Living & visas
Pattaya beaches: a guide to every beach
We live in Pattaya and love its beaches for how different they are. There is the white sand of Wongamat with a platform in the sea, the cosy coves of Pratumnak with sunsets from cafés, long Jomtien with a night market across the road, and half an hour from town the clear water of Koh Larn and the Sattahip beaches that rival any island. Here is each one: what makes it good, what is nearby, who it suits, and a few tips from people who go there every week.
In short
- For swimming in town, Wongamat and the Pratumnak coves are best: Cozy Beach and the beach by the Asia Pattaya hotel.
- Jomtien is the favourite for living: a long beach, a promenade and a night market across the road.
- For clear water, head to Koh Larn (ferry about 40 baht, 30 – 45 minutes) or the navy beaches near Sattahip: Sai Kaew and Nang Ram.
In short: which beach for what
| Beach | What makes it good | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wongamat | the cleanest water in town, white sand, a platform in the sea | swimming every day and kids |
| Naklua | a fish market and seafood restaurants by the water | a food walk |
| Pattaya Beach | the main promenade, sunsets, everything close | walks, runs and evenings out |
| Pratumnak: Cozy and Asia | clean, cosy coves and cafés with a view | quiet and sunsets |
| Jomtien | a long beach, promenade, night market across the road | living by the sea and wintering |
| Dongtan | tree shade, sport, picnics | a family beach day |
| Na Jomtien | space and an almost empty beach | a calm break |
| Koh Larn | clear water and white sand | a day trip |
| Sai Kaew (Navy Beach) | turquoise water, shallow entry | kids and island-clear water without a ferry |
| Nang Ram | very clean water and a reef by the shore | snorkelling and great photos |
A few words about the sea in Pattaya
- The best sea is from November to February. The water is calm and warm, around 28 – 29 °C. In the rainy season, May to October, the water by the town beaches is a little cloudier, and after heavy rain Wongamat, Koh Larn or the Sattahip beaches are nicer for a swim. When the rains come is covered in Pattaya weather by month.
- Tides. On the smaller beaches the water recedes at low tide, so high tide is better for swimming. Any tide-table app has the schedule.
- Sunbeds. The official price, confirmed by the city in August 2025, is 50 ฿ for a chair and 100 ฿ for a lounger. Usually you pay 100 ฿ for a lounger or 100 – 200 ฿ for a set with an umbrella and table for the day, in cash.
- A coconut on the beach costs roughly 50 – 60 ฿, a massage on a lounger roughly 300 – 400 ฿ an hour.
- No smoking on the beach since November 2017, with a fine of up to 100,000 ฿.
Wongamat: the cleanest in town
If you want to swim in Pattaya itself, come here. The sand is the whitest and finest in the city, the water is clean and the entry gentle. There is a roped-off swimming area and a floating platform kids dive from, and lifeguards on duty. The northern part is wide and well kept, in front of tall condos and hotels; the southern part is cosier, with tree shade and street food. The beach ends at the wall of the Sanctuary of Truth, one of Pattaya's most beautiful sights.
Nearby. The Sanctuary of Truth at the end of the beach, Terminal 21 a 5 – 7 minute drive away, seafood in neighbouring Naklua.
Tip: the paths to the water run through hotel grounds and the access road is narrow, so it is easier to park nearby and walk a couple of minutes. Snacks are cheaper on nearby Naklua Road.
Who it suits: families with kids and anyone who wants to swim every day without leaving town. More about the area in Wongamat and Naklua.
Naklua: for fresh seafood
Naklua keeps the feel of an old fishing village: a rocky shore, boats and very photogenic views. Swimming is nicer on neighbouring Wongamat; people come here for the food.
Lan Pho Naklua Market is open daily from early morning until about 18:00. Morning is best: pick raw prawns, crabs or squid, and at the far end of the market they will cook them for you. Nearby, Mum Aroi sits right by the water and is loved for its crab curry and sea view. In the evenings Naklua hosts festivals and fairs, and Lan Pho park has become the city's main venue for Loy Krathong.
Pattaya Beach: the heart of the city
Pattaya's main beach runs along Beach Road for about three kilometres. It is the best promenade in town for walks and runs, with the most beautiful sunsets and every kind of water sport. In the evening Thai families come with mats and food, and the promenade becomes one of the liveliest in the country.
Nearby. On Beach Road, Central Pattaya under the Hilton is the main place to shop. At the north end, Terminal 21. At the south end, Walking Street, pedestrian in the evening, and Bali Hai pier, where ferries leave for Koh Larn. Everything is walkable, and a songthaew along the shore costs 10 – 20 ฿.
Tip: this is a beach for strolling; swimming is nicer on Wongamat or Koh Larn, since there are many boats in the central bay and the water is less clear. Walking Street and Soi 6, the nightlife area, are right here, so evenings are loud and lively.
Who it suits: those who want to live in the middle of things. More in Central Pattaya.
