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Pattaya Beach

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About Pattaya Beach

About Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach is the most famous and central beach in Pattaya, known for its vibrant atmosphere, water sports, and proximity to nightlife. Here’s everything you need to know:

🏖️ Overview of Pattaya Beach

  • Location: Stretches ~3 km along Pattaya Bay (from North Pattaya to Walking Street).
  • Type of Beach: Sandy but not as pristine as islands like Koh Larn—more for fun than relaxation.
  • Best For: People-watching, water sports, sunset drinks, and easy access to hotels/bars.

🌊 Things to Do at Pattaya Beach

  1. Water Sports 🚤
    • Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats (negotiate prices firmly to avoid scams).
  2. Beachfront Dining & Bars 🍹
    • Many restaurants/bars with loungers (e.g., Hard Rock Cafe, The Beach Pattaya).
  3. Swimming 🏊
    • Water is shallow but can be murky; cleaner at the northern end (Wong Amat area).
  4. Sunset Views 🌅
    • Best enjoyed with a cocktail from a rooftop bar like Horizon (Hilton Pattaya).
  5. Massage & Relaxation 💆
    • Cheap Thai massages (~200–300 THB/hour) under beach umbrellas.

Getting There

Pattaya Beach is the main beach in central Pattaya, stretching along Beach Road. Here’s how to reach it from different locations:

✈️ From Bangkok (Airport or City) to Pattaya Beach

1. Private Taxi / Grab

  • Cost: ~1,200–1,500 THB (Bangkok city) / ~1,500–2,000 THB (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
  • Time: ~1.5–2 hours
  • Best for: Convenience, direct drop-off at your hotel.

2. Airport Bus (Bell Travel Service)

  • From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK):
    • Cost: ~400–500 THB (includes hotel transfer)
    • Schedule: Hourly (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)
  • From Don Mueang Airport (DMK):
    • Take a free shuttle to BKK, then the Bell Bus.

3. Public Bus (Eastern Bus Terminal – Ekkamai)

  • From Bangkok: Take bus #38 or #999 from Ekkamai Bus Terminal.
  • Cost: ~130–150 THB
  • Time: ~2 hours
  • Drop-off: Pattaya Bus Station (then take a baht bus to Beach Road).

4. Minivan (Victory Monument → Pattaya)

  • Cost: ~120–150 THB
  • Time: ~1.5–2 hours
  • Drop-off: Pattaya North/Naklua (take a baht bus to the beach).

🚌 From Other Parts of Pattaya to Pattaya Beach

1. Baht Bus (Songthaew) – Cheapest & Easiest!

  • Cost: 10–20 THB per person (shared ride)
  • Route: Runs along Beach Road & 2nd Road (just flag one down).
  • Tip: Say “Pattaya Beach” to confirm direction.

2. Motorbike Taxi

  • Cost: 50–100 THB (short rides)
  • Best for: Quick trips if you’re alone.

3. Grab / Bolt (Ride-Hailing Apps)

  • Cost: ~100–200 THB (depending on distance).

🚢 From Koh Larn (Coral Island) to Pattaya Beach

  • Ferry: Takes ~30–45 mins from Bali Hai Pier (cost: ~30–50 THB).
  • Speedboat: ~10–15 mins (cost: ~200–300 THB).

What To Do

Here’s your ultimate guide to things to do at Pattaya Beach, the city’s most famous shoreline, blending relaxation, adventure, and vibrant vibes:

🏖️ Relaxation & Beach Fun

  1. Sunbathe on the Sandy Shore
    • Rent a beach chair (50–100 THB) and enjoy the tropical sun (best before 11 AM or after 3 PM to avoid peak heat).
  2. Swim in the Gulf of Thailand
    • Waters are calm but not crystal-clear—better for a dip than snorkeling.
  3. Sip Coconut Water by the Sea
    • Vendors sell fresh coconuts (30–50 THB) and cold beers right on the sand.

🌊 Water Sports & Adventure

  1. Jet Skiing (300–500 THB for 10–15 mins)
    • Thrilling but negotiate prices upfront to avoid scams.
  2. Parasailing (500–800 THB)
    • Soar above the beach for breathtaking views (safety checks recommended).
  3. Banana Boat Rides (200–400 THB/person)
    • Fun for groups, often combined with other water activities.
  4. Paddleboarding or Kayaking
    • Rentals available along the beachfront.

🍽️ Dining & Beachfront Cafés

  1. Eat at Beachfront Restaurants
    • Try The Glass House (trendy) or Sandbar (chill vibes) for seafood and cocktails.
  2. Street Food Stalls
    • Grab grilled squid, mango sticky rice, or pad Thai from vendors.

