5 beaches near Bangkok: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf
Beaches near Bangkok
When looking for the best Thai beaches, many will tell you to head to Southern Thailand. Here, you’ll find Phuket, with its white-sand beaches, lively nightlife, and stunning sunsets, Krabi on the west coast, where thrilling adventures and breathtaking beaches await, and the famous resort island of Koh Samui. But if you’re visiting Bangkok and don’t have time to travel hundreds of miles to the south, don’t worry because amazing beach destinations are just a stone's throw from the vibrant capital. Half a day or less is all it takes to reach these places by road, rail, or ferry.
Pick your Bangkok beach adventure. From swimming and snorkeling to scuba diving or simply admiring the natural beauty and soaking up the sun on the sandy shore, the beaches near Bangkok offer a tropical paradise for locals and visitors.
Plan a fun beach day to beat the heat and take a break from the busy city life. If it’s a last-minute decision and you don’t have time to pack a beach bag, leave your non-essential items at a Bounce luggage storage facility in Bangkok and grab only what you need for the beach.
Our top picks for the best beaches near Bangkok
Numerous water sports, pristine beaches, soft sands, swaying palm trees, picturesque surroundings, and luxury resorts - these are just a few of the countless things you can expect in many beaches near Bangkok. Our helpful guide will help you find your tropical oasis just outside the Bangkok City Centre.
Hua Hin Beach
About a three-hour drive from Bangkok will take you to Hua Hin, a coastal gem known for its soft-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re into thrilling water sports, you’ll love its banana boat rides, jet skis, and water skis. Hua Hin and the west coast are also a beloved spot for adrenaline junkies who enjoy parasailing and windsurfing.
Hua Hin Beach spans about four kilometers from the main town to Khao Takiab. Although a famous beach destination near Bangkok, Hua Hin doesn’t get overcrowded, so you’ll always find a quiet spot to relax. Plenty of sun loungers, beach umbrellas, and deck chairs are available for a small hourly fee, or bring your own and leave them somewhere safe with Bounce so you don't have to carry them around.
If you want to explore other beaches in the Hua Hin area, check out Pranburi Beach, Khao Takiab Beach, Suan Son Beach, and Cha Am Beach, just 20 kilometers north of Hua Hin. Cha Am Beach isn’t exactly the most beautiful beach here, but it’s a nice and quiet weekend destination with tasty fresh seafood.
You can take the express train 43 from the modern Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Hua Hin for a three-hour comfortable trip or 169 rapid train for 3 hours and 50 minutes. Several air-conditioned and non-air-con buses also leave Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal for Hua Hin. Store your luggage with Bounce to ensure a hassle-free commute from the capital and navigate public transportation with ease.
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach is almost always busy, and it’s easy to see why. It offers a fun-filled vacation for beach lovers and thrill seekers, whether you’re into snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, or simply sunbathing.
If you don’t enjoy dipping in the sea, an amusement park called Thai Wake Park is a short distance from the beach. It’s the only place in Pattaya for wakeskating, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Don’t worry if you haven’t done these watersports before because the park has free lessons and basic equipment. Low-speed sessions for beginners are available every morning.
You have several transportation options from Bangkok to Pattaya and the journey takes about 3 or 3.5 hours by bus or train. You can catch a bus from the Mo Chit bus terminal or the Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Pattaya T Tour Station. Pattaya Beach is only 1.1 kilometers from the station. Alternatively, take train 977, the fastest train service from Bangkok City Centre to Pattaya. Trains 283 and 284 will also take you close to the beach from the capital.
Jomtien Beach
Not far from Pattaya Beach is another seaside paradise, Jomtien Beach, known for its beautiful emerald green sea and a stretch of white sand. If Pattaya Beach is a bit hectic for you, Jomtien is the place to be, with a serene and calm atmosphere. You can swim, dive to see the corals, windsurf, skateboard, and more.
For those who want easy access to city conveniences, you’ll be pleased to find luxury resorts, hotels, and high-rise buildings near Jomtien Beach. These include the Jomtien Palm Beach Resort and Hotel and the stunning Welcome World Beachfront Resort, nestled along Dongtan Beach’s golden sands.
You can take the same route from Bangkok to Pattaya. From the bus terminal or train station, hop on the songtaew, a local ride-sharing truck, to get to Jomtien Beach. Although songtaews can accommodate luggage, they're not designed for large suitcases. Only bring what you need for the beach and store your non-essentials in a nearby Bounce storage spot.
Bang Saen Beach
Just over 100km from Thailand’s capital city, Bang Saen Beach is one of the must-visit beaches near Bangkok. It can get pretty busy, especially during weekends, but if you want to experience beach life like a true local, this is the place to be.
Aside from allowing you to beat the Thailand heat, perhaps one of Bang Saen Beach’s draws is its accessibility. You can just jump in the car or drive a motorbike and head to the beach to spend a relaxing afternoon there. You’ll also find a lot of beach chairs and umbrellas along the beach and eateries selling fresh seafood.
To reach this slice of paradise, hop on a van or bus at the Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Ekkamai. Vans will drop you off at Burapha University Hospital, which is about three kilometers from the beach, while buses stop at Nong Mon market. Then, you can catch a songtaew to get to the beach.
Sai Kaew Beach
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination and a place where you can focus on the moment and forget all your worries, Sai Kaew Beach doesn’t disappoint. It’s a quiet and peaceful white sand beach with clean, transparent waters nestled on the picturesque island of Koh Samet in Rayong. It’s quite large, so it doesn’t get crowded, and you’ll always find a lovely spot to admire the surroundings.
Everything you might need for an amazing day at the beach is available, from bathrooms and showers to beach bars and restaurants. If you want to stay overnight or are looking for a memorable getaway, head to Sai Kaew Beach Resort. It’s complete with a wellness center, swimming pool, fitness room, and playground and offers snorkeling tours, water sports, and numerous activities for all ages. Also, get ready for tasty cuisine, live music, beach parties, and fire shows at Winkks Beach Club for the ultimate beachfront experience.
Numerous bus services connect Bangkok and Rayong. Hop on a bus Cherdchai Tour Bus or Krua Kun Pa bus from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal or Minibus Station at Chatuchak and get off at Ban Phe, Rayong. From there, take a ferry or speed boat for a short boat ride to the island. The whole journey takes about three hours.
The area around Bangkok is blessed with stunning beaches, but that isn't all you can do here. Planning to do some sightseeing or shopping after the beach? With some of the best beaches near Bangkok close to several city attractions, markets, and local experiences, you won't want your bags weighing you down. Our luggage storage service gives you the flexibility to change your travel plans and enjoy dinner or shopping hands-free.