds of small shops.
• Prices are often lower when buying multiple items, as many shops operate on a wholesale model.
• The market area is lively in the evening, with local street food stalls available.
• Located in central Bangkok, making it easy to combine with hotel stays and other city sightseeing.

Timing: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Main Market),  6:00 PM to11:00 PM (night market)

Day 4: Visit Safari World and Marine Park

This day is dedicated to Safari World and Marine Park, which is the best place to visit for families and first-time travellers.

Safari World is one of Bangkok’s largest wildlife parks. It has two main sections: Safari Park & Marine Park.

Safari Park

Safari Park offers visitors a drive-through experience to see animals such as lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. These animals move freely in open spaces.

The experience feels closer to a real safari, as animals are viewed from inside a vehicle rather than in cages.

Marine Park

Marine Park is a walk-through section with animal enclosures, themed zones and landscaped paths.

Popular live shows include dolphin shows, sea lion shows, bird performances, and stunt-based shows, scheduled throughout the day.

This park also includes

• A river or jungle cruise ride that adds a touch of adventure to your visit. 
• The park has restaurants, rest areas, and basic facilities, making it ideal for a full-day family outing. 
• The well-planned layout and show schedules help visitors comfortably explore both areas in one day.

Price 

Timings

After a full day of fun, return to your hotel and rest.

Day 5: Bangkok Temple Tour and Departure

Have breakfast, check out of the hotel, and proceed to Bangkok Airport, with sightseeing en route, which includes a Bangkok temple tour.

The Bangkok temple tour includes

Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Traimit)

• The temple is famous for housing the world’s largest solid-gold Buddha statue, which weighs over 5 tonnes.
• The statue was accidentally discovered in 1955 by monks at Wat Traimit when a plaster-covered statue slipped while being moved and cracked open, revealing its true value.
• It is located near Chinatown, making it easy to visit along with other nearby attractions.
• The temple complex has a small museum that explains the Buddha’s history and restoration. 
• Visitors can enjoy a calm and respectful atmosphere, even though it is in a busy area of the city. 

Marble Buddha Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)

• This temple is made of white Italian Carrara marble, giving it a clean and elegant appearance. 
• It is one of the most photographed temples in Bangkok because of its symmetrical design. 
• The temple features a central Buddha image inside a bright, open prayer hall. 
• In the courtyard, you can see 52 Buddha statues that show different poses and styles.
• The well-kept grounds and peaceful surroundings make it a great place for a relaxed visit. 
• You can learn about traditional Thai temple architecture combined with modern influences.

After completing the temple visits, you will be dropped off at Bangkok Airport for departure.

Conclusion

This 5-day itinerary for Pattaya and Bangkok makes travel easy. It includes Thailand’s most popular experiences for a short trip. By focusing on these two cities, you avoid long travel times and have more chances to enjoy each place.

This plan works well for couples, families, and small groups who want a short, organised trip in Thailand. You can customise it without changing the overall route.

If you’re planning a Thailand vacation, we can help you design a trip that matches your travel style and budget. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly tour, a romantic getaway, or a customised itinerary, our team is here to assist you.

Get in touch with us today to plan your Thailand trip your way and turn your travel plans into a smooth, memorable experience.

FAQs About the 5-Day Thailand Itinerary

1. Is 5 days enough to explore Thailand?

A 5-day trip is ideal for covering 2 key destinations, such as Bangkok and Pattaya or Bangkok and Phuket. While it doesn’t cover the entire country, it gives first-time visitors a well-rounded experience.

2. Is a 5-day Thailand itinerary suitable for first-time travellers?

Yes, the itinerary is designed for first-time visitors, with a comfortable pace, guided sightseeing, and ample time to explore on their own.

3. Can this itinerary be customised?

Yes, the 5-day itinerary can be fully customised based on travel style, budget, family needs, or honeymoon preferences.

4. Is this itinerary suitable for families?

Yes, it includes family-friendly attractions such as Safari World & Marine Park, city tours, and easy island trips, making it suitable for travellers with children.

5. Does this itinerary involve too much travel?

No, travel time is kept minimal. The route between Bangkok and Pattaya is short, ensuring more time for sightseeing and relaxation.

6. What activities can be included in a 5-day Thailand itinerary?

A 5-day Thailand itinerary includes temple visits, wildlife experiences, island tours, shopping markets, city viewpoints, and optional nightlife, offering a balanced travel experience.

7. Is Pattaya safe for couples and families?

Pattaya is safe if you stay in popular tourist areas. You can easily reach family-friendly attractions, beaches, and island tours.

8. What is the best time to book a 5-day Thailand trip?

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant. However, the itinerary works year-round with minor seasonal adjustments.

9. What is the cost of a 5-day Thailand trip?

A 5-day Thailand trip typically costs between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 per person, depending on hotel category, flights, activities, and travel season.

10. Is this 5-day Thailand itinerary good for honeymooners?

Yes, the combination of beaches, island tours, scenic viewpoints, and relaxed evenings makes it suitable for honeymoon couples.

Sai Shreeya Anwesha

I am a traveller who loves exploring the world. I believe that each journey is a form of self-discovery and contributes to my personal growth. Through my writing, I share experiences that offer cultural insights and practical tips to help others explore and grow. For me, travel is not just about visiting places—it is about discovery, connection, and transformation.

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