Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Bang Saray is the perfect spot if Pattaya's main beaches are too tiring. This fishing village, with its 3 km long beach, lies about 20 km south of Pattaya's city center in the Sattahip district and can be reached in about half an hour by car. The sea is almost always calm and shallow, there's a designated swimming area, and the trees along the seawall provide shade. Many visitors bring camping chairs and relax in the shade. Looking back along the coast, you can see the Pattaya skyline in the distance – a more beautiful view than being right in the water.

The village is another reason to visit. Fishing boats still dock from the pier right on the beach, the seafood restaurants along the road are the reason so many Thais make a special trip here for dinner, and there's a market every evening. The road behind the beach offers Thai and Western restaurants, bars, and a few sun loungers – and is quiet by Pattaya standards, which is part of its charm. The northern stretch of beach towards Pattaya is almost untouched and the quietest part of the beach.

Two things you should know before swimming: A few meters from the shore, the bottom becomes muddy in places, so the water can be murky on the rare days with waves. From March onwards, the water recedes significantly, leaving a wide, wet expanse of sand at low tide. On calm days, the water is clear and easy to play in, as the gently sloping bank is ideal for children.

During the week it's almost empty. On weekends, Thai families come in groups for picnics and seafood, and then the beach and streets get very crowded. So if you'd like a bit more space, I recommend coming during the week. If you're planning to stay a few nights: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is directly across Sukhumvit Road, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse is just a few minutes north, and Viharn Sien is about 7 km away.