Ultimate Pattaya Beach Secrets: Amazing Hidden Gems You Must Discover
Discover Secret Paradise Beyond the Crowds
ποΈ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
ποΈ Hidden Beach Explorer
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After 3 years of living in Pattaya and exploring every inch of coastline, I’ve discovered beaches that even longtime expats don’t know about. While tourists crowd Pattaya Beach and Jomtien, these hidden gems offer crystal-clear waters, pristine sand, and the kind of tranquility you thought was impossible to find near Thailand’s most famous party destination. Some require boat access, others are hidden in plain sight, but all offer an escape from the crowds.
πΊοΈ Pattaya’s Hidden Beach Map
Here’s your complete guide to Pattaya’s secret coastal treasures, organized by accessibility and crowd levels:
Beach Name | Access Level | Crowd Level | Best For | Distance from Central |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bamboo Island Beach | Boat Only | Very Low | Snorkeling, Privacy | 45 minutes |
Sai Keaw Beach | Easy Drive | Low | Families, Swimming | 25 minutes |
Monkey Beach | Boat Only | Very Low | Adventure, Wildlife | 30 minutes |
Wang Ping Beach | Motorbike | Low | Locals, Authentic | 20 minutes |
Samae Beach | Boat Only | Medium | Day Trips, Clear Water | 40 minutes |
π€« Local Secret
Many of these beaches don’t appear on tourist maps or travel websites. Some don’t even have official names – locals just refer to them by landmarks like “the beach behind the fishing village” or “the cove near the old pier.”
π€« Top Secret Beaches
The Secret: This is Pattaya’s best-kept secret – a private island with pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Most tourists have never heard of it, and it’s only accessible by longtail boat or speedboat.
What Makes It Special: Completely undeveloped, no buildings or shops, just pure nature. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming around your feet. Perfect for snorkeling and underwater photography.
How to Get There: Charter a longtail boat from Bali Hai Pier (ΰΈΏ1,500-2,000 for the boat, up to 10 people) or join a day trip. Journey takes 45 minutes.
Local Tip: Bring everything you need – water, food, sunscreen. There are no facilities on the island. The best spot is the north side of the island, away from the day trip boats.
The Secret: Named after the wild monkeys that live in the jungle behind the beach, this hidden gem is tucked away on a small island between Pattaya and Koh Larn.
What Makes It Special: Wild monkeys often come down to the beach to play and drink from freshwater springs. The beach is completely natural with large rocks perfect for climbing and cliff jumping.
How to Get There: Private boat from Pattaya or as part of an island-hopping tour. Most boat drivers know it as “the monkey place.”
Warning: Don’t feed the monkeys! They can become aggressive. Keep food sealed and don’t leave bags unattended.
The Secret: This fishing village beach is where Pattaya locals go to escape tourists. Located north of Naklua, it’s still relatively unknown to foreigners.
What Makes It Special: Authentic fishing village atmosphere with colorful boats, fresh seafood sold directly from boats, and locals who are genuinely surprised to see tourists.
How to Get There: Motorbike or car via Naklua Road, then follow signs to Wang Ping fishing village. 20 minutes from Central Pattaya.
Local Experience: Buy fresh fish directly from returning fishing boats (around 4-6 PM) and ask locals to recommend the best seafood restaurant in the village.
ποΈ Nearby Island Beaches
These island beaches require boat transport but offer some of the most beautiful and secluded experiences near Pattaya:
The Secret: While Koh Samet is known, most tourists only visit the main beaches. Sai Keaw Beach on the quieter eastern side offers pristine white sand without the crowds.
What Makes It Special: Powder-soft white sand that squeaks when you walk on it, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, and beach bars run by locals serving fresh seafood.
How to Get There: Ferry from Ban Phe (2.5 hours from Pattaya), then motorbike taxi to eastern beaches. Or charter a speedboat directly from Pattaya (1.5 hours).
π€ Island Hopping Pro Tips
- Best boat deals: Book at Bali Hai Pier, not through hotels (50% cheaper)
- Timing: Leave early (8-9 AM) to avoid crowds and afternoon heat
- Weather: Check conditions – small boats can’t operate in rough seas
- Group bookings: Charter a private boat for 8-10 people – often cheaper per person
π₯ Where Locals Actually Go
These beaches are where Pattaya residents spend their weekends – far from tourist areas:
The Local Secret: 20km south of Pattaya, this fishing village beach is where local families come for weekend picnics. No tourists, no beach vendors, just authentic Thai beach life.
What You’ll Find: Fresh seafood restaurants run by fishermen’s families, locals playing volleyball, children swimming safely in calm waters, and the cheapest beer on any beach in the area.
Local Experience: Visit the fishing pier at 5-6 PM when boats return with the day’s catch. Locals will invite you to join their beach barbecues if you’re friendly.
The Ultimate Secret: This beach doesn’t appear on any map. Locals call it “the beach behind the temple” and it’s accessible only through a path behind Wat Mae Ping temple.
