Beaches in Pattaya

Pattaya Beach is the city's main strip, a crescent running parallel to Beach Road and busy from morning until well after dark. It is not the prettiest beach here, but nothing else is this easy to reach or this well supplied with watersports, cafes and massage stalls. Walking Street sits at its southern end, which is the reason some people choose this beach and the reason others avoid it.

Koh Larn is where Pattaya's clear water actually is, 7.5 km offshore and reached by ferry from the mainland. Tawaen is the busiest of its eight beaches and has the harbour and most of the watersports, while Samae, Tien and Tonglang are smaller and quieter. Most people come for the day, though a handful of guesthouses make an overnight stay possible.

Jomtien Beach runs about 6 km south of Pattaya Beach, backed by pine groves and a far quieter promenade. It is the obvious choice if you want sunbeds, massage services and room to swim without the crowds of the city strip. The sunsets from here are the best on the mainland coast.

Wong Amat Beach is located north of Pattaya beach and is a short ride away by bus. Situated right on the peninsula of Naklua Bay, the place can be easy to identify by the tall buildings and towers. Devoid of large crowds even during the high season, it is best visited for some sunbathing. Many high-end restaurants can be found near the beach, ideal for those looking for international cuisines.

Things to Do - Sunbathing, Picnics, Swimming.

Naklua Beach is a tranquil holiday destination juxtaposed to the north of Pattaya Beach. This family-friendly tropical headland is perfect for swimming, kayaking, watching sunsets, renting a seafront condo at a resort, and trying out Thai seafood. Apart from three ocean-view bars, the beach has plenty of shady picnic spots. An iconic landmark on Naklua Beach is the Sanctuary of Truth.

Dong Tan Beach is the northern end of Jomtien and Pattaya's best known gay-friendly beach. Weekends get crowded, weekdays stay calm, and the set-back road keeps traffic noise down. Parasailing and windsurfing are the main watersports, and beachside vendors will cook whatever you catch.

Set against the turquoise Gulf of Thailand, Cosy Beach is a quiet bay before Jomtien. Ideal for swimming and lounging with family and friends, the beach is tucked beneath a lush cliff with neatly manicured gardens, while a rocky outcrop borders the southern tip. Cosy Beach’s namesake hotel is home to a luxurious spa and a rooftop restaurant-cum-bar.

Kratinglai Beach is a relaxed, palm-lined sandy stretch with a seaside promenade, a skateboarding park, and a pier towards Banglamung. Watch fishermen wading their nets through the clear water, dive in for a swim yourself, or sunbathe beside the tropical groves behind the sand. Kratinglai suits anyone who wants Pattaya or Jomtien's sand without the crowds and the vendors.

Ko Phai lies about 21 km west of Pattaya, a small group of islands reached only by speedboat and open for day visits. The water is considerably clearer than anything on the mainland and the sand is quieter, since visitors have to leave before dusk. Come for the swimming and snorkelling rather than the facilities, because there are almost none.

Bang Saray is a fishing town in Sattahip, about 20 km south of Pattaya, and its beach is the low-key alternative to everything closer in. There are outdoor gyms, a park, a few bars and very good cheap seafood, but almost no hotels, so it works as a day trip rather than a base. Divers use it as the departure point for the wrecks offshore.