Passport and entry formalities

• Passport validity: It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand.
• Visa-free entry: For regular tourism, you don't need to arrange a visa in advance – you will simply receive an entry stamp in your passport at passport control.
• Immigration control: Be prepared for a queue at passport control after landing (usually 30–60 minutes). The process includes quick fingerprinting and a facial photo at the counter.

Internet and SIM card (Crucial for Bolt)

• Airport Wi-Fi: There is free Wi-Fi at the airport, so you can call a Bolt even without a local SIM.
• eSIM in advance: The easiest way is to get a data eSIM before you leave (e.g., via Airalo) – it will activate right after landing, and you won't have to stand at any counters.
• Physical SIM at the airport: If you are buying a card physically, operator stands (AIS, TrueMove) are located right after the customs zone.

Where and how to handle money (Cash and ATMs)

Although Thailand is a modern country, cash is still king here, especially when it comes to famous street food, night markets, or small local shops. I recommend getting some Thai Baht (THB) right after arrival.

• Best exchange rate at the airport: If you are bringing cash (Euros or Dollars), don't exchange money at the first stall in the arrival hall, as the rates are usually poor. Take your luggage cart to the lowest floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport (Level B, near the airport rail link entrance). You will find orange and green SuperRich exchange offices there, which offer unbeatable exchange rates.
• ATM withdrawals: You will find ATMs in Thailand literally on every corner (often near 7-Eleven stores). However, keep in mind that all Thai ATMs charge a fixed fee of 220 THB for every withdrawal with a foreign payment card, regardless of the amount withdrawn. It is therefore worth withdrawing less frequently and taking out a larger amount at once.

Paying like a local: QR codes and the TAGTHAi app

While it's good to always have some cash on you, you will come across a huge phenomenon in Thailand – QR code payments (the PromptPay system). You will find them in shops, restaurants, but often also at small street stalls. The great news is that you no longer need a Thai bank account to use them.

Application TAGTHAi : There is an official Thai app for tourists called TAGTHAi that solves this problem. Download it to your phone before your trip and register using your passport.

• How it works: It serves as your digital wallet. You can top up your virtual account at partner bank branches (KBank), and then simply scan merchants' QR codes with your phone. It's fast, secure, and saves you the hassle of dealing with loose change.

Getting from the airport:

I recommend using a completely hassle-free and comfortable option: download the Bolt app or take a classic taxi. It works great here, prices are more than friendly, and an air-conditioned car will take you directly from the airport to your accommodation in Pattaya. When ordering a Bolt at the airport from the app, watch for the exact pickup instructions – drivers usually stop at specific marked exits (Gates) on the departure or arrival floor. You can simply send the gate number where you are standing to the driver via the app's chat.

The rest of the day is just about pure acclimatization. Check in, jump into your swimsuit, have your first refreshing drink, and head out into the streets in the evening to catch your first Thai street food. Your vacation has just begun!

Visiting a Thai market is an experience full of colors and scents. The selection of fresh fruit here is absolutely fantastic, but before you start shopping, I have one important rule for you: walk through the whole market first.

Prices can vary significantly between stalls, and you might occasionally come across a seller who has inflated their prices unnecessarily. Also, keep an eye on the quality. A great example is Thai mango—its price often depends on how ripe it is. If you want to eat it that same day, you'll pay extra for a beautifully soft and sweet one, while harder pieces (which need a few more days to ripen) are usually cheaper. 

Besides mango, try to experiment! Local markets offer fruits you wouldn't normally find back home, such as rambutan, mangosteen, or dragon fruit. You'll also notice a big difference with bananas, which have a completely different color inside compared to the ones from the supermarket.

After the market, a short trip awaits you to Pratumnak Hill, where Pattaya's landmark towers – an 18-meter-tall golden Buddha statue. 

A majestic staircase lined with golden dragons (nagas) leads to the very top. The climb is not demanding at all and can be managed by everyone. At the top, you'll find amazing peace, a wonderful view of the city and the bay, and the scent of incense sticks. It is a popular place where even locals go to pray, so Wat Phra Yai will be a very pleasant and gentle first introduction to Buddhist traditions for you.

Since you're already up by the Big Buddha, it would be a huge shame not to take a short walk to the monument of the Prince of Chumphon, who is revered as the founder of the Thai Navy. Locals come here to pay their respects with red roses and incense sticks. But for you, this place has one more big draw—right next to the monument is the main viewpoint (Khao Pratumnak Viewpoint). From here, you get the most iconic and beautiful view of the entire Pattaya bay, the long beach, and the city skyline. Definitely don't forget to take a few photos while you're there!

