The Best Day Trips from Pattaya by Car

Top Day Trips by Car

All distances and drive times below are measured from central Pattaya in normal traffic. Add 15–30 minutes for weekend mornings or any Friday afternoon, when Sukhumvit Road through the city slows to a crawl.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

The region's signature attraction sits 20–24 km south on Sukhumvit (Highway 3), about 25–35 minutes from central Pattaya. Nong Nooch is enormous — landscaped French and Stonehenge gardens, a cactus house, an orchid nursery, and daily cultural and elephant shows. Foreigner entry starts around 460 THB; combination tickets that add the shows and the tram ride run 700–1,200 THB. There is a large free car park at the entrance. The grounds are big enough that an unhurried visit fills a half-day, so arrive in the morning before the midday heat peaks. The tram is genuinely useful here — the gardens spread over a long distance, and walking the whole site in the afternoon sun is hard work with young children in tow.

Sanctuary of Truth

The Prasat Sut Ja-Tum, better known as the Sanctuary of Truth, is the closest marquee site — 5–8 km north in Naklua, around 15–20 minutes through narrow streets to a free gravel parking lot. It is an entirely hand-carved wooden temple rising straight out of the seafront, still under construction after decades. Entry is 500 THB by day or 700 THB in the evening; children 250 THB. There is a strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, so bring a light layer. Most visitors spend one to two hours.

Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain)

About 22–29 km south, 30–40 minutes from town, a 130-metre image of the Buddha is laser-cut and gilded into the face of a limestone cliff. It is free to view and has a large free car park, making it an easy 30-minute stop rather than a full outing. Pair it with a meal at Castello Di Bellagio, an Italian-themed restaurant complex next door — the 200 THB entry is deducted from your bill, with mains running 1,600–7,000 THB — or with the small Swiss Sheep Farm if you have children along.

Koh Larn (Coral Island)

Koh Larn is the quickest escape to clear water and white sand. Drive to Bali Hai Pier at the south end of Walking Street — only 3–4 km, but 10–20 minutes in congested traffic — and leave the car in the automated garage (about 250 THB per day) or a nearby lot (around 200 THB). The municipal ferry is 30 THB and takes 40–60 minutes; a speedboat is 160–200 THB and gets you there in 20–30 minutes. Check the last return ferry time before you leave so you are not stranded on the island.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

The best family wildlife day is 35–45 km north near Sriracha, 45–60 minutes via Motorway 7. Khao Kheow is a genuine open zoo where animals roam large enclosures, and it is now famous for the viral pygmy hippo "Moo Deng." Foreigner entry is 350 THB for adults and 120 THB for children, with golf-cart rental around 500 THB for two hours to cover the hilly grounds. Parking is free. This replaces the old Sriracha Tiger Zoo, which has closed.

Ko Samet

Which Car for Which Trip

Almost everything on this list is reached on sealed highways, so you rarely need anything large or rugged. The choice is mostly about passengers, luggage and comfort over distance rather than terrain. Note that the local fleet is close to 100% automatic and right-hand drive, which suits visitors used to either layout once they adjust to driving on the left. An economy car keeps costs down and parks easily at the markets and beach piers; the moment you add a third or fourth passenger, child seats or weekend luggage, stepping up to an SUV or van pays for itself in comfort.

If you are basing yourself south of the city, Jomtien car rental is a handy pickup point closer to Nong Nooch and Khao Chi Chan. Arriving by air? Our guide to airport & transfers covers collecting a car at U-Tapao so your first day trip can start the moment you land.