When the sun goes down, the party starts in Pattaya. Famous for its nightlife and clubs, the destination is a hit amongst tourists from around the world. Bars, karaoke places, and restaurants keep the place buzzing. But the city is more than its nightlife. Situated 90 km away from Bangkok, there are serene beaches in Pattaya too that can help you relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Along with beaches, there are cafes and street food that offer authentic Thai cuisine. Furthermore, there is a floating market, temples, cabaret, and more to keep you entertained. Beaches in Pattaya are popular because they offer diverse scenarios where you can unwind or party or try adventure sports.
Also read: An Adventure That Stayed With Me In Pattaya
Best Beaches In Pattaya
1. Rest Your Tired Feet: Jomtien Beach
Jomtien Beach is a perfect place to relax but it is also very lively. The street food stalls keep the crowds satiated and serve delicious Thai flavours. There are more bars and restaurants nearby that you can explore. It is one of the beaches in Pattaya lined with palm trees and a place to indulge in adventure sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. Beyond the palm trees are tall towers where affluent Thais reside. It is not a typical party beach but is located south of the coastal city’s centre and two km away from Pattaya’s main beach.
2. Party Destination: Pattaya Beach
The main beach of the city, Pattaya Beach has a crescent-shaped coast that stretches for 4 km. It’s always filled with people and if you are looking for a less noisy and less crowded beach, this is not your destination. Crowds gather to party here at the beach bars and clubs. There are many shacks that offer delicious Thai seafood specials. Additionally, there are resorts and hotels on the beach. Apart from taking a dip and sunbathing, you can also try riding the banana boat and visiting the floating beachfront cafe here. Adventure sports like parasailing and jet skiing are also popular here.
3. Swim, Sunbathe, And Dig In: Naklua Beach
Situated in the northern part of Pattaya and around eight km away from the city centre lies Naklua Beach. The beach is home to many fishing activities so you can spot a lot of fishing nets and boats that can be rented. Unlike other beaches at Pattaya, this is secluded but still has shacks selling fresh and tasty seafood. Even though the beach has swimmers and surfers, water sports are less prevalent here compared to other beaches. The beach also has an amazing view of the Sanctuary of Truth, known for its beautiful architecture that uses art to show Hindu and Buddhist perspectives.
4. Rocky But Calm: Wong Amat Beach
Also situated north of Pattaya, Wong Amat Beach is also a beach to release all your stress. It’s located close to Naklua and Pattaya beaches, but it takes after the former and is less crowded and quiet. A popular spot for families, this is one of the beaches at Pattaya that is very clean and has a rocky coast. There are not many adventure sports activities and boats, which makes it appropriate for fishing and swimming.
5. For All The Couples: Koh Larn Beach
To experience this beauty, you need to take a boat ride from Pattaya. A 15-minute ferry ride from the city, Koh Larn is famous among couples on their honeymoon or on a romantic vacation. As one of the most beautiful Pattaya beaches Koh Larn is also called Coral Land because the underwater life is fascinating to watch. The water here looks untouched and clear which makes it perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling, underwater sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides. These transparent waters are famous around the world so there might be a good amount of people on the beach. If you want to stay away from the crowd, you can visit this beach on weekdays.
6. Crashing Waves To Reduce Stress: Koh Phai Beach
A little further from Pattaya is Koh Phai or Bamboo Island. It is one of the most preferred and best beaches in Pattaya when it comes to scuba diving. You can visit the island from the Bali Hai pier with a travel agent or chartered travel. The place is famous for its beautiful scenery. Different from Pattaya beaches, there are fewer waves and calmer waters, as the Bamboo Beach expands into the Gulf. You can sunbathe and stroll along the beach.
7. Where Queer Culture Comes Alive: Dongtan Beach
One of the most popular gay beaches in Pattaya, the LGBTQ+ scene is thriving here with a special section on the beach reserved for the LGBTQ+ community. It is one of the beaches in Pattaya that are inclusive towards both the LGBTQ+ community and other travellers. It’s 1.5 km long and studded with palm trees along its border. Apart from queer culture, Dongtan Beach is famous for water sports like banana boats and jet skiing. The beach is also famous for its relaxing spas. Even with all of this going on, the beach is on the quieter side, unlike the main Pattaya beach.
8. Visit Whale Sharks: Bang Saray Beach
Another one of the most famous beaches in Pattaya that are sheltered away from noise is Bang Saray Beach, south of Pattaya. It’s popular for scuba diving and a prominent destination for spotting whale sharks. This is also where you can spot the ruins of a cargo ship that sank during World War II. Fishing is a popular activity here and the beach has few fishing piers. There are interesting tourist locations nearby like the Ramayana Water Park and Dolphin World.
9. Hop-On The Submarine: Tawaen Beach
Surrounded by mountains, Tawaen Beach is one of the most vibrant beaches in Pattaya. The blue waters complement the abundant green foliage on the mountain and together make a beautiful backdrop. You can also indulge in shopping as the beach has many stores that sell handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothes. It also offers diverse food options with restaurants that serve both Thai and other cuisine. It is also deemed as one of the best beaches for adventure and water sports with activities like banana boat rides, submarine rides, and jet skiing.
Do What You Need
Beaches in Pattaya offer you both a party culture as well as a peaceful setting for you to just hang out. You can choose whatever suits your mood, but be sure to try the local cuisine. The clear blue and emerald water transport you to your happy place instantly. With almost too many options, Pattaya is one of the high-spirited cities in Thailand that you must visit at least once.
Also read: 8 of the most stunning beaches in Phuket
