It’s hard to compare Pattaya’s beaches to those of the nearby islands; they don’t have the soft white sand and turquoise-tinged water that make Koh Chang, Koh Samet, and Koh Lahn the idyllic island paradises that they are. But that’s not to say you can’t find beautiful beaches in Pattaya, even spots that can tempt you in to bathe or have a splash around.
Koh Samet
Koh Samet is perhaps the most idyllic of the islands near Pattaya, boasting beaches that would match most people’s idea of a typical tropical island beach, with areas of unspoilt natural beauty, soft white sand, lined with coconut trees, picturesque coves, and lush green backdrops.
Koh Chang
Much like Koh Samet, but larger and even more scenic, Koh Chang boasts many relatively unspoilt beaches and places of outstanding natural beauty, despite its popularity.
Koh Lahn
Koh Lahn is a charming little island, with Tawaen Beach (photo above) being its most popular beach. And it must be said, it is a pristine beach with soft, smooth sand, a lush green backdrop, and all situated in a picturesque bay, everything you would expect of an island beach in Thailand.
What it is not, though, is the kind beach you might imagine yourself swinging in a hammock while listening to the soothing sound of the ocean lapping up gently on to the shore. Koh Lahn is a victim of its own beauty and proximity to Pattaya, meaning it caters to large numbers of visitors daily, with tight rows of deck chairs and masses of bathers somehow detracting from the vision of a typical Thai island beach.
Asia Beach
The geography and terrain of Asia Beach (photo above) in South Pattaya have helped to maintain its relative serenity. It’s not visited by the masses or encroached by highways like Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach, its only failing is that the water quality and the rocky nature make it uninviting to bathers.
Cosy (Cozy) Beach
Cosy Beach (photo above) is quite possibly the most picturesque beach in Pattaya, situated in an idyllic crescent-shaped bay with a lush green backdrop, it has a natural beauty that can match many Thai island beaches. And with its little beach bars, it does have a laid-back atmosphere. All it lacks, like most beaches in Pattaya, is the pristine turquoise water to match.
Jomtien Beach
Most people visit Jomtien Beach (picture above) in preference to Pattaya Beach because it’s considered more beautiful and generally has a more laid-back seaside town vibe, and ample car parking makes it more easily accessible. Otherwise, Jomtien Beach is a long beach without any distinguishing features except for the promenade.
Wongamat Beach
Wongamat Beach, apart from its crescent-shaped bay and a handful of beachfront resorts and restaurants, has little to rival the nearby islands in terms of natural beauty. However, it is well worth visiting at night to experience that special ambiance of dining on the beach.
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is the main geographical feature of Pattaya. Like Jomtien it is long and quite featureless. Although people do bathe in the sea, it’s not very inviting, and the water is far clear. However, bedecked with chairs and loungers, it’s a popular place to spend an afternoon relaxing.
Krating Lai Beach
The mud beyond the shoreline and the industrial backdrop of Laem Chabang are a couple of reminders that Krating Lai Beach is located in North Pattaya rather than a dreamy Thai island. But if you’re not looking for somewhere to bathe or take your kids for a paddle, it is actually a nice beach, fringed with fir trees and coconut trees, and a great place to eat and enjoy sundowners.
Naklua Beach
Naklua Beach, located between Pattaya and Wongamat beaches, boasts surprisingly clear water, making it one of the most popular beaches for bathing in Pattaya. Given that it’s also quite secluded and has a relaxed vibe, it could be the closest you’ll get to an island beach without leaving the Pattaya mainland.
Pattaya’s Beaches Compared to Island Beaches.
The mud beyond the shoreline and the industrial backdrop of Laem Chabang are a couple of reminders that Krating Lai Beach is located in North Pattaya rather than a dreamy Thai island. But if you’re not looking for somewhere to bathe or take your kids for a paddle, it is actually a nice beach, fringed with fir trees and coconut trees, and a great place to eat and enjoy sundowners.