Beaches & Islands - First Time in Pattaya

Pattaya has everything from busy urban beaches to crystal-clear islands just offshore. If you only have time for one true beach day, go to Koh Larn. If you want a relaxed mainland option, head to Jomtien. This guide helps you pick the right spot fast.

Quick Beach Comparison

Beach	Water	Crowds	Best For
Koh Larn	Excellent	Moderate	Swimming, day trips
Jomtien	Good	Moderate	Families, water sports
Wong Amat	Good	Light	Quiet, upscale
Cosy Beach	Good	Light	Secluded, romantic
Pattaya Beach	Fair	Heavy	Promenade, people watching

Top Picks at a Glance

Best overall beach day

Koh Larn — crystal-clear water and proper beach vibes.

Best mainland beach

Jomtien — calmer, cleaner, and family-friendly.

Quiet + upscale

Wong Amat — peaceful, refined, great sunsets.

Hidden gem

Cosy Beach — tucked away below Pratumnak Hill.

Koh Larn (Coral Island) — Best Beach Experience

Just 7 km offshore, Koh Larn delivers the white sand and blue water that the mainland cannot match. Multiple beaches mean you can pick the vibe you want.

Tropical coastline near Koh Larn — Koh Larn, Thailand — Photo by Mike Anderson on Unsplash.

Getting There

Public ferry

Cheap and stable. Typical range: 30–50 THB one-way.

Runs throughout the day; check latest schedule.

Speedboat

Fast but bumpy. Typical range: 150–300 THB per person.

15–20 minutes from Bali Hai Pier.

Private charter

Flexible timing. Typical range: 1,500–3,000 THB.

Best for groups splitting costs.

Beaches on Koh Larn

Tawaen Beach

Main beach, closest to the ferry
Full facilities and water sports
Most crowded on weekends

Samae Beach

Great sunsets and clear water
Less busy than Tawaen
Good restaurants

Tien Beach

Quieter, relaxed vibe
Good snorkeling conditions
Family-friendly

Nual Beach (Monkey Beach)

Small, secluded feel
Occasional monkeys in the area
Requires motorbike taxi access

Getting Around the Island

Motorbike taxi: 40–100 THB between beaches.
Rent a scooter: around 300 THB/day.
Songthaews run between main beaches.

What to Bring

Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred).
Cash (limited ATMs).
Towel or sarong.
Snorkel gear (or rent on island).

Jomtien Beach — Best Mainland Beach

Six kilometers of calmer sand just south of Pattaya. Jomtien is cleaner, more relaxed, and better for swimming than Pattaya Beach.

Jomtien Beach with palm trees and blue water — Jomtien Beach — Photo by Rutpratheep Nilpechr on Unsplash.

What to Expect

Cleaner water and fewer crowds than central Pattaya.
Plenty of beach chairs, umbrellas, and food vendors.
Popular with families and long-stay visitors.

Getting to Jomtien

Songthaew from Beach Road: around 20 THB.
Grab or taxi from central Pattaya: 80–150 THB.
15-minute drive from central Pattaya.

Water Sport	Typical Price
Jet ski (30 min)	800–1,500 THB
Parasailing	500–800 THB
Banana boat	300–500 THB
Windsurfing	500–1,000 THB
Kitesurfing lesson	2,000–4,000 THB

Warning: Jet ski scams are common. See our Safety guide before renting.

Beach Clubs

Alexa Beach Club — Day club, pool, DJ.
Cave Beach Club — Relaxed vibe, good food.

Entry can include a minimum spend.

Best Time of Day

Morning: calm water, fewer crowds.
Afternoon: busier, more water sports.
Sunset: great light and cooler temps.

Other Mainland Beaches

Wong Amat

Pattaya's most refined beach — clean, quiet, and upscale.

Best for couples and hotel guests.
Good sunset views.

Cosy Beach

A hidden cove below Pratumnak Hill with a private feel.

Short walk down steps.
Great for quiet time and photos.

Pattaya Beach

Convenient promenade, but water quality is fair.

Best for walking and people watching.
Not ideal for swimming.

Our advice: Walk Pattaya Beach, swim at Jomtien or Koh Larn.

Nearby Beaches Worth a Trip

Bang Saen

Local Thai favorite, 30–45 minutes north.

Koh Samet

True island getaway. Clear water, worth an overnight.

Koh Si Chang

Less touristy, historical sites, day-trip possible.

Beach Safety Tips

Swimming

Swim at beaches with lifeguards when possible.
Red flags mean no swimming.
Monsoon season (May–October) can be rough.
Rip currents: swim parallel to shore if caught.

Jellyfish

Box jellyfish can appear in rainy season.
Ask locals about current conditions.
If stung: rinse with vinegar and seek medical help.

Sun Protection

SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapply every 2 hours.
Peak sun: 11 AM – 3 PM.
Hydrate often.

Belongings

Don’t leave valuables unattended.
Use waterproof pouch for phone and cash.
Some beaches have lockers near entrances.

Best Time for Beaches

Season	Months	Conditions
Best	Nov – Feb	Cool, dry, calm seas
Hot	Mar – May	Very hot, still good
Rainy	Jun – Oct	Afternoon storms, rougher seas

Tip: Even in rainy season, mornings are often sunny. Plan beach time early.

Beach Essentials Checklist

[ ] Sunscreen (SPF 30+, reef-safe if snorkeling)
[ ] Sunglasses and hat
[ ] Towel or sarong
[ ] Cash (beach vendors don’t take cards)
[ ] Waterproof phone pouch
[ ] Water bottle
[ ] Flip-flops or sandals
[ ] Change of clothes

FAQs

What’s the best beach in Pattaya for swimming?

Koh Larn has the cleanest water. On the mainland, Jomtien is your best option.

Is Pattaya Beach safe to swim in?

Water quality is poor. You can wade, but we recommend Jomtien or Koh Larn for swimming.

How much does a day trip to Koh Larn cost?

Budget: 200–500 THB. Mid-range: 800–1,500 THB with speedboat and activities.

Are there sharks near Pattaya?

Shark encounters are extremely rare. The bigger concerns are jellyfish and busy boat traffic.

Can I visit Koh Larn in rainy season?

Yes, but ferry schedules can change and seas can be rough. Check conditions before you go.