The best beaches to live in between Bangkok and Pattaya
While many travelers beeline straight to famous southern islands, some of Thailand’s most accessible and convenient beach experiences await just a few hours from the capital along the Gulf coast.
When people think of Thai beaches, images of distant southern islands often come to mind. Yet some of the most accessible, convenient, and expat-friendly beach communities in Thailand lie along the Eastern Seaboard between Bangkok and Pattaya. This stretch of Gulf of Thailand coastline offers clean sands, modern infrastructure, and established expat communities perfect for day trips or long-term living. For those seeking a balance between stunning natural beauty and practical amenities, this region provides unique alternatives to the more remote island destinations.
Why Choose the Eastern Seaboard?
The Eastern Seaboard region, particularly the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong, offers distinct advantages for both short-term visitors and expats. Accessibility is perhaps its greatest strength: the region is just a two-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), with the smaller U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong just 30 minutes from Pattaya for additional connectivity.
Unlike more isolated islands, the Eastern Seaboard has developed as an economic hub, resulting in modern infrastructure that supports comfortable living in Chonburi province. This includes international schools, comprehensive healthcare facilities, modern shopping complexes, and diverse dining options that extend beyond tourist-focused establishments. The area maintains a pleasant tropical climate year-round, with the dry season from December to February being particularly appealing.
Perhaps most importantly for expats, this region is home to Thailand’s largest expatriate community—approximately 200,000 foreigners—creating a supportive network and plenty of social opportunities.
Premier Beach Communities for Expats
1. Sri Racha: A Thriving Working Town with Global Flavors
Sri Racha is best understood as a vibrant coastal working town, not a resort destination. Its economy is driven by ports and factories, and it has a significant Japanese business presence. This creates a distinct international community and a surprising culinary scene, with an “unusually good spread of Japanese food” from authentic sushi bars and ramen shops to high-end yakiniku restaurants specializing in Kobe beef.
For daily life, the town offers solid infrastructure, including the Central Si Racha and Robinson Lifestyle shopping malls, well-stocked supermarkets, and local markets. While the nightlife is low-key, the town provides a “real Thailand” atmosphere—a stable, authentic place to live that is just a 20-minute drive to Pattaya for more entertainment options or a 90-minute bus ride to Bangkok.
Check out this Penthouse 1 hour from Bangkok and 1 hour from Pattaya
2. Ko Si Chang: A Step Back in Time
A short 40-minute ferry ride from Sri Racha lies Ko Si Chang, a small island offering a complete escape. This is not a place for beach parties or luxury resorts; it’s a quiet, historical island with a strong sense of community and traditional fishing culture.
The island’s main beach, Haad Tham Phang (Collapsed Cave Beach), offers a gently sloping sandy shore with basic facilities like beach chairs and local restaurants. The true appeal of Ko Si Chang is its rich history, including the beautiful gardens of a former royal summer palace, peaceful temples with stunning viewpoints, and sleepy local villages. With private cars banned and transportation relying on friendly “skylab” tuk-tuk drivers, life here is wonderfully slow and quiet. For expats who prioritize tranquility and culture over convenience, it’s a unique hideaway.
3. Jomtien Beach Area
Just south of Pattaya’s bustling center, Jomtien Beach offers one of the region’s most balanced environments for families and retirees. The beach itself is generally cleaner and less crowded than its northern neighbor, Pattaya Beach, with wider sands and a more relaxed atmosphere.
The infrastructure here is particularly strong, with proximity to international schools and several quality hospitals. Dining options range from casual beachfront eateries to upscale restaurants, and the area’s public transportation system is efficient and accessible.
For expat living, Jomtien presents diverse housing options, from high-rise condominiums with sea views to more spacious villas in quieter neighborhoods. Property values here offer good returns, and the area maintains a sense of community that blends both Thai and international residents.
4. Naklua/Wongamat Beach
Often described as Pattaya’s more sophisticated cousin, Naklua and Wongamat Beach in North Pattaya provide an upscale, serene coastal experience. This area features some of the region’s most exclusive beachfront developments, with clean, peaceful surroundings that feel worlds away from the busier southern sections.
The infrastructure here leans toward luxury while maintaining practicality. Residents enjoy easy access to Terminal 21 shopping mall and Central Marina, along with numerous high-end restaurants and cafes. Wongamat Beach itself is meticulously maintained, with soft sands and clearer waters than more tourist-heavy areas.