Pratumnak: clean coves and the best sunsets
A green hill between the centre and Jomtien, the calmest area by the sea. The beaches are small, in cosy coves, and fairly clean: many Pattaya residents rate them the best in town after Wongamat.
- Cozy Beach. A sandy cove with clean water, kayaks and SUP boards. Moderately busy, mostly Russian-speaking and European visitors, hardly any jet skis. A lounger is 50 – 100 ฿.
- The beach by the Asia Pattaya hotel. A quiet cove under big trees that feels almost wild, right in the city. Shallow entry, very easy for kids.
What else to come for: sunsets. Above Cozy Beach there are cafés with panoramic terraces overlooking Koh Larn and the ferries: 3 Mermaids with nest swings for photos, Kliff Beach Club and desserts at Chocolate Factory. A little higher up is The Sky Gallery restaurant: come by 16:00 and stay for the sunset. The viewpoint and the Big Buddha are nearby, see Things to see in Pattaya.
Tip: stairs lead down to the beaches and songthaews rarely come here, so a taxi or scooter is easier. High tide is better for swimming.
Who it suits: those who value quiet, a view and clean sea close to town. More about the area in Pratumnak.
Jomtien: long and lively
The favourite beach of people who live in Pattaya. Together with Dongtan it stretches for 6–7 kilometres, and the further south you go, the freer and clearer the water. Casuarina trees and a promenade line the shore, with volleyball nets and pull-up bars and volleyball tournaments in the evenings. The wind is great for windsurfing and kitesurfing, water sports are cheaper than in the centre, and the sun sets right behind Koh Larn.
In 2026 the Jomtien promenade is being renewed along 3.7 km: new pavements, drainage, lights and more than 700 new parking spaces. Work is still under way, and sand replenishment is planned to finish in 2027 (target February), making the beach even wider.
Nearby. Jomtien Night Market across the road from the beach is open every evening from about 17:00 to 22:30–23:00: grills, seafood, fresh juices, burgers and a playground. A little further, on Thepprasit Road, the big Thepprasit Night Market is in full swing from Friday to Sunday, with a huge food court. Songthaews run along Jomtien Beach Road for 10 – 20 ฿ a person.
Tip: there is little shade by the water in the daytime, so bring an umbrella. For a couple of days after heavy rain, swim in the southern part or at Dongtan.
Who it suits: almost everyone who wants to live by the sea, especially for the winter. More in Jomtien.
Dongtan: shady north Jomtien
About one and a half kilometres at the north end of Jomtien. The water here is often cleaner than on the rest of the beach, and there is plenty of dense tree shade: you can bring your own towel and there is room even at high tide. Thai families come here for picnics. It is the sportiest stretch, with pull-up bars and volleyball, and where it meets Jomtien, by the two-storey 7-Eleven, street stalls sell banana pancakes, coconut ice cream and skewers.
Na Jomtien: space and quiet
South of Jomtien a wide sandy beach runs for almost three kilometres: palms, a gentle entry, water cleaner than in the centre and hardly anyone around. A good place for the sea without the bustle.
Tip: distances are long here, so your own transport helps. The centre is 30 – 40 minutes by taxi.
Who it suits: those who want quiet and space.
Bang Saray: a village and seafood
A fishing village about 20 km from the centre. The beach is long and calm, and its eastern end is better for swimming. People come for the atmosphere and the food: by the pier and along the shore, restaurants buy the catch straight off the boats, and prices are below Pattaya's. Weekdays are quiet; Thai families come at weekends. The water parks are nearby, see Sattahip and Bang Saray.
Koh Larn: clear water half an hour from town
Getting there
Ferries leave from Bali Hai pier at the south end of Walking Street. Since 10 April 2026 a ticket costs 40 ฿ one way (some guides still list the old 30 ฿), children pay the adult fare, and tickets are sold at the pier ticket offices. It is 30 – 45 minutes to Na Ban pier and about 40–45 to Tawaen Beach. Morning ferries to Tawaen leave at 8, 9, 11 and 13:00, with the last one back around 16:00–17:00. Ferries from Na Ban run more often, the last around 18:00. The timetable changes by season, so check the board at the pier.
A speedboat costs from 150 ฿ a person at the pier ticket office, takes 15 – 20 minutes and drops you right at the beach you want.
Getting around the island
A songthaew from Tawaen to Tien or Samae is about 40 ฿ a person, back to Na Ban 30 ฿. Scooters rent for 200 – 500 ฿ a day, but the roads are hilly, so a tuk-tuk is easier without experience. Bring cash: cards are not accepted everywhere.
Which beach to choose
- Tawaen. The island's biggest beach: white sand, a very gentle entry and a sandy bottom, ideal for small children. In the evening it turns into a row of restaurants on the sand under lanterns. Next to it, little Sangwan beach has the best snorkelling straight from the shore. Tip: after 15–16:00 the tour groups leave and it gets quieter.
