Description
Pattaya Beach curves elegantly along the Gulf of Thailand, stretching a few kilometres from North Pattaya to the vibrant Walking Street area. The shoreline is sandy and lined with tall buildings and Beach Road—a lively stretch filled with shops, cafés, and nightlife. Erosion has narrowed the beach over time, prompting restoration efforts to bring the sandbank back to a healthier width.
The beach offers plenty of activity: sunbeds and parasols are easy to rent while watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, banana boating, and island trips (notably to Koh Larn) are readily available. North Pattaya tends to be calmer and more family-friendly, while the central and southern areas hum with activity, especially after sunset.
To improve safety and comfort, authorities now restrict jet ski and boat activity to areas at least 200 metres offshore and have set up specific pickup zones at the beach’s ends. Accessibility along Beach Road has been enhanced with ramps, signs, and better pathways. Still, beachgoers should beware of variable water quality and practice caution while swimming.