This isn't just an ordinary temple; it's an absolute masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. This entire gigantic structure, over 100 meters tall, is carved exclusively from solid wood. And the most fascinating part? Not a single metal nail was used in its construction. Everything is held together solely by traditional joinery, precisely fitting wooden dowels, tenons, and mortises. Hard teak and mahogany wood are used to ensure the structure can withstand the salty sea air, as it stands right on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Tickets and tour:

You can easily buy tickets on-site right at the entrance. It's definitely worth waiting for the guided tour, which is already included in the entrance fee. The guide will explain the incredible details of how the structure is built. You'll learn that this complex has been hand-carved since 1981, and work is still ongoing – even during your visit, you'll most likely see carvers in action. The guide will also explain what all those intricate carvings mean. They represent ancient Eastern philosophy, the cycle of life, and respect for nature and the universe. After the guided tour ends, the guide will leave you to explore everything once more at your own pace. It's an experience you'll remember for a long time.

Tickets can also be purchased online here.

When you get hungry after an afternoon of swimming and relaxing, a great choice for today's meal is the popular Kiss Food & Drinks restaurant. It’s not exactly the cheapest street market – we’ll head for that wild "street food" experience for a few pennies another day – but the prices here are still very friendly. It’s the perfect compromise if you want to sit in the comfort of a restaurant and have a delicious, high-quality meal.

A personal tip on what to try: If you're not sure what to choose from the menu, try the local specialty – a delicious soup with crispy roasted noodles, vegetables, and shrimp.

This expansive park is a fantastic stop. As the name suggests, you'll find incredibly detailed miniature versions of famous Thai landmarks (including those you didn't manage to visit in person), as well as some of the world's greatest monuments. In just a short walk, you can take photos by miniature replicas of the Grand Palace, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the Statue of Liberty in New York. It's an easy-going, relaxing activity.

You can easily buy tickets at the entrance, but be careful – they only accept cash, so don't forget to prepare enough Thai Baht in advance.

Link for ticket prices and opening hours here 

Once you get back from Mini Siam in the afternoon, it’s time to hit the streets with an empty stomach. Forget standard restaurants today and focus on authentic Thai street food. A great choice for this evening is Sophon Food Market (โต้รุ่งตลาดโสภณ).

What you shouldn't miss: This market is a sure bet for meat lovers. Definitely grab some fantastic grilled chicken or fresh fish prepared right over the fire. You'll also find plenty of other local specialties being baked and fried right before your eyes.

Practical tip: This is exactly where you'll appreciate having cash in Thai baht. The food is extremely cheap, so with just a few banknotes in your pocket, you can treat yourself to a literal royal feast.

This isn't your average botanical garden; it's a massive complex covering several hundred hectares. You'll find a meticulously manicured French garden reminiscent of Versailles, huge pavilions filled with rare orchids and cacti, and even a replica of England's Stonehenge.

A secret tip (not just) for families: The absolute highlight of this park is the gigantic "Dinosaur Valley." You'll find dozens of intricately detailed, life-sized dinosaur statues there. It feels just like Jurassic Park and is a great spot for some fun photos.

Admission and practical tips:

• Where to buy tickets: You can easily buy tickets right on the spot at the main ticket office.
• Transport: It takes about 30–40 minutes from the center of Pattaya. Once you've walked around the complex at your own pace and have had enough, don't overcomplicate it. Just head out to the gate, open your app, order a new Bolt, and you'll be back at your accommodation in no time.
• Opening hours and ticket prices here 

This will be the first thing that completely amazes you in Bangkok. Wat Arun is located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and its main asymmetrical tower (prang), over 70 meters high, is one of the most famous symbols of all of Thailand.

What it's made of: It looks majestic from a distance, but the real magic is discovered up close. The entire structure is incredibly intricately decorated on the outside. It's a fantastic place for photos.

Tour: You can walk around it from all sides, but you can't go inside.

Time requirements and dress code: Unlike the gigantic Grand Palace, this area is smaller and more compact. Easily set aside about 30 minutes for it. Remember basic temple etiquette here too – covered shoulders and knees. From here, you need to get across the river to the side where the Grand Palace is located. Don't overcomplicate it and avoid expensive tourist boats.

Local ferry: Head to the small pier for the local Cross-River Ferry. The ticket costs literally a few baht (usually around 5 THB) and is paid simply in cash at the window or turnstile right before boarding.

Fast and authentic: It's a short ride that drops you off on the opposite bank near the main entrance to the Grand Palace complex. Plus, you'll get some nice photos from the water.

