Itinerary Ideas: Bangkok, Khao Yai, Pattaya and Ko Samet

Bangkok opens the door to so many travel adventures in Thailand.  Whether you head north by train to enjoy the charm of Chiang Mai or fly south to go island hopping on the Andaman Coast, the Thai capital is likely to feature in your travel plans at some stage. 

In this latest edition of our Itinerary Ideas series, we take a look at a trip that combines culture, nature, activities and the beach. Using Bangkok as a base, all of these locations are within easy reach of the Thai capital so you won’t need to book any internal flights. 

For a 2-week itinerary, we suggest:

• 4/5 days Bangkok 
• 3/4 days Khao Yai 
• 3 days Pattaya/Na Jomtien
• 3 days Ko Samet 

The order in which you visit these destinations is flexible. Many travellers like to finish their Thai adventures at the beach so we’ve shown Bangkok and Khao Yai first followed by Pattaya and Ko Samet. Alternatively, you could head straight to Pattaya which is easy to reach from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. From there, make the short journey to Ko Samet before travelling to Bangkok and then spending a few days in Khao Yai.

Bangkok

The City of Angels may be many things, but it’s never boring. It’s a destination that can take some getting used to, but one that many visitors end up loving despite their initial misgivings. If you’re still not convinced by Bangkok, this itinerary gives you a chance to spend more time in the city and experience another side of the Thai capital.

We have some advice already here for what to see and do in 48 hours in Bangkok which you can use as a guide for a longer stay. Spending four or five days in the Thai capital gives you a chance to enjoy the city in a more relaxed way so you don’t have to try and cram too much in. This can be especially helpful after a long flight or if you are prone to jetlag.

Experience some of the best views in the city, pay a visit to any of Bangkok’s diverse museums and art galleries, and sample a dizzying array of dining options. See our tips here for some of the best food experiences in Bangkok and get some ideas for which rooftop bars and restaurants to visit here.

Check out this article for ideas of where to stay in Bangkok. There always seems to be something new to see or discover if you stay in or around one of Bangkok’s historic areas like Chinatown, Talad Noi or the old city area of Rattanakosin. The city’s riverside hotels are another good option that offers a peaceful sanctuary while still providing convenient access to the Chao Phraya River boats for sightseeing and more.

Khao Yai

Located to the north-east of Bangkok, Khao Yai was the first area in Thailand to be awarded National Park status in 1962. Khao Yai covers a vast area that spans several provinces (Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi and Saraburi). At around 100 miles away from Bangkok, Khao Yai is the most accessible National Park for visitors to the Thai capital. This area’s serenity and natural attractions make it a wonderful complement to the bustle of Bangkok. 

Khao Yai is famous for the abundance of wildlife found here and is one of the best places in Thailand to see elephants in the wild. The biodiversity of the area has been recognised by UNESCO and spending a few days here is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. There are some well-marked hiking trails which you can explore by yourself, but for longer trails hire a guide (this can be arranged in Khao Yai). You will also need the services of a guide for wildlife-watching.

To reach Khao Yai you can hire a car with a driver or you can take the train or bus from Bangkok to the town of Pak Chong which serves as the main gateway to the National Park. If you book your accommodation in Khao Yai in advance, many places will arrange for your pick-up at the train or bus station.

Pattaya

Pattaya has long been popular with Bangkok residents. Easy to reach from the Thai capital, the seaside resort is home to an excellent range of hotels, bustling nightlife and a choice of beaches. Although it’s true to say Pattaya is still renowned for its bars and nightlife, local authorities have worked hard in recent years to change some of the more negative stereotypes associated with it to make it a family-friendly destination. 

And there is more to Pattaya than Central Pattaya. If you stay in Na Jomtien to the south of Pattaya, you have the benefit of a quieter location and a choice of excellent upmarket hotels and beach clubs.

There are plenty of activities in Pattaya to keep families occupied during their holiday. Attractions like Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark, Ramayana Waterpark, Mimosa, and the Pattaya Sheep Farm all make for popular family outings. Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary is another good option that supports responsible tourism.

Closer to the centre of Pattaya, the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) and the adjacent viewpoint at Khao Phra Bat provide expansive views over Pattaya Bay. Heading in the other direction towards Naklua, you can find arguably the most impressive tourist attraction in Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth. This imposing wooden structure overlooks the Gulf Of Thailand and is a fascinating place to stroll around with visitors able to observe the artisans at work using traditional woodworking techniques. 

If you’re visiting Pattaya for the first time, three days is enough time to let you see the best of what the resort has to offer without committing to a week-long stay. If you like it, you can always spend more time here on your next visit.

Ko Samet

The attractive little island of Ko Samet is located in Rayong province on Thailand’s East Coast. Proximity to both Pattaya and Bangkok makes it the ideal addition to this itinerary. In the best possible way, there isn’t much to see and do on Ko Samet during the day. This is an island to unwind and enjoy the sun, sea and sand. 

The longest and most popular beach on the island, Hat Sai Kaew (White Sand Beach), springs to life in the evening with fire shows and music to entertain diners at the beachfront restaurants. 

If you’re staying on Ko Samet at the weekend or if your dates coincide with a Thai holiday, be sure to book accommodation in advance. Ko Samet is a popular destination for Bangkok residents who travel to the island on their days off and the small size of the island means that the best places to stay can get booked up quickly. 

Good to know

The destinations on this itinerary can be visited any month of the year, but mid-October to mid-May is the most popular time to visit Pattaya and Ko Samet with a lower chance of rain at this time. The same is true for Khao Yai with November to February also corresponding to the cool season and an opportunity to enjoy clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Journey times

• Bangkok to Khao Yai (by road): 3 hours
• Bangkok to Pak Chong for Khao Yai (by train): 3½ – 4 hours
• Khao Yai to Pattaya (by road): 4 hours
• Bangkok to Pattaya: 2 hours
• Bangkok to Ban Phe (for ferry to Ko Samet): 3 hours
• Pattaya to Ban Phe (for ferry to Ko Samet): 1½ hours
• Ban Phe to Ko Samet (speedboat/ferry): 20/45 minutes

All journey times are approximate.

Itinerary Ideas
This article is part of our Itinerary Ideas series. These particular itineraries are for anybody, but may appeal more to repeat visitors to Thailand looking to explore different destinations on their next trip or anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences. If you’re a first-time visitor to Thailand or looking for more ideas of where to go and what to do, check out these articles too:
2-week Thailand itinerary
3-week Thailand itinerary
4-week Thailand itinerary

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