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Create your Own Trip
The Natural Beauty of the Southeast Islands
9 days - 16 days tour
If you're dreaming of a tropical escape, why not plan your own adventure from Pattaya to Koh Samet, Koh Chang, and beyond? This guide will show you how to customize your trip and book everything you need. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the islands, or enjoy the nightlife, you'll find something for everyone in this amazing part of Thailand.
Bangkok
Pattaya
Option (Koh Larn)
Option (Koh Samet)
Driving only
Chao Lao
Chanthaburi
Koh Chang
Trat
BANGKOK
3-5 Days here
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is known for its bustling streets, delicious street food, and colourful markets. Some must-see attractions in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho
Click below for more on Bangkok, including hotels, tours and flights
Now are you renting a car or using public transport?
Both available options are on this page
Driving
Driving yourself: This is the most independent and adventurous way to travel in the Southeast of Thailand. If you're planning to explore the region on your own, driving can be a great option. Here's some information to help you plan your trip:
It's important to keep in mind that many people in Thailand do not have a driver's license. In particular, moped drivers are often dangerous and reckless on the road. While not all drivers are like this, many of them drive on the wrong side of the road, undercutting vehicles, and making risky maneuvers. As a driver, it's important to be aware of these risks and take extra precautions when sharing the road with them. Additionally, if a moped driver causes an accident with your vehicle, you may still be held responsible even if it was not your fault.
International Driving Permit: Make sure you have an international driving permit, as it is required for driving in Thailand, you need to apply for this in your home country.
Insurance Coverage: When driving in a foreign country, it's important to have valid insurance coverage. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers international travel and driving. If needed, you can also consider purchasing additional insurance coverage from a local provider in Southeast Thailand, this is available with Economy Bookings below.
Road Conditions: The main highways connecting the Southeast of Thailand are generally well-maintained, making the journey relatively comfortable.
Travelling from Bangkok to Pattaya, you take Highway 7
Then the remainder of your trip you just use Highway 3
Simples!
Now you can follow this guide to the locations but ignore the public transportation stuff.
Pattaya
2 hours from Bangkok
Spend 0-3 days here, depending on if you like to party
In case you book transportation that will take you to a place other than your hotel, you will need to take a taxi. However, your hotel might provide this service. Moreover, you can often find public transportation and taxis at the drop-off location. To be on the safe side, I highly recommend downloading Bolt and/or Grab apps, which work like Uber. Taxis are quite affordable in Thailand when compared to other countries.
To travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, you have several options:
By Bus: Buses depart from three major terminals in Bangkok: Sai Tai Mai, Morchit, and Ekkamai. Ekkamai is the most convenient, with buses taking around 2-3 hours to reach Pattaya, costing approximately THB127. Buses from Morchit also take about 3 hours and cost the same.
By Train: There is a morning train leaving Bangkok at 6.55 am, and arriving in Pattaya at 10.34 am. This train offers a budget option, but the journey takes about four hours and isn't particularly scenic.
By Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with a group, consider taking a taxi. Companies like Glassflower and PGS offer comfortable, safe, and reasonably priced rides from Bangkok to Pattaya. Prices vary based on the vehicle size and range from THB2,200 to THB2,530 for the trip, which usually takes around three hours.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport: Bell Travel operates buses from the airport to Pattaya's Northern bus station. Buses run every two hours from 8 am to 6 pm and offer a comfortable journey taking about two hours. Tickets can be purchased on-site for THB272. Nearby, you can also enjoy affordable Thai cuisine at Magic Point.
These transportation options make travelling from Bangkok to Pattaya relatively straightforward, allowing you to choose the one that suits your preferences and schedule.
Use the Asian Public Transportation link below so you can book your transport with ease.
Pattaya is known for seedy nightlife and parties but there is more to the place
For more information on Pattaya, including hotels and tours, click on the link provided below! These links are important because they offer detailed information about the area, including recommended places to stay and things to see.
So, if you prefer to avoid the seedy nightlife, there are other areas in Pattaya where you can stay. Pattaya is really the only place on this trip with seedy nightlife and it's easily avoidable, so don't let it put you off. You could also skip Pattaya altogether and head straight to Koh Larn by going to Pattaya Pier, or if you want to visit other islands you can go straight to Rayong further down the coast.
However, if you love the nightlife, then enjoy Pattaya to the max! Up to you.
Pattaya isn't for everyone but this is the only place on this tour which may require consideration, the rest is easy and you can just book it.
Me and my wife love to go to Pattaya, but we don't go to the seedy nightlife, just the British pubs and the beach, so like I say, it's avoidable.
