Pattaya beaches: 15 spots from the busy center to quiet Sai Kaew

Bangkok residents come here for the weekend, Europeans stay for two weeks. Pattaya is not just one beach.

The city has fifteen different shorelines, and choosing between them determines how your vacation goes. The central strip is noisy and packed with loungers. A couple of minutes north, a quiet bay with white sand and shallow water awaits you.

Below are fifteen Pattaya beaches with honest pros and cons. You'll understand where to swim with kids, where to find quiet, and how to get to the more remote shores.

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Our picks: which beach suits you

💡 In short:

• For your first swim, go to Wong Amat or Jomtien Beach: gentle entry and clean water in season.
• With kids, choose Wong Prachan, Dongtan, or Pratumnak: shallow water and a calm sea.
• For quiet, head to Na Jomtien, Ban Amphur, or Bang Saray, they're calmer than the center.
• Beach access and infrastructure: As of 09/2026, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

1. Wong Prachan Beach

Wong Prachan lies in the northern part of Pattaya, right at the cape. It's a strip of white sand poured over a stone base. The tides have smoothed the rocks, so getting into the water is easy. Near the shore it's shallow, which families with kids appreciate.

Along the beach boundary there are first-line hotels, restaurants, and massage parlors. There are no cafes or vendors on the sand, but to the right there's a promenade and a well-kept park. From the beach you can see the Sanctuary of Truth.

• Who it's for: families with kids, those looking for quiet.
• The catch: there are no cafes or water activities on the shore, bring your own food and drinks.

2. Hat nang ram beach near sattahip

© theerawat · CC BYPhoto: theerawat, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

Hat Nang Ram sits past the military town of Sattahip, south of Pattaya. The name is tied to a legend about a girl who danced to music coming from the island across the water. The military maintains the area, so the sand and water here are cleaner than at the city beaches.

The azure water is framed by scenic mountains and small islands on the horizon. Following Thai tradition, the shore is decorated with figures of dragons and mythical heroes. A small hill divides the beach into two parts, and the one farther from the entrance looks better.

• Who it's for: those willing to travel farther for clear water.
• The catch: it's shallow near the shore, and the bottom is rocky in places, enter the water carefully.

3. Crescent Moon Beach

Crescent Moon is named after the shape of its shoreline. The area is small, with a roped-off swimming zone. The sand here is coarse and yellow, and the water is clean.

You can grab a lounger and look at the Sanctuary of Truth to the sound of the surf. It's easy to get here along the shore from Wong Amat or through the hotel grounds. For a full day the beach is a bit cramped, but it works for a short stop.

• Who it's for: couples and those who appreciate secluded spots.
• The catch: the area is small, there's no open space for games.

4. Wong Amat Beach

© Георгий Долгопский · CC BY-SAPhoto: Георгий Долгопский, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Wong Amat stretches along the northern edge of the city, away from the big shopping centers. The strip is covered with white sand, and the entry into the sea is gentle. In season the water is usually clean.

There are few loungers and umbrellas here, so there's plenty of room by the water. First-line hotels keep the area tidy and clean. Small cafes with tables and a volleyball court operate on the grounds, and palm trees line the walkway.

• Who it's for: families and those looking for a calm swim without the crowds.
• The catch: at high tide the bottom near the shore drops off sharply, keep an eye on kids.

5. Central Pattaya Beach

© Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BYPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Pattaya Beach starts in the south at Walking Street and runs along the entire center. It's the busiest shore in the city: loungers stand in several rows and reach almost to the water. Thai vendors constantly walk between them with food, souvenirs, and massage offers.

The sea here is less transparent than in the northern bays, so fewer people swim. But near the pier, boats shuttle to the neighboring islands, and from the water you can get a banana boat ride, water skiing, and parasailing behind a boat. Cafes, bars, and shops line the road along the entire stretch. At sunset the loungers are cleared away.

• Who it's for: those who want to stay in the center and not travel to the beach.
• The catch: noisy and crowded, don't come here for quiet.

6. Cosy Beach

Cosy Beach hides in the Pratumnak area and stands out for its small size. The road goes over a hill, from which you get a view of the bay and the outline of Koh Larn. You descend to the shore by a staircase.

The sandy area is outlined by rocks, and trees provide shade. The sea here is clean, and the entry into the water is gentle, so swimming is comfortable. On the shore you can grab a bite of Thai food at simple cafes.

• Who it's for: those looking for seclusion not far from the center.
• The catch: the climb down and back up the stairs is tough, keep that in mind.

7. Asia pattaya hotel beach

A couple of kilometers from Pattaya there's a small, cozy beach next to the Asia Pattaya hotel. You go down a staircase from the hotel to the sea. The sand here has fine shell fragments, and lush tropical greenery surrounds the area.

