5 Best Sights in Pattaya, The Gulf Coast Beaches

Located a 70-minute drive from Bangkok and a one-hour drive north of Pattaya, this beach in Chon Buri province has a long, sandy shore with shallow water suitable for families, as well as cheap and tasty seafood. The palm-lined beach is not the nicest in Thailand, but it feels very local—you can spot Thai people fishing and selling their catch in the street. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunbathing.

Pattaya Beach's quieter neighbor to the south, Jomtien Beach is less gaudy, less crowded, and a bit less expensive. The cleaner water, lighter-colored sand, and sectioned-off swimming areas are also draws. Shaded areas with deck chairs cover large sections of the beach, and vendors sell food and drink, albeit at still-inflated prices. Watersports play a dominant role here; you can rent Jet Skis, paragliders, and speedboats up and down the beach. Jomtien is home to a few windsurfing schools. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; windsurfing.

From Pattaya Bay, shared speedboats take just 15 minutes to reach the island of Koh Lan, also known as Koh Larn. The beaches have white sand, and the water is cleaner than at Pattaya Beach. Koh Lan gets busy by midday, so arrive early if you want peace and quiet. The waters are crowded with speedboats and other motorized craft—and some speedboat operators are reckless, so be cautious when swimming. Food and drink vendors wander among the shaded deck chairs, although the prices are steep. Ferries leave South Pattaya Pier daily from 7 am to 6:30 pm. Private speedboats can be hired as well. Amenities: food and drink. Best for:  nature lovers; swimming.

This small island in Chon Buri province has only one white-sand beach suitable for swimming, but it has viewpoints, cafes, seafood restaurants, and affordable lodgings that feel less crowded and touristy—though beware that, during weekends and public holidays, Bangkokians flock to the island and its shrine built into the side of a cliff. Ferries from Si Racha's Koh Loy Pier to Koh Sichang (B60 one way) run every hour and take about 40 minutes. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: nature lovers.

The city's namesake beach fronts slightly murky waters, but its sand is golden and fine, and safe swimming areas have been added in recent years. You can rent shaded deck chairs by the hour, and food vendors and trinket merchants wander up and down the beach. The bay is usually crowded with small boats, Jet Skis, and other diversions. Parallel to the shore, Pattaya Beach Road has a landscaped walkway that separates the beach from the restaurants, shopping malls, and resorts on the opposite side. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: walking.