The Beaches and Islands
Pattaya Beach is situated alongside the city center, close to shopping, hotels, restaurants and bars. Most sections of the beach are covered by rented deckchairs run by local beverage vendors during daylight hours.
The section of beach from Central Road (Pattaya Klang) south to the Pier is adjacent to the core of Pattaya's abundant nightlife area and is less family-oriented than the North Pattaya, Wong Amat (Naklua) and Jomtien beaches.
Beyond the southern end around Buddha Hill and the headland that divides Pattaya Bay from Jomtien, there are several other smaller beaches. At the northern end of Pattaya beach is Wong Amat Beach, which is reached from the Naklua Road and Soi Wong Amat.
Jomtien Beach is separated from the main part of Pattaya by Phratamnak Hill, just south of the city. Jomtien beach is a popular family and water sport location, a residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants.
Dong Tarn Beach, at the northern end of Jomtien Bay, has a traffic-free promenade.
Wong Amat Beach is located at northern end of Pattaya Beach and separated by Rachvate Cape (accessed from Naklua Road and Soi Wong Amat). This is a quiet relaxing residential area with direct waterfront hotels, condominiums.
Further North is the smaller Crescent Moon Beach and Palm Beach, and far North is the main Naklua Beach.
Koh Lan or Coral Island is a small island situated 7.5 km west of Pattaya. It has several beaches with soft white sand and crystal clear water, and is known for its relaxing atmosphere and exotic fish.
The Island can be reached by speedboat and ferry. The ferry departs hourly and is a 45-minute ride costing just 30-50 Baht each way. Speedboats are more expensive but can reach the island in less than 15 minutes.
Off Pattaya there are two small island groups, the Near Islands Koh Sak and Koh Krok located close to the northern shores of Pattaya, and Koh Lan, and the Far Islands Koh, Rin, Koh Man, Koh Wichai, Koh Hua Chang, and Koh Badan which are located offshore due west of Pattaya. These islands, especially the Far Islands, are the mainly scuba diving destinations in and around Pattaya.
