Best Beach in Bangkok / Pattaya

[turgid]

Have Laos friend in town who has never seen the sea or the beach. Im planning a day trip which will probably be a 1 hour photo op and lunch. Is Pattaya the only real day trip option from Bangkok ?

I've only been to Pattaya once and the beach I found was crowded and dirty. I've been told I missed the good beach so any guidance on where to go ?

Thanks

[Metapod]

Koh larn island near pattaya. Great beach there.

You could also head to cha,am or hua hin

Koh samet might is nice but might be a tad far for just 1 day

[I Like Thai]

Jomtien Beach is a lot better than Pattaya beach, especially on the Dongtan section. The vendors do a good job of keeping it clean, above the water line

[zappalot]

Jomtien Beach is a lot better than Pattaya beach, especially on the Dongtan section. The vendors do a good job of keeping it clean, above the water line

at least until 1 km south of the ambassador hotel on jomtien beach the water is dirty as well. Visibility is zero...