Loungers with umbrellas are paid for outside visitors and free for guests. They're arranged so that the sea view opens up from any spot. The water is clean but has a brownish tint, and the bottom drops off sharply. Big waves attract surfers, so kids need to be watched.

• Who it's for: hotel guests and surfers.
• The catch: the entry into the water is steep, and the bottom drops off near the shore.

The beach is short, so even in season there's no crowd here.

8. Pratumnak Beach

Pratumnak lies on the southern edge of Pattaya, near Buddha Hill. Nearby are villas, comfortable hotels, and the residence of the Thai royal family. The shoreline blends smoothly into the Dongtan area.

The coast is surrounded by trees, and in their shade there are small restaurants and water sports rentals. From the greenery to the sea stretches a wide strip of golden sand with loungers. The quiet, calm atmosphere and easy entry into the water attract families with kids.

• Who it's for: families with kids and those who want to swim without waves.
• The catch: the infrastructure is modest, there are no large cafes or shops nearby.

9. Dongtan Beach

Dongtan stretches between Pratumnak and Jomtien and stands out for how well-kept it is. There are loungers, shower stalls, toilets, trash bins, and walking paths. Wi-Fi, massage, and fitness classes are available.

© MikSed · CC BY-SAPhoto: MikSed, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The sea in the shore zone isn't particularly transparent, but it's clean and comfortable for swimming. During the day the swimming area is roped off, and at sunset the barriers are removed. A palm alley separates the promenade from the sand, and cozy cafes serve Thai cuisine.

• Who it's for: families with kids and lovers of morning walks.
• The catch: the southern part of the beach is taken by guests who want a more open atmosphere, with kids it's better to go to the north.

10. Jomtien Beach

© Don Ramey Logan · CC BY-SAPhoto: Don Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Jomtien Beach wraps around a small resort town on the Gulf of Thailand, south of Pattaya, beyond Buddha Hill. The strip runs along the entire coast, with a highway running parallel to it, separated by a row of palm groves.

The beach is considered the cleanest and best maintained in the area: hotels clear away trash, seaweed, and fallen leaves. The water is not transparent, but it is suitable for swimming. Water activities are well established here: surfing, kitesurfing, water skiing, boat rides, and banana boat rides.

• Who it's for: families with children, couples, and water sports enthusiasts.
• The catch: the sea is not transparent, and the road along the beach is noisy.

11. Na Jomtien Beach

© PattayaPatrol · CC BY-SAPhoto: PattayaPatrol, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Na Jomtien starts at the southern end of Jomtien and stretches to Ban Amphur Beach. This uncrowded sandy shore does not have much in the way of infrastructure.

Beautiful scenery, secluded spots, and a clean sea have made the beach popular with couples. Several cozy cafes operate along the shore where you can have lunch to the sound of the surf.

• Who it's for: couples and those who want to be alone together away from the crowds.
• The catch: there are few cafes and shops nearby, so it is better to stock up on water and food in advance.

12. Ambassador Beach

© Phong Phat G · CC BY-SAPhoto: Phong Phat G, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Ambassador spreads out beyond Na Jomtien and is named after a large hotel complex on the shore. The beach stretches for about a kilometer, but the section by the hotel is narrow and short. The sand is fine and yellow, with large shells mixed in here and there.

The hotel beach has a large pool ringed by palm trees, with massage tables set up beneath them. The rest of the area is open to the sun and filled with loungers, and cafes with umbrellas operate along the sides.

The water is clean, the bottom is sandy and free of rocks, but it drops off sharply near the shore. At high tide it is deep here, and at low tide the water only reaches your knees. The swimming area is marked off with buoys. The sea stays calm almost all year, with waves only picking up from February to March.

• Who it's for: those staying at the hotel who want a pool next to the sea.
• The catch: the water entry is steep, and it gets deep right at the shore.

13. Ban Amphur Beach

Ban Amphur is located south of Pattaya and remains quiet and half-empty. The sand is fine and golden, and the beach is bounded by a pier to the north and a cape to the south. In the center the beach widens to about thirty meters, while at the sides the strip narrows by almost half.

Along the sides, nearly the entire sandy area is filled with umbrellas and loungers that come right up to the water. In season, when there is no wind, the water is clean, with no silt or debris. At high tide the water gets deep right as you enter, and at low tide the shore is littered with shells, sea urchins, and plankton. Walking barefoot on the beach is unsafe then.

A palm alley separates the beach from the road. Food stalls and cafes with tables are set up in the shade, there is a playground for children, and adults have designated areas for games on the sand. You can get there by local tuk-tuk from Jomtien and Pattaya.

• Who it's for: families with children who come for the whole day with a picnic.
• The catch: at low tide the shore is covered with shells and sea urchins, so footwear is a must.

