North Pattaya: nostalgic serenity
North Pattaya or Pattaya Neau is the most peaceful beach among the three main beaches in town. Mass tourism originated on this beach before it spread to north and south Pattaya. Many hotels that were established three decades ago can still be seen lining this brown sandy beach, proving its longevity and popularity. The beach starts from the Dolphin roundabout in front of Dusit Resort. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent along this shady beach while restaurants, bars and convenient stores are just walking distance.

Middle Pattaya: The beach of fun
Just a little bit south of North Pattaya passing the golden mermaid and dolphin statues is Middle Pattaya, the beach of fun. This is the most popular and, certainly, lively beach in Pattaya. This is the area where shopping malls, boutique shops, bars, restaurants and coffee shops are crammed along a busy beachside road. There are more beach chairs, umbrellas and tourists in Middle Pattaya than other beaches. During the day, the area is enthusiastic with beachgoers frolicking on the beach or enjoying several kinds of water sports activities such as jet skiing, banana boat, paragliding and parasailing. At night, the street is illuminated with pubs, bars and restaurants. Middle Pattaya may not be the most favourite place in Pattaya but it is usually the place ones choose not to be missed.

South Pattaya:
South Pattaya is located next to Middle Pattaya. The area may not have an attractive beach like North or Middle Pattaya. People seem to come here for a different reason. Looking more energetic at night, it draws many fun-loving tourists who stroll this 500 metre lane looking for a fun time after dark. Numerous shops, restaurants, bars, discotheques, nightclubs line the streets. Thus, it is the place for adults only.

Jomtien Beach
Situated 3 kilometers southward of the downtown, Jomtien is a spin-off from Pattaya. This 6 kilometre long beach may bear some resemblance to Pattaya beach in terms of beach activities. However, it has an ambience of isolation. Thanks to its distance from Pattaya.

The beach is suitable for swimming as plenty of water sports activities are available. Accommodations on this beach are relatively cheap and there are enough restaurants to serve diners.

Off the street to Jomtien Beach is another beach named Dong Tan. It has a more relaxing atmosphere than its neighbouring beaches due to its no-car parking policy. Indeed, cars are allowed to pass and park on this beach only before 10 am and after 5 pm. The beach is shady with pine trees and beach umbrellas. Therefore, this is the place where you will see beachgoers joyfully basking in the sun.

Koh Lan (Lan Island)
Only 7 kilometres off Pattaya shore, Koh Lan is the most visited island in Chonburi Province. It’s conveniently accessible with regular ferry and speedboat leaving Balihai pier in south Pattaya as early as 8 o’clock. It’s the island of fun. Each beach offers a variety of activities from water sports to sunbathing.

Beaches in Koh Lan
Haad Ta Waen is the longest and most popular beach of Koh Lan. Located in the northwest of the island, this 750-metre-long beach has clear waters and white fine sand. The beach, which is popular among Asian tourists, is lined with colourful beach chairs, shops and restaurants.

Located in the west of Koh Lan is Haad Tian. This scenic beach in the cove stretches 500 metres long and features some coral reefs. It is as popular as Haad Ta Waen with loads of sport activities and restaurants on the offer.

Another beach near Haad Ta Waen is Haad Sungwal. It is a small beach, only around 150 metres long. Without any shops or restaurant in the area, the beach is quieter than Haad Ta Waen and good for sunbathing.

For those who prefer basking in the sun in peace, Haad Samae and Haad Ta Yai may serve your purpose. The first beach, which is only 10 minute walk from Haad Tian, is relatively quiet with shops and restaurants dotting the area. Nestling on the northern tip of the island, the latter beach has fewer beach goers and only one beachside restaurant.