Pattaya
A visit to Pattaya is a wonderful way to explore the beaches along the Gulf of Thailand. Relaxed and family-friendly Jomtien Beach is a hot spot for watersports and seaside massages. The giant Buddha of Wat Khao Phra Bat keeps watch over the city, and the wooden Wang Boran Sanctuary of Truth pays homage to Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. At night, tons of bars and strip clubs attract an adults-only crowd.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Pattaya
1. Pattaya Beach:
Do you want to appreciate and feel the beauty of the best beaches in Pattaya? If so, you need to go beyond the condos, clubs, pubs, and glittering city lights. Located in Chon Buri Province, Pattaya isn’t just about its exotic nightlife, but also about its untouched nature, virgin islands, and serene forests.
2. Jomtien Beach:
As our Jomtien Beach Guide shows, this 6 km straight stretch of sand is a much quieter place compared to its rowdy neighbor to the north. It still has many attractions some of which are world firsts but the biggest is, without a doubt, the pleasure of a leisurely day on the sandy shore, splashing in the clean and uncluttered sea and enjoying the cheap seafood snacks available from wandering vendors.
3. Sanctuary of Truth:
The Sanctuary of Truth is an exception to the rule, with a curious modern take on classic Thai temple architecture. Began in 1981, as a reaction to the Cold War, according to the temple philosophy, as egotistical people attempted to tear the world apart using modern technology, the temple would serve as a counterpoint.
4. Nakula and Wongamat beach:
If you want to enjoy a beach holiday as part of your trip to Pattaya, this guide to Naklua Beach and Wongamat Beach is for you. The beaches in this northern part of Greater Pattaya are amongst the finest in the area, bested only by those found on the uninhabited Far Islands. Some five-star hotel chains have realized this, which is why the shore is cluttered with accommodation.
5. Bang Saray Beach:
Bang Saray Beach is among the most pleasant stretches of sand in the Pattaya area, as well as being a very small, quaint town with a very local atmosphere. It is only just being discovered as a low-key alternative to Pattaya’s hectic hedonism, giving you the chance to enjoy calm days where you have the beach almost to yourself as well as peaceful nights undisturbed by loud music and bright lights.
6. Bali Hai Pier Pattaya:
Bali Hai Pier – commonly known as Pattaya Pier – is a central feature of the city, located at the end of Walking Street, near the southernmost point of Pattaya Bay. It is a hive of activity, with endless day-trippers on the way to the nearby Coral Island (Koh Larn), as well as scuba divers, fishing enthusiasts and even private charter boat trips setting off or returning to dry land. The jetty stretches quite far out into the bay and is lined on either side with boats of all descriptions. It can be seen clearly from Pattaya View Point and has now become a classic image of Pattaya itself.
7. Coral Islands:
Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae or Ko He, is a beautiful getaway destination around 3 km southeast of Phuket. The island has 2 main beaches: Long Beach and Banana Beach. Snorkeling off Banana Beach is a thrilling experience. If you go out far enough from Long Beach, you’ll also have a lot to discover at its impressive coral reef.
8. Koh Samet:
If you are in Bangkok right now and you do not feel like going to the south for seeing beautiful beaches, then I highly recommend Koh Samet. The island is just 2-3 hours away from the Thai capital. The climate or the best time to go to Koh Samet is actually the same as for Bangkok itself. That means the best weather is usually between November and May.
9. Koh Sak:
Koh Sak is the closest island to Pattaya, surrounded by coral reefs and a bay that is well protected from the prevailing winds. Koh Sak is a perfect place to unwind beneath soft swaying palms on the beautiful beach, or visitors may choose to swim or snorkel in these picturesque surroundings. The waters are calm and clear and perfect for swimming in and the island’s largest seashore, which runs in a half-moon shape across the northern tip of the island, provides a calm inlet with shallow warm water. There are numerous dive sites around the island, some consisting of soft corals and hydroids on a flat sandy bottom, and is home to numerous colonies of Sea Horses, Pipe Fish and Dragon Fish.
10. Monkey Island:
The forested cliff is the habitat of monkeys, which is where the beach got its name from. Monkey Beach is often confused with Monkey Bay, a similar spot located on the other side of Phi Phi Don Island, around the entrance of Loh Dalum. Monkey Beach is not only famous for its furry inhabitants. Its also known as a top-notch snorkelling spot.
