Ultimate Pattaya Beach Secrets: Amazing Hidden Gems You Must Discover

Ultimate Pattaya Beach Secrets: Amazing Hidden Gems You Must Discover – Pattaya UP2U

Ultimate Pattaya Beach Secrets: Amazing Hidden Gems You Must Discover

Discover Secret Paradise Beyond the Crowds

πŸ–οΈ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Tired of crowded Pattaya Beach? Discover 12 secret beaches and hidden coves that locals have kept to themselves for years. From pristine white sand beaches accessible only by boat to secluded spots perfect for romantic sunsets, this insider guide reveals exactly where to find Pattaya’s most beautiful and peaceful coastal gems.

πŸ–οΈ Hidden Beach Explorer

Click to discover your perfect secret beach!

πŸ—ΊοΈ Beach Overview Map
🀫 Top Secret Beaches
🏝️ Nearby Island Beaches
🏞️ Hidden Coves & Bays
πŸ‘₯ Local Favorites
πŸŒ… Best Sunset Beaches
🚀 How to Get There
⏰ Best Times to Visit
πŸŽ’ What to Bring
⚠️ Safety & Etiquette

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.

12
Secret Beaches Revealed
5
Accessible Only by Boat
3
Perfect for Families
90%
Fewer Crowds Than Main Beaches

πŸ—ΊοΈ 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

🀫 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.”

🀫 Top Secret Beaches

🏝️ Bamboo Island Beach (Ko Kham)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Paradise
Crowd: Very Low
Access: Boat Only
Best: 9 AM – 4 PM

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.

πŸ’ Monkey Beach (Had Ling)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wild Adventure
Crowd: Very Low
Access: Boat Only
Best: Early Morning

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.

🌊 Wang Ping Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Local Favorite
Crowd: Low
Access: Motorbike/Car
Best: Sunset

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.

🏝️ Nearby Island Beaches

These island beaches require boat transport but offer some of the most beautiful and secluded experiences near Pattaya:

πŸ’Ž Sai Keaw Beach (Koh Samet)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ White Sand Paradise
Crowd: Low-Medium
Access: Ferry + Motorbike
Best: Weekdays

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).

🚀 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

🏞️ Hidden Coves & Bays

These secret spots are tucked away along Pattaya’s coastline, perfect for romantic moments or peaceful solitude:

Hidden Spot Location Best Feature Access Difficulty Ideal Time
Sunset Cove South of Jomtien Perfect sunset views Easy walk 5-7 PM
Fisherman’s Bay North of Naklua Local fishing boats Moderate hike Early morning
Rocky Point Cove Behind Sanctuary of Truth Natural rock pools Easy access Low tide
Secret Lagoon Koh Larn backside Protected from waves Boat + swim Calm days
Lovers’ Beach Pratumnak Hill Private atmosphere Short walk Sunset

πŸ‘₯ Where Locals Actually Go

These beaches are where Pattaya residents spend their weekends – far from tourist areas:

🎣 Bang Saray Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authentic Local Life
Crowd: Local Only
Access: Car/Motorbike
Best: Weekday Afternoons

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.

🌸 Mae Ping Beach
⭐⭐⭐ Hidden Local Gem
Crowd: Very Low
Access: Local Knowledge
Best: Early Morning

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.

πŸŒ… Best Sunset Beaches

While most Pattaya beaches face east, these secret spots offer spectacular sunset views:

πŸŒ… Top 3 Sunset Spots

  1. Pratumnak Viewpoint Beach: Hidden path behind Pratumnak Temple leads to a small beach with unobstructed west-facing sunset views
  2. Big Buddha Hill Beach: Secluded beach at the base of Big Buddha Hill, accessible via steep path from the temple
  3. Koh Larn West Coast: Boat-accessible beaches on the western side of Koh Larn offer the best sunset views in the area

🚀 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

🚀 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

⏰ Best Times to Visit

Daily Timing

Early Morning (6-9 AM)

Perfect for: Photography, peaceful swimming, avoiding crowds
Pros: Cool temperatures, calm waters, golden light
Cons: Some boat services don’t start until 8 AM

Late Afternoon (3-6 PM)

Perfect for: Sunset views, local fishing boat arrivals
Pros: Beautiful light, fishing boats returning with catch
Cons: Can be crowded on weekends

Weekdays

Perfect for: Maximum privacy, better prices
Pros: Fewer local visitors, cheaper boat rates
Cons: Some local restaurants may be closed

Seasonal Considerations

🌊 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

πŸŽ’ What to Bring

Essential Items

🌞 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

πŸ“Έ 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

⚠️ Safety & Beach Etiquette

🚨 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

🀝 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

πŸ–οΈ 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.

12
Hidden beaches revealed
ΰΈΏ500-2000
Average day trip cost
90%
Less crowded than main beaches
Year-round
Most accessible seasons

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.

πŸ–οΈ 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.

πŸ“± Share Secretly πŸ“ First Day Guide πŸ“… Best Time to Visit

Enjoy the hidden paradise responsibly! πŸ–οΈπŸ€«

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