Pattaya Beaches
Pattaya Beach and Jomtien are the best known beaches among tourists and, as a result, very crowdy especially on weekends. However, there are other beaches that are quieter. Naklua Beach is the ideal place for a peaceful stroll along the beach during the day. Just a few kilometer s from Pattaya Beach, it is always quiet and relaxed . Koh Lan, the nearest island that also boasts the cleanest beach, is just offshore from South Pattaya, while Bang Saen has been a favorite of locals to go for a picnic and to unwind during the weekend. It is just half an hour drive from the city of Chonburi.
A four-kilometre stretch of beach, full of fun activities during the day, and full of surprises at night. Pattaya Beach is divided into three main areas. North Pattaya is the most peaceful beach of the three. Lined along the beach are top quality hotels and resorts, restaurants, bars, shops, department stores, gradually giving way to a less developed more tranquil area. Central and South Pattaya represents what is called 'the entertainment hub', where all discotheques, beer bars, and naughty nightlife can be found. Nonetheless, walking under palm trees lined along the beach path and exploring the area can also be good fun.
Just two kilometer s from South Pattaya, Jomtien is becoming popular because it is quieter and less congested, plus has good accommodation and restaurants. It is popular especially for water sports (it's Thailand's number one windsurfing spot), and contains a variety of family activities such as beach volleyball, jet ski for rent, or relaxing on a deck chair (20 b aht per day). A perfect place for children to build sandcastles, while t raditional Thai massage is also available, al fresco-style. At the very northern end of the beach, Pattaya Park is a big amusement playground, altogether making J omtien an ideal family beach.
Fewer restaurants, hotels and resorts are found here. As a result, it is much more peaceful and quiet. Naklua Beach is a perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood for lunch, to visit the local park, and to shop at the evening market at local prices. Naklua is right off North Pattaya Beach, a residential area. It's the place to find a rare, quiet moment in Pattaya. Only 15 minutes away by 'songteaw' or 'open taxi' (10-15 baht per person from North Pattaya).
Koh Lan (Coral Island) is located just offshore of South Pattaya and a little paradise! Beaches are clean, and the water is always so clear you can even see through to your toes. Enjoy all kinds of activities like those found on Jomtien and, in. addition, view coral through glass-bottom boats or snorkeling. Some resorts and bungalows are offered at Hard Nuan. Boat trips can be arranged to visit nearby islands such as Koh Phai and Koh Sak. One-way fare costs 30 baht per person. And from Nar Baan Pier you can take a motorbike taxi to your desired beach (20 – 50 baht).
Bang Saen is near Sukhumvit Highway, about 13 kilometer s from the city of Chonburi. It is very popular with Thai families or groups of friends looking for a picnic during the weekend. It offers restaurants, drinks and seafood snack such as dried squid, mussels and spicy steamed fish-cakes for sale from street vendors along the sea front. Local vendors hire out deck chairs, mats, umbrellas, and inflatable rings. Several hotels and bungalows are on offer as well. Bang Saen's most famous festival is the annual Water Buffalo Race which takes place in October.
