Cosy Beach
Cosy Beach – Pattaya’s Secret Gem
Article by Mark Verrall markverrall@hotmail.com
I have mixed feelings about writing this. I have been visiting this beach for almost thirty years and I don’t know about you, but I like my beaches quiet. I decided not to be selfish and let you in on the secret.
Cosy beach is a delight, a place I head to when I need to get some creative work done and to re-charge my batteries. There’s something about the sea that does that for me. Just being next to it makes me feel calm and inspired at the same time. Some of my best advertising concepts and headlines have been born here. Probably a combination of sun, sea, sand and the occasional glass of beer.
Whenever I take friends there for the first time, some of whom have lived in Pattaya for several years, they are invariably surprised that there is a beach like this in Pattaya. It is almost on a par with Koh Samet and even Samui.
To get there, head out of town towards Kao pha tamnak (the large hill where the Royal cliff is located) At the top of the hill there is a police box and a few yards beyond that you will see the sign for the Cosy Beach Hotel. Go past the hotel and you will be greeted by a majestic view of the sea. Follow that road down (behind the Island View Hotel) halfway down that road you will see a gate which leads to the stairway to the beach. Be warned, the stairs are a trial, different sized steps twisting and awkward with contrasting angles. It is bad enough descending, but going up…! Many people stop and take a breather halfway, myself included usually. It’s worth it though, a long scoop of a beach, quiet for the most part and private, flanked by rocks on one end and the superb Royal Cliff Hotel on the other. It is a treat to be next to the sea and not have traffic nearby. For me the whole idea of going to a beach in the first place is for that ‘get away from it all’ feeling and you have that here.
On the beach, to the left of the stairs there is a restaurant owned by ‘Mr. Tee’ who has been working here for more than 25 years. It’s a great little place to relax. The food is always good and the drinks are very reasonably priced. If you like garlic, I can strongly recommend the barbecued snapper (Plakapong in Thai) it is excellent value for 220 baht. The King prawns are also fresh and superb 200 baht for a huge portion.
For those who enjoy a more active day, there are jet skis, water skiing and speed boats for hire. Koh Larn island is opposite, 15 to 20 minutes away.
My only regret is that it closes early, essentially when the sun goes down. It wasn’t always that way. There used to be a bar at the far end of the beach (with kinder stairs!) that was open until the wee small hours, alas no more. I spent many excellent nights there with some great company.
I’ve always thought that Cosy beach could become one of Pattaya’s finest night venues. If the stairs could be made more user-friendly and if the right kind of dining and entertainment was on offer. It is a gold mine (still) waiting to happen. Investors among you, take note you (probably) heard it here first! If you make it happen and reap a fortune, remember me in your will.
So whether you are here from abroad, getting away from the snarling traffic of Bangkok or just want to relax away from Pattaya City for a few hours, head to Cosy beach, Pattaya’s secret little gem.
