7 Beaches in Pattaya for a sandy getaway
There are about as many beach personalities as there are beaches in the world. With the beach being a prime location within everyone’s fantasy of escapism, finding the perfect beach is key to having the perfect holiday. From sun worshippers to seafood connoisseurs, jet-ski junkies to beach bar hoppers, sandcastle architects to sand-in-the-toes avoiders, Pattaya has a beach to satisfy everyone.
Jomtien Beach
This 6km stretch of seafood, sand and shopping will have something to suit everyone’s needs in your travel group. It maintains the buzz of a beach holiday, but without the rowdiness of its Northern neighbour (Pattaya Beach). Here, you can easily enjoy a lazy and leisurely day: you can find a spot to sunbathe with a book, build sandcastles or splash around in the clean sea. If your not a day-long sun worshipper, though, there are plenty of food and shopping options available to find that much needed shade whilst also indulging in some holiday treats.
Pattaya Beach
If a hustling and bustling beach is what you’re looking for, then look no further than Pattaya Beach. This crescent coastline features the main beach of Pattaya, located close to the Night Walking Street. There are an abundance of bars and restaurants just a short walking distance from the beach, making the enjoyment of an ocean view and a bottle or several of Thai local beers at the same time a simple task. The beach is also close to the South Pattaya Pier, with many yachts and speedboats bobbing along the horizon.
Wong Amat Beach
A little further North of Pattaya Beach, is a family favourite: Wong Amat Beach. Known for it’s cleanliness and ocean clarity, it’s typical to see kids playing in the sand and paddling in the waves. It’s much less crowded than some of the other beaches in Pattaya, meaning that the parents can relax whilst the little ones play. This beach has a great spot for fishing if feel the need to leave your sun lounger. It’s also close to the Sanctuary of Truth, a huge temple carved entirely from teak wood. (Just remember to pack some cover ups in your beach bag, as shoulders and knees must be covered within Buddhist sites).
Dong Tan Beach
Famously known as Pattaya’s gay beach, this part of Jontiem Beach is a 1.5km strip of golden sand and palm trees. It’s a good spot for jet skiing, banana boats and beach massages. New landscaping has recently finished in the area, making the beach much cleaner and smarter. The newly paved boulevard is perfect for a late evening stroll, listening to the lapping waves and watching the sun go down. There is special area reserved for gay and transgender beachgoers but everyone is welcome! It has also become a ‘non-smoking’ beach.
Sai Kaew Beach
This ‘Thai Navy Beach’ is located a 30 minute drive outside of Pattaya city - but certainly worth the drive. With a mountain backdrop and a tropical, tranquil tree line this beach is a send-a-postcard level of perfect. Thai restaurants with very reasonable pricing will keep your belly full whilst you admire the turquoise ocean and enjoy the shade of a tree canopy. A deck chair costs a cheap 30 Baht, and you can place it wherever you please. Sai Kaew beach is inside the Chumpol Naval School. Visitors are required to leave a form of identification at the Navy checkpoint during their stay and pay a 100 Baht admission fee per adult or 10 Bath per child.
Bang Saray Beach
This beach is about a 25 minute drive South of Pattaya with the Long Nooch Tropical Botanical Gardens close by, as well as the Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark. Its high tides have meant that it has become home to local fishing piers. However, there is still plenty of sand to be found - enough that there are often sand sculptures to the North of the beach in Bang Saray Public Park. A popular dive site is also found in this area. That of a World War II cargo ship that was sunk due to an aerial bombing.
Tien Beach of Koh Larn
Take the 30 Baht and 45 minute ferry to Koh Larn for a mesmerising island coastline. Scooters can be hired for around 200 Baht a day to ride around and discover all that this island has to offer. There are 6 beaches for you to enjoy on Koh Larn. However, the white sand and blue waters of Tien are a must see. In comparison to the beaches of Pattaya, this small beach will offer a unique calmness and peacefulness. The beach quietens down further after the day-trippers leave, making it the perfect spot for a Thai beer whilst watching the sunset.
Nual Beach of Koh Larn
A real winner for animal lovers, this beach is well-known for its small group of monkeys which inhabit the nearby hillside. While maintaining an unthreatening distance is advised, it’s easy to snap a cute picture of the beach monkeys as scavenge for leftover food. This charming beach remains free of large-scale development, with little shacks being the only structures built upon the white sands. The clear blue waters and calm waves make it an ideal spot for a swim in the sea or a spot of snorkelling.
