5 beaches near Bangkok: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf

Published by: BouncePosted
Beaches near Bangkok

There's really no disputing that Thailand has some of the very best beaches on the planet. Even the big and bustling Thai capital, Bangkok, is located on the Gulf of Thailand, meaning you never have to travel far to find the next beautiful white sand beach.

In fact, there are so many beaches to choose from in Thailand you really have your pick of the kind of place you want to go. Whether you're looking for an isolated beach surrounded by jungle or a well-developed party beach with all the top amenities, it's not hard to find excellent beaches near Bangkok.

If you're looking forward to an outstanding beach vacation, you can find it here. And staying close to Bangkok means you also have access to all the amenities and cultural attractions of this unbelievably vibrant city.

But the key to enjoying the best Thai beach vacation is to make sure you don't carry more than you need to. Luckily, Bounce partners with local businesses in Bangkok and in hundreds of cities around the world to make sure you always have a place to store your things, especially near Bangkok Airport and the city's main attractions. Bounce can accommodate even large items like surfboards and sporting equipment, so you never need to be stuck with heavy bags while you explore the best beaches near Bangkok.

Cha Am Beach near Bangkok

Cha Am Beach

This resort town is located on one of the most famous beaches near Bangkok. Although its popularity means this might not be the place to enjoy a peaceful beach vacation, Cha Am offers great amenities and things to do, and its proximity to the capital means it's definitely a place to consider when you're looking for beaches near Bangkok.

Travel distance from Bangkok:

Cha Am Beach is a little over 150 km from central Bangkok and Hua Lamphong. Therefore, it takes about two and a half hours of driving to reach. It's also possible to reach Cha Am Beach by train, but it will require a couple of connections and could take more than five hours, so it may not be practical.

Activity recommendations:

Water sports: Thanks to its popularity as a result, there are tons of fun things to do on Cha Am Beach. You can go on banana boat rides, try your hand at jet skiing or waterskiing, or go scuba diving and experience the local wildlife of this beautiful Thailand destination.

Visit the palaces: The area around Cha Am is home to several impressive palaces, including Maruek Kathayawan Palace, Phra Nakorn Khiri Royal Palace, and Phra Ramrachaniwet Palace. Many of these beautiful palaces are open to the public, and they're fascinating places to explore if you're looking for a little more intellectual stimulation on your Thailand beach vacation.

Cha Am ATV Park: If you're looking for something a little more exciting, head to this ATV park and test your skills on the off-road vehicles available for rent. There are multiple ATV courses on offer here to suit all skill levels, as well as a paintball facility and an archery range, making this a great place to come for an outdoor adventure.

Pattaya Beach near Bangkok

Pattaya Beach

This three-kilometer-long beach offers a different atmosphere depending on where on the beach you go. The north end of Pattaya Beach is quite quiet and is a great place to go if you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery. The south end, meanwhile, is closer to central Pattaya, so there are more amenities, including bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. But it's also a less relaxing place to spend some time. Having the two different areas makes Pattaya Beach a great option if you want some variety in your Thailand beach vacation.

Travel distance from Bangkok:

It's around 150 km from central Bangkok to Pattaya Beach. Expect to drive to take an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic.

Activity recommendations:

Underwater World Aquarium: A great option if you're traveling with kids or if you just want to experience the underwater world without actually going underwater, this popular aquarium is the perfect place to meet the denizens of the deep near Pattaya Beach.

Khao Phra Tamnak Viewpoint: Located at the southern end of the beach, this viewpoint gives you an impressive view over the beach and the skyscrapers of the city behind. Standing here, you'd never mistake Pattaya Beach for the remote and largely undeveloped Koh Chang island, for example. But the juxtaposition of the natural environment and the city behind it makes for its own kind of beauty.

Jomtien Beach: Along with Pattaya's main beach, this stretch of sand offers an even more remote experience, so if you're looking for quiet beaches near Bangkok, this can be a good option. This formerly rural area is no longer as remote as it once was, but Jomtien Beach still provides a way to get away from it all under the swaying palm trees without traveling too far from Bangkok.

Hua Hin Beach near Bangkok

Hua Hin Beach

Well known as one of the best beaches near Bangkok, Hua Hin requires a long journey to reach, but along with the neighboring Cha Am Beach, offers one of the best beach experiences you can have in this part of Thailand. Hua Hin was Thailand's first beach resort, growing rapidly from the moment the railway arrived in the 1920s. It still remains one of the most popular seaside locales in all of Thailand and unquestionably offers one of the best beaches near Bangkok.

Travel distance from Bangkok:

Hua Hin Beach lies 200 km from Bangkok. That means you'll spend around two and a half hours driving here. Alternatively, you could get to this resort town the way generations of Thai people have done: by taking the train. The Special Express will take you directly to the town, but it takes over three hours. However, once you arrive at the station, the beach is very close by and is walkable if you're not carrying too much.

