One Day in Pattaya from Laem Chabang Cruise Port: Awesome Itinerary
Are you looking for a one-day in Pattaya itinerary from the Laem Chabang Cruise Port? Then you are in the right spot!
Pattaya was originally a small fishing village until the 1960s when it was discovered by American soldiers stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. It quickly developed into a popular beach destination.
Pattaya is an ideal spot for a one-day trip from Laem Chabang Cruise Port since it’s just a short drive away, yet packed with plenty to see and do.
But a shore excursion like that can be hard to plan yourself when you don’t know the area. Luckily for you, I have been on a cruise to Thailand and I have a lot of inside knowledge.
Whether you want to kick back and relax, explore new sights, or savor delicious local food, this guide will help you make the most of your day in Pattaya.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
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One Day in Pattaya Itinerary – In Short
Disembark from your cruise ship and take a taxi or shuttle service to Pattaya. It is about a 30-minute drive from the port.
Visit the Sanctuary of Truth, a beautiful wooden temple. Take a guided tour to learn about the temple’s history and significance.
Have lunch at either the Food Court in Terminal 21 Pattaya or Porjai Restaurant near Walking Street. Try some authentic dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup).
After lunch, stroll around Walking Street. Although it’s known for its vibrant nightlife, during the day, it is still fun with shops, cafes, and street performers. Pick up some souvenirs, and enjoy a cup of Thai iced tea.
For a panoramic view of Pattaya and the coastline, head to Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint. This spot is perfect for taking photos and enjoying the scenic views.
In the afternoon, unwind with relaxing beach time and enjoy water sports at Jomtien Beach. Alternatively, you can visit Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
Alternatively, you can also visit Bangkok from the Laem Chabang Cruise Port!
How To Get Around Pattaya (From Laem Chabang)
A convenient way to reach Pattaya City from the cruise port is by taxi, with plenty of taxis readily available.
Once in Pattaya, Songthaews are the most popular and economical way to get around. They follow set routes along main streets with fares typically ranging from 10-20 THB.
Motorbike taxis provide a fast way to navigate through traffic, while regular taxis offer more comfort but are more expensive. Always ask the driver to use the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
Ride-hailing apps like Grab are also available.
For more independence, you can rent motorbikes for around 200-300 THB per day. Car prices are starting at 800-1,500 THB per day, though an international driving permit is recommended.
Recommended Shore Excursion
If you want to save yourself the hassle of arranging transportation, a private driver from the cruise port is a great idea! It is relatively cheap, so I totally recommend that!
Bangkok/Pattaya Shore Excursion from Laem Chabang Port with Guide with Viator
Experience a full-day excursion (8 hours) with a personal English-speaking guide.
Your private guide will have a list of major landmarks, markets, monuments, and museums. Of course, you can also share this itinerary with your driver for even more convenience.
Things to Do in Pattaya On a Cruise
1. Sanctuary of Truth Museum
The Sanctuary of Truth is a must-see wooden temple in Pattaya.
It was built entirely from teak wood without any metal nails or screws. This impressive structure is 105 meters tall and is covered in intricate carvings.
The temple is dedicated to reflecting Eastern religions, art, philosophy, and culture. It is also a symbol of peace and the search for truth.
My favorite part is the Himmapan Forest on your way out to discover hidden wood-carving statues.
Important: You’ll need to enter with a guided tour that explains the fascinating history and meaning behind the carvings. These tours are frequent in the mornings and hourly in the afternoons, and typically last between 45 minutes to an hour. Once the tour concludes, you can continue to explore the museum at your leisure. Remember to dress modestly for your visit!
For cheaper tickets, book in advance on Klook, where prices start at 375 Baht compared to the 500 Baht you’d pay at the entry gate.
2. Khao Chi Chan
Khao Chi Chan, also known as Buddha Mountain is also an awesome place to visit from the cruise port. It has an impressive golden Buddha carved into the mountain’s cliff face.
Walking along the paved paths will lead you to the base of the mountain, where you can truly appreciate the scale and details of the carving. The peaceful park area around the mountain also has a lovely lake filled with lilies and lotus flowers.
