Unforgettable beach daytrips from Pattaya

If being around so many other foreign holidaymakers starts to grate on your nerves in Pattaya, see how the locals enjoys the beach and head for the Thai resort of Bang Saen, just north of Pattaya towards Chonburi. Here you will find the same deliciously fresh seafood as you will in Pattaya, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed and can make a refreshing change from the commercialism at Pattaya.

If you are not ready to throw yourself head first into a Thai resort, there are plenty of tourist-friendly beaches to the south of Pattaya, all within easy reach. A daytrip to Bang Saray is a popular choice among Pattaya holidaymakers, with the beach here perfect for lounging, swimming and dining on seafood. The beaches farther south at Sattahip are some of the best in the region, but many are reserved for Thai military use, with some large navy and air bases in the area.

The hugely popular Rayong is just a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Pattaya and has some excellent beaches to the southeast of the city. The beaches in the city itself are not that appealing, with most day-trippers heading to nearby Ban Phe, the access point for boats to Koh Samet. While the most idyllic beaches are perhaps on Koh Samet, a daytrip visit here from Pattaya is too rushed for most people. We recommend sticking to the sands around Rayong at Ban Phe for an equally enjoyable and more relaxing day out. 

Of course, you don’t need to go nearly as far as Rayong to enjoy an alternative beach to the sands at Pattaya. Jomtien Beach is just south around the headland from Pattaya Beach and accessible by a short taxi ride. The waters here are cleaner and at six kilometres, the beach is longer. Spend a day here soaking in the sun or get your adrenalin pumping with some water sports action.

A popular alternative to Jomtien is Naklua Beach, to the north of Pattaya. This less developed beach is quieter and popular among families and those looking for a break from Pattaya’s bar scene. Just a 20-minute taxi ride from Pattaya, this is the ideal daytrip destination for those who don’t want to travel far.