Thailand is a beautiful country with incredibly diverse landscapes. None more notable than their incredible beaches. With sparkling white sands and glistening blue waters, there is no wonder why people love visiting Thailand’s beaches. What if you are looking for beaches in Bangkok? Unfortunately, there aren’t any beaches in Bangkok. There are many beaches near Bangkok for a quick day, or weekend trip from the city. This list covers the 7 best beaches near Bangkok, so you can get the best of both worlds. The busy metropolitan vibes and the calm beach fun!
What are Bangkok beaches like?
There are plenty of beaches in Thailand, and many are close to Bangkok. Bangkok beaches are absolutely stunning. They are filled with golden sands, clear blue waters, and lush palm trees. Better yet, most beaches near Bangkok aren’t overly crowded. It’s a wonderful way to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city.
7 Best Beaches Near Bangkok
Koh Samet
The nearest tropical island to Bangkok is Koh Samet, which is full of different beaches to explore. It takes roughly three hours to drive to Koh Samet from Bangkok, but there is so much to do on this island. There are 16 beaches on the island, and 15 are free for the public to enjoy! Koh Samet beaches may be free, but they are still clean and are full of fun activities.
If sunbathing isn’t your thing, then swim in the glorious waters of Koh Samet. Every beach has gentle waters that are perfect for swimming. Laem Yai and Ao Lukyon will give you a more relaxing beach experience. They are smaller beaches, so there is more space to rest on the warm sands. For more adventure, try visiting Diamond Beach. Here you can find live music playing, jet skis, and plenty of water sports fun. Koh Samet has the perfect blend of peaceful and exciting Bangkok beaches. It is well worth the drive!
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is the perfect Bangkok beach day trip since it is only 2.5 hours away from the capital. The beach city has become one of Thailand’s most popular beach spots, especially with families. The sands and waters are clean, their restaurant options are delicious, and there are many activities to enjoy! From windsurfing to riding ponies, there is a diverse range of experiences to be had at Hua Hin Beach. Take a stroll to the south side of the beach and visit Khao Takiab. This famous temple is known for having a huge golden statue of Buddha that stands against the towering cliffs.
There is so much to explore at this beach near Bangkok, but it still maintains a reputation for not being too crowded. Take the short drive to one of the best Bangkok beaches. You will get the best blend of activity and relaxation while visiting Hua Hin.
Koh Kood
The island of Koh Kood is a bit further away from Bangkok, so it is better for a weekend getaway. It takes about 4.5 hours driving from Bangkok to get here, but once you see Koh Kood, you’ll never want to leave. Despite being filled with spectacular beaches, Koh Kood is relatively unknown. The white sandy beaches are surrounded by lush jungles that create a gorgeous visual contrast. Thanks to hidden gem status, you get to enjoy all these beaches with little to no people!
That being said, Koh Kood is less developed than other Bangkok beaches, so getting here is a little tricky. If you want a beach that has more amenities, then Klong Chao Beach is the place to visit in Koh Kood. There are a few high-end resorts, restaurants and shops at this beach. To keep that “private” feeling, it is better to visit Klong Hin Beach. You will still enjoy breathtaking views of the blue waters and sugar-white sands, but with cheaper accommodations. There is less development here, but Klong Hin Beach definitely feels like you’re on a private island.
Cha-am
If you want to visit a smaller beach, then Cha-am may be the best place for you. Only two hours away from Bangkok, Cha-am is a charming town that has stunning beaches. Accommodations and restaurants in Cha-am are affordable as well for the traveller on a budget. There may be fewer activities in Cha-am than on some other Bangkok beaches, but it is a great place to get some rest and relaxation. Rent a sun chair and listen to the calm ocean waves that lie by your feet.
When you want a break from the white sandy beach, walk over to the Mrigadayavan Palace. This stunning feat of architecture was the summer palace of King Vajiravudh. It was used in the 1920’s and has now become a hot tourist destination. It is definitely a sight to see while visiting Cha-am. Visiting the palace will likely take a few hours! It is made up of 16 buildings that are connected by stunning corridors. Despite being built in the 1920’s, it has held its charm and beauty over the years.
Pranburi
Since you are driving a couple hours away from Bangkok, it’s best to make your trip to the beach worth it! After a visit to Cha-am, drive another half hour to visit Pranburi. This small beach is popular with locals, but continues to be a secret from tourists. Pranburi Beach is known as being the beginning of the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. This means the stunning beach is not only white sand and blue waters. The breathtaking beach is also surrounded by breathtaking lush greenery.
The waves of Pranburi are gentle and perfect for a swim, but not as much for intense water activities. Jet skis aren’t very popular at Pranburi, but there are plenty of kayak rentals at this Bangkok beach. Thanks to Pranburi being mostly a local beach, the food here is awesome. Find numerous Thai eateries and vendors that are selling local goodies right on the sands. No need to leave the beach for a bite of food here!
Pattaya
Pattaya is one of the closest beaches to Bangkok, taking less than two hours to get there. The massive beach recently underwent a beach restoration project, so the sands are cleaner than ever. Beaches are a great place for relaxation, but Pattaya likes to focus more on making fun beach parties. Along the Bangkok beach’s golden sands, visitors can find plenty of water sports rentals. From jet skills to parasailing, there’s a bit of everything to experience while here.
On the northern side of Pattaya, you will find a more laid-back atmosphere. Fortunately, the beach’s grand size allows for diverse experiences while visiting Pattaya. To take the beach trip a step further, visit one of the coral islands that surround Pattaya. There are many dive boats that take you back and forth from the two places. If you’re going to drive all the way to Pattaya, you might as well visit the surrounding islands as well!
Bang Saen
Pattaya is an awesome beach where you can have many adventures. But, what if you want a quick, laid back beach trip? Then visit Bang Saen beach! It’s located perfectly between the capital city and Pattaya. It is a small beach, but is a hidden gem Bangkok beach that tourists haven’t discovered yet. The sands are clean, the waters sparkle, and it’s hardly packed with crowds. What a great combination!
Lounge on the beach and soak in the warm Thai sun, or rent a kayak. Go onto the waters and vibe with the ocean waves. Even better, there are plenty of food options that are delightfully yummy. When you don’t want to spend too much time travelling, Bang Saen is the best Bangkok beach to visit. If you fall in love with Bang Saen and want to stay longer, there are cheap and luxury hotels to spend the night in.
Summary
Thailand is filled with gorgeous beaches that look like they are straight from a postcard. Though Bangkok is a great city, don’t forget to drive out once in a while to explore Thailand’s beaches. You will see just why the country is so famous for them! Whether you want to sunbathe, go for a swim, or ride a jet ski, there will be a beach that suits your tastes. Take a day trip to any of these beaches near Bangkok! After which you can enjoy Bangkok's night markets, nightclubs, cafes and much more. Safe travels!
