Pattaya Beach

Facing Pattaya Bay, this 4 km crescent-shaped stretch is the most happening part of Pattaya, lined with hotels, shopping malls, bars, restaurants and discotheques on the other side of the popular promenade and Pattaya Beach Road. The northern part is more sedate, while the central and southern parts are more lively, day or night - especially the southern part, which is Pattaya's most popular nightlife area.
Over the past few years this area has undergone a major clean-up, and even the ocean water here is the clearest it's been in years. From here boats take visitors to offshore islands or on fishing excursions, and a host of watersport activities are offered. The best way to enjoy this beach is to get comfortable in a beach chair under the shade of an umbrella (all for hire), and wait for the food vendors to come around with freshly steamed shrimp or crispy, deep-fried crabs. Or, even better, spoil yourself with a traditional Thai massage - right there on the beach. Life is sweet...