Beaches, Islands , Events and Festivals

Beaches & Islands

Pattaya Beach

A curving 4 kilometre beach on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya can be split into three main areas. South Pattaya is the hub of Pattaya's nightlife with shops, department stores, boutiques, beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and nightclubs and general action.

As you progress northwards, the tree-lined promenade lined by hotels, shops, department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars and nightclubs, gradually gives way to a less developed more tranquil area. Accommodation can be found along all areas of the beach.

Naklua beach
Immediately north of Pattaya, is much quieter with a fishing harbour and local population making a living from fishing. It doesn't have as many restaurants or expensive resort hotels as it's neighbour to the south, nor the rowdy nightlife, but all these are available for the a 10 Baht ride into Pattaya beach. (About 20 minutes by Songtaew - the local style taxi)

Jomtien Beach
Around the headland about 2 kilometres south of Pattaya, Jomtien is quieter and less congested but has good accommodation and restaurants. More toned down than Pattaya, it's becoming more popular, especially for water sports (Thailand's No.1 windsurfing spot) and activities because of its long straight coastline and fewer boats anchored in the area.

Bang Saen Beach
Around 13 kilometers from the city of Chonburi. Very local Thai style with drinks and seafood snacks such as dried squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale from the street vendors along the sea front. Deck chairs and rubber rings can be rented. The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly. Bang Saen offers several hotels and bungalows.

Islands

Around Pattaya are some small offshore islands which have beautiful beaches, clear water, and coral. You can reach the islands either by taking a tour which includes for example, snorkelling, or hire a boat from the promenade or pier at South Pattaya. Costs vary according to your bargaining skills, destination and the type of boat.

Koh Larn
Ko Larn or Coral Island, 45 minutes offshore by tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya's offshore islands. Major attractions include sightseeing tours along coral reefs viewing from a glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, skiing, and parasailing. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the island's main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to Ko Larn's neighboring islands such as Ko Phai and Ko Sak. Good for a day out.

Koh Phai
Beyond Ko Lan another 40 minutes sail is an island currently under the care of the Royal Navy. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight here, but it has fine deserted beaches that are open during the day.

Koh Sak
Only 600 metres from Koh Larn. Koh Sak is a tiny island shaped like a horseshoe. Its two beaches, are a usual stop for tourists to swim. There's also a coral reef in front of the beach.

Ang Sila Or Ang Hin
Is a fishing village about 5 kilometers away from Chonburi. Ang Sila was formerly one of the oldest seaside resorts. The village is famous for its cottage industry, producing stone mortars and animal sculptures, like elephants, horses and tigers. Ang Sila also boasts a number of restaurants. Local handicrafts are also available for sale to tourists.

Koh Krok
A small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilometers, approximately 8 kilometres from the shore. The island is mainly visited for for coral viewing.