Tickets and how not to get scammed at the palace

Unfortunately, the area around the Grand Palace is infamous for tourist traps. To save yourself some stress and money, follow these golden rules:

• Tickets on-site only: Don't buy tickets online (to avoid scam sites) or from anyone on the street. Go straight to the official gate and buy your ticket directly at the box office inside the complex.
• The "It's closed today" scam: Right before the entrance, a very nice and English-speaking local might approach you (they often look like they're wearing some kind of uniform). They will convincingly claim that the palace is closed until the afternoon for a special ceremony, but that they have a friend outside who will take you elsewhere. It's a lie. Just smile, ignore them, and continue to the main gate.
• Watch out for tuk-tuks in front of the entrance: Taking a ride in a Thai tuk-tuk is fun and an ideal way to get around Bangkok for short distances. However, drivers waiting right in front of the palace will try to overcharge tourists absolute nonsense – they might ask for the equivalent of 20 euros for a 200-meter ride.

The basic rule is: Always agree on the price firmly beforehand before you even get in.

It's best to walk a street or two away from the main landmarks, where prices drop.

Sometimes you might get lucky with a truly communicative and nice Thai person who will gladly and fairly hail a tuk-tuk for you, but a healthy dose of caution is always worth it in these places.

Once you step off the ferry, you're just a short walk away from the main entrance gate, known as the Viseschaisri Gate. Here, the golden rule from before applies once again: put on your metaphorical blinders, smile and ignore all the "well-meaning advice" from people on the street, and head confidently straight into the complex.

As soon as you pass through the first massive gate, you'll reach the main courtyard, where you'll see the official ticket offices. Here’s what you need to know before buying:

Price and purchasing on-site: With your ticket, you're buying entry not just to the entire massive palace complex, but also to the Wat Phra Kaew temple (home to the famous Emerald Buddha). As we mentioned, for peace of mind, it’s best to pay the entrance fee right here at the window in cash.

Link for information on ticket prices here 

Final outfit check: Before they let you through the turnstiles, you'll go through a strict dress code check. The guards here are uncompromising—they keep an eye on whether you have long pants and covered shoulders, but also whether your clothes are too tight, see-through, or if you're wearing ripped jeans.

Essential gear: Don't forget to grab a paper map of the complex at the ticket office. The Grand Palace is literally a gigantic maze of courtyards, temples, and golden stupas, so the map will come in handy to keep track of exactly where you're headed.

Once you get your bearings in the main courtyard, one of the first buildings guaranteed to grab your attention is Phra Wiharn Yod. This shrine was commissioned by King Rama III and originally served as a safe haven for ancient bronze Buddha statues salvaged from the ruins of the destroyed historic city of Ayutthaya.

Fascinating mosaics made of broken plates: The most interesting thing about this building is its exterior decoration. The facade is covered in colorful floral and geometric mosaics. When you look closer, you'll see they are assembled from pieces of real Chinese porcelain. Thai builders back then cleverly repurposed plates and bowls that had broken during long ship voyages from China.

A roof like a crown: The name "Yod" in Thai refers to the tall, richly decorated spire of the chapel. Its shape bears a striking resemblance to a traditional Thai royal crown.

Golden guardians: Around the structure, you will certainly notice the shimmering golden statues of mythical animals and creatures (known as Singhaphanon). According to ancient mythology, their task is to continuously guard this sacred space.

Touring tip: Once you've finished photographing the porcelain flowers on the walls in detail, turn around. Right opposite this chapel, on the inner side of the perimeter wall (along the galleries), you'll find an incredibly long and detailed series of murals. It depicts the famous Thai epic Ramakien, which you can browse there like one massive, ancient comic strip.

This is the absolute spiritual heart of the entire complex and the holiest place in all of Thailand. The temple itself (Ubosot) is beautifully decorated with gold and colored glass on the outside, but the main secret is hidden inside.

The Emerald Buddha: Inside the shrine, the Emerald Buddha itself sits high on a massive and richly decorated gold altar. You might be surprised that it's quite small (it measures only about 66 centimeters) and, paradoxically, it's not actually made of emerald at all, but is precisely carved from a single piece of dark green jade.

Royal Ritual: Try to notice what the statue is currently wearing. It has three different gold robes depending on the season (summer, winter, and rainy season). These robes can only be ceremonially changed by the King of Thailand himself, which is a huge event.

⚠️ Strict rules inside: Before entering the main shrine, you must take off your shoes (they are left in the provided racks outside). Inside, photography and filming are strictly forbidden. If you want to sit on the floor and soak up the atmosphere, remember the essential Thai rule – your feet must never point towards the Buddha statue. It is considered a gross insult, so always tuck your legs under you or point them backward.

