East Coast Beaches of Thailand
There are many good beaches in East Thailand, with a huge range of things to do once you are on the beach. Near enough to Bangkok for a weekend break
The Eastern Seaboard of Thailand starts at the Cambodian Border in Trat Province, and runs all the way from Trat Province in the South Easterly point of Thailand, through to Bangkok.
En route, the coast of East Thailand has some interesting beaches, and of course it has Pattaya.
As well as the mainland beaches, there are a number of notable islands - which of course have their own special beaches.
Koh Chang, Koh Samet and Koh Larn are three of the main islands off the coast of Eastern Thailand.
The islands are well served by either traditional Thai Ferry Boat from most major town piers and harbours.
Speedboats also charge about between mainland and islands – often based at or on the beaches themselves.
East Thailand is a bustling place of industry, but this coast is also one of the main weekend ‘get-away’ haunts for the Bangkok Thais.
Many of the beaches which are quite deserted mid-week suddenly become second homes to visiting Thais.
Pattaya has the main claim to overseas tourists in the area, and most of the beaches in and near to Pattaya, reflect that, with up-market hotels and resorts. (Pattaya has other attractions and fame, but here we talk about beaches!)
Once away from Pattaya – to east or west – the beaches change character and become Thai - rather than tourists – beaches.
Thai Beaches for All
Many foreigners – particularly residential ex-pats - are happy rubbing shoulders with Thais, but for the tourist, the beaches may seem a bit tame, and lacking in the comforts they are used to.
Nevertheless the Eastern Coast of seems to be keen to get a slice of the tourist cake, and are gradually updating the facilities to attract overseas visitors.
One particularly endearing feature about the East of Thailand is the climate. Most of the East is sheltered within the Gulf of Thailand Bay – sheltered to the East by Cambodia and the West by Myanmar. It escapes much of the 'weather' that affects the rest of Thailand.
Most of the beaches nearer to Pattaya and tourism have plenty of provision for the varied water sports, but as you get further away towards the east, you basically have sea and sand! You will also have plenty of food to choose from – but either Thai traditional or seafood.
Hotels and good guest houses are located at most beaches, but again with exceptions. The entire East coast is seems is starting to gear itself up for continued and increasing influx of foreign tourists.
The beaches will be first on the visitor list in most cases.
- Ao Khai Beach - A small but captivating beach, with good food and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Laem Mae Phim - Cape Mae Phim - A typically Thai beach - being well out of the mainstream tourist areas. Well worth a visit - or a stay.
- Hat Saeng Chan - A series of peaceful bay lagoons the entire length of the beach
- Hat Laem Charoen - A 'different' beach in many respects. It is largely a working beach with many fishing-oriented businesses along to east end of the beach.
- Hat Nam Rin - Small and peaceful Thai beach
- Hat Mae Ramphung - Long, long beach in Rayong province.
- Hat Nang Ram - Sattahip - near the Sattahip Navy Port. A well cared for beach which is gaining in popularity.
- Hat Sai Kaew - Naval Beach near Sattahip. As with the other Navy controlled Beach, Hat Sai Kaew can be truly be described as 'pristine' with not too much in the way of commercialsm.
- Hat Bang Saen - Bang Saen beach is popular with Thais, but also welcoming for foreigners.
- Jomtien Beach - This beach and area is seen as more family friendly than Pattaya Beach - though it has its moments. Plenty of beach, plenty of room and normally quite clean
- Dongtan Beach - Dongtan beach joins on to Jomtien beach and geographically it is part of that beach. However, it is sufficiently different for it to have its own identity.
- Pattaya Beach - Pattaya Beach is changing, along with the whole tourist scenario - helped along by the city council, who want to broaden the appeal of this superb seaside venue.
- Wong Amat Beach - This is developing rapidly, as it is fringed with several newly-finished hotels and resorts. Tends to feel a bit of a closed shop to the day tripper. but it is a public, not private beach.
Island Beaches in Eastern Thailand
- Koh Chang
- Koh Samet
- Koh Larn
- Koh Si Chang