Pattaya Beach Guide
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Greater Pattaya's beaches are alive with activity. Relax on a recliner under an umbrella and the world will soon come to you. If you want a drink, your recliner/umbrella vendor will have a supply of whatever you need at a reasonable price, and if he doesn't have it, will get it for you. A never ending parade of hawkers patrols the strand selling an incredible array of services and merchandise. Services commonly offered include massages, manicures, pedicures, henna tattoos and hair-braiding. Anything portable and likely to be purchased will offered for sale. Sunglasses, lighters, bogus watches, copy CD's, T-shirts, handicrafts and more are yours for the asking. Popular food items include fruit, seafood, BBQ chicken and ice cream. The hawkers can be pests, but most will move on if you simply shake your head.
Climb off your recliner and go to water and another world will open up. You can ride a banana boat, jet-ski, windsurf, water-ski, parasail, or simply swim and splash in the water. The water is an active place so keep your eyes open, particularly if you are swimming. No one likes getting run over by a banana boat and getting hit with a jet-ski can have tragic consequences.
Greater Pattaya comprises three main beaches. In the middle is Pattaya Beach; to the south (actually east), past the Buddha Hill promontory, is Jomtien; and to the north (actually west) is Naklua. The people using the beaches usually come from hotels that are within walking of the sand. There are several islands off the coast of Pattaya and a couple of them are popular destinations for those seeking more space and tranquility.
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Facing Pattaya Bay, this 4 km crescent-shaped stretch is the most happening part of Pattaya, lined with hotels, shopping malls, bars, restaurants and discotheques on the other side of the popular promenade and Pattaya Beach Road. The northern part is more sedate, while the central and southern parts are more lively, day or night - especially the southern part, which is Pattaya's most popular nightlife area.
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Located about 2 km from South Pattaya, Jomtien with its long straight coastline and white sand has become increasingly popular with watersport enthusiasts.
Typical activities to enjoy are swimming, windsurfing, parasailing, banana boats, speedboating, jet ski and water ski. Many fine hotels and resorts have mushroomed in the area over the past few years, together with shops and restaurants. Beach chairs and umbrellas can also be hired, and vendors roam the beach with drinks, food and snacks. (Read More...) |
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The northernmost tip of Pattaya Second Road, where it meets North Pattaya Road, marks the end of Pattaya Bay and the start of the area known as Naklua. To reach it, just head north from the distinctive dolphin roundabout.
Today, it still has the air of a village, with some old houses, narrow streets, traditional noodle shops, temples, a fishing pier, and many locals. Slowly that is changing, however, with many condominium blocks now in the area, and lots of hotels and restaurants too. (Read More...) |
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Wong Prachan Beach
This 1 km stretch of beach on the northern side of Pattaya Bay is a quiet, serene beach that is ideal for swimming and relaxation. There are no shops or vendors, so remember to take a picnic basket along. Although it is somewhat difficult to find - unless you are staying in one of the fine high-rise hotels or condominiums in the area - it's worth the effort for the exclusivity and peacefulness. |
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Bang Saen Beach
Bang Saen is popular with the local community, but more and more tourists have been starting to flock there over the years. Approximately 13 kilometers from the city of Chonburi (Pattaya's neighnour), the beach can be easily reached when you are driving along Sukhumvit Highway - just look out for the 'kilometers 104' sign. Along the beach there are many vendors offering drinks and seafood snacks like grilled squid, mussels and steamed fish-cakes for sale. Deck chairs and umbrellas can also be hired, and there are fresh water bathing facilities.
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