As you exit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, your gaze will immediately be caught by this massive, dazzling gold, bell-shaped structure that towers on the elevated upper terrace of the complex. It was built by King Rama IV in the Sri Lankan style, and you definitely can't miss it.

It houses sacred relics: It's not just a beautiful architectural backdrop. The main purpose of this stupa is incredibly important—it safely preserves sacred remains (specifically a bone fragment) of the Buddha himself. This makes it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the entire area.

Once you weave your way through the temples and golden stupas, a vast open space with beautifully landscaped gardens and lamps will open up before you. Standing right in front of you will be this jewel, which is one of the most important throne halls in the entire complex.

Classic Thai roof: The architecture of this building is absolutely iconic. Notice the stunning, elongated, multi-tiered roof covered in green and red tiles, adorned with richly carved golden gables. It may not have a central spire, but its majestic length and harmony stand out all the more.

A place for royal audiences: To this day, it is an extremely important and active building. It serves as the main audience hall where the Thai King receives foreign ambassadors and where the most important state ceremonies take place, including the anniversary of the King's birthday.

As you continue through the grounds, you'll come across a building that will completely stun you at first glance. This palace is the most visually striking structure in the entire complex, and once you see it, you'll immediately understand why it's fondly nicknamed the "Thai hat on a European body."

A unique architectural mix: King Rama V, the great modernizer of Thailand, had this building constructed at the end of the 19th century after his travels through Europe. The bottom two floors have a purely European Victorian-Renaissance facade with arched windows. However, so the palace wouldn't look too Western for the standards of the time, the building was crowned at the last moment with traditional tiered Thai roofs with tall pointed spires.

Official function: The palace was once the primary audience hall and is still used today for the most significant state events, such as receiving foreign ambassadors or grand state banquets.

Tour tip: The interior of the palace is usually closed to the public, but the view from the landscaped gardens is fantastic. A guard of honor in dress uniforms stands in the courtyard regularly, which is a great photo opportunity. A little fun fact: if you see the royal flag raised on a flagpole nearby, it means the King of Thailand is currently present on the palace grounds.

After a demanding day full of sightseeing and walking in the Bangkok heat, it's time for a proper reward and a great meal. Following a local's recommendation, you'll head to the Chao Phraya River to the JOJO SEAFOOD RIVERSIDE restaurant.

To get there, you can use Bolt or catch a tuk-tuk – just don't forget to agree on the price with the driver beforehand.

Riverside atmosphere: The restaurant sits right on the bank and offers wonderful seating with a view of the illuminated river and passing boats. After a busy day in the city center, it's the perfect spot to slow down and soak in the evening atmosphere of Bangkok in peace.

Traditional Thai hot pot (Tom Yum): The absolute highlight of the evening is their authentic Tom Yum soup, served in a traditional metal pot with a chimney in the middle, kept bubbling over a flame. The soup stays perfectly hot the whole time, bubbling right there on your table. It's packed with fresh seafood, has a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and creamy flavors, and is naturally served with a bowl of fluffy Thai rice.

Fresh seafood: Besides the legendary Tom Yum, they prepare plenty of other specialties featuring fresh fish, shrimp, and seafood, so every lover of Asian cuisine will find something they enjoy.

Return journey to Pattaya

Once you've enjoyed your dinner and reflected on all your Bangkok experiences, just open the Bolt app right from the restaurant, call a taxi, and get a comfortable ride back to your accommodation in Pattaya.

How to get to the island: Choose a speedboat

In the port of Pattaya, you basically have two options. You can take a large ferry, which is a bit cheaper, but the journey takes longer and the boat drops you off at the main island pier, from where you would still have to arrange and pay for a tuk-tuk to Nual beach.

A much more comfortable and better option is to take a speedboat. Right at the pier in Pattaya, you will find plenty of stalls selling this transfer. You buy a round-trip ticket and the journey takes about half an hour. The huge advantage is that the boat drops you off directly at your chosen beach. When buying, you agree on what time it should pick you up (return departures are usually at 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM), and you don't have to worry about anything else.

Tips for food right at Nual Beach

There's a very good restaurant right on the beach, so you definitely won't go hungry. Here are two personal tips on what you shouldn't miss:

Refreshing drink: Order an ice-cold fruit smoothie. The fresh mango or pineapple ones are absolutely unbeatable. They'll get you back on your feet in this heat!

