Jomtien Beach

This is the beach you go to when central Pattaya feels like too much. Same stretch of Gulf coast, six kilometres of it just to the south, but the pace drops noticeably once you're on the promenade under the palms. Local vendors rent out deck chairs cheaply, someone will bring you a coconut or a cold beer, and the water is calm enough for a casual swim rather than anything ambitious.

If you want to do something, jet skis, banana boats and parasailing all operate straight off the sand. If you don't, the tree-lined walk runs the full length and there are bars and restaurants the whole way, so you're never far from food. My advice is to come for the evening in the dry season. Cooler air, and the sunsets over the water are the reason half the photos of this place exist. Early morning is the other good window, before the chair and jet ski operators set up.