How far is Bangkok from the beach? The nearest sandy beach is Bang Saen in Chonburi province, about 108 km south of Bangkok. Pattaya is about 150 km southeast, Hua Hin about 199 km by road to the south-southwest, and Koh Samet about 220 km southeast plus a boat ride. Bangkok itself touches the sea for only about 5 km, in Bang Khun Thian district, and that shore is mudflats and mangroves rather than a swimming beach.
So a beach day from Bangkok is a trip out of the city, not a ride across town. The closest options work as day trips; the islands need at least one night.
Bangkok's own coastline: Bang Khun Thian
Bang Khun Thian is Bangkok's southernmost district and the only one on the Bay of Bangkok, the top of the Gulf of Thailand. Its coastline, about 5 km long, is muddy, with mangrove forest, shrimp farms and a fishing community known for seafood restaurants. Coastal erosion has pushed the shoreline back by more than a kilometer since 1952. A boardwalk and viewpoint look out over the mangroves, and the area is worth a visit for the nature and the seafood, but it is not a place to swim or sunbathe.
The nearest beaches at a glance
| Beach | Province | Distance from Bangkok | Typical way to go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bang Saen | Chonburi | About 108 km | Bus or car; day trip |
| Pattaya | Chonburi | About 150 km | Bus from the city or either airport, or car |
| Hua Hin | Prachuap Khiri Khan | About 199 km by road | Bus from the airports, train, or car |
| Koh Samet | Rayong | About 220 km | Road to Ban Phe, then a boat |
| Phuket | Phuket | About 860 km by road | Flight, around 1 hour 25 minutes |
Bang Saen: the closest sandy beach
Bang Saen Beach, in Saen Suk in Mueang Chonburi district, is about 2.5 km long and maintained by the Saen Suk town municipality. It became a seaside resort during World War II, when the government built resorts at Bang Pu and Bang Saen and the new Sukhumvit Road made the east coast easier to reach from Bangkok. Its nearness to the capital keeps it popular with Bangkok residents, and it is the most realistic choice for a same-day beach trip. Airports of Thailand lists buses from Suvarnabhumi to Chonburi and to Si Racha, both on this stretch of coast.
Pattaya: the biggest beach resort near Bangkok
Pattaya, about 150 km southeast, is reached mainly on Motorway 7. Direct buses run from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports as well as from Bangkok's bus terminals, which makes it an easy first or last stop on a trip. Our guide to how far Pattaya is from Bangkok covers every route, and Bangkok or Pattaya compares the two.
Hua Hin: the royal resort town
Hua Hin, about 199 km by road south-southwest of Bangkok, grew into one of Thailand's first beach resorts after the southern railway reached it, and royal palaces were built along its shore. It is still on the railway: Hua Hin station is about 213 km from Thon Buri station and about 850 meters from the beach. By bus, Airports of Thailand lists services from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to Hua Hin. See how to get from Bangkok airport to Hua Hin.
Islands: Koh Samet and beyond
Koh Samet, off the Rayong coast, is a popular weekend island for Bangkok residents; after the drive to Ban Phe, ferries take about 40 minutes. Our guide on how to get to Koh Samet from Bangkok explains the boats and the national park entry. For the Andaman coast or the Gulf islands, fly: how far Phuket is from Bangkok by plane and flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui have the details.
Choosing a beach from Bangkok
- One day only: Bang Saen, or Pattaya if you leave early.
- A night or two, no flights: Hua Hin, Pattaya or Koh Samet.
- Clear water and island scenery: fly south to Phuket or Koh Samui.
- Straight from the airport: the direct buses to Pattaya and Hua Hin save a trip into the city.
Sources: Wikipedia: Bang Khun Thian district, Wikipedia: Bang Saen Beach, Wikipedia: Pattaya, Wikipedia: Hua Hin, Wikipedia: Hua Hin railway station, Wikipedia: Ko Samet, Airports of Thailand: intercity buses from Suvarnabhumi, Airports of Thailand: express buses from Don Mueang, AirAsia: Bangkok to Phuket. Checked September 26, 2026.
Not a swimming beach. Bangkok's only coastline is about 5 km long in Bang Khun Thian district, and it is muddy, with mangroves, shrimp farms and seafood restaurants.
Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi province, about 108 km south of Bangkok. It is about 2.5 km long.
About 150 km southeast of Bangkok. Direct buses run from both Bangkok airports; from Suvarnabhumi, Airports of Thailand lists a service from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at approximately 140 to 190 baht, as listed on September 26, 2026.
By bus, train or car. Airports of Thailand lists a bus from Suvarnabhumi to Hua Hin from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at approximately 325 baht, and a Transport Co. bus from Don Mueang with two trips a day between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for 205 baht, as listed on September 26, 2026. Hua Hin station is about 850 meters from the beach.
Yes, to Bang Saen, about 108 km away, or to Pattaya, about 150 km, if you leave early. Hua Hin and Koh Samet are better with at least one night.
About 220 km southeast of Bangkok. Travel by road to Ban Phe in Rayong, then take a ferry, about 40 minutes to Na Dan pier, or a speedboat to the beaches.