This neighborhood is particularly popular with European retirees and families seeking a more refined beachside lifestyle without sacrificing convenience. The area’s walkability and safety make it appealing for those who want to enjoy beach life without needing constant transportation.
5. Pratumnak Hill
Positioned between Pattaya Beach and Jomtien, Pratumnak Hill—often called the “Beverly Hills of Pattaya” offers a peaceful, green setting with panoramic sea views. The area combines hillside tranquility with proximity to amenities, making it ideal for retirees, couples, and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Pratumnak’s infrastructure includes upscale condos and villas, quality international clinics, and a selection of fine dining establishments. It’s walkable and quiet, yet just minutes from the energy of Central Pattaya. The area around Buddha Hill and Bali Hai Pier adds cultural and recreational options, from temple visits to water activities.
For expats considering long-term stays, Pratumnak offers moderately priced properties considering its prime location, with studio apartments renting for around $350 per month and two-bedroom pool villas available for approximately $700.
6. Bang Saray and Surrounding Areas
Venturing slightly further south toward Rayong province, the Bang Saray area offers a more authentically Thai beach experience while still providing essential infrastructure. This fishing village turned quiet resort town has managed to preserve its local character while welcoming a smaller, more integrated expat community.
The beach here tends to be clean and uncrowded, with a mix of local seafood restaurants and international dining options. Infrastructure includes essential services, international clinics, and easy access to larger shopping centers when needed.
For expats seeking a more immersive Thai experience without complete isolation, Bang Saray represents an excellent compromise. Housing costs are generally lower than in central Pattaya, and the pace of life is noticeably slower.
7. Koh Larn (Coral Island)
While technically an island, Koh Larn deserves mention as a premier day-trip destination accessible from Pattaya via regular ferry service. Just 7 kilometers offshore, this island offers some of the cleanest, clearest waters in the immediate region, with several beautiful beaches including Tawaen, Samae, and Tien.
Though not typically recommended for long-term expat living due to limited infrastructure, Koh Larn provides an idyllic escape for those living on the mainland. The island has developed sufficient amenities for day visitors—restaurants, equipment rentals, and basic facilities—while maintaining its natural beauty.
Living Considerations for Expats
Cost of Living
The Eastern Seaboard offers an affordable lifestyle compared to Western countries and even other Thai destinations like Phuket. A comfortable budget for a single expat starts around $2,500 per month, though many live well on less. Housing represents the most variable expense, with condos starting from approximately THB 1.5 million ($41,000) to purchase or from $300-600 monthly to rent, depending on location and amenities.
Healthcare and Education
The region boasts modern medical facilities, including hospitals with international accreditation and specialized clinics. For families, numerous international schools follow British, American, and other curricula, with Pattaya alone hosting 12 such institutions.
Social and Community Life
With Thailand’s largest expat community, the Eastern Seaboard offers abundant social opportunities through clubs, sports associations, volunteer organizations, and informal gatherings. This established network makes integration easier for newcomers and provides support systems for long-term residents.
Practical Recommendations
For those considering a visit or move to the Eastern Seaboard:
- Visit during different seasons to experience the climate variations, with November to February offering the most pleasant weather
- Rent before buying to explore different neighborhoods and ensure the area matches your lifestyle expectations
- Connect with local expat groups before or upon arrival to gain insights and make initial social connections
- Consider transportation needs—while many areas are walkable, having access to personal or public transport expands your options significantly
- Explore healthcare options early to identify preferred facilities and understand insurance requirements
Beyond the famous tourist beaches, the Eastern Seaboard between Bangkok and Pattaya reveals itself as a region of practical paradise—where stunning Gulf of Thailand coastline meets the conveniences of modern living. The established expat communities, diverse housing options, and blend of Thai and international amenities create an environment where beach life becomes sustainable lifestyle rather than temporary escape.
Whether you’re planning a refreshing day trip from Bangkok or considering a long-term coastal relocation, this region offers compelling options that balance natural beauty with practical infrastructure. From the family-friendly shores of Jomtien to the upscale tranquility of Wongamat, the Eastern Seaboard proves that sometimes the most accessible destinations offer the richest experiences.
