Clear water
Far clearer than the city beach.
Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · calflier001 — CC BY-SA 2.0 · calflier001 — CC BY-SA 2.0 · calflier001 — CC BY-SA 2.0
Pattaya's most popular sea trip: a green island some seven and a half kilometres offshore, about four kilometres long, with forested hills, white sand beaches and water far clearer than the city beach. Many call it Coral Island. Its best-known beaches are Tawaen, Samae, Tien and Nual, each with its own character: Tawaen is the largest and liveliest, with water sports and restaurants, and Samae the prettiest with its clear water. Visitors move between beaches by shared pick-up trucks or rented motorbikes, and a shrine and viewpoint crown the island's highest point. The public ferry from Bali Hai pier in south Pattaya costs about forty baht each way and takes forty minutes to an hour; speedboats are faster and dearer. Some beaches charge small fees for entry or chairs. Set off in the morning and check the time of the last ferry back in the afternoon. Bring sun cream, swimwear and cash, and be wary of riding motorbikes on the hilly roads if you are not used to it.
Far clearer than the city beach.
One of the island's prettiest.
A public ferry for a small fare.
About 7.5 km west of Pattaya, by ferry from Bali Hai pier
The ferry is far cheaper and calmer and suits families, but is slower with set times. A speedboat is faster and flexible, but dearer and bumpier.