🌅 Sunset & Nightlife

  1. Watch the Sunset
  • Best views near Pattaya Sign Viewpoint or from a beachfront bar.
  1. Beach Clubs & Bars
  • Hilton Pattaya’s Horizon Bar (rooftop luxury) or Moon Terrace (chill lounge).
  1. Fire Shows & Night Markets
  • After dark, performers light up the beach with fire dances (tip appreciated).

🚶♂️ Strolling & People-Watching

  1. Walk Along the Promenade
  • Stretch from Central Festival Mall to Walking Street, bustling with street performers.
  1. Massage on the Beach (200–300 THB/hour)
  • Foot or Thai massage under a palm tree—bliss!

Some Tips

Here are the best tips for visiting Pattaya Beach to ensure a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience:

🌞 Best Time to Visit

  • Early Morning (6-9 AM) – Cooler, peaceful, great for sunrise photos.
  • Late Afternoon (4-6 PM) – Best for swimming (less sunburn risk) and sunset views.
  • Avoid Midday (11 AM-3 PM) – Extremely hot and crowded.

🚶 How to Get There

  • Baht Bus (Songthaew) – Cheapest option (10-20฿ per ride). Flag one down on Beach Road.
  • Motorbike Taxi – Faster but pricier (50-100฿).
  • Walk – If staying nearby (e.g., Central Pattaya).

🏖️ Beach Tips

  1. Avoid Crowds – Walk toward the north end (near Dusit Thani Hotel) for quieter spots.
  2. Rent a Chair – Costs ~100฿/day (negotiate if it’s quiet).
  3. Beware of Jetskis – Scams are common (take photos of pre-existing damage before renting).
  4. Swim Safely – Water can be murky; avoid after heavy rain due to runoff.

🍍 Food & Drinks

  • Cheap Eats: Vendors sell fresh fruit (20-50฿), grilled seafood, and coconut water.
  • Beachfront Restaurants: Try Sugar Hut or Glass House (slightly pricier but great views).
  • Avoid: Overpriced drinks from pushy vendors (buy from 7-Eleven instead).

🎢 Activities

  • Water Sports: Parasailing (~800-1,500฿), banana boats, or paddleboarding.
  • Massage: Beachside Thai massage (200-300฿/hour).
  • People-Watching: A Pattaya pastime—grab a coconut and enjoy the scene!

⚠️ Safety & Scams

  • Theft: Don’t leave valuables unattended (use hotel safe).
  • Ladyboy Photo Scam: They’ll pose with you, then demand 500+฿. Politely decline.
  • Overcharging: Confirm prices before ordering food/activities.

🚿 Facilities

  • Showers/Toilets: Available at paid beach clubs (20-50฿).
  • Changing Rooms: Rare—wear swimwear under clothes or use a sarong.

🌴 Nearby Alternatives

  • Jomtien Beach – Cleaner, family-friendly (10-min drive south).
  • Koh Larn – Pristine beaches (45-min ferry ride).

📸 Pro Tip

For the best photos, climb the Pattaya Hill Viewpoint (Khao Pattaya) near the Big Buddha for a panoramic beach shot!

Best Time To Visit

⏰ Best Time of Day to Visit Pattaya Beach

  1. Early Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) 🌅
    • Why? Coolest temperatures, peaceful atmosphere, great for jogging or yoga.
    • Bonus: Fewer crowds, locals exercising, soft sunrise light for photos.
  2. Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM) ☀️
    • Why? Sun is less intense, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
    • Bonus: Stunning sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand.
  3. Evening (7:00 PM onwards) 🌙
    • Why? Beachfront restaurants and bars come alive with lights and music.
    • Try: Seafood dinner at Pattaya Beach Road or a cocktail at a rooftop bar.

Avoid Midday (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) 🔥

  • Hottest and most crowded time, high UV risk. If you go, wear sunscreen and stay shaded!

🌦️ Best Season to Visit Pattaya Beach

  1. High Season (November – February) ✅ BEST TIME
    • Weather: Cool, dry, and sunny (25-32°C).
    • Pros: Ideal for beach activities, water sports, and exploring.
    • Cons: More tourists, higher hotel prices.
  2. Shoulder Season (March – May) ☀️
    • Weather: Hot and humid (up to 35°C).
    • Pros: Fewer crowds, cheaper hotels.
    • Cons: Can be uncomfortably hot for some.
  3. Low Season (June – October) 🌧️
    • Weather: Rainy and humid (short downpours, mostly in Sept-Oct).
    • Pros: Cheapest prices, lush greenery, empty beaches.
    • Cons: Some water activities may be canceled due to rough seas.

🌊 Best Beach Spots in Pattaya

  • North Pattaya Beach – Less crowded, good for families.
  • Central Pattaya Beach – Lively, near bars and restaurants.
  • South Pattaya Beach (Near Walking Street) – Busy, more party vibe.