14. Bang Saray Beach

© Pattaya Patrol · CC BY-SAPhoto: Pattaya Patrol, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bang Saray sits in a small fishing town south of Pattaya. There are many hotels and guesthouses here, and the beach of the same name is roughly divided into northern and southern parts that differ noticeably from each other.

The northern section is built up with five-star hotels, so it is quiet and clean. A narrow strip of golden sand is lined with rows of umbrellas and loungers, and the sea deepens gradually as you enter. The water is transparent, and swimming is comfortable even with children.

The southern part starts at the pier and continues along the palm-lined promenade. This is a livelier area with a park, a playground, and sports facilities. Street food vendors sell snacks from carts along the roadside, and the shore is decorated with sculptures of a large fish and a woman with a baby. The water is clean, but in places the bottom is silty and slippery.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine the sea with the atmosphere of a fishing town.
• The catch: the bottom is silty in places, so you need to enter the water with caution.

15. Sai Kaew Military Beach

© PattayaPatrol · CC BY-SAPhoto: PattayaPatrol, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sai Kaew is considered the best beach in the Pattaya area. It lies in a lagoon south of Bang Saray, on the grounds of a Thai army military base. That is exactly why the white sand and azure water are perfectly clean.

Easy water entry and picturesque nature attract both tourists and locals, especially on weekends. Exotic broadleaf trees and palms provide shade from the heat, and picnic pavilions are set up in the shade. Small cafes and restaurants serving Thai cuisine operate here.

You can rent a scooter, banana boat, kayak, mat, inner tube, table, and lounger. Tours are organized by travel agencies in Pattaya, or you can get there on your own with a rented motorbike.

• Who it's for: those who care most about the cleanest shore and calm water.
• The catch: on weekends the area fills up with visitors, so come on a weekday.

Which beach to choose for a vacation with children

© Sergey S. Dukachev · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sergey S. Dukachev, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

With children, focus first on water cleanliness and a calm atmosphere. The city center in the square bounded by North, South, Beach, and Third streets is best ruled out right away: the sea is dirtier there, and at night the nightlife starts, which you do not need.

The outskirts help shield children from the unnecessary. In the north, Wong Amat works well, and in the south of the city, Dongtan and Pratumnak: the water entry is gentle there, and the sea is calm. If you are staying at a hotel with its own beach, Ambassador is a convenient option: the pool and the sea are right next to each other.

Heading south from Pattaya, Jomtien, Ban Amphur, and Sai Kaew are all good. You can add variety to a family vacation with a trip to the zoo, a crocodile farm, or a dinosaur park.

Hotels near Pattaya beaches

If you're heading to the sea, it's convenient when a hotel has its own beach. Then you don't waste time getting to the shore, and loungers, deck chairs, and umbrellas are provided free of charge. These beaches are regularly cleaned of marine debris, and mini-bars and water sports equipment rentals operate nearby.

Below are six beachfront hotels in Pattaya that are most frequently mentioned in reviews. Look at the location and what matters most to you: quiet, a pool, or proximity to the center.

Sea breeze Jomtien resort

A small hotel a couple of kilometers from central Pattaya and a hundred meters from the beach. Guests stay in bright rooms with air conditioning, a shower, satellite TV, and a mini-bar.

The restaurant serves buffet breakfasts, and the bar offers a wide selection of drinks. The pool is open until nine in the evening, with umbrellas and loungers on the terrace nearby. A five-minute walk away is a night market where you can have dinner and buy fruit.

• Who it's for: those who want an affordable stay near the sea and the market.
• Location: Jomtien, a hundred meters to the water.
• The catch: the sea by the hotel isn't particularly clear.
• Price: check prices at Sea breeze Jomtien resort on Trip.com.

Ravindra beach resort & spa

© Yuriy Surov · CC BYPhoto: Yuriy Surov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel is in the southern part of Pattaya, not far from the center, right on the beachfront. Palm trees separate it from the road, and the gentle slope into the sea makes it convenient for children. The grounds always have clean sand and plenty of free loungers.

The complex is built in the traditional national architectural style and consists of four- to five-story buildings, villas with pools, and rooms in three categories. Guests have access to three pools, three restaurants with Thai and European menus, and breakfasts with a wide selection of dishes and fruit.

• Who it's for: families with children who value a private beach and pools.
• Location: southern Pattaya, beachfront.
• The catch: Wi-Fi is paid, and a refundable deposit is required at check-in.
• Price: prices at Ravindra Beach Resort on Trip.com.

Pinnacle grand Jomtien resort

One of the best resort hotels in Pattaya, it's located in the quiet Na Jomtien area on its own grounds. The complex consists of individual villas and comfortable rooms with a balcony or terrace, and free Wi-Fi works in rooms and common areas.

The hotel has a large pool with a sunbathing terrace and a bar serving cold drinks. Active guests can play on the tennis court, work out in the fitness center, and go scuba diving. Spa treatments and Thai massage are popular, and after sunset guests are allowed to barbecue by the pool.

