Which is the best beach in Pattaya is a little subjective; it really depends on what you’re looking for.
Pattaya and Jomtien beaches are the two most popular. They’re convenient, have plenty of chairs and loungers, food and drink are readily available from beach vendors, and both have designated safe swimming zones.
Between the two, Jomtien Beach is the most popular with families. The water is a little clearer and shallower than Pattaya Beach, making it more suitable for children, although both are ideal if you want to relax and take a cooling dip now and then.
However, there are better beaches in Pattaya for children to play, more beautiful beaches, and some where the water is surprisingly clear.
If it’s the best beaches for children you’re looking for, head to Koh Lahn or the Navy Beach at Sattahip. Both have clear, shallow water, making them ideal for children to paddle and splash around.
Being just a 15-minute speedboat ride or 40–60-minute ferry ride away, Koh Lahn’s Tawaen Beach is the easiest option. However, there are several other beaches you can reach by taxi if you take the ferry or speedboat to Naban instead.
If you’re looking for a nearby beach with clearer water that’s better for bathing or even a little snorkelling, Naklua Beach has some stretches with surprisingly clear water.
If it’s the best beaches for a stay in Pattaya you’re looking for, check out these beach hotels.
For fishing, here are some Pattaya beach fishing hotspots.
For dining, take a look at these Pattaya beachfront and seaview restaurants.
Which are the most beautiful beaches in and around Pattaya? In no particular order, these are the ones that stand out.
The beaches of Koh Lahn are typically more beautiful than those on the mainland. Sai Kaew Navy Beach at Sattahip, with its clear water, pristine sand and a picturesque backdrop, has an unspoiled beauty about it.
In Pattaya itself, three beaches that stand out for their beauty are Cosy Beach, Asia Beach and Wongamat Beach.
Cosy Beach: I’ve said before that I highly rate Cosy Beach. Its beauty comes from its setting in a bay at the foot of a hill, giving it a lush green backdrop and a more secluded, picturesque feel than the main beaches in Pattaya.
Asia Beach, also known as Hu Kwang Bay, is similarly secluded and beautiful, and is overlooked by the Asia Hotel and the Birds and Bees Resort.
Wongamat Beach has a picturesque crescent at its southern end, followed by a long, straighter stretch of sand. It’s quieter than Pattaya and Jomtien beaches, but chairs and loungers are often sparse rather than plentiful.
Beaches Map
For locations and directions, use this Pattaya Beaches Map. It’s where you’ll find all the main beaches and hidden gems on a single map.