Best beaches near Bangkok include Koh Samet, Koh Larn, Hua Hin, Pranburi, and Bang Saen.
If you want clear water, soft sand, and an easy trip, this guide will help you. I’ve spent more than a month visiting the best beaches near Bangkok, and I learned what works and what doesn’t. Here, I explain what to see, when to go, how to get there, and how to plan your days without stress. Keep reading to find the beach that fits your time, budget, and mood.
How to Choose the Best Beaches Near Bangkok
Bangkok gives you choices. You can go for a quick day trip or a lazy weekend on an island. The best beaches near Bangkok differ in vibe, crowd size, and water color. Your pick depends on time, comfort, and what you want to do.
Here is a simple way to choose fast:
- If you want a fast day trip with local food: choose Bang Saen or Koh Si Chang.
- If you want an island with clear water: choose Koh Larn or Koh Samet.
- If you want a relaxed town with markets and long walks: choose Hua Hin or Cha-Am.
- If you love peace, mangroves, and chic stays: choose Pranburi.
I test beaches in all seasons. I track travel time, ferry gaps, and crowds. This helps me rank the best beaches near Bangkok by ease and value.
Quick Picks by Travel Style
- Best for a one-day escape: Bang Saen (fast, cheap, lots of food stalls).
- Best island for first-timers: Koh Larn (short ferry, clear water, many beaches).
- Best powdery sand and blue water: Koh Samet (national park vibes, perfect weekend).
- Best family town: Hua Hin (night market, cafés, wide beaches).
- Best for couples and peace: Pranburi (quiet resorts, long, empty shores).
- Best for snorkeling close to town: Koh Si Chang (rocky coves, cool viewpoints).
- Best budget break: Pattaya plus a ferry to Koh Larn (value and choice).
Use these as a compass when hunting for the best beaches near Bangkok.
Top Beaches Within 2 Hours
These spots work well if you want sand without long travel. I use them for lazy Sundays, sunset rides, and quick swims. They are not far, so you keep costs low and time high on the beach.
Bang Saen, Chonburi
Bang Saen is close, lively, and full of Thai food stalls. The sand is dark but clean. Water is calm most days. Go early on weekends to avoid traffic. I rent a beach chair, order grilled squid, and just watch the sky change.
What I love:
- One to one and a half hours by car or van.
- Great for groups and kids.
- Cheap eats, bikes for rent, and a fun promenade.
Pattaya City Beaches
Pattaya is busy and bold. The main beach is long and easy to reach. Jomtien nearby is more relaxed. The real gem is to use Pattaya as a gateway to Koh Larn. That is my normal plan when I want clear water fast.
What to know:
- Two hours from Bangkok.
- Many hotels, from simple to luxe.
- Take the ferry to Koh Larn for better water.
Koh Si Chang (via Si Racha)
Koh Si Chang is small, raw, and real. The ferry is short. The island has rocky coves, clear patches, and ridge views. It is not about white sand. It is about vibe. I go here to unplug and eat fresh crab with sea views.
Tips:
- Drive or van to Si Racha, then a 40-minute ferry.
- Rent a scooter for the day.
- Best for a quiet, low-cost day trip.
If you need speed and value, these are some of the best beaches near Bangkok.
Island Escapes Within 3–4 Hours
If you have a weekend, go for an island. The water is clearer. The sand is softer. The mood is calm.
Koh Larn (off Pattaya)
This is a star for first-time island trips. Ferries from Bali Hai Pier run often. Tawaen, Samae, and Tien beaches are the main draws. I go early, pick a quieter cove, and leave before sunset crowds.
Good to know:
- Ferry about 30 THB; speedboats cost more but are faster.
- Clear water and soft sand.
- Go on weekdays for fewer people.
Koh Samet (Rayong)
Koh Samet is in a national park. Expect bright sand and blue water. I like Ao Phai for a social vibe and Ao Wai for calm. There is a park fee on arrival. It helps keep the island clean.
Key facts:
- Three to four hours total via Ban Phe pier, then a ferry or speedboat.
- National park fee applies (cash needed).
- Great for a two-night stay.
For many travelers, these two islands feel like the best beaches near Bangkok for a classic island feel.
Classic Mainland Shores South of Bangkok
Southbound roads deliver long, gentle beaches. They are great for beach walks, night markets, and café hopping.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin blends history, food, and easy fun. The beach is wide with soft sand. I like morning horse rides and evening walks at the night market. It is busy in peak season but still mellow.
Travel notes:
- Three to three and a half hours by car, bus, or train.
- Plenty of hotels, from budget to five-star.
