Last Updated on October 25, 2024 by Editor G
Pattaya is not known for its beaches; people head there for a hedonistic experience and to meet girls – though many, especially the expats, will blatantly deny it.
During my last trip, I was bored of Pattaya Central after a few days. I actually wished I had booked a hotel in the Jomtien area. If you aren’t much of a drinker, the Central area can very tiresome. Every establishment is either a bar or a massage shop, they all seem to merge into one like a demonic entity.
As a beach lover, I was determined to find some good beaches around Pattaya. For me, beaches don’t always have to be deserted paradises to be amazing. I’ve previously stated that I love Bangtao Beach in Phuket for its long stretch of sand and nice beach bars/restaurants. A cool beach bar makes a beach, in my opinion.
During my trip, I visited as many beaches as possible before heading down to Koh Samet and onto Koh Chang via the Chantanburi coast (well worth a visit).
Here’s an overview of all the popular beaches around the Chonburi province.
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is the heart of Pattaya Central, stretching over 4 kilometers. This beach is dirty, the sea packed with boats, and the promenade turns into a full-on brothel at night (a.k.a The Coconut Bar). I couldn’t even walk the length of the promenade either as they were digging it all up.
I also hated the fact that all the bars on the other side of beach road, so you are just looking at traffic, besides Pattaya Beer Garden at the end which over look the beach.
View of Pattaya Beach from the Beer Garden bar at the end, just before walking street
So, not a fan of the beach at all, but I suppose you have to walk down and have a look on your way to Soi 6.
Jomtien Beach
Just a short drive from the city center, Jomtien Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a favorite among families and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is known for its clean sands and clear waters, ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and parasailing.
This beach is much better than Pattaya beach with a really nice atmosphere. There’s always something going on here.
People generally call that whole strip of beach ‘Jomtien’, but the strip is split in numerous other beaches.
If you walk down Phra Tam Nak Soi 5, you get to Yinyom beach which is separated from the main strip by a rock headland. This is the area I would stay in as Phra Tam Nak Soi 5 has a great beach town feel.
Dongtan Beach
Dongtan Beach is the name of the the first strech of beach around the corner from Yinyom beach. People generally jst all this beach and area Jomtien.
Na Jomtien
Just a short 20-minute drive from Pattaya Central, Na Jomtien offers a more laid-back beach experience. When I visited this beach, I took a Bolt taxi for around 100 baht; once you get out of Pattaya Central traffic, it’s a nice road all the way down.
I booked my Bolt to Drifters Beach Cafe and explored the area from there. Drifters is a very cool bar right on the water edge, a perfect spot for a cold Chang. They were also serving amazing-looking pizzas, but I had just eaten so didn’t particpate.
The area is also known for its beach club: Cave Beach Club, and Alexa Beach Club. Both looked nice but were full of girls just taking pictures for social media and not actually chilling out and enjoying the place. It didn’t help that a tourist bus full of Chinese turned up.
Na Jomtien’s pristine shoreline stretches all the way to the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, a hub for sailing enthusiasts and a great spot for a scenic stroll.
Wong Amat Beach
Wong Amat Beach is North of Pattaya Beach and offers a touch of luxury with its upscale resorts. It’s a great spot for relaxation, with fewer crowds and clean, shallow waters perfect for swimming. The beachfront here is lined with high-end hotels and fine-dining restaurants, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious getaway.
I went to this beach specifically to meet friends and the Surf & Turf Beach Club & Restaurant, which is a great place to spend an afternoon.
Naklua Beach
Naklua beach is just around the corner north of Pattaya beach. You can walk around the beach if the tide is out or just do the 1km walk along the Dolphin Circle roundabout.
Naklua is mainly made up of resorts and apartment blocks, with the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel being one of the best hotels in the area.
Beaches Around Pattaya (1 hour away)
Beaches on Koh Larn
Koh Larn, an island just a short ferry ride from Pattaya, boasts some good beaches. Tawaen Beach is the most popular, with its vibrant atmosphere and numerous water sports.
If you are even slightly seasick, take the slow ferry to Koh Larn, as the speed boats make for a bumpy ride. All boats leave from the Bali Hai Pier.
I stayed on Samae beach at the Xanadu Beach resort for a couple of days and it was a really nice escape after being in Pattaya Central for over a week. The island does have a lot of day trippers so becomes totally dead at night, but I liked that.
If you are looking for amazing beaches, you must travel down to Koh Samet. This is still doable if going for a long weekend and would recommend this Island over Koh Larn.
Ban Amphur Beach
Nestled just off Motorway 7 towards Sattahip, Ban Amphur Beach offers a serene escape with its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. This hidden gem is perfect for swimming and leisurely strolls.
A standout feature is the nearby Srinuan Seafood Restaurant, which is highly praised for its delicious offerings. In the evening, the beach transforms with numerous chairs available for dining, where you can savor local food from vendors at reasonable prices. With ample free parking, clean bathrooms, and a picturesque pier, Ban Amphur Beach is a must-visit for a tranquil beach experience.
Bang Saray Beach
Located about 20 kilometers south of Pattaya Central, it takes about 40 minutes to get there by taxi, depending on how quickly you leave the center.
The beach is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh catches of the day. The area is slightly more upmarket and more expensive than Jomtien.
Bang Saray Beach is a picturesque area, distinguished by its beach road lined with ancient pradu trees. A public park and a historic Navy boat memorial dedicated to Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse honor the area’s naval heritage. As the northernmost part of Sattahip, Bang Saray reflects its close ties to the Royal Thai Navy, with the Navy managing much of the southern coastline and nearby islands.
Beaches Around Sattahip
Sattahip, a district located about 30 kilometers south of Pattaya, is home to several beautiful beaches. Sai Kaew Beach, also known as the Navy Beach, is a popular spot with its soft sands and clear waters. The beach is managed by the Royal Thai Navy, ensuring it remains clean and well-maintained. It’s a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a peaceful day by the sea.
Sai Kaew Beach
Sai Kaew Beach, part of the Sattahip district, is a hidden gem known for its serene environment and natural beauty. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for your beach day. It’s less crowded than the main Pattaya beaches, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet escape.
Nang Ram Beach
Nang Ram Beach, also in Sattahip, is a favorite among locals. The beach features clear blue waters, white sand, and plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. It’s a great spot for picnics, swimming, and snorkeling. The nearby Nang Rong Beach is equally beautiful, offering additional space for relaxation and exploration.
3hrs from Pattaya for long weekends
Koh Samet Beaches
If you want amazing beaches and have 2-3 days spare, I would head down to Koh Samet. I’ll be doing a complete article on this island soon.
Gareth Evans is a travel writer and entrepreneur living life as a digital nomad. Gareth is currently living and working in Thailand.