Looking for a beach spot near Bangkok

Hi there,

I’m looking for a beach spot within 3 hours max of Bangkok for the end of my trip (January). I know full well I won’t find that postcard-perfect vibe of the more remote islands! But I don’t have a choice. If you’ve got any ideas... no high-rises, obviously not Pattaya, somewhere quiet, swimming possible, a hotel right on the beach (and not too dirty, the beach itself!) I’ve looked at hotels around Ko Samet or, across from it, on the mainland. I spotted the Bann Pae Cabana. But nothing really exciting on either side. New ideas welcome! 🙂

Hi there, Check out the end of posts 48 and 49 here: https://voyageforum.com/forum/demande-conseils-projet-itineraire-thailande-laos-cambodge-d10779659-3/

Good evening

...and thanks. I’ll check that out. Hoping the hotels clean their private beaches.

Have you checked out Cha Am?

Hi Jojo

I’ve been looking all over this coast, as long as it’s not too far from Bangkok.

Okay, I’ll share a bit of my story. We just had to cancel part of our trip. It was supposed to be a Laos/Cambodia combo with a stop in Bangkok. Now we’re just doing Laos, and to replace our last few days on Koh Rong Samloem, we’re looking for a spot in Thailand for 3–4 days before flying back to France—without going too far from the airport. So, we leave Pakse on January 25th and fly out of Bangkok on the 29th.

3 or 4 days is pretty good.

You can either (re)discover a piece of Thailand not too far from Bangkok (Erawan National Park, Khao Yai National Park...), or head down to Hua Hin and take the chance to visit Sam Roi Yot (the start of my latest travel journal). You can also stay there—it’s not all high-rises like in Hua Hin. (But the beach isn’t as nice...) Pre-book a taxi. It’s the fastest way.

You pre-book a taxi. It's the fastest way.

A taxi from Bangkok to Erawan or Hua Hin (or elsewhere)? When you're still a bit well-off, there's an even faster option: a helicopter. Expect to pay $1,500 per hour (its empty return to base is also charged).

Hey Agnes

For these next 3 days, we don’t wanna do ANYTHING 😉 I’m still searching for my "ideal" beach in this context. Gonna re-read that part of your travel journal...

Okay, if you don’t want to do anything at all, I’m not sure what to suggest...😉

It’s the combo of a beautiful beach but also an untouched one that’s the sticking point.



(What I was suggesting still fell into the "doing nothing" category for me. The three options don’t seem like a sightseeing marathon but more like chilling with a few activities. Three days spent only going from sun lounger to restaurant?)

$93 for 9 seats to Hua Hin—that’s pricey (private van)?

Thailand still has the advantage of being super affordable for taxi transfers, especially with 6 people! (I think Kate’s group is that size.)

It’s only 11 € more total (so less than 2 € per person) than the bus from the airport. We might even end up spending less if you factor in the cost of getting from the bus to the hotel on arrival...

There’s a difference between being well-off and being stingy...

Songsam doesn’t know that Kate travels at least 4 times a year and that taxis are nothing to her. Besides, if she doesn’t take the helicopter, it’s so people won’t make comments when reading her travel journals 😛

Still, I’ve never taken a helicopter! It must be something else! Gotta try it before I lose the flexibility to climb in! (Same for a Ferrari, but that tempts me way less...)

Hi Agnès

For these last 3 days, we don’t wanna do ANYTHING ;) I’m still looking for my "ideal" beach in this context. And I’ll reread that part of your travel journal...

Hello, the beaches are way nicer on Ko Samet than around Cha Am or Hua Hin, which are now just an endless string of buildings and resorts—but it’s still pretty calm seaside, far from unbearable.

Hi, not too far from the awful Pattaya, there are still a few beaches like Kai Jet Beach where you’ll find hotels and no big buildings. Nearby, Nam Sai Beach often has very clear water, with a 20 THB entry fee into the military base area. When we visited, there were few tourists. Happy searching and, most importantly, have a great vacation

What I was suggesting fell into the "doing nothing" category for me. The 3 suggestions don’t seem like a marathon of sightseeing but rather some relaxation with a few activities. 3 days going only from sun lounger to restaurant?

You’re absolutely right! But the goal is first to find a beautiful beach, a nice hotel, and then, why not, some things to see. I don’t think we’re capable of just going from sun lounger to drinks and then to the restaurant 😉 Obviously, if the place is exceptional... and we’re shelling out 200 € a night... But it won’t be either of those 😕

@Attila

Thailand still has the advantage of being very affordable when it comes to taxi transfers. Especially for 6 people! (I think Kate’s group is that size.)