For lunch: I highly recommend the rice with vegetables and shrimp (or chicken, if you're not into seafood).

⚠️ Important tip for ordering: You'll find three portion sizes in the menu (small, medium, large). If you order the large size, be prepared for it to be a truly huge, "maxi" portion that will easily feed two adults without any problem!

Once the speedboat safely drops you back at the port in Pattaya in the afternoon, just use the Bolt app again to order a taxi that will comfortably take you back to your accommodation without any further delays.

This is your first stop, where the taxi will take you in the morning. It's a huge, beautifully maintained complex set in an enormous park with ponds. You won't just see classic Thai architecture here, but also various international pavilions – for example, in Chinese, Indian, or Japanese styles. It's perfectly peaceful, which contrasts sharply with the bustle of Pattaya.

Very strict dress code: This temple is under the direct protection of the Thai royal family and is one of the most significant in the country. The dress code here is therefore much stricter than elsewhere. Forget about shorts, tank tops, crop tops, exposed backs, or translucent materials. Both shoulders and knees must be unconditionally covered for both men and women. 

Link to today's route on mapy.com here 

Right from the temple grounds, you'll head out on foot to the next attraction. At the top of a nearby hill stands a beautiful white pavilion (Mondop), reached by a staircase of almost 300 steps. It is lined with traditional statues of mythical snakes (Nagas). The climb in the Thai heat will test your fitness a bit, but the effort is worth it. Inside the pavilion is a sacred footprint of the Buddha, where locals go to pray. Plus, from the walkway, there’s an absolutely fantastic panoramic view of the entire Wat Yan complex, the lakes, and the sea in the distance.

After taking in all your impressions from the temple and the viewpoint, you'll head to the final stop of today's walk nearby. From a distance, a massive limestone mountain will already be peeking out at you. Imagine a 130-meter high and 70-meter wide image of a seated Buddha, which was first precisely cut into the rock using modern laser technology and then manually filled with 24-karat gold leaf. This gigantic monument was created in 1996 to honor the 50th anniversary of Thai King Rama IX's accession to the throne. The area around the mountain is a beautiful park filled with lotus ponds. 

Once you've taken photos of the mountain and had your fill of its majesty, just open the app again in the large parking lot in front of it and call a Bolt.

Getting there is a classic – order a car via the Bolt app, and you'll be there in about 20 minutes from the center of Pattaya. This sprawling area offers two different worlds in one:

Prehistoric Stone Park: Right after entering, you'll walk through a beautifully maintained park filled with giant fossilized tree trunks and massive, bizarrely shaped rocks. It looks a bit otherworldly, and you can get some really unique photos here.

Crocodile Madness: The main attraction awaits you right after. Literally thousands of crocodiles live in the local ponds. The absolute best experience (and a huge hit with kids) is the chance to buy raw chicken on a long bamboo pole and feed these giants right from the safety of the bridges above the water. When a crocodile snaps at the meat, the sound of those jaws will definitely wake you up!

Crocodile Show: Several times a day, there's a traditional Thai show where you'll see local handlers sticking their hands and heads directly into open crocodile mouths. It's a bit crazy, but this kind of mild bizarreness is just part of Thailand.

Besides crocodiles, you'll also come across tigers, elephants, and various birds in this area.

Practical tip for tickets:

Just like with previous trips, the golden rule applies – don't be tempted to buy tickets in advance through shady websites. You can buy them quickly, safely, and at the official price right at the main ticket office at the entrance.

All boats heading to Koh Larn depart from Pattaya's main pier, which is called Bali Hai Pier (take a Bolt for a comfortable ride there). Once you arrive, the system works as follows:

Speedboat tickets (Option A): These are bought right at the entrance to the pier. You'll see plenty of small stalls and vendors there. Just ask if any of them are heading directly to Tien Beach, and you can buy your ticket (usually 150–200 baht) right from them.

Large ferry tickets (Option B): This one is completely hassle-free! Don't look for any official ticket booth for the regular ferry. Just walk along the pier to the spot where the large double-decker boats are docked. The fee (usually just 30 baht per person) is paid in cash at a small table before boarding, or the staff will collect it from you right as you step onto the deck. So, make sure to have some small change ready.

Tien Beach will reward you with beautifully clear water and soft sand. Even though it's a quieter beach, you'll find a really good restaurant there that cooks great food, so lunch is covered.

A tip for perfect chill: Don't forget to order an ice-cold fresh coconut there! Lying peacefully on a sunbed with a coconut in hand, listening to the sound of the waves, and not having crowds of tourists around you... that's exactly the moment why one goes to exotic destinations.