Pattaya's beaches, compared

From the long city strip to the white sand of Koh Larn, here are the beaches worth your towel time around Pattaya.

A small, sheltered cove tucked below Pratumnak Hill — calmer and prettier than the city beaches, popular with residents for a quieter swim.

Pattaya's longest beach — a wide, relaxed strip of sand south of the city that's better for swimming, sunbathing and watersports than the busier city beach.

A low-key local beach at the Naklua end, quieter and more residential than the main strip.

A small, quiet Koh Larn cove (also called Monkey Beach) for those seeking seclusion.

The city's central, crescent-shaped main beach — lively, convenient and lined with the action, better for a stroll, people-watching and sunsets than serious swimming.

One of Koh Larn nicest beaches, with white sand, clear water and a relaxed scene.

The main, liveliest beach on Koh Larn (Coral Island), with the most facilities, watersports and restaurants.

A quieter, prettier Koh Larn beach with clearer water, a favourite for a calmer island day.

A peaceful, less-developed Koh Larn beach on the quieter side of the island.

The calmer, more upscale beach at the northern Naklua end — softer sand, fewer crowds and a string of resorts and high-end condos behind it.