- Family friendly and calm surf most months.
Cha-Am
Cha-Am sits before Hua Hin. It is simple and less crowded. Think deck chairs, fresh seafood, and a slow pace. It is a good pick if you want fewer people on weekends.
Pranburi
Pranburi is my go-to for peace. The shoreline is long and quiet. There are chic eco-resorts and mangroves. I bring a bike and ride at sunrise.
For calm and comfort, these towns often rank among the best beaches near Bangkok.
Practical Itineraries and Day-Trip Plans
Here are plans I use and recommend.
- Fastest day trip: Bangkok to Bang Saen. Leave by 7 a.m. Swim, eat, nap, return by dusk.
- Short island day: Drive or van to Pattaya. Ferry to Koh Larn. Pick Tien Beach. Return by sunset.
- Classic weekend: Friday night to Hua Hin. Saturday beach and night market. Sunday brunch and spa.
- Blue-water weekend: Friday to Ban Phe. Ferry to Koh Samet. Two nights. Return Sunday late.
- Quiet couples’ break: Two nights in Pranburi. Beach walks, mangrove boardwalk, slow meals.
These routes keep travel light and help you enjoy the best beaches near Bangkok with less stress.
Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips
The dry season runs from November to April. Skies are blue and seas calm. This is peak time for the best beaches near Bangkok. Book early for December to February.
May to October brings rain. Mornings can be clear, with showers in the afternoon. I still go, but I plan indoor breaks. Jellyfish can appear at times near Hua Hin and Cha-Am. Check local flags and follow lifeguard advice.
Wind and swell pick up during storms. Avoid risky swims and keep an eye on kids. The sea can change fast.
Getting There: Transport and Costs
Bangkok has many routes to the coast. Here is a simple guide I use.
- Vans and buses:
- Ekkamai (Eastern Bus Terminal) to Pattaya, Si Racha, and Rayong.
- Southern Bus Terminal to Hua Hin and Pranburi.
- Train:
- Trains to Hua Hin run daily. Seats are cheap and comfy.
- Driving:
- Bang Na–Trat or Motorway 7 to Chonburi and Pattaya.
- Phetkasem Road to Hua Hin and beyond.
Typical costs one way per person:
- Bangkok to Pattaya: 120–200 THB by van or bus.
- Pattaya to Koh Larn ferry: about 30 THB.
- Ban Phe to Koh Samet ferry: about 100 THB. Speedboats cost more.
- Bangkok to Hua Hin: 180–350 THB by bus or train, class based.
I keep cash for ferries, songthaews, and the park fee on Koh Samet. This keeps things smooth when seeking the best beaches near Bangkok.
Responsible Beach Travel and Safety
Let’s keep these shores beautiful for the next trip.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. It helps coral and sea life.
- Take your trash back to town bins.
- Do not feed fish or touch coral.
- Wear life jackets on boats. Check the weather app before you go.
- Respect flags and local rules. Some areas are in national parks.
- On Koh Samet, the park fee supports upkeep. Keep the ticket.
These small steps protect the best beaches near Bangkok and make your visit safer and kinder.
Frequently Asked Questions of best beaches near bangkok
What are the closest nice beaches to Bangkok for a day trip?
Bang Saen and Koh Si Chang are the closest solid options. Pattaya works too, but I suggest adding Koh Larn for better water.
Which island has the clearest water near Bangkok?
Koh Samet and Koh Larn usually have the clearest water. Pick weekdays for fewer crowds and better photos.
Is Hua Hin a good choice for families?
Yes. Hua Hin has gentle waves, many hotels, and easy food. The night market and cafés add simple fun.
How much budget should I plan for a weekend beach trip?
For a simple weekend, plan 2,000–4,000 THB per person. This covers transport, a guesthouse, food, and ferries.
When is the best time to visit the beaches near Bangkok?
November to April is best for sun and calm seas. You can still visit in the rainy season if you plan around showers.
Is Koh Samet worth the park fee?
Yes. The fee helps keep the island clean and managed. Most travelers find the water and sand well worth it.
Can I rent a scooter on the islands?
Yes, on Koh Larn and Koh Si Chang you can. Drive slow, wear a helmet, and bring a license.
Conclusion
You do not need to fly south for blue water and soft sand. The best beaches near Bangkok are close, varied, and easy to reach. Pick a quick day at Bang Saen, an island glow on Koh Larn or Koh Samet, or a calm retreat in Hua Hin or Pranburi. Pack light, start early, and chase the tide, not the clock.
Ready to plan your next coastal escape? Save this guide, share it with a friend, and tell me which beach you will visit first.
