-- Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Jonesy

Dongtan Beach is a peaceful and lesser-known stretch of Pattaya just off the northern tip of Jomtien Beach. The area is relatively well-shaded due to its trademark palm trees and quite a bit more relaxed than the chaotic central Pattaya Beach.

Visitors can still find various nearby restaurants and accommodation here though. Boat and water sport rentals are available, and there are plenty of other reasons to visit Dongtan Beach if you are looking to escape the masses in Pattaya.

The beach is just under a mile long and clean-looking, although the sea can sometimes take on a slightly milky hue which is apparently linked to the grade of sand and silt under the water. Nevertheless, this is a nicely-shaded stretch that also makes for a nice stroll in the evening.

The DongTan Beach Area

Basically visitors will find an extended stretch of Jomtien Beach (north of the police box) just as relaxed and clean-looking but less-populated and slightly less serviced. There aren’t too many vendors around which in Pattaya terms can often mean less harassment. The toilet facilities have recently been upgraded and include a fee of 5 Baht.

It’s not that difficult to find some great restaurants in the area—in fact it’s guaranteed—this particular stretch of beach is actually part of a local army base which is also open to the public.

The beach is generally popular with just a few tourists and a few locals, and this is a decent enough spot for anyone who wants to find a place to chill and sea-gaze without too much distraction. There are plenty of food and drink options nearby and the Dongtan Beach area is not known for being either crowded or rowdy.

The beach itself follows the same narrow curves as Jomtien, and the boulevard running behind it is lined with rows of densely-planted pines and palm trees that have become a symbol of this beach.

Activities around the Beach

The beach like any other will still feature various services like massage and manicures or pedicures and there will be various fruit and ice cream vendors that always prove a welcome treat. In addition to this you have the regular vendors with a wide selection of items, just not on the scale that you do as you head back into the city.

For watersport activities kayaks and windsurfing setups can be rented, and you will also find there’s a small beach volleyball court if you are staying in this area. There is also a kind of beach garden area where children can paint, plaster, colour, or just play in the sea.

You will also notice a fair few boats along this beach—and with good reason. There is a Navy Sailing Club which caters to anyone interested in learning to sail, and it may also be possible to arrange a trip to the nearby islands of Sattahip.

As the beach is at the base of the Klong Thub Mountain in the Aircraft Combat Command and Coast Guard region, there is also a nearby camping area at Tian Talay Beach for those who love nature where Kayak rentals can also be found for around 100 baht per hour.

Even though this is a quieter and lesser-known stretch of beach in Pattaya, Dongtan is known locally as something of an activity beach due to the proximity of the army base. There is nothing over the top though and you certainly won’t encounter anything like the crowds and noise more common on some of the other Pattaya beaches.

If you want to spend most of your time on this particular stretch of beach you might keep in mind that it’s best to find somewhere to stay with nearby shops or you could be in for a bit of walking. The water level close to the beach is not too deep and is thus ideal for swimming, and visitors will find restrooms although they may have to walk to find them, depending where they are along the beach.

Dongtan — known as a Pattaya Gay Beach in Some Circles

Apparently Dongtan Beach is also labelled as something of a ‘Gay Beach’ by those in the know. According to this report Jomtien Complex is home to a few bars that cater to the gay community both local and visiting. These bars and the area in general offer a more upmarket vibe than the gay areas in the city center.

The names of the bars are usually an indicator of the clientele likely to frequent them although some are less obvious and slightly more low-key. The beach itself still comprises its share of straight couples and families, but as with also things Pattaya some degree of open-mindedness will always benefit visitors.

Accommodation near The Beach

There is plenty of accommodation close to Dongtan which also services Jomtien, and the two are usually classified equally when it comes to walking distance from the beach. This is usually not more than a few minutes, and visitors can choose from the large, resort-style hotels down to boutique hotels and apartment-style holiday rentals.

1. The Zing Resort & Spa

— Budget to Mid: 800 – 1200THB ++ Check Availability

The Zing is located in Jomtien Complex which has many shops and restaurants. Pattaya Beach is 5 km away and Dongtan as well as Jomtien Beach are just a 5-minute walk from this spot. The resort features a variety of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna and steam room.

All the spacious and comfortable rooms at the resort have modern décor with wooden floors. They include free high-speed Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen TV with cable.  Rooms are available as doubles, twins, and suites and have a private bathroom with a shower as well as a private safe. Buffet meals are available at the resort between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm at an additional cost.

The 24-hour front desk will assist with any sightseeing arrangements you might need to make, and the accommodation also features a coffee shop that opens all day and serves a variety of Thai and European dishes. On top of that guests can enjoy the residence’s Terrace Bar which offers drinks and light snacks.

2. Jomtien Plaza Condotel

— Mid-Range: 1500THB + Limited Availability

This accommodation is located literally a couple of minutes’ walk from both Dongtan and Jomtien Beach. The residence offers fully-equipped apartment-style accommodation with kitchens.

The air-conditioned rooms have views of the sea and feature a large flat-screen TV as well as a free mini-bar. The accommodation’s amenities include a large swimming pool and a kids’ pool. Free Wi-Fi is available, and rooms come with balconies and dining areas.

This accommodation is a 10-minute drive from the Central Festival Shopping Centre near Pattaya Beach and Walking Street, and there is an on-site tour information desk in the property to help with any travel arrangements.

3. The East Suites

— Mid-Range: 1500THB + Limited Availability

Just a short walk from Dongtan Beach as well as Jomtien, East Suites is well within reach of nearby restaurants and shops.

All air-conditioned rooms are en suite and include a balcony. They are also equipped with a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a refrigerator, tea & coffee-making facilities, and a microwave. Amenities include a swimming pool and free parking, as well as free hi-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, which also provides 24-hour front desk and airport transfers.

4. The Agate Pattaya Boutique Resort

— Mid-Range: 2800THB – Check Availability

This Dongtan Beach accommodation option is located just a few hundred metres from the beach and offers modern-style accommodation in a property with two outdoor pools, a sun terrace, and an onsite bar. All air-conditioned rooms are en suite and include a flat-screen TV with cable. Some rooms feature a balcony with pool views, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence.

The resort is within reach of the various local attractions and restaurants, and a free shuttle down to Jomtien Beach is provided for anyone who really doesn’t want to walk the short distance.

5. Villa Rosa

— Budget: 800THB – Check Availability

Villa Rosa is a private residence available for vacation rentals. The property features its own private pool and Jacuzzi, and is just 250 metres from Dongtan Beach. The accommodation features its own garden equipped with barbecue facilities as well as a family entertainment room complete with karaoke.

Rooms are air-conditioned and en suite and include a sitting area complete with flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There is also a terrace, a kitchen and a dining area.

Takeaways

If you are a fan of Jomtien Beach and would rather avoid the chaos and thrall of the busier central beaches in Pattaya, you’ll love this stretch of the southern part of town.

Quiet and toned-down with a nice stretch of beach, Dongtan Beach is also within easy reach of the town’s major attractions. Can’t say fairer than that!

Related:

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• Things to do – Pattaya Attractions
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• Jomtien Beach in Pattaya – Reasons to Visit or Stay
• Best 10 Jomtien Hotels Near the Beach & Centre
• Jomtien Beach Night Market (Pattaya) – Cheap, Cheerful and Lively
• Big Buddha Temple in Pattaya (Wat Phra Yai) – Is it Worth Visiting?
• The Top 7 Night Markets in Pattaya You Might Like To Check Out
• Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)—A Worthy Stop-Off Point in Pattaya
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