By Sarah Duffy
Visitors to Pattaya largely come for the beach and nightlife scene, but on experiencing just how busy things can get here in the high season you may find yourself looking for a more secluded getaway at which to sun yourself, gorge on fresh seafood and have a drink or two. Can’t find a sun lounger? Don’t fear. We have some great tips for beach daytrips from Pattaya, away from the hectic sands.
The beaches offshore are much nicer
The beaches offshore are much nicer
The closest alternative to a dip in Pattaya Beach’s less than idyllic waters is Jomtien Beach, just south around the headland. Here the waters are cleaner and the larger six-kilometre long beach area offers a less crammed location in which to enjoy deliciously fresh seafood, sold from mobile vendors and beachside restaurants. Hotels and dining establishments along the beach are better spaced than those at Pattaya, giving the place a more laid-back feel. Best of all, Jomtien is well away from the bar scene that is so universal in Pattaya.
Jomtien is also well-known as being a premier beach for water sports, with everything from waterskiing, parasailing and windsurfing possible here. The water sports facilities are excellent and you will find numerous outlets hiring equipment. If adrenalin thrills are what you are after, Jomtien is the beach for you.
A less popular alternative to Jomtien is Naklua Beach to the north of Pattaya, a less developed and smaller beach with a relaxed atmosphere. This beach is popular among families and those who want to avoid the abundance of single male tourists, often with Thai female company, that plague Pattaya Beach. The calm waters and child-friendly atmosphere here make it ideal for couples travelling with children, and it is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Pattaya.
The pretty cove area of Cliff, just a short drive from Pattaya, offers a small beach within proximity to some of Pattaya’s glitziest hotels, set in the cliffs that overlook the beach. If you have cash to throw around, lodging here and accessing the exclusive beach areas can be a great way to avoid the rush for the best beach loungers at Pattaya Beach.
To the north of Pattaya, towards Chonburi, is the resort area of Bang Saen which boasts a mostly Thai clientele. An excellent option for holidaymakers wanting to see a more traditional Thai style beach town, Bang Saen offers deck chairs and fresh seafood snacks as well as established restaurants and hotels. This beach is far removed from the touristy scene at Pattaya and can make a refreshing change for those interested in hanging out with the locals. Pattaya attractions.
Bang Saray, to the south of Pattaya, is becoming another favourite retreat among those who want to stay away from the action in Pattaya. Here you will find villas, hotels and bungalows, as well as excellent seafood restaurants that attract plenty of Thais as well as foreigners; always a good sign. Farther south again are some of the region’s best beaches at Sattahip, although many of these beaches are reserved for the Thai military, with some large navy and air bases in the area.
If you want to retreat to an island, Koh Larn offers the perfect daytrip from Pattaya and has some fantastic beaches. No longer a secret, the island gets busy during the high season and at weekends, and it is worth booking a room in advance if you wish to stay overnight. Day-trippers can easily reach the ferry port at Tha Tangke in South Pattaya by taxi and then make the 40-minute boat ride to the island, with many services including lunch in the price of the ticket. Koh Larn guide.
Many day tours are available from Pattaya which take in Koh Larn and other nearby islands including the horseshoe shaped Koh Sak and Koh Krok. Typically, tours include all transport and lunch on one of the islands. The remainder of the day is spent swimming and snorkelling at the reefs near the beaches. Taking one of these al-inclusive, organised daytrips is an economical and stress-free way to explore Pattaya’s surroundings.
Rayong is just a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Pattaya and has some pretty beaches to the southeast of the city. Ban Phe is the most popular area for beach-goers, while it is also the access point for boats to Koh Samet, an island that offers a whole coastline of idyllic beaches. While traveling to Koh Samet on a daytrip from Pattaya is feasible, sticking to the sands around Rayong at Ban Phe is less rushed and equally enjoyable.
There is no reason to spend your entire Pattaya holiday on Pattaya Beach when there are so many excellent beach daytrips available within a short drive. Whether you decide to go at it alone or book up with a tour group, a daytrip to an alternative local beach makes for an excellent addition to any Pattaya holiday.