No, we’re not traveling with 6 people 🏴‍☠️ We’re 2 couples, united by real camaraderie and on the same wavelength. That’s rare when traveling. You know, those ugly seaside buildings—I’m afraid of ending up in Maspalomas or, closer to home, Lloret de Mar.

@Jojo

Songsam doesn’t know that Kate travels at least 4 times a year and that taxis are nothing to her. Besides, if she doesn’t take a helicopter, it’s so people won’t make comments when reading her travel journals 😛

After reading this, Richard reacted by telling me I’m getting roasted by your VF buddies! (Note: Richard XI is my boyfriend—he’s the one writing our amazing travel journals on VF )

@Dennis2

Hello, the beaches are much nicer on Ko Samet than around Cha Am or Hua Hin... which are now just an endless stretch of buildings and resorts... but far from unbearable, it’s still pretty calm beach vibes....

The hotels we were interested in are fully booked on Ko Samet. I’m looking at the coast across from there, in the areas mentioned in the discussion. I agree with you—there are few places I find “unlivable” when I’m traveling, on the other side of the world, instead of freezing here in January, the month of the blues. But I often read: beaches littered with trash, awful fuel or fish smells, jellyfish-infested waters, super noisy bars, beaches disappearing at high tide... etc. Either those are spoiled kids writing that, or it’s true 😕

@Attila

@Dennis2

Hello, the beaches are more beautiful on Ko Samet than around Cha Am or Hua Hin... which are now just an uninterrupted string of buildings and resorts.... but far from unbearable, it’s still quite a calm seaside spot....

The hotels that caught our attention are fully booked on Ko Samet. I’m currently looking at the coast across from it, in those areas mentioned during the discussion. I agree with you—there are few places I find “unbearable” when I’m traveling, on the other side of the world, instead of freezing here in January, the month of the blues. But I often read: beaches littered with trash, awful smells of gasoline or fish, the sea overrun with jellyfish, very noisy bars, beaches disappearing at high tide... etc. Either these are spoiled kids writing that, or it’s true 😕

So, you should know that Rayong is an area with industries—okay, it’s not the Étang de Berre, but it does shape the landscape…

The beaches are cleaned, at least those in front of the resorts. Thailand is becoming cleaner and cleaner; the only dirty beaches I’ve seen are deserted ones… tides bring in waste anyway…

As for beaches disappearing at low tide, that mainly concerns Phang Nga Bay (I was there the other day—one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, in my humble opinion), the Phuket side, or the South China Sea. As long as it’s sand, you’ll have to walk far to get water, but it’s manageable…

I only saw a tiny jellyfish the other day, but not on the Andaman Sea side. It’s true there can be some on the South China Sea side, but I didn’t go there this time…

Hello, not too far from the awful Pattaya, there are still a few beaches like Kai Jet Beach where you’ll find hotels and no big buildings. Nearby, Nam Sai Beach has very clear water most of the time—entry is 20 THB within the military base grounds.

Hello,

I hadn’t seen your message. Thanks for these addresses; I’ll check them out. There’s a military base?!

Hi, not too far from the awful Pattaya, there are still a few beaches like Kai Jet Beach where you’ll find hotels and no big buildings, and nearby Nam Sai Beach, where the water is often very clear. Entry is 20 THB within the military base grounds.

Hi,

I hadn’t seen your message. Thanks for these addresses—I’ll check them out. There’s a military base?!

Yes, there’s a navy base. You have to go past the first barrier, head to the parking lot, and take the shuttle to get to the beach. There’s a restaurant on the sand too :)

No, traveling with 6 people isn't ideal

Even with 4, a pre-booked taxi is still a great deal. 😉

The price mentioned was for a minivan. A more standard car will be slightly cheaper.

You know, those ugly seaside buildings

Yes, coastlines are disfigured pretty much everywhere in the world.

There are still a few preserved spots, but that’s usually because there’s no construction—so no accommodations.

Or they’re only accessible by boat, not by public transport. Also tough to reach with a regular car.

The most beautiful beach I know isn’t far from here. In Corsica, at Saleccia. I haven’t seen anything like it in Thailand.

To be honest, my top 5 beaches aren’t in Thailand—they’re in Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Corsica, Indonesia, or Brazil.

I once had to pick a beach to end a Southeast Asia trip not too far from Bangkok.

I went to Hua Hin after crossing off the spot you’re probably thinking of for the reasons you mentioned: beaches littered with trash, awful smells of gasoline or fish, jellyfish-infested waters, noisy bars, and no beach at high tide... I’d especially ruled out Ko Samet.

Back then, the big buildings in Hua Hin weren’t there yet. It was a bit of a mess—a beach town in the making.