Pattaya is a seaside city located on the east coast of Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination known for its bustling beachfront, seedy vibrant nightlife, and diverse range of activities and attractions.
You have to choose between 3 islands
Or if you have time all 3!
If you really only have time for one! I recommend Koh Samet
Koh Larn
Come for the day trip or spend 2 nights here
The cheapest and maybe the best way is to get a 30-40 minute ferry from Bali Hai Pier or Walking Street Pier, this is better to buy when you get there!
Alternatively, you can opt for a faster but pricier speedboat in the link.
Or consider joining a tour from Pattaya for a hassle-free experience.
More details are available on the Koh Larn page
Head to Pattaya Pier to go to Koh Larn
Taxis are a good way to go to the pier, ask your hotel to call you one then you'll get a fair price.
If you are driving, you can park at the pier, the car park is very secure with security.
Use the big green one!
Boats on the island go back and forth regularly so once you're done head back to Pattaya via the pier.
Koh Larn is a small island located off the coast of Pattaya, Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, and exploring the island's small villages and temples.
Click below for more on Koh Larn, including hotels and tours!
Then head to the mainland and go to Rayong/Koh Samet
Rayong
Rayong is a province in eastern Thailand known for its beaches and seafood. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Rayong is also a hub for the petrochemical industry, which contributes to its economic development and environmental challenges, people mostly come here for the island of Koh Samet
You only have two options here
Taxi: The easiest way to travel, allowing for customization and route flexibility.
Vans: Comparable to a taxi in travel time but more budget-friendly.
Book online in advance below.
Rayong Pier for Koh Samet
Koh Samet
Spend 2-3 nights here
Head to Rayong Pier
Boats are Available at the pier and in the widget below.
If you are driving, you can park at the pier
Koh Samet is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and enjoyable nightlife. The island is a popular tourist destination for both Thai and international visitors, who come to relax and enjoy the island's natural beauty.
Click below for much more in-depth information on Koh Samet, including hotels and tours!
Head back to Rayong Pier and then Chanthaburi
CHAO LAO BEACH
1 hour 40 minutes from Rayong
2 nights here
If you are driving this is a great stop for a couple of days, you can get a front-row seat to watch the sunset while having a beer or glass of wine and appreciating the world we live in.
Stay here for at least a couple of nights so you can explore Chanthaburi and the coastline.
CHANTHABURI
Chanthaburi is a city not too far from Chao Lao, with a very impressive cathedral called "The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception."
There are many things to do here like national parks to explore. a Chantaboon waterfront community, their old town. A maritime museum and a reclining Buddha After exploring the old town, we went to King Taksin's shrine and the City Pillar of Chanthaburi.
So you can spend a couple of nights here, depending on how much you want to do here. Have a look at my video to get an idea.
I discuss the area in my YouTube video.
Koh Chang
2 or 3 nights here
Unfortunately, not much public transport is available in the area, so it's not easy to take a break from Koh Samet and Koh Chang without stopping as if you were in a car.
You have quite a journey ahead of you between Koh Samet and Koh Chang — about 5 hours, some on the ferry then by van, and then another ferry—but it's worth it! Use the link for details.
Koh Chang is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its lush jungle, beaches, and coral reefs. It is part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park and is a popular tourist destination for activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and trekking
Click below for more on Koh Chang, including hotels and tours!
Head to the mainland, Trat
Trat is a province in the eastern part of the country, bordering Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. Trat has a rich history and culture, with many temples, markets, and festivals to explore. There is an airport here that can take you to Bangkok.
The same transport companies listed in the link below for Koh Chang to Trat can take you to Cambodia to get your visa stamped in order to stay in Thailand longer if you wish. They can also take you directly to your hotel in Trat and the airport. So they can do all that. Have a look.
You should look at spending a night in Trat before heading back to Bangkok; it's a nice area.
Back to Bangkok
Bangkok - Trat:
Flying is the quickest option, but it will cost you. The flight is just about 165 miles (265 km) long.
Bus: This is a less expensive option, but it takes longer. Expect to be on the road for 4 to 6 hours, traffic can be unpredictable.
Van: If you don't mind sharing, this is a decent speed-price compromise. It is usually less expensive than using a taxi.
Taxi: The most expensive mode of transportation, but also the most comfortable. You are also free to go whenever you choose.
Buses run every 22 minutes from 4:00 to 18:30.
There are typically two flights per day.
Taxis are always readily accessible.
Fly if you need to get somewhere quickly, but expect to pay more.
That concludes your trip to South East Thailand! Do you still have time? Then create another trip from Bangkok!
There are lots of great places to visit in Thailand.
Have an amazing holiday!!
