7 Best Beaches Near Bangkok

Introduction to Bangkok Beach Getaways

Okay, so you're in Bangkok, the city's buzzing, the temples are amazing, but you're craving some sand between your toes, right? Well, good news! You don't have to hop on a long flight to find gorgeous beaches. There are some awesome spots within a relatively short distance from Bangkok, perfect for a day trip or a weekend escape. Let's dive into the 7 best beaches near Bangkok that you absolutely need to check out!

Beach 1 Bang Saen Beach Affordable Family Beach

Bang Saen is super popular with locals, especially families. It's close to Bangkok, making it an easy day trip. Don't expect crystal-clear turquoise water here, but it's a lively beach with plenty of food stalls, restaurants, and activities. Think beach chairs, umbrellas, and inflatable tubes for rent. The vibe is definitely more local and less touristy, which can be a refreshing change. It's also one of the most affordable options, especially for families.

Bang Saen Activities and Recommendations

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, enjoying seafood, building sandcastles, cycling along the beachfront.

Food: Try the grilled seafood and som tum (papaya salad) from the beachside vendors.

Accommodation: If you decide to stay overnight, there are plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels in Bang Saen.

Getting There: Take a bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). The journey takes about 2-3 hours.

Price: Bus fare is around 100-150 baht each way. Beach chair rental is typically around 30-50 baht.

Beach 2 Pattaya Beach Vibrant Nightlife and Water Sports

Pattaya is probably the most well-known beach near Bangkok. It's a bustling city with a long stretch of beach. While the water isn't always the cleanest, Pattaya offers a huge range of activities, from water sports to nightlife. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of options.

Pattaya Activities and Recommendations

Activities: Jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, swimming, sunbathing, exploring Walking Street (at night).

Food: Pattaya has everything from street food to fancy restaurants. Check out the seafood restaurants along the beach road.

Accommodation: Pattaya has a massive selection of hotels and guesthouses, catering to all budgets.

Getting There: Take a bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) or the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit). The journey takes about 2-3 hours.

Price: Bus fare is around 100-200 baht each way. Water sports activities can range from 500-1500 baht.

Beach 3 Jomtien Beach Relaxing Atmosphere and Family Friendly

Just south of Pattaya, Jomtien is a much more relaxed and family-friendly option. The beach is cleaner and quieter than Pattaya Beach. It's a great place to unwind, enjoy the sun, and have a more peaceful beach experience. It's perfect for those seeking a less hectic environment.

Jomtien Activities and Recommendations

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, kite surfing, relaxing on the beach.

Food: Jomtien has some excellent seafood restaurants along the beachfront.

Accommodation: Jomtien offers a range of hotels and guesthouses, often cheaper than Pattaya.

Getting There: Take a bus to Pattaya and then a songthaew (shared taxi) to Jomtien. The songthaew ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

Price: Bus fare to Pattaya is around 100-200 baht. Songthaew fare to Jomtien is around 10-20 baht.

Beach 4 Koh Larn Island Paradise Near Pattaya

For a true island escape, head to Koh Larn, a small island just a short ferry ride from Pattaya. The beaches here are much more beautiful than those on the mainland, with clear turquoise water and white sand. It's a quick trip to real island paradise.

Koh Larn Activities and Recommendations

Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, hiking, riding a motorbike around the island.

Food: Koh Larn has a variety of restaurants and food stalls, offering fresh seafood and Thai dishes.

Accommodation: Koh Larn has a range of guesthouses and resorts, but it's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Getting There: Take a ferry from Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn. The ferry takes about 45 minutes.

Price: Ferry fare is around 30 baht each way.

Beach 5 Hua Hin Royal Resort Town with a Long Beach

Hua Hin is a royal resort town with a long, sandy beach. It's a bit further from Bangkok than Pattaya, but it's worth the trip for its more sophisticated atmosphere and cleaner beaches. It offers a more refined beach experience.

Hua Hin Activities and Recommendations

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, horseback riding on the beach, visiting the Hua Hin Railway Station, exploring the night market.

Food: Hua Hin has a fantastic selection of restaurants, ranging from seafood to international cuisine.

Accommodation: Hua Hin offers a wide range of hotels and resorts, from budget-friendly to luxury.

