Naklua & Wong Amat Beach Guide

The northernmost tip of Pattaya Second Road, where it meets North Pattaya Road, marks the end of Pattaya Bay and the start of the area known as Naklua. To reach it, just head north from the distinctive dolphin roundabout.

The name means 'salt fields', in reference to the predominant occupation of the area before the rise of tourism 'salt farming.

Today, it still has the air of a village, with some old houses, narrow streets, traditional noodle shops, temples, a fishing pier, and many locals. Slowly that is changing, however, with many condominium blocks now in the area, and lots of hotels and restaurants too.

The area's most distinctive features are definitely its small intimate beaches, including Wong Amat and Naklua Beach, as well as the outdoor architectural museum, the Sanctuary of Truth. With Pattaya largely dedicated to single travellers and couples on package tours, Naklua makes a great alternative for families.

Where to Stay in Naklua and Wong Amat

The Naklua and Wong Amat area has a quiet and peaceful local neighborhood feel, perfect for visitors who want to be away from the buzz, yet close enough to reach Pattaya's major attractions and highlights in a jiffy. The area has seen several resort-type developments and other accommodation opening up in recent years, and in this section we feature the cream of the crop for you to choose from. (Read More...)

The Beach

Wong Amat is a gently curving, approximately 3km-long beach. It occupies the far northern end of the Pattaya Bay headland, but is only accessible from Naklua (usually Sois 16 or 18). Unlike Pattaya Beach or Jomtien it is free of watersports activities, though that is likely to change. You can hire a deck chair and order some food at an open-air local restaurant, but there are no vendors walking up and down selling foods, drinks or curios. And few people, except for a few locals and those staying in nearby resorts. This lack of mass tourist apparatus, gives the place a secluded, intimate charm. Naklua Beach, further north, is similarly calm. It has a long fishing pier and windsurfing equipment can be hired.

Nightlife in Naklua & Wong Amat

Compared to the wild, outgoing party animal that is Pattaya Beach, Naklua is the shy, retiring type. There isn't much sleaze to be found 'just a handful of beer bars (bare-looking expat-run drinking holes where you can pick-up or just exchange patter with girls) can be found along Naklua Road, and down sois 18 and 33. Names include Tutti Frutti, Sloppy Joe's and Barracuda Bar. There is also a Thai-orientated disco (ie, not a pick-up joint) on Naklua Road called Star Dice. See Pattaya Beach Nightlife if action is what you're after.

Shopping in Naklua & Wong Amat

Apart from some little shops selling domestic items, suits, hardware, and the ubiquitous convenience stores (7/11, Family Mart), there is little to interest shopaholic tourists here. Head to our Pattaya Beach Shopping section and you'll find what your looking for.

Dining in Naklua & Wong Amat

Most hotels here have their own restaurants, and there are several ordinary expat-run bars and pubs that serve food, as well as local Thai food establishments serving seafood, noodles and the like. The best food, especially for the Western palate, can be found down the road in Pattaya Beach