- Tien. Beautiful water and lots of trees: the easiest place to find free shade for your towel.
- Samae. Calmer than Tien, and the water barely recedes at low tide.
- Monkey Beach (Nual). Clear water, a coral reef and the best snorkelling on the island. A monkey lives here and loves treats.
- Ta Yai. Small and peaceful, with a lovely sunset.
Navy Beach (Sai Kaew): island water without a ferry
A favourite of Pattaya residents when they want a clean sea without the boat trip. Its official name is Hat Sai Kaew (หาดทรายแก้ว), also known as the Blue Lagoon. It is on the grounds of a Royal Thai Navy school near Bang Saray, a 30 – 40 minute drive from Pattaya and about 25 – 30 minutes from Jomtien.
The water is turquoise and clear, the sand light and the entry shallow: probably the best beach around for kids. There is tree shade and a café.
How to get in. At the base checkpoint you show a passport or driving licence, and foreigners buy a ticket at a separate counter. Entry is 100 ฿ for foreigners and 50 ฿ for Thais (per 2026 guides). Foreigners need to leave by 18:00. At weekends cars are sometimes not allowed in, and a free shuttle runs to the beach.
Tips: it is easier to go with your own transport or arrange a driver in advance, as taxis are harder to find for the way back. Bring cash and do not leave food unattended: the local monkeys are very curious. Weekends bring lots of Thai families; weekdays are quieter.
Nang Ram: the "dancing princess beach"
Further south, by Chuk Samet pier in Samaesan, on navy land, lies Hat Nang Ram (หาดนางรำ). Russian speakers call it the "dancing princess beach", although in Thai "nang ram" simply means "dancer". Nearby stand statues of characters from the Thai epic poem Phra Aphai Mani and a small Nang Ram shrine where people pray for luck, and next door is its twin beach, Nang Rong.
The water looks like an advert: very clean, with a shallow reef by the shore where you can see fish. Swimming is within the buoyed area.
How to get in. You need your passport at the navy checkpoint, and there is an entry fee. It is best to check opening hours and the price before you go. It is about 40 – 50 minutes from Jomtien and about an hour from central Pattaya.
Tip: bring an umbrella, as there is not much shade, and go on a weekday if you want it quiet.
Where to live if you want the sea every day
- To swim every day: Wongamat or Pratumnak.
- To walk the promenade and eat at a night market: Jomtien.
- Quiet and sunsets: Pratumnak.
- Space and calm: Na Jomtien.
Districts are compared in Where to live in Pattaya.
If you are looking for a home in Pattaya, we will help you choose the area and the condo.
FAQ
Which beach in Pattaya is the cleanest?
In town, Wongamat and the Pratumnak coves, Cozy Beach and the beach by the Asia Pattaya hotel. The water is clearer still on Koh Larn and the beaches near Sattahip.
Can you swim on Pattaya Beach?
You can, but it is more of a beach for strolling: there are many boats in the central bay. Wongamat, Pratumnak or Koh Larn are nicer for swimming.
Which beach is best with small children?
In town, Wongamat or Dongtan; on Koh Larn, Tawaen: shallow, with a sandy bottom and gentle entry.
How much is a sunbed on the beach in Pattaya?
Officially 50 baht for a chair and 100 baht for a lounger (August 2025). In practice usually 100 baht for a lounger or 100 – 200 baht for a set with an umbrella.
How much is the ferry to Koh Larn?
Since 10 April 2026, 40 baht one way, 30 – 45 minutes. A speedboat is from 150 baht, 15 – 20 minutes.
Where is the night market by the beach?
Jomtien Night Market across the road from Jomtien Beach is open every evening. Thepprasit Night Market is in full swing from Friday to Sunday.
Can you smoke on the beach?
No. Since November 2017 smoking on the beach can bring a fine of up to 100,000 baht or up to a year in prison.
What is Navy Beach in Pattaya?
Russian speakers use this name for Sai Kaew Beach on navy school grounds near Bang Saray, 30 – 40 minutes from Pattaya. Entry for foreigners is 100 baht per 2026 guides, you need a passport or licence, and you must leave by 18:00.
Where is the dancing princess beach?
It is Nang Ram Beach on navy land by Chuk Samet pier in Sattahip, about an hour from central Pattaya. Entry with a passport, for a fee.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom: smoking ban on Thai beaches from November 2017
- TAT Newsroom: zoning of Pattaya and Jomtien beaches
- TAT Newsroom: Sattahip as a model tourism city
- Pattaya Mail: Koh Larn ferry fare 40 baht from 10 April 2026
- Pattaya Mail: Jomtien promenade and parking upgrade
- Pattaya Mail: Jomtien beach sand nourishment, phase 2
- ONEP Thailand: Nang Ram and Nang Rong beaches, Sattahip
- TrueID Travel: Sai Kaew Beach, entry and rules
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws, fees and project terms change: before a deal we check the current conditions for the specific property.