There is no entrance fee. However, there are several donation boxes around where you can make a donation to contribute towards the upkeep of the grounds.
3. Nong Nooch Botanical Garden
A cool thing to do in Pattarya in a day is to explore Southeast Asia’s largest botanical garden (600 acres).
Nong Nooch is split up into themed gardens like Butterfly Hill, Italian Gardens, and Dinosaur Valley. You can also enjoy cultural shows of Thai dance and martial arts.
For a more relaxed visit, consider taking a trolley ride, available for an extra fee. Walking around the park, especially in the heat, can be quite exhausting.
Tip: Save money by booking your tickets ahead on Klook instead of paying at the gate.
4. Phra Tamnak Mountain Viewpoint
Phra Tamnak rests on Royal Thai Navy land and is the site of Wat Khao Phrabat Temple, where the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined.
Located on top of Pratumnak Hill, you can find a scenic spot that has breathtaking views of the cityscape, the beaches, and the Gulf of Thailand.
The viewpoint is easily accessible by car or motorbike, and there are also pathways for those who prefer a leisurely hike up the hill.
5. Jomtien Beach
There are a lot of beaches in Pattaya, including Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, and Wong Amat Beach. Personally, I find Jomtien Beach stands out as the most beautiful.
The beach offers a long stretch of golden sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
Compared to the busy Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is quieter and less crowded. It is ideal for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience.
Along the beachfront, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
My Recommendation: Surf’s Kitchen (delicious and affordable Thai dishes)
6. Terminal 21 Pattaya
Terminal 21 Pattaya is a shopping mall located in the heart of the city. It was designed to look like an airport with each floor themed after a different country, even the bathrooms are themed!
From Tokyo to Istanbul, you can explore a variety of themed shops, boutiques, and dining options that reflect the flavors and styles of each destination.
Beyond shopping, Terminal 21 has even a rooftop garden with panoramic views of Pattaya.
7. Pattaya Floating Market
The Pattaya Floating Market was designed to resemble Thailand’s iconic floating markets. It has charming wooden boats decorated with colorful fruits, crafts, and souvenirs
You can stroll along the market’s pathways or take a boat ride through its canals. Make sure to engage with vendors and try delicious Thai treats like pad thai, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.
Alongside shopping and dining, the market also hosts cultural performances, including traditional Thai dance and music.
Unique Cafes to Visit in Pattaya
No shore day would be complete without a stop in a super Instagram-worthy cafe. And our one day in Pattaya will be no different.
I have found two super cool cafés that will provide you with the best backdrop for a stunning Instagram photo shoot.
Great & Grand Sweet Destination
Great and Grand Sweet Destination is the World’s Largest Ice Cream Cafe.
This whimsical attraction brings to life a world of colorful displays, oversized desserts, and interactive fun that will take you back to your childhood.
Treat yourself to delicious desserts, from towering ice cream sundaes to beautifully decorated cakes and pastries.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for fun photos.
3 Mermaids
3 Mermaids is located right by the beach and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a cozy spot filled with mermaid-themed decor.
If you are craving a relaxing spot with sea views, 3 Mermaids is a great place to chill and enjoy a bit of seaside charm.
Tips for an Awesome Day in Pattaya
- Make sure to watch the time so you can get back to the cruise port in time, factoring in potential traffic delays.
- Ensure you have transportation arranged to make the most of your limited time. A convenient way to reach Pattaya City from the cruise port is by taxi, with plenty of taxis readily available.
- Pattaya can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- When visiting temples, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
Conclusion: One Day in Pattaya
Wrapping up your one-day adventure in Pattaya, this itinerary gives you a taste of the city’s unique charm and interesting culture.
We’ll start with the amazing Sanctuary of Truth and head over to the lively atmosphere of Walking Street.
After we’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of Phra Tamnak Mountain! All this hiking will be rewarded with a stop at one of the most Instagrammable cafés in Pattaya.
Whether you choose to relax on the sandy shores of Jomtien Beach or explore the lush greenery of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, your day in Pattaya will be awesome!
So, soak it all in, snap those photos, and enjoy every minute of your Pattaya getaway from the Laem Chabang Cruise Port.
About the Author
Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger.
Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.