• Who it's for: those who combine the beach with tennis, diving, and spa.
• Location: Na Jomtien, private grounds by the sea.
• Price: check prices at Pinnacle grand Jomtien resort on Trip.com.

Royal cliff grand hotel

This five-star hotel occupies the southern part of Pattaya, a ten-minute walk from Bali Hai Pier. The rooms match the status: air conditioning, mini-bar, free internet, and a sea view from every window. It takes a couple of minutes to reach the beach through the hotel grounds.

Guests swim in the outdoor pool, sunbathe on the terrace, and get Thai massages at the wellness center with a sauna. The hotel offers laundry service, luggage storage, and transfers. The Thai, Indian, and European restaurants cover every taste, and breakfasts are served buffet style.

• Who it's for: those who want full service and a sea view from the room.
• Location: southern Pattaya, near Bali Hai Pier.
• The catch: the price is above the city average.
• Price: prices at Royal cliff grand hotel on Trip.com.

Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya

© Yuriy Surov · CC BYPhoto: Yuriy Surov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

This five-star hotel is in the scenic Na Jomtien area, far from central Pattaya. Umbrellas, loungers, and deck chairs on the beach are free. The large outdoor pool resembles a lagoon, with a bar serving cold drinks nearby.

Rooms in various categories face the sea and include a bathroom with toiletries, air conditioning, a mini-bar, and satellite TV. Seating areas and furnished balconies with panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam are considered the hotel's signature feature. Restaurants serve Thai and international cuisine, and the spa center offers wellness treatments.

• Who it's for: couples and families who value the lagoon pool and gulf views.
• Location: Na Jomtien, away from the city noise.
• The catch: it's a long drive to central Pattaya.
• Price: check prices at Mövenpick Siam on Trip.com.

Hilton Pattaya

© Serj Kras · CC BY-SAPhoto: Serj Kras, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Hilton Pattaya is in the very heart of the city, across the road from the central beach. The hotel towers over the Central Festival shopping and entertainment center and is connected to it by walkways on the upper floors.

Rooms are done in pastel tones and feature a seating area and a balcony with a beach panorama. Swimming in the sea here is combined with laps in the landscaped pool, the fitness center, and the spa. The Edge restaurant serves breakfasts on an open terrace overlooking the bay, and the staff speaks fluent English.

• Who it's for: those who want to be in the center of the action and next to a shopping mall.
• Location: central Pattaya, beach across the road.
• The catch: no private beach, you'll swim across the road.
• Price: Hilton Pattaya rates on Trip.com.

When to visit Pattaya beaches

High season runs from November to April, and it's the most comfortable time for a vacation. You'll get gentle sun and a clean sea. Travel during these months costs more, so book your hotel in advance.

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

From May to October is the rainy season, and package tours to Thailand, as well as independent travel, cost noticeably less. Downpours more often happen at night, and during the day it can be sunny and hot between short showers. The sea gets murky from the waves during this period, so it's better to swim in calm weather.

Year-round, each season has its pros and cons (as of 09/2026, Tourism Authority of Thailand). For sightseeing, the rainy season is actually better: fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodation and food.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which beach in Pattaya is the cleanest?

Sai Kaew has gone the furthest in this regard: the military town keeps the shore in perfect condition, and the water stays azure. Among city beaches, Wong Prachan and Wong Amat in the north stand out. In the south, the hotels keep Jomtien and Bang Saray clean. Come in the morning, before the shore fills with crowds.

Where in Pattaya can you swim with kids?

Choose a gentle entry and calm water. Wong Prachan with its shallow water near the shore, Dongtan, and Pratumnak all work well. The city center, with rows of loungers and a noisy road, is better avoided.

Can you swim in Pattaya during the rainy season?

Yes, but not every day. From May to October the sea gets murky from the waves, and swimming is only comfortable in calm weather.

Are there free beaches in Pattaya?

Almost all beaches in the city and surrounding areas are free to access; you only pay for a lounger, umbrella, and water activities. The exception is hotel beaches like Ambassador: loungers there are free for guests and paid for outside visitors. Entry to Wong Prachan, Dongtan, and Sai Kaew is free.

How do you get to the farther Pattaya beaches without a car?

Local songthaews and tuk-tuks go to Jomtien and Na Jomtien, and you can reach Ban Amphur by tuk-tuk from Jomtien. For Sai Kaew and Hat Nang Ram, it's easier to go with a tour or on a rented motorbike. The trip takes at least half an hour, so set aside a full day for it.

In short: what to book

Available beachfront hotels get booked up in advance, especially in high season. Check Pattaya hotel options on Trip.com to compare first-line prices. Before your trip, it's worth comparing insurance terms.