Beaches & Islands Around Pattaya
Small Offshore Islands and Beautiful Beaches are Pattaya's Pride
Pattaya in Thailand offers 4 beaches in its 4 klm. stretch of coast on the Gulf of Thailand, while beautiful islands with clear waters await exploration just offshore.
Altough Pattaya is known as the raunchy city that attracts mostly single males, there is a quieter side which is often overlooked. Familes are still drawn to the area for its water-sports, great beaches, and superb seafood restaurants. Strenuous water-sports as well as sailing, snorkelling and swimming are the main activities off the beaches, but you will find many people just sun-bathing after a hectic night on the town on the following beaches and islands.
South Pattaya
This is the hub of Pattaya's night life with bars, discotheques, nightclubs, cabaret shows, restaurants, supermarkets, department stores and beauty salons. This is also the part of the city that gives Pattaya its raunchy reputation, but if you want good eating, you will find it here.
Jomtien Beach
Just south of Pattaya, about 2 kl., Jomtien beach is quieter and slightly more family oriented, with good accommodation and good restaurants, especially for seafood. It is Thailand's top windsurfing area and is becoming more and more known for the quality of its water sports as its long, straight coastline and the fewer craft operating in the area allows for more freedom.
Naklua Beach
A few kilometres north of Pattaya this beach with small fishing harbour catering to a local community that earns its living through fishing, is a much quieter spot. It has fewer restaurants than either Jomtien or South Pattaya and it lacks the raunchy and loud night life, making it the favourite sport of those seeking a tranquil holiday.
Bang Saen Beach
Approximately 13 kl. From Chonburi and famous for the quality of the seafood available from the vendors along the street. Thai style snacks like fried squid, mussels, spicy fish cakes and pomelo salads are the most popular.
Offshore Islands Around Pattaya
Koh Krok
The smallest of the islands visited by tourists, this covers only 0.05 square kilometres and is a good spot for coral viewing.
Koh Sak
A tiny island shaped like a horseshoe, it has two beaches and is also a good island for coral viewing.
Koh Larn
Also known as Coral Island, Koh Larn was one of the first islands to be popularised by tourists. Reached by tourist boat in 45 minutes or by speed boat in 15 minutes. Glass bottomed boat trips to view the coral, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing and paragliding are the activities most popular, but the seafood restaurants on the main beaches are an added attraction.
Ang Sila
Ang Sila lies about 5 kilometres from Chonburi and is one of the oldest resorts in the area. This fishing village is famed for its handicrafts, especially its animal sculptures (elephants, horses, tigers etc.).