I ate really well, got sunburned, played backgammon on the beach. It wasn’t paradise, but it wasn’t a nightmare either. Just a nice little break.

When I went back this year, I saw the town is now heavily built up. But it didn’t feel as tacky as the Balearics, Bodrum, or even Krabi... The beach in the photo further away looked inviting for a dip, even if you had to ignore the buildings.

At Sam Roi Yot, the vibe is much more intimate, but the beach itself is nothing special. The surrounding landscapes are stunning, though, and it’s not too crowded. That’s what I was looking for. I’m not sure the perfect beach exists near Bangkok. You’ll have to compromise on something.

Either the beauty and cleanliness of the beach or the intimate, low-key vibe of the resort.

To tip the scales, maybe look at the extras: things to do besides lounging, food options, ease of transport, etc.

Good evening everyone

After lots of searching (so many places fully booked), I’ve decided on a hotel-villas by the sea in Haad Chao Samran, Phetchaburi Province. Inshallah! Thanks to all! 🙂 (There’ll be a review 😛)\

You found us a unique spot...

You found us a unique spot...

Not sure if that was ironic, Jojo... I think it was! 🙂 I’m not a fan of resorts, but this one will do the trick with its villas. https://www.booking.com/Share-1zXaWdY

And finally, the deal is sealed, and you’re back on your feet! Just need to find the helicopter now! 😄

@attila: already tried the helicopter (see travel journal Afs, day 21 for example), and I recommend it—an incredible experience!

No, I wasn’t being ironic. Sometimes you get pleasant surprises with second or third choices. It’s close to Phetchaburi. Have you been there?

No, I don’t know Phetchaburi. This hotel was a fluke—I found it by following tips and ideas for spots along the coast. I went to Thailand in 2010 and only saw Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands further south (Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi...).

For the record, when I got back, I made a sort of travel journal—it was my first time on VF. I didn’t understand why everyone jumped on me when I mentioned the “girls” in Phuket, whose age and profession had barely... shocked me. A certain Boummastic (spelling? 😕) had defended me 😉

And finally the case is closed, and you’re back on your feet! All that’s left is to find the chopper! 😄

I’d rather walk than take a 🏴‍☠️ chopper. I’ve flown several times with my brother who pilots those little planes, and that’s when I started being afraid of flying. He’d have fun like a kid trying to impress me with his flying toy.

Yes, the case is closed, but it’s with a heavy heart that we gave up on Cambodia. I was really looking forward to seeing Alan in Phnom Penh again! (Some of you here might remember him). It was actually his last letter, quite alarming, that ultimately made up our minds.

Hi, A certain Boummastic (spelling? 😕) had defended me 😉

https://voyageforum.com/membres/boumbastic/

Apparently, it's mostly frequented by Thais on the weekend. So you should be fine in terms of mass Western tourism !😉

I had considered scheduling Phetchaburi during my last trip. Let us know what you thought of the city if you spend some time there.

Phetburi isn’t exactly thrilling, as the Thais say.

Still, there are 3 or 4 really interesting temples, the palace on the hill with monkeys, and also the cave with tons of Buddhas and monkeys at the entrance too. Apparently, it’s one of the capitals of Thai gastronomy, but I wasn’t able to confirm that.

I had hesitated to include Phetchaburi in my last trip.

Pet'buri is a pleasant town with a peaceful and pretty downtown area by the river—don’t hesitate to stop there for a few nights, for example, between Bangkok and the southern beaches. All trains stop there, and it’s also served by frequent minivans from Bkk Mo Chit New Van Terminal and Bkk Sai Tai Mai. I’m not sure if it has a heliport.

It seems like it's one of the capitals of Thai gastronomy, but I couldn't verify it.

I did. Photos taken in a charming restaurant in a wooden house whose entrance is on the bridge street and the dining room overlooks the river, here 13° 6'30.99"N 99°56'51.79"E

We go down 2/3 steps, walk past the restaurant before entering, there's the bar first and then the room? I think I know which one.

Pet'buri is a pleasant town with a peaceful and pretty downtown area by the river—definitely worth stopping for a few nights, for example, between Bangkok and the beaches in the South.

It really looks great in your photos—I love it! 🙂 It’s only 30 minutes from our hotel. We’ll have plenty of time to visit since we’re spending 4 nights in the area. I’m wondering if we should rent a car… Do you need an international driver’s permit? I have one, but it’s at least 10 years old…

Yes, you need a permit. It’s too late to apply (the processing time is about 6 months… 🤪)

That’s a no-go, then. Mine was only valid for 3 years…

Hello, yes, you need a valid international license…

But you can try your luck with your European license at a local rental place. It’s way better to have a car—it’s freedom (vroom vroom)… and driving is pretty easy. You just need to get used to driving on the left, but with an automatic, it’s pretty chill.

