Beaches & Islands
Last updated: February 2026
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
Koh Larn — crystal-clear water and proper beach vibes.
Jomtien — calmer, cleaner, and family-friendly.
Wong Amat — peaceful, refined, great sunsets.
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.
Getting There
Cheap and stable. Typical range: 30–50 THB one-way.
Runs throughout the day; check latest schedule.
Fast but bumpy. Typical range: 150–300 THB per person.
15–20 minutes from Bali Hai Pier.
Flexible timing. Typical range: 1,500–3,000 THB.
Best for groups splitting costs.
Beaches on Koh Larn
- Main beach, closest to the ferry
- Full facilities and water sports
- Most crowded on weekends
- Great sunsets and clear water
- Less busy than Tawaen
- Good restaurants
- Quieter, relaxed vibe
- Good snorkeling conditions
- Family-friendly
- 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.
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.
อัปเดตล่าสุด: March 2026
