Bangkok - Koh Chang 5-day niche tour
3 cities |
13 attraction(s) |
total distance 46
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day1: Bangkok
5 attraction(s) ·
13 km
1
The Grand Palace, also known as the Grand King's Palace, is the largest palace complex in Thailand, showcasing the essence of Thai architecture, decoration, carving, painting, and other ethnic characteristics. It is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River and was built in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I. It used to serve as the royal residence of the Kingdom of Siam. The current royal residence has been relocated to the Chitralada Palace, and the Grand Palace is only used for a few ceremonial activities. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha located within the Grand Palace is the most sacred temple in Thailand, where important ceremonies by the royal family have been held throughout history.
Travel tip: Most ATMs around the Grand Palace area accept UnionPay cards for cash withdrawals in Thai Baht. Using a debit card at ATMs usually incurs lower transaction fees.
2
km
2
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is located next to the Grand Palace. It is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, and an important landmark in the city. It consists of a main temple area and a monastic quarter, both of which are open to visitors. The temple is famous for its huge reclining Buddha statue, which measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The temple was built in 1788 and has undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the years.
1
km
3
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha was built in 1782 and is a historic site of the Bangkok period of the Thai monarchy. King Rama I, the first king to relocate the capital to Bangkok, considered the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as a sacred religious site for the nation and held important ceremonies there. The temple does not house monks.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha currently occupies about a quarter of the Grand Palace's area, located in the northeast direction within the palace. Inside the temple, there is a jade Buddha made from a single piece of translucent green jade, measuring approximately 66 cm in height and 48 cm in width. The jade Buddha is protected by glass and decorated with multiple layers of canopy, with a high pedestal. Each year, the royal family dresses the jade Buddha in different royal garments as a mark of respect. Four golden Buddha statues are also present around the jade Buddha, and the main temple walls depict the story of the life of Gautama Buddha from birth to Nirvana. The main hall that houses the jade Buddha has 40 square-shaped pillars and 112 bird-bodied human-headed gilded statues decorating the corridors.
The three main features of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are its spire decorations, architectural ornamentation, and mural paintings. There are a total of 22 temples, varying in size, with key buildings including the Ordination Hall, the New Golden Stupa, the Bell Tower, the Library, the Royal Pantheon, the Reliquary Hall, the Loha Prasat, the Scripture Hall, the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon, and the Crematorium. The temple complex also features numerous towering pagodas, each with unique designs and vibrant colors, creating a magnificent sight.
Pro tip: Most ATMs near the temple accept UnionPay cards for withdrawing Thai Baht, and using a debit card typically incurs lower withdrawal fees at ATMs.
5
km
4
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the largest Mahayana-style stupa in Thailand and is often referred to as the "Eiffel Tower of Thailand". The temple was built during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and later renovated in 1809 and 1847. It is one of the oldest and most popular temples in Bangkok, with its main tower reaching a height of 82 meters. The temple also houses two smaller temples, one in front of the stupa and another opposite the river, both containing various Buddha images. The famous Emerald Buddha, now enshrined in Wat Phra Kaew, was previously housed in Wat Arun during the Thonburi Kingdom.
6
km
5
Because it is adjacent to popular tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, National Museum, and Art Museum, Khao San Road has always been favored by backpackers. There are many bars and speciality shops selling souvenirs here. Khao San Road is also near the famous Lumphini Night Market (wholesale souvenirs, open-air beer market). The annual Songkran Festival, a water festival, is also a major event on Khao San Road. Don't miss it if you want to experience the enthusiasm of the Thai people.
Quick tip: Almost all ATMs near Khao San Road accept UnionPay cards for withdrawing Thai Baht. Using a debit card for ATM withdrawals incurs relatively low fees.
Day2: Ko Chang
2 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
Bangbao Fishing Village is located on the west coast of Koh Chang. It used to be a place where fishermen lived. Now, the local fishermen rent out their houses to souvenir shops and restaurants to promote local tourism development. The business model here is very similar to that of Thailand, where everything is aimed at selling things. There are fishing boats at the seaside that can take tourists out to sea for a cruise. Most tourists come here to enjoy delicious seafood, so if you don't plan to stay overnight, be sure to return before sunset. After the sun sets, taxis here are not only scarce but also expensive.
5
km
2
After 5 o'clock every night, this place becomes a backpacker's paradise. During the day, many tourists come here to sunbathe. At night, the music plays loudly, and the tourists enjoy wine and noisy conversations here.
Day3: Ko Chang
3 attraction(s) ·
27 km
1
Than Mayom Waterfall is the most famous four-tiered waterfall on Phi Phi Island. It is located in a park and has cool and clear water, perfect for swimming. It takes less than half an hour to walk from start to finish, making it a great choice for visitors staying on Phi Phi Island for two days or more for a leisurely stroll.
13
km
2
White Sand Beach is the most luxurious beach on the Elephant Island, with a range of hotels and bathing establishments. During the peak season, it is often difficult to find a spot unless you want to sunbathe in the hottest afternoon. The villages on either side of the main street are bustling, offering visitors a chance to stroll around and unwind.
15
km
3
Pearl Beach is famous for its abundant pearls. It's not suitable for swimming and sunbathing, but it's a great place for snorkeling. The Saffron restaurant, located by the beach, is a unique place to enjoy the sea view.
Day4: Pattaya
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Pattaya Beach is a 3-kilometer stretch of the 15-kilometer coastline in Pattaya with the finest sand and clearest water. It is a great beach for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. The beach is surrounded by tropical trees and coconut groves, showcasing the beauty of the oriental tropical scenery. The northern part of the beach is more peaceful with beautiful beach hotels and resorts, perfect for those who seek a quiet holiday. The southern part, on the other hand, is filled with numerous small hotels, restaurants, clothing stores, bars, nightclubs, and other commercial and entertainment venues, suitable for young people who enjoy liveliness and excitement.
2
km
2
There is a big difference between Pattaya Walking Street during the day and at night. During the day, the entrance is quiet, but at night it is brightly lit. There are various street food and bars along the street, and it is a must-visit place for tourists. Here, you can enjoy cheap seafood meals. The bars often have music performances and Muay Thai shows.
Every year on late November and December 1st (World AIDS Day), there is a gay parade on Pattaya Walking Street in Thailand, with various parades and activities taking place. It is also the only gay beach in Pattaya.
Day5: Pattaya
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island or Koh Larn, is a small island near Pattaya, about 7.5 kilometers from the Pattaya coast. The surrounding waters of Koh Larn are clean, allowing visibility of several meters of the underwater world. There are beautiful coral reefs not far from the west coast of Coral Island, where visitors can enjoy the underwater scenery through glass-bottomed boats or dive in for a closer look. There is a peak on the island that provides a panoramic view of the sea and the beach, with a temple and a Guanyin statue at the summit. There are many water activities such as snorkeling and jet skiing. Stray dogs can be found everywhere on the beach. The island's dining and accommodation facilities are not fully developed, so it is recommended to take a ferry or speedboat from Pattaya to Koh Larn and return to Pattaya for accommodation in the evening. Koh Pai Island is also located not far from Koh Larn.