Getting There: Take a bus from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). The journey takes about 3-4 hours.

Price: Bus fare is around 200-300 baht each way.

Beach 6 Cha-Am Beach Quiet Coastal Town Near Hua Hin

Just north of Hua Hin, Cha-Am is a quieter coastal town with a long, sandy beach. It's a great option if you're looking for a more laid-back and less crowded beach experience than Hua Hin. It's a peaceful alternative to Hua Hin's bustle.

Cha-Am Activities and Recommendations

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, cycling along the beachfront, enjoying seafood, relaxing.

Food: Cha-Am has some excellent seafood restaurants along the beach road.

Accommodation: Cha-Am offers a range of hotels and guesthouses, often cheaper than Hua Hin.

Getting There: Take a bus to Hua Hin and then a local bus or taxi to Cha-Am. The journey from Hua Hin to Cha-Am takes about 30 minutes.

Price: Bus fare to Hua Hin is around 200-300 baht. Local bus or taxi fare to Cha-Am is around 50-100 baht.

Cha-Am Beach Umbrellas and Beach Mats Review

When you arrive at Cha-Am beach, you'll notice rows of colorful umbrellas and beach mats available for rent. They're pretty much essential if you plan on spending a good chunk of the day soaking up the sun. Let's break down some options:

Basic Beach Umbrella and Mat Set: This is the standard option. You get a large umbrella to provide shade and a woven mat to lie on. It's perfect for couples or solo travelers. Expect to pay around 100-200 baht for the day. Brands don't really matter here; they're all pretty similar.

Upgraded Beach Chairs: Some vendors offer more comfortable beach chairs with reclining options. These are great if you have back problems or just prefer a more supportive seat. Prices range from 200-300 baht per day.

Family-Sized Beach Mats: If you're traveling with a family or a larger group, look for the extra-large beach mats. They can comfortably accommodate 4-6 people. These usually cost around 300-400 baht per day.

Cha-Am Beach Gear Recommendations and Price Comparison

Option 1 Standard Beach Umbrella and Mat:

Product: Generic Beach Umbrella and Woven Mat

Usage Scenario: Perfect for solo travelers or couples wanting shade and a place to relax on the beach.

Comparison: Basic but functional. Provides essential shade and a comfortable surface.

Price: 100-200 baht per day rental.

Option 2 Reclining Beach Chair:

Product: Adjustable Reclining Beach Chair

Usage Scenario: Ideal for those who prefer more comfortable seating and want to relax for extended periods.

Comparison: More supportive and comfortable than a basic mat. Allows for reclining.

Price: 200-300 baht per day rental.

Option 3 Family Size Beach Mat:

Product: Extra Large Woven Beach Mat

Usage Scenario: Best for families or groups needing ample space to relax together on the beach.

Comparison: Spacious and accommodates multiple people comfortably.

Price: 300-400 baht per day rental.

Cha-Am Beach Food Stalls and Vendors

Cha-Am beach is lined with food stalls and vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to snacks and drinks. You can easily grab a delicious and affordable meal right on the beach. Some must-try items include grilled seafood, som tum (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice. Don't be afraid to haggle a little on prices, especially if you're buying multiple items.

Beach 7 Koh Samet Small Island with Beautiful Beaches

Okay, this one is a bit further away, but it's totally worth the effort. Koh Samet is a small island known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise water, and laid-back atmosphere. It's a popular weekend getaway for both locals and tourists. It's a longer trip, but the rewards are worth it.

Koh Samet Activities and Recommendations

Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, kayaking, exploring the island on a motorbike.

Food: Koh Samet has a variety of restaurants and bars, offering fresh seafood and international cuisine.

Accommodation: Koh Samet offers a range of guesthouses, bungalows, and resorts, catering to all budgets.

Getting There: Take a bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Ban Phe. From Ban Phe, take a ferry to Koh Samet. The bus journey takes about 3-4 hours, and the ferry takes about 45 minutes.

Price: Bus fare is around 200-300 baht each way. Ferry fare is around 50-100 baht each way.

So there you have it - 7 awesome beaches near Bangkok for your next city escape! Remember to pack your sunscreen, swimsuit, and a sense of adventure!