Pattaya’s Beaches
Located on the beautiful east coast of Thailand, Pattaya is one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with over 5 million tourists per year. Meaning “south-west monsoon wind”, the city was a small fishing village until the 1960’s, when servicemen from all over Southeast Asia began using the area for R&R (rest and recreation) leave.
Though having a reputation as a 24 hour party destination for years since, family-focused entertainment is now increasingly available and popular. Many avoid Pattaya because of its sleaze reputation but the city is blessed with a wide bay and fairly decent beach right on its front door step. The quieter Jomtien beach, south, is lined with apartments and hotels where the beach is a two minute walk away. For sure it is the most developed beachfront in Thailand but remains nice. Those who want a combination of fun city and nice beaches will find Pattaya ideal. Alternatively there are off shore islands with much nicer beaches, and also beaches lining the nearby coastline.
Pattaya is popular for a reason. Being so close to Bangkok airport and city it serves as a decent weekend getaway. Those spending a short time in Bangkok will find it ideal for a quick trip to the seaside. Here’s a run down of it’s main beaches.
Pattaya Beach
Near the heart of the city and close to the nightlife, Pattaya beach is ground zero for Pattaya party-goers. During the day, catch up on your tan in one of the many rented deckchairs covering the beach. These are usually operated by local beverage vendors, and charged per chair. The charge is usually around $0.50, but engaging in some haggling is customary in Thailand.
Throughout the day, vendors selling everything from grilled lobster and drinks to massages and pedicures will come by, so there’s really nothing else to do but relax and watch the world go by. In the evening, however, most of the chairs are cleared away in favour of drinks and dancing, though some deckchairs do remain for those who need a rest from the frantic pace. Hostels in Pattaya beach make an excellent choice for those looking to party, and those looking for like-minded souls to party with.
Jomtien Beach
Unlike the fast and frantic party-pace of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach is a popular spot for families and lovers of water sports. Set just south of the city, this area is mainly populated by beachside hotels and bungalows, condominiums and restaurants.
The beach’s most visible landmark is the 56 story Pattaya Park Tower, part of the entertainment complex which features a water park, roller coaster, monorail and children’s activities. Jomtien is also home to one of the largest resorts in Asia, the 4,000+ Ambassador City Jomtien. If that sounds a little over the top, Pattaya hostels in the area make a good alternative in both character and price, and there’s a huge array to suit anyone, including families.
Naklua beaches
This headland towards the North of the city and sweeping Pattaya bay is more exclusive, the domain of upmarket hotels and condo buildings. It’s a pleasant and leafy neighbourhood characterised by several small private beaches. These, like all beaches in Thailand, are open to the public, you simply have to find your way down the small lanes that leads to one of them. A rented scooter is ideal, since parking is a problem. Here you can enjoy a more exclusive beach experience, where there are no pesky vendors but also usually no deck chairs for hire.
Offshore islands
These are easily reached for a day trip away from the bustle of the city, ferries depart in the morning and midday, returning by 6pm. After an hour long journey you will arrive at Koh Larn, a small dry island with lovely beaches. You won’t be the only one here but the waters are aqua blue, clear and rimmed with nice sandy beaches. As you would expect there are loads of vendors, deckchairs and the like for your comfort. It’s hardly an unspoilt paradise but generally nicer than Pattaya’s mainland beaches.
Chon Buri coast
If you prefer to escape the tourists and see a real Thai beach, hire a car and head North towards Sri Racha or South to Rayong (each 40 minutes drive) where you will find endless beaches lined with Thai holiday apartments. It doesn’t spoil the beach and since Thais avoid the sun you won’t be crowded out by the many Bangkokians who come for the weekend.
