Best Beaches Near Bangkok: 8 Places Worth Visiting

Bangkok is known for its sparkly temples, delicious food, towering buildings, Tuk Tuks, crazy nightlife, bustling open-air markets, glitzy shopping malls, contemporary museums and Thai massages to name a few. Many people love the busy, vibrant atmosphere in this city that never sleeps, but spending a lot of time in Thailand's capital can become overwhelming after a while: the never ending traffic jams, the pollution, the heat and the humidity, all of these things can take their toll. 

And although you might absolutely adore the city, even the most die hard Bangkok fans might come to a point where they want to escape all the craziness of the city and start craving some beautiful beaches where they can put their weary feet on sand rather than steaming concrete. A place where the water is cool and the air is fresh! 

Going to the beach in Bangkok? Probably won't be the first thing that crosses your mind when planning your trip to Bangkok. For a lot of people it may even come as a surprise that this big concrete jungle is actually located pretty close to the ocean and a lot of beaches can be reached in only a few hours of traveling. In fact, there are a handful of easy escapes, not too far from Bangkok! 

Before diving into these little getaways, we love to remind you that you are not on your own when it comes to tackling Bangkok! We are very proud to say that we were voted the number one tour operator in Thailand and we offer some of the best tours in Bangkok and tours in Thailand! Our guides are truly the most friendly, funny and beautiful human beings you will ever meet and they can't wait to show you around!

Ready to explore some of the best beaches near Bangkok now? LET'S GO!

1. Bangsean beach: the closest beach to Bangkok

Distance from Bangkok: 1,5 hours drive

Although this beach is probably not one of the most idyllic beaches in Thailand, the beach town of Bangsean is the closest one to Bangkok so perfect for a quick little getaway. You won't see a lot of tourists here as it is mostly popular among locals. You'll find plenty of bars and restaurants here but we recommend getting some fresh seafood as there are over 2,000 food stalls that offer fish along the beach.

So if you are just looking to escape the city, stretch your legs, get some fresh air and walk along the beach, this beach will do. If you're looking for an incredible tropical setting with clear blue water, you might want to skip this one as it is a pretty basic beach.

A daytime taxi from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport will cost around US $30 plus tolls.

2. Koh Samet Beach: A Tropical Island Weekend

Distance from Bangkok: 3,5 hours drive

It's best for: White-sand beaches, swimming when conditions permit and a classic island getaway.

Koh Samet is the closest island to Bangkok that gives real tropical vibes! Yes, there are beaches that are nearer to Bangkok than Koh Samet. But unlike Pattaya which is completely overrun by tourists, Koh Samet  is the closest beach near Bangkok that still offers you that relaxing island feeling.

Although it is not large (13 km²), the island has 14 beautiful beaches, all with wonderfully soft, white sand and a clear blue sea. The beaches in the north are lively and pretty busy with hotels, restaurants and activities. The beaches in the south are quieter, free of jet skis and overlooked by luxury resorts. So we recommend going to the south part of the island and visit the beaches Ao Karang, Ao Wai or Ao Nuan as they are peaceful and quiet.

From Bangkok you can take a direct (mini) bus at the Ekkamai bus station to the Ban Phe pier in Rayong (06:00 – 18:30, departure every hour, ± 200 baht). The journey takes about 3.5 hour. From the pier it is best to take the speedboat and let yourself be taken directly to the desired bay. This will save you a taxi ride and a long ferry crossing.

3. Koh Larn: A Great Choice for an Island Day Trip

Distance from Bangkok: 3 hour drive

Best for: Sandy beaches, turquoise-water scenery and a day away from the city.

Although Pattaya is very famous and relatively close to Bangkok (2 hour drive), we recommend skipping it and going to Koh Larn instead. Located just off the coast of Pattaya, Koh Larn is a tiny island with beautiful beaches and the perfect spot to spend a (long) weekend. It has six main beaches and a few smaller beaches with beautiful white sand and clear azure waters where you can engage in fun water activities like banana boat rides, jet skis, parasailing, etc.! 

There are many ways to get to Koh Larn, the easiest way is by speed boat (travel time 15 minutes) and costs around 150-200 Baht per person each way. The other option is is the Koh Larn ferry, which costs 30 Baht per person, each way, but it will take you much longer to get to the island compared to taking the speed boat.

