Eastern Coast Journey from Bangkok to the Ko Chang Archipelago
This three-day journey leads you along one of Thailand’s quietest yet most diverse coastal regions. Between Bangkok and the Cambodian border unfolds a landscape shaped in many places by the rhythm of small fishing communities, mangrove forests, and long stretches of beach. The route connects well-known destinations such as Pattaya with the more tranquil areas around Rayong, Prasae, and Trat, revealing an eastern coastline that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
Throughout the trip, wide coastal views, small settlements, and untouched natural areas alternate in a calm, steady rhythm. At times the landscape opens to long, peaceful beaches; at others, wooden walkways guide you into mangrove forests where the atmosphere of the Gulf of Thailand can be felt particularly vividly. Along the way, you encounter places that reflect the daily life of the region—fish markets, small waterfront restaurants, and villages where craftsmanship and tradition remain closely tied to the sea.
This tour is ideal for travelers who wish to explore the eastern coast in a short amount of time while still taking things at an unhurried pace. Each day highlights different aspects of the region—from lively coastal towns to serene natural areas—creating a balanced and nuanced impression of this often overlooked part of Thailand.
3-Day Private Tour Through Thailand | Daily Departures Available
Eastern Coast Journey from Bangkok to the Ko Chang Archipelago
Bangkok – Chonburi – Bang Saen – Pattaya – Rayong – Ban Phe – Chantaburi Provinz – Trat (Ko Chang)
Vibes of Asia - What's Included (THA6302)
– Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver
– 2 nights in middle-class hotels
– Daily breakfast
– Additional meals as specified (2x L = Lunch; not included in the “Car & Driver” option)
– English-speaking guide
– All listed entrance fees and attractions
– Detailed day-by-day itinerary
– High-quality dark grey polo shirt with Vibes of Asia logo provided at the first hotel
– Accident insurance coverage for the duration of the program
Experience Thailand – entirely your way
from 530 €
Price per person based on two travelers sharing a double room – valid until October 31, 2026
Choose between three comfortable travel options:
🔹 from Request – Car & Driver Package (without guide)
Ideal for travelers who are familiar with Thailand or prefer to explore with greater independence.
🔹 from € 530 – Tour with English-speaking guide
🔹 from € 570 – Tour with multilingual guide (French, Spanish, Italian; other languages on request)
We are happy to create a customized proposal for you—tailored to your preferred route, hotel category, and travel duration.
👉 Additional costs may apply during festival periods or for special services such as gala dinners.
👉 Family, children’s and group rates available on request.
📩 Contact us anytime – we will be pleased to advise you personally and without obligation.
Day 1 | Pattaya, Beaches, and the Nature of Thailand’s Eastern Coast
Your journey along Thailand’s eastern coastline begins in the neighboring province of Samut Prakan, once an important trading port of old Siam. Just beyond Bangkok, the landscape begins to change noticeably: wide salt fields, small shrimp farms, narrow canals, and quiet mangrove forests define this part of the coast. It is a tranquil region shaped for generations by the rhythm of the water, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday life along the Gulf of Siam.
This maritime atmosphere accompanies you all the way to the border of Chonburi Province and leads you to one of the day’s scenic highlights. The five-kilometer Cholmarkwithi Bridge offers an impressive coastal panorama. As you drive parallel to the shoreline, mangroves stretch out on one side and the open sea on the other, a constantly shifting scene that invites several photo stops along the way.
A short drive later, you reach the so-called Monkey Hill. From its viewpoint, you enjoy a sweeping vista over the coastline, the small bays, and the beaches of Bang Saen. The following stop at Bang Saen Beach reveals a calm side of the region: a long, palm-lined shoreline where paved walkways alternate with sandy section, an ideal setting for a short stroll by the sea.
You continue on to Pattaya, one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned coastal destinations. The city is well known for its vibrant nightlife: along Walking Street, bars, clubs, and cabarets line up side by side and remain open late into the night. Your route follows Beach Road along Pattaya Beach, the city’s most iconic shoreline. The drive concludes at the Khao Phra Tamnak viewpoint, home to the large “Pattaya City” hillside sign, one of the area’s defining landmarks. From here, panoramic views stretch across the bay, the terraced layout of the city, and the shifting reflections on the water.
Following the long Jomtien Beach, you leave Pattaya behind and continue toward Rayong. Shortly before reaching your hotel, you explore an expansive mangrove forest. A beautifully designed boardwalk leads deep into this protected ecosystem, revealing the quiet, nature-rich character of the region. A boat ride around the mangrove area and toward the fishing harbor offers a gentle contrast to Pattaya’s lively atmosphere.
After this final impression of the day, you check in to your hotel directly across from the beach. The calm evening light of Rayong provides a fitting conclusion to a varied first stage along the eastern coast. (L)
Day 2 | Endless Beaches & Beautiful Viewpoints
You begin the day by following the coastal road from Rayong to Ban Phe, the main departure point for the island of Ko Samet. The large local fish market provides an authentic insight into coastal life: colorful stalls, baskets of seafood and the quiet bustle of a community shaped by the sea.
Your route then continues for many kilometers directly or very close to the shoreline. These stretches represent some of Thailand’s lesser-known coastal landscapes, wide, calm and unspoilt. The beaches are ideal for long walks, and along the way you find simple beach restaurants offering fresh dishes with beautiful sea views.
Your next stop is Raksamae, a mangrove area that serves as a conservation and breeding site for the Samae crab (hence the name: rak meaning ‘love’, and Samae being the species of crab). A wooden bridge leads across the river into the quiet mangrove ecosystem, where water, roots and dense green merge into a landscape entirely different from the open beaches.
The journey continues to Prasae, a small fishing town with a distinctive bridge spanning the river. From here, you enjoy broad views over the fishing village on one side and the open sea on the other. By the beach, simple restaurants and the historic HTMS Prasae, a former royal warship, invite you to explore. Driving through the village, you pass narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden houses and small workshops.
On the way to Trat, you stop at various beaches and viewpoints offering panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand. This route is defined by its many small moments, short walks, photo stops and quiet views over almost deserted bays.
In the evening, you arrive at a resort set between the sea and a mangrove forest in the province of Trat. Wooden boardwalks lead into the ecosystem, offering a calm and atmospheric end to the day. (L)
Day 3 | End of the Journey or Island Extension
After three days exploring Thailand’s East Coast, full of coastal landscapes, mangrove forests and fishing communities, your round trip comes to an end. From Trat, you have several onward travel options.
Many guests continue their holiday on one of the nearby islands. Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kood offer quiet beaches, clear bays and a noticeably slower pace of life. We drive you to the appropriate pier and coordinate your onward journey.
Alternatively, we can transfer you to Trat Airport or take you back to Bangkok if you plan to continue with a domestic or international flight, or simply want a final evening in the capital.
For experienced Southeast Asia travelers, there is also the option to continue your journey across the Cambodian border, conveniently reached from Trat, ideal as a starting point for onward trips to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
Whichever route you choose, we are happy to assist in arranging an extension tailored to your travel plans, pace and preferred style of exploring.
Selected Hotels for Your Journey
Fortune Saeng Chan Beach 3.5*
Rayong
Banpu Resort 3*
Trat