Just a half-hour drive, about 30 kilometers south of Pattaya, lies one of the most perfect beaches you could imagine. Sai Kaew Beach, also known as The Navy Beach, has everything a beach lover could wish for. Sai Keaw Beach (see photos below) nestles in a tranquil tree-lined bay with a wonderfully picturesque mountain backdrop; everything about Sai Kaew Beach is delightful beyond your wildest expectations.
This was my first visit to Sai Kaew Beach, and I have read numerous reports describing it as pristine, with beautiful soft white sand and crystal clear water. But still, I was not convinced. I envisioned a beach that might be quite beautiful, with water suitable for bathing, but a beach that would be crowded with deck chairs tightly packed in the same fashion as Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach.
What I envisioned was far from the truth. Sai Kaew beach is absolutely pristine; it’s not quite beautiful but absolutely gorgeous.
A beach with everything: Far from being obtrusive, and hidden beneath the lush tree canopies, there are some features of Sai Kaew which are both welcome and lend it some additional charm. The restaurant has a mainly Thai menu and is reasonably priced, so no need to take your own food.
Outside of the restaurant, there are kiosks selling everything from meals to snacks and ice cream.
Deck chairs and beach mats are available for hire; a deck chair costs around 30 baht for the day. And the best thing is you can place your chair where you want to.
Sai Kaew Beach is spacious, relaxed, and cool. You won’t see many umbrellas here because there is so much shade offered by the trees you simply do not need them.
Sai Kaew beach opening times: The beach is open to the public between 6 AM and 8 PM.
Sai Kaew beach admission fees: 100 baht for foreigners, 50 baht for Thais, 10 baht for children.
Best time to visit Sai Kaew Beach: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Getting to Sai Kaew Beach: Use the map for directions. Sai Kaew Beach is inside the Chumpol Naval School and is administered and maintained by the Royal Thai Navy. A few meters inside the entrance road, you will arrive at a manned checkpoint where you will be asked where you are going.
Once you tell them you are going to Sai Kaew Beach, they will direct you to a kiosk where you will be asked to leave your passport or ID. You will then be handed a pass, which you display in your windscreen, and you collect your passport when you leave. Follow the directions on the map to the taxi rank and admission payment kiosk. On weekdays (except holidays), you can drive to the beach and park; on weekends, you must park your car and then take the shuttle to the beach.
To get directions and up-to-date information on Saikaew Navy Beach, use this map of Saikaew Navy Beach on Google Maps and read the accompanying reviews.