Activity recommendations:

Beaches: Hua Hin has several different beaches to choose from. Suan Son Pradipat is a popular choice with families, while Khao Tao offers exceptional views from its hilltop temple. Central Hua Hin, meanwhile, is the busiest beach in the area, but that means it has more amenities and things to do, from pony rides to jet skis, and tons of options for fresh seafood at local restaurants.

Kui Buri National Park: It may be an hour's drive south of Hua Hin Beach, but this exceptional national park is worth considering while you're in the area. Located close to the border with Myanmar, this park is home to incredible wildlife, including hundreds of species of birds, monkeys, and even wild elephants.

Vana Nava Water Jungle: This local waterpark near Hua Hin Beach is understandably popular with families, but you don't need to have kids with you to enjoy the place. The waterslides, wave pools, and other rides can keep people of all ages busy for a full day, and it's the perfect place to cool off in the heat of a Thai summer.

Hua Hin may be a good distance from Bangkok, but there's so much to do here that it is a truly year-round destination. Thailand has relatively warm temperatures throughout the year, and there are enough attractions and activities here to keep you occupied no matter when you visit.

Bet beach weekend trips from Bangkok

Sai Kaew Beach

Close to Pattaya Beach, Sai Kaew Beach in Sattahip offers a welcoming family vibe, along with crystal clear water, soft sand, and everything else you need for an incredible beach vacation. Not to be confused with the beach of the same name on the island of Koh Samet, Sai Kaew Beach is close enough to Bangkok to visit on a day trip or a longer weekend trip and is one of the best beaches near Bangkok if you just want to relax and take it easy.

Travel distance from Bangkok:

It's about 170 km from central Bangkok to Sai Kaew Beach. Expect the drive to take a little over two hours, depending on traffic.

Activity recommendations:

Silverlake Vineyard: While visiting this beautiful vineyard, you could be forgiven for thinking you've magically been transported to rural Italy. Sample the local wines and learn more about the winemaking progress in this popular part of Thailand, and you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the growing Thai wine industry.

Wat Yansangwararam: This beautiful temple is a fascinating place to visit to get a deeper insight into Thai culture. Although the temple isn't particularly historic, having only been built in 1976, it is an interesting place to explore thanks to its eclectic architectural style and peaceful gardens where you can breathe in the serenity and recharge your batteries in this sometimes busy area.

Cartoon Network Amazone: This waterpark is operated by the American TV channel the Cartoon Network and features characters from popular shows featured on the channel. It also has tons of waterslides, roller coasters, state-of-the-art video arcades, and virtual-reality experiences, making this a must-visit if you're traveling in the area with kids.

Sai Kaew is quite close to Pattaya, so there's always something to do in this area. Even if you visit during the off-season, you'll find that most of the top attractions around here are still open and receiving guests, and the smaller crowds in the off-season can make this beach an even better place to visit.

Pranburi Beach near Bangkok

Pranburi Beach

Although Bangkok is surrounded by some excellent beaches, the true Thailand remote beach experience can be elusive in this highly populated area. However, Pranburi Beach can give you a glimpse of that legendary Thai island beach experience without traveling too far from the capital. Plus, the area around Pranburi Beach has tons of things to do, so you never need to feel bored while exploring this area.

Travel distance from Bangkok:

It's about 230 km from Bangkok to Pranburi, which means a drive of around three hours. That might make it a little far for a day trip but is perfect for a weekend getaway. Besides, the remoteness is part of the appeal here.

Activity recommendations:

Beach: This may sound obvious, but the white sand beach of Pranburi is the main attraction here. Despite its almost astonishing beauty, the beach is not as swamped with tourists as nearby Hua Hin or Cha Am Beach, so the soft white sand, crystal clear water, and gentle sea breezes will give you that remote Thai island vibe without going too far from the city.

Pranburi Forest Park: Explore the mangrove forest and the tropical rainforest in this beautiful forest reserve. Raised wooden boardwalks will take you through the swamp so you can encounter local plants and wildlife, or you can take a boat tour to learn more about the unique ecosystem you'll find here.

Phraya Nakhon Cave: This beautiful cave is located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and is well worth the short trip away from the beach to see it for yourself. Millions of years of geology have shaped the beautiful stalagmites and underground pools of this show cave, so it's definitely worth exploring while you're here.

Pranburi may be a little further from Bangkok than some of the other beaches on this list. But its astonishing beauty makes it a prime candidate for a trip from the city. Plus, with so much to do in the area, this is not a place you only want to visit during the warm season. You can explore Pranburi at any time of year and have a great time.

Great beaches near Bangkok

Conclusion

The best beaches near Bangkok make ideal destinations for weekend trips from the city. Whether you're looking for a well-developed resort with all the amenities or a remote beach that will make you feel like you're a million miles away, the area around Bangkok can offer you everything you need for an incredible beach vacation. And if you're visiting Bangkok on a budget, these incredible beaches make great places to visit without spending a lot of money.

Drop off your luggage at a Bounce luggage storage before you visit, and make the most of your Thailand beach vacation.

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