A curving 4 kilometre beach on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya
can be split into three main areas. South Pattaya is the hub
of Pattaya's nightlife with shops, department stores,
boutiques, beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques,
restaurants and nightclubs and general action.
As you progress northwards, the tree-lined promenade lined
by hotels, shops, department stores, restaurants,
discotheques, bars and nightclubs, gradually gives way to a
less developed more tranquil area. Accommodation can be
found along all areas of the beach.
Naklua Beach
Immediately north of Pattaya, is much quieter with a
fishing harbour and local population making a living from
fishing. It doesn't have as many restaurants or expensive
resort hotels as it's neighbour to the south, nor the rowdy
nightlife, but all these are available for the a 10 Baht
ride into Pattaya beach. (About 20 minutes by Songtaew the
local style taxi)
Bang Saen Beach
Around 13 kilometers from the city of Chonburi. Very local
Thai style with drinks and seafood snacks such as dried
squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale from
the street vendors along the sea front. Deck chairs and
rubber rings can be rented. The many restaurants that line
the beach have recently been improved to become more neat
and orderly. Bang Saen offers several hotels and bungalows.
Jomtien Beach
Around the headland about 2 kilometres south of
Pattaya, Jomtien is quieter and less congested but has good
accommodation and restaurants. More toned down than Pattaya,
it's becoming more popular, especially for water sports
(Thailand's No.1 windsurfing spot) and activities because of
its long straight coastline and fewer boats anchored in the
area.
Around Pattaya are some small offshore islands which
have beautiful beaches, clear water, and coral. You can
reach the islands either by taking a tour which includes for
example, snorkelling, or hire a boat from the promenade or
pier at South Pattaya. Costs vary according to your
bargaining skills, destination and the type of boat.
Koh Larn
Ko Larn or Coral Island, 45 minutes offshore by tourist boat
or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya's
offshore islands. Major attractions include sightseeing
tours along coral reefs viewing from a glass-bottomed boat,
snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, skiing, and
parasailing. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the
island's main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to
Ko Larn's neighboring islands such as Ko Phai and Ko Sak.
Good for a day out.
Koh Phai
Beyond Ko Lan another 40 minutes sail is an island currently
under the care of the Royal Navy. Visitors are not allowed
to stay overnight here, but it has fine deserted beaches
that are open during the day.
Koh Sak
Only 600 metres from Koh Larn. Koh Sak is a tiny island
shaped like a horseshoe. Its two beaches, are a usual stop
for tourists to swim. There's also a coral reef in front of
the beach.
Ang Sila Or Ang Hin
Is a fishing village about 5 kilometers away from Chonburi.
Ang Sila was formerly one of the oldest seaside resorts. The
village is famous for its cottage industry, producing stone
mortars and animal sculptures, like elephants, horses and
tigers. Ang Sila also boasts a number of restaurants. Local
handicrafts are also available for sale to tourists.
Koh Krok
A small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilometers,
approximately 8 kilometres from the shore. The island is
mainly visited for for coral viewing.
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