Hello Denis I agree with pouf pouf 😉 I guess there are buses, taxis... I haven’t thought about that. Roughly how much does a 30 km trip to Phetchaburi cost? (In case I give up on the helicopter...) I’ve forgotten the fares—I was thinking of what’s common in India, meaning cheap.

Hey, not sure about transport prices—I’m driving, drunk on freedom and speed!

But to give you an idea, a BKK/Ayutthaya trip (~80 km) costs around 1000 THB with GRAB.

It’s a super handy app everyone uses—simple and efficient. If you haven’t entered your card details, you can pay the driver in cash.

I also used Grab last time. Super convenient and cheap.

You can already install it and check the prices by entering your departure and arrival locations.

You can even book your ride in advance.

The driver sends you messages, but there’s a translation feature. Even with non-English speakers, we managed just fine.

Personally, we paid through the app and added a small tip.

Any tolls are extra.

It was heartbreaking to give up on Cambodia

Small consolation: Phetchaburi also has its Khmer ruins, Wat Kampaeng Laeng.

Oh, and Merry Christmas! 🙂

It’s great seeing all these great tips! Dennis, Agnès, I knew about GRAB when I planned my 4 days in Bangkok (thanks again Jojo for the hotels and everything), but I didn’t plan on using it for such a short time. So, in the end...

Yeah, Thierry, it’s small consolation compared to Angkor 😕 And then there’s the money we lost... But I’m sure we’ll have fun in Thailand. Everyone’s photos are so inspiring! Plus, we’ve got 15 days in Laos—it’ll be a real adventure.

I’m a bit thrown off organizing this trip 10 days before departure. I realize how much I’ve changed by wanting to plan, control, and manage everything. It’s reassuring, but I know I’m missing out on pleasant surprises and unexpected moments...

So, I’m happily taking all the good tips for this slightly shaky trip, which will start with 4 days in Bangkok and end with 4 days near Phetchaburi 😉

So, what parts of the trip are you still missing info for?

So, what parts of the trip are you still missing info for?

Not much now, we’ll figure it out as we go. Thanks! I don’t have time to dive into guidebooks anymore (luckily there are four of us), and I only half-trust the GDR, so restaurant addresses, little things to see, or any other tips are much appreciated 😉

I think I used it for a duration as short as yours since I was driving the rest of the time.

I’ve never used this kind of app in France because I never take taxis there.

I discovered the trick in the USA, and I must say it’s super convenient!

No more negotiating, no need to watch the route because the taxi takes the longest way to bump up the fare, and it’s safer with certain apps (in terms of personal safety).

60 seconds to install, a few minutes to figure out how it works—perfect!

(For accommodations, I rarely book non-refundable since Covid. It still gives you some flexibility.)

(Why travel in high season when you have other options???)

Why go during high season when you have other options???

Because the friend traveling with us can only take a month off in January or February.

For refunds, it's two flights (Luang Prabang / Siem Reap and Phnom Penh / Bangkok). Maybe I can at least negotiate the airport taxes. + A boat from Kampot to Koh Rong Samloem. + One short night but really cheap. No excursions were paid for in advance, but we were about to book Angkor. Phew!

For accommodations, I rarely book non-refundable since Covid. It still gives you some flexibility

From now on, I’ll do the same! But flights... 😕 Our insurance doesn’t cover civil wars, armed conflicts, etc. Even if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against traveling to the country at the time of departure.

Yeah, it's a shame we can't all be free to choose our departure dates. Maybe soon?😉

Normally, airport taxes are automatically refunded in case of cancellation. Which airline is it?

For insurance, I don’t think any covers this kind of event. It’s really bad luck for you since this part of the world isn’t usually the most volatile—who could’ve predicted something like this???🤪

in choosing dates

I always think of the spoonerism 😏😊

Normally, airport taxes are automatically refunded in case of cancellation. Which airline is it?

Vietnam Airlines and AirAsia.

We go down 2/3 steps, walk past the restaurant before entering, there’s the bar first and then the room? I think I know which one.

Yeah, from what I remember, that’s right. I just remembered its name: the aptly named Rabieng Rimnam.

So, what parts of the trip are you still missing info for?

Not much now, we'll figure it out as we go. Thanks! I don’t have time to dive into guidebooks anymore (luckily there are four of us), and I only half-trust the GDR, which is why restaurant addresses, little things to see, or any other tips are welcome 😉

An idea for Bangkok: the rooftop garden at the new Central Park mall is a real success—a green pathway with an amazing view of Lumpini Park and the skyline… and it’s free!