Hat Phayun and Hat Phla

Hat Phayun and Hat Phla are two adjoining beaches in Ban Chang district, Rayong, close to U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport. Hat Phayun runs about 3km, bordered by Nam Rin Beach on one side and Hat Phla on the other. Both are free to enter and open roughly 6am to 6pm, with none of the resort development found along Rayong’s busier stretches further south.

Hat Phayun itself splits into two sections. The older part, nearer a small shrine called Sarn Luang Tia and a distinctive dragon-motif bridge, has a working fishing-village feel — mornings often bring boats in with the day’s catch, sold cheaply right on the beach. The newer stretch is quieter still, with little in the way of shops or shade structures, so bring your own umbrella if you’re staying more than an hour. Hat Phla, in the neighbouring subdistrict, has noticeably pale, fine sand and a greener cast to the water than Hat Phayun.

Neither beach turned up any indication of restricted or military-controlled access in local sourcing, unlike a handful of navy-administered beaches elsewhere on Thailand’s eastern seaboard — but proximity to U-Tapao airport means you may hear aircraft overhead, and it’s worth confirming current access locally if plans change. Swimming conditions are generally calm, and the gentle gradient suits families better than surfers or divers.

There’s no direct public transport to either beach. Most visitors drive, take a taxi or Grab from Ban Chang or central Rayong, or arrive as part of a broader Ban Chang coastline trip that also takes in Nam Rin Beach. Facilities are minimal — a scattering of seafood vendors on the older section of Hat Phayun, otherwise bring your own water, sunscreen, and cash.

Insider Tip: Hat Phayun’s older section, near the dragon bridge and Sarn Luang Tia shrine, is the more atmospheric stretch for an early-morning walk when the fishing boats come in — the newer section further along is emptier but has little else going on.

Watch out: Facilities are basic on both beaches — no lifeguards, limited shade, and few amenities beyond the odd food stall. Bring what you need rather than expecting to buy it there.