Popular Beaches in Thailand

The beaches in Thailand are wonderful to visit. If you will be visiting Bangkok soon, you might want to check out the many popular beaches. There are more than a few wonderful beaches to visit within a short drive from the country’s capital city. Most people probably do not think of Bangkok when considering a tropical vacation but with a city full of wonderful sights to see, such as the ruins of Wat Chaiwatthanaram in nearby Ayutthaya and a good selection of reasonably priced accommodation, it can be the perfect place to relax and enjoy both the city and the country. Beaches There are at least five potential beaches within a short drive from Bangkok. Which beach you choose will be a matter of personal taste, convenience and whether you are looking for a quiet little get away or something with a bit more commercial appeal. Choose a beach frequented by the locals or a commercial resort like atmosphere with all the amenities. As they say in Thailand, “up to you”. Bang Saen If you do not have a lot of travel time on your hands, you might prefer the small resort area of Bang Saen. This is the beach frequented most often by residents and locals and it is only about an hour's drive from Bangkok. The sand here is a bit more coarse than the more commercial beaches however if you are looking for something quiet and laid back this is the beach for you. Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach free of other tourists while ordering some delicious seafood from the beach vendors. Pattaya Another location that is particularly popular with the tourists is Pattaya. Located on the east coast of Thailand it is the most visited city other than Bangkok. Pattaya Beach runs parallel to the city center. Along the beach road, there are shops, restaurants, bars and hotels. One thing that frustrates some tourists is the presence of street vendors who come around to sell everything from sunblock to DVD's. All you need to do however is politely decline and they will graciously move on to another tourist. rnJomtien Just over the hill from Pattaya lies Jomtien beach, which is a little less crowded and considered a bit more family friendly. There are bungalow complexes, beach side hotels, shops and plenty of nightlife along this strip as well. Many tourists enjoy the watersports readily available at Jomtien beach. You can enjoy parasailing, jet skis and much more! Koh Samet Located just over two hours from Bangkok this small island has the finest white sand and the clearest water you will ever see. Designated as a National Park, development is limited, but there is a range of accommodations available from small beach huts with fans, up to five star resorts. Palm trees overhang the beach and provide a shady spot to relax and take in the amazing ocean views. Many hidden bays around the island are perfect for snorkeling and are havens for all sorts of tropical fish. During the evening, the main beach is transformed into a huge outdoor dining area, with music and fire shows to entrance the visitor. Koh Samet is an ideal destination for a long weekend. Hua Hin The most popular beach in Thailand with the locals has to be the royal resort of Hua Hin. Here you will find huge wide swaths of beach covered in white sand and of course warm water. That is not all you will find in this popular vacation spot, there are plenty of shops, clubs, bars and restaurants in the area as well. Many people find this seaside resort has the best of both worlds, when it comes to vacationing. Bask in the sun by day and enjoy the ample nightlife in town when the sun goes down. Your Unforgettable Vacation These are but a few of the many beaches located near to Bangkok Thailand that you can enjoy. Everyone can use a tropical vacation at least once in their life and if you need a vacation on a budget, Thailand is the place to go. You can easily find reasonably priced accommodations and fun things to do, both on the beach and in town.