Kick Off Fall With An Epic Adventure To Thailand’s Cheapest Beach Destination

Buzzing nightlife, few crowds, paradise shores, and food to die for — how’s that sound for a fall getaway?

Factor in all the above and more at rock bottom rates, and you’ve discovered Thailand’s cheapest beach destination.

With a helping hand from NerdWallet, we at Travel Off Path are happy to be back reporting on Thailand as the iconic country reaches the final chapter of its rainy season (and White Lotus overload) and prepares for splendid sunny days at the turn of September.

While many Americans stay back home worrying way too much about their post-Labor Day attire, you can be happy as a clam rockin’ your best swimwear and sippin’ Mai Tai’s at a posh beach resort for less than $50 per night.

No, we’re not talking about Phuket or Koh Samui, for which the secret has long been out. We’re talking about Thailand’s revamped city of Pattaya; once a not-so-secret hub for dark tourism now seeing a renewed focus on family-friendly attractions, which have so far yielded benefits for visitors to enjoy more savings and less crowds, according to the latest local reports.

Pattaya Awaits: Swap Trendy Islands For Beautiful Crowd-Free Beaches

Now that White Lotus is in between seasons, surely reruns won’t trigger another tourist invasion.

Multiple islands saw a surge from the hit HBO show, especially Koh Samui. That’s when every travel publication and their mother would throw darts at a map, and whatever Thai island it landed on would somehow become Koh Samui and Phuket’s best alternative.

But we at Travel Off Path don’t need to throw darts to inform you where to go this fall for an unforgettable beach vacation with fewer crowds.

In fact, the proof is in the nonexistent pudding. Hey, ‘proof in the Pad Thai’ doesn’t have the same ring…

In the midst of Pattaya’s revitalization, government officials have wondered how to attract a new type of tourist now that the once bustling nightlife scene and red-light underbellies have taken a dip, giving travelers a rare chance to enjoy of Thailands’ top destination without feeling like another face in the crowd and the unsightly shenanigans that were once unavoidable are now at the very least subdued where you can grab a $1 beer without wondering, “uhhh, am I in the right place?”.

Pattaya’s first draw may not have been its golden shores, but since the city is purposely undergoing a new identity, its hope is to earn a seat at the table with Thailand’s top getaways we’ve all dreamed of visiting.

Pattaya’s Top Beaches — Plus, An Easy-To-Reach Island Escape

We’re not saying the immediate city beaches are spotless — there are many tourists from this side of the world, such as India, who still visit no matter what type of city Pattaya claims to be.

However, locals and in-the-know visitors claim to venture South toward Rayong for fewer footprints in the sand.

The most popular beach that’s worth visiting in Jomtien is offering clearer waters and beachside bars and cafes with dirt-cheap prices.

Around the city, you’ll want to avoid beaches near the marina as waters are polluted with oils and sewage run-off, but you’ll find numerous pristine shores from Jomtien onward to Rayong, such as Nam Sai Beach and Toey Ngam Beach.

If there’s one common denominator with no hill to stand on to say it’s not worth visiting, it’s the nearby island of Koh Larn (Coral Island).

For less than $1 (yes, you read that right), you can hop aboard a ferry to this paradise island, gleaming with white-sand beaches and translucent turquoise waters. Speedboats costs closer to $10.

Pattaya’s Top Attractions: Dinosaurs, Markets & Architectural Marvels

Pattaya’s nightlife scene still has some work to do; therefore, Walking Street doesn’t quite fit the city’s new ‘family-friendly’ image.

However, there are many places to enjoy, no matter what type of traveler you are. If Pattaya had a claim to fame away from Walking Street, it’s the beachside Sanctuary of Truth.

This immaculate structure was built in the 1980s and never actually completed. You’d never know it, given it’s arguably the most popular photo-op in Pattaya.

Of course, it’s no proper trip to Thailand without indulging in markets. Experience the madness of floating markets and night markets are unlike anything we have back home —don’t skip the Pattaya Night Bazaar.

If there’s one aspect of Pattaya that perfectly caters to attract the under-18 crowd, it’s Dinosaur Kingdom and Valley of the Dinosaurs — tickets are under $20 for both.

Both theme parks offer life-size dinosaurs for the closest experience to have to Jurassic Park — if that’s even still appealing after the latest cheesy sequel.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.