Saikaew Beach, also known as Military Beach or Blue Lagoon, is a serene and well-kept beach located on a military base near Pattaya. It’s about 20-40 minutes from central Pattaya, depending on traffic and transportation.
Many tour agencies in Pattaya offer transfers to this beach, often labeling it as Blue Lagoon, with prices around 350 THB for a basic transfer and up to 600-700 THB if a meal is included. The best deal is around 200 THB, with pick-up from hotels around 9 AM and return around 4 PM.
Beach Overview
Saikaew Beach is approximately 400 meters (1,300 feet) long, nestled in a lagoon-like setting between two hills. The beach is bordered by green, low-lying hills on the mainland side as well, creating a natural, secluded environment.
The sand is light gray, almost white in the sun, and the water is clear with a beautiful azure hue. The seabed is relatively free of silt, though small, slightly prickly shells and other sea life can be found, particularly during low tide.
One unique aspect of this beach is that it is located on a military base. In Thailand, the military is known for being friendly and allows tourists to enjoy this pristine beach. The base’s location ensures that the beach is clean, orderly, and peaceful, with a limited number of visitors.
While there is some necessary infrastructure, such as rentals and showers, the beach remains free from the usual tourist crowds. The fresh air and seclusion are significant draws, though the limited availability of shops, cafes, and rental housing can be a downside.
Despite its restricted access, the beach can get quite busy on weekends, mainly with local residents and long-term foreign residents of Pattaya.
Another important note is that visitors must present an ID (passport or Thai driver’s license) at the checkpoint when entering the military base. These documents are returned upon leaving. There is also a 100 THB entrance fee at the second checkpoint. If you purchase a transfer through a tour agency, this fee is typically included, and you may not need to show your ID.
Recently, visitors have not been allowed to drive their own vehicles onto the base. Instead, you must take a motorcycle taxi for 40 THB, pay the 100 THB entrance fee, and then take a free tuk-tuk ride to the beach.
Swimming Conditions
The water entry is shallow and gentle, making it ideal for families with children. During low tide, the water recedes far, leaving small sandbanks that later turn into islands surrounded by shallow water.
This is a fun spot for children to play. There is a buoyed-off swimming area, which is useful given that jet skis and banana boats operate nearby. The beach generally doesn’t experience large waves.
Sunbeds and Shade
Sunbeds are available for rent at 30 THB, and mats can be rented for 20 THB. Between the path and the sea, low palm trees and other trees provide shade. There are also bamboo pavilions available for relaxation.
Beach Photos
Amenities
A narrow paved path runs along the military beach, with a few cafes and rental shops scattered nearby, offering sunbeds, mats, and other tourist essentials. Further back, behind some wooden bungalows available for rent, you’ll find free toilets and showers.
Being on a military base has its pros and cons. The beach is quiet, clean, and uncrowded, but there’s little in the way of nightlife or extensive infrastructure. The nearest checkpoint is about 3 km (1.9 miles) away, and it’s a further 3 km to the entrance of the restricted area. There is a small shop on site, but it’s far from the selection you’d find at a Big C supermarket.
Accommodation
There are only a few rental options available on the beach, which is not surprising given its location on a military base. Some bungalows are available for rent, though they seem to lack significant amenities. These are ideal for those seeking seclusion. However, during the day, the beach’s tranquility may be interrupted by tourists brought in from Pattaya.
How to Find the Beach
You can reach Saikaew Beach from Pattaya by private transport or by purchasing a transfer from a tour agency. The drive takes about 20-40 minutes from central Pattaya, depending on traffic and the type of transport. The journey includes about 15 minutes on Sukhumvit Road and another 15 minutes through the military base itself.
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