Chao Lao Beach

Hat Chao Lao is one of the main beaches of Chanthaburi, a long, gently curving bay in Tha Mai district on the Gulf of Thailand that runs for about 10 km. Its signature is the sand itself — fine and a distinctive reddish-brown rather than white — which, with calm, shallow water, makes it a relaxed local beach rather than a resort strip built for postcard photos.

Resorts and seafood restaurants cluster at the northern end, with quieter, emptier sand stretching south. Fresh seafood is the main event — grilled fish, squid, and the crabs and shellfish the Chanthaburi coast is known for. Beyond swimming, the shallow water off the beach has patches of coral for casual snorkeling, and a few vendors rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for paddling along the bay. Coconut palms and casuarinas back the sand, fishing boats sit offshore, and because the coast faces east, the memorable light here is sunrise over the water rather than sunset.

It is a popular weekend escape for Thais from Chanthaburi and Bangkok but rarely crowded midweek. The vibe is family-friendly and low-key — swimming, beach walks and long seafood lunches rather than bars or watersports crowds.

Insider Tip: Arrive before 08:00 to watch the sunrise over the water with the beach still empty — by mid-morning on weekends, the northern stretch near the resorts fills in fast.

Watch out: Jellyfish can appear in the water during the rainy season, roughly June–October; ask at a beachfront restaurant before swimming if you’re visiting in those months, since conditions change day to day.

Chao Lao is about 30 km (around 30–40 minutes) from Chanthaburi town, easiest by car or motorbike. The beach is free to access; bring sun protection and cash for the seafood shacks. It pairs well with the nearby Khung Wiman Beach and a drive along the Chalerm Burapa Chollathit Road, the coastal route that links Chanthaburi’s beaches.