Getting There: Find Wat Mae Ping temple north of Naklua, park at the temple, walk through the grounds and follow the narrow path behind the main building. 10-minute walk to the beach.
What Makes It Special: Completely undiscovered by tourists. Sometimes you’ll have the entire beach to yourself. Perfect for meditation, yoga, or simply escaping civilization.
π Best Sunset Beaches
While most Pattaya beaches face east, these secret spots offer spectacular sunset views:
π Top 3 Sunset Spots
- Pratumnak Viewpoint Beach: Hidden path behind Pratumnak Temple leads to a small beach with unobstructed west-facing sunset views
- Big Buddha Hill Beach: Secluded beach at the base of Big Buddha Hill, accessible via steep path from the temple
- Koh Larn West Coast: Boat-accessible beaches on the western side of Koh Larn offer the best sunset views in the area
π€ How to Get to Hidden Beaches
Transportation Options
Method | Cost | Best For | Booking |
---|---|---|---|
Private Longtail Boat | ΰΈΏ1,500-2,500 | Groups of 6-10 | Bali Hai Pier |
Speedboat Charter | ΰΈΏ4,000-8,000 | Luxury, fast travel | Ocean Marina |
Join Tour Group | ΰΈΏ800-1,200 | Budget travelers | Beach Road agents |
Motorbike | ΰΈΏ250-350/day | Mainland beaches | Rental shops |
Songthaew + Walk | ΰΈΏ30-50 | Adventure seekers | Beach Road |
π€ Boat Booking Tips
- Best prices: Book directly at Bali Hai Pier, not through hotels
- Negotiate: Especially for private boats – prices are always flexible
- Weather dependent: Small boats can’t operate in rough conditions
- Fuel costs: Prices increase when oil prices rise
- Group deals: Split costs with other travelers at the pier
β° Best Times to Visit
Daily Timing
Perfect for: Photography, peaceful swimming, avoiding crowds
Pros: Cool temperatures, calm waters, golden light
Cons: Some boat services don’t start until 8 AM
Perfect for: Sunset views, local fishing boat arrivals
Pros: Beautiful light, fishing boats returning with catch
Cons: Can be crowded on weekends
Perfect for: Maximum privacy, better prices
Pros: Fewer local visitors, cheaper boat rates
Cons: Some local restaurants may be closed
Seasonal Considerations
π Sea Conditions by Season
High Season (Nov-Mar): Calm seas, perfect for boat trips
Hot Season (Apr-May): Very calm but extremely hot
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Rough seas, many boat services suspended
π What to Bring
Essential Items
π Beach Essentials
- Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, UV shirt
- Water: Bring more than you think you need – many beaches have no shops
- Snacks: Energy bars, fruit – especially for boat-only beaches
- Cash: Small bills for boat drivers and local vendors
- Waterproof bag: For phone and valuables
- Towel: Quick-dry travel towel saves space
Photography Gear
πΈ Photo Tips for Hidden Beaches
- Waterproof camera/phone case: Essential for snorkeling shots
- Drone: Check local regulations – some areas prohibit drones
- Polarizing filter: Reduces water glare for better underwater visibility
- Extra batteries: Hot sun drains battery quickly
β οΈ Safety & Beach Etiquette
π¨ Important Safety Guidelines
- Ocean Safety: Check current conditions before swimming – some hidden beaches have strong currents
- Boat Safety: Ensure boats have life jackets and safety equipment
- Local Wildlife: Don’t feed monkeys or approach wild animals
- Weather Awareness: Sudden storms can make boat returns dangerous
- Communication: Tell someone your plans and expected return time
Respecting Local Communities
π€ Beach Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash – these beaches stay pristine because locals care for them
- Respect Fishing Areas: Don’t swim near fishing nets or boats working
- Modest Dress: Cover up when walking through fishing villages
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing local people
- Support Locals: Buy food and drinks from local vendors when available
ποΈ Your Secret Beach Adventure Awaits
These hidden beaches represent the best of what Pattaya has to offer beyond its famous nightlife and crowded tourist areas. Each spot offers something unique – whether it’s the pristine wilderness of Bamboo Island, the authentic local culture of Bang Saray, or the mysterious beauty of Monkey Beach.
Remember, the key to enjoying these secret spots is respecting the local environment and communities that have preserved them. These beaches remain beautiful because locals and aware visitors take care of them.
Start with the easier-to-access beaches like Wang Ping or Bang Saray to get a feel for local beach culture, then work your way up to the boat-only adventures like Bamboo Island or Monkey Beach.
For more Pattaya insider tips, check out our guide to hidden local restaurants and learn about getting around Pattaya like a local.
ποΈ Ready to Discover Pattaya’s Secret Beaches?
Share this guide with fellow beach lovers and help them escape the crowds! Keep it secret, keep it special.
π± Share Secretly π First Day Guide π Best Time to VisitEnjoy the hidden paradise responsibly! ποΈπ€«