We suggest picking Tien Beach, as is the most picturesque beach on Koh Larn.

4. Koh Chang: Beaches, Forests and Island Adventures

Distance from Bangkok: 5 hour drive

Koh Chang is the best of the islands reachable by land in less than a day from Bangkok. It’s got a forest-covered, waterfall-drenched interior and bays edged by fine beaches. However, unlike the other options above, Koh Chang is a bit of a trek to get there: five hours by car to the ferry port, a 45-minute sea crossing and a transfer to your hotel. But is it worth going the extra mile for (literally)? 100% ! If this is too much of a hassle for you, consider taking a 1 hour flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat and then catch the ferry over to the island.

We recommend going to White Sand Beach (as the name implies, has that baby-power-soft sand), Klong Prao Beach or Long Beach.

5. Hua Hin beach: the Thai king's favorite

Distance from Bangkok: 2,5 - 3 hours drive

It’s understandable why many locals choose Hua Hin as their holiday destination: it's close enough to Bangkok to visit for a day and has a relaxed atmosphere. You can expect a long beach, surrounded by a small town with plenty of upscale hotels, resorts, and guest houses as well as places to drink and restaurants where you can eat fresh seafood. If you want to add a cultural activity, you can visit the Khao Takiab temple, known for its huge Buddha statue against rocky cliffs.

Got enough time on your hands? Then go visit the other tourist attractions and beaches near this seaside resort town such as the Khao Takiab temple on Chopsticks Hill, Suan Son Pradipat Beach, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and Pranburi beach.

Hua Hin is very easy to get to from Bangkok. There are daily trains from Bangkok's Hua Lumpong Station that take about three hours, and there are also multiple busses that leave every day from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal and from the Victory Monument.

6. Pranburi beach

Distance from Bangkok: 3,5 - 4 hours drive

Pranburi Beach is located 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin beach and is the less 'popular sibling' of Hua Hin. And we mean this in the best possible way as the development of big hotels feels less out of control here compared to more visited Hua Hin beach. It's a peaceful oasis with hardly any crowds or wild nightlife, and clean powdery beaches which makes it a great destination for beachgoers, swimmers, cyclists and nature lovers.  

The main attraction of Pranburi is its national park Khao Sam Roi famous for it's cave whose roof partially collapsed thousands of years ago. 

7. Puek Tian Beach

Distance from Bangkok: less than 2 hours

Located only a short drive from Bangkok, this peaceful beach in the Petchaburi province is perfect for a daytrip! On the weekends It's a popular place for locals to escape the stress of their everyday life, this is also the reason why there are only a few people on this beach during the week.There are plenty of nice restaurants and coffee shops next to the beach and it's also considered a nice place to stop for a drink and/or bite to eat if you are passing.

It probably won't be the most beautiful beach you've ever seen but most certainly one of the most interesting.The real reason most people visit this beach are the big, bizarre statues of mermaids, turtles and a giant sea goddess in the water (and during low tide you can even walk up to them). The sculptures represent fictional characters, taken from Thailand's most famous and epic poems 'Phra Aphai Mani'.

So if you are looking to escape the city for a day or even a long weekend, you now know what your options are after reading this blogpost! Happy we could help! If you make it back to the city  and just thinking about the heavy traffic makes you stressed out again, know that we offer private Bangkok tours that include a driver that will happily take you around town! Our tours are all-inclusive so you don't need to worry about anything! 

8. Cha-Am Beach: A Laid-Back Mainland Alternative

Best for: A simple coastal break, families and travelers who prefer to avoid an island transfer.

Cha-Am lies on the Gulf coast north of Hua Hin and is another option for travelers looking to escape Bangkok for a few days.

Its long beach and established holiday-town atmosphere make it suitable for a relaxed visit. The area has accommodation, casual restaurants and places to spend time by the sea.

Cha-Am is not the destination to choose if your main goal is dramatic island scenery. Its advantage is the straightforward mainland setting and the opportunity to combine beach time with a comfortable overnight stay.

What to do at Cha-Am Beach

Enjoy a walk along the waterfront, relax at the beach, try local food and explore the town at your own pace.

