Pattaya's beaches, compared

A small, sheltered cove tucked below Pratumnak Hill — calmer and prettier than the city beaches, popular with residents for a quieter swim.

Pattaya's longest beach — a wide, relaxed strip of sand south of the city that's better for swimming, sunbathing and watersports than the busier city beach.

The city's central, crescent-shaped main beach — lively, convenient and lined with the action, better for a stroll, people-watching and sunsets than serious swimming.

The calmer, more upscale beach at the northern Naklua end — softer sand, fewer crowds and a string of resorts and high-end condos behind it.