If you're travelling with children, consider the facilities available near your accommodation and check the swimming conditions before entering the water.

How to get to Cha-Am from Bangkok

Travel by road or check available rail connections serving the area. Your total journey will depend on the route, departure point and local transfer arrangements.

What I would suggest is consider Cha-Am if you want a relatively simple mainland beach break without the extra logistics of catching a boat to an island.

Can You Visit a Beach Near Bangkok in One Day?

Yes, provided you choose a destination that matches your available time.

For a short outing, Bang Saen is a practical option because it doesn't require a ferry. If you want an island experience, Koh Larn can work as a day trip, but you must account for travel to Pattaya, the boat crossing and the return journey.

Koh Samet can be visited on a tightly planned day trip in some circumstances, but an overnight stay generally makes better use of the journey. Hua Hin and Cha-Am may also work for day trips, depending on traffic and your preferred departure times.

Koh Chang is better suited to a longer stay because of the additional road, ferry and onward transfer time.

How to plan a beach day from Bangkok

1. Choose the beach before booking transport.

2. Check the full journey from your accommodation, including any ferry transfers.

3. Leave early enough to make the most of your time at the destination.

4. Confirm the return service and leave a generous buffer.

5. Check weather conditions and any local swimming warnings.

6. Keep your itinerary flexible if you have several transport connections.

If your goal is a relaxing beach holiday rather than simply reaching the coast, consider staying overnight instead of spending much of the day travelling.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Beaches Near Bangkok?

The best time depends on the coast and island you choose. Weather patterns differ between Thailand's regions, and conditions can vary from one destination to another.

The cooler, generally drier months are often popular for outdoor travel, but they don't guarantee calm seas or perfect weather. Rainfall, wind, waves and transport schedules can all influence your experience.

Before travelling:

• Check the forecast for your actual destination.

• Confirm ferry schedules and possible service disruptions.

• Ask local operators about swimming and boating conditions.

• Check whether any planned attractions have seasonal closures.

• Allow flexibility if you are travelling during periods of unsettled weather.

For island destinations, don't make a tight onward flight connection dependent on an uninterrupted ferry journey.

Practical Tips for Visiting Beaches Near Bangkok

• Bring Sun Protection: Thailand's heat and sun can be intense. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and enough drinking water, especially if you plan to spend several hours outdoors.
• Check Swimming Conditions: Not every beach is suitable for swimming every day. Follow local warnings, observe flags and ask qualified local staff about conditions. Avoid entering the sea when currents, waves or other hazards make swimming unsafe.
• Book Island Transport Carefully: When taking a ferry or speedboat, confirm departure and arrival points, baggage allowances, check-in requirements and return schedules.
• Carry Cash and a Payment Alternative: Payment methods vary between businesses and destinations. Bring a suitable payment alternative and check whether your accommodation, transport provider and planned activities accept cards.
• Plan Around Weekends and Public Holidays: Popular coastal towns and islands can become busier during weekends and Thai public holidays. Accommodation, transport and boat services may have different availability during peak periods.
• Choose Accommodation Strategically: If you're staying overnight, consider where you want to spend your time. An inexpensive hotel far from your preferred beach may add transport costs and unnecessary travel.
• Respect the Environment: Dispose of rubbish responsibly, follow local rules and avoid disturbing wildlife. Choose responsible marine operators if you're planning snorkeling or other water activities.

Should You Book a Tour or Plan Your Own Beach Trip?

Both options can work well, depending on the destination and your travel style.

Planning independently offers flexibility. You can choose your own transport, spend longer at a particular beach and decide whether to stay overnight. The trade-off is that you'll need to coordinate road journeys, ferries and local transfers yourself.

An organized tour or transfer package may be more convenient if you have limited time or prefer to have the main arrangements handled for you. Before booking, confirm exactly what is included, such as transportation, boat tickets, activities, entrance fees and meals.

For a straightforward mainland trip, independent transport may be all you need. For an island day trip with several connections, compare the convenience and total cost of organized options with the cost of arranging each element separately.

If you're also planning to explore Bangkok itself, browse our Bangkok tours for sightseeing and city experiences that can complement your beach getaway.

Have an amazing mini break!