Kenny
January 14th, 2022, 15:20
Dongtan beach is perhaps the least reported of Pattaya's gay areas, but that's not to say its either unpopular or unknown, its just not very controversial I guess.
During this holiday I have spent more time there than on previous visits, enjoying it just for what it is - a beautiful beach with a vibrant gay community all of its own.
It has changed, of course, the development of the plaza beside the police station, the full length promenade with its palm trees and street lighting, public toilets and parking were all completed before covid struck. These changes, controversial though they may have been to some, have bedded in well in the intervening years and the place looks pretty good, it has to be said.
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The Plaza at the south end of the beach really comes alive as the sun goes down, popular with competing dance fitness groups among others. It is also a natural cruising ground, popular with young freelancers.
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The lifeguards are back!
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However, they are a far cry from the speedo clad athletic youths of Dongtan lore. Indeed today's lifesavers are more likely to be found hunched over their smartphones under a tree. In case of drowning, please send them a text message.
Dongtan was very busy over the New Year holiday, packed with beachgoers from at home and abroad.
The holiday is over now but there are still reasonable numbers of sun worshippers all along the beach.
The gay area runs between the two pillbox shaped public toilets, or between Tui's place and Rabbit Resort if you prefer.
It remains busy with all the beach chair concessions entertaining customers. Some of the more popular ones are about half full. The smiling Thai concessionaires, masseurs and waiters were being kept busy.
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Further along the beach, the three beach volleyball courts were empty, a case of poor timing on my part!
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The paved promenade continues all the way to the beach end at Pratamnak Soi 6, where it is book-ended by Sands Cafe, a welcome stopping point on my beach walk. It is 30 degrees in January, after all.
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Dongtan Beach faces west, providing the perfect aspect for beautiful sunsets. The perfect way to end the day...
12121
During this holiday I have spent more time there than on previous visits, enjoying it just for what it is - a beautiful beach with a vibrant gay community all of its own.
It has changed, of course, the development of the plaza beside the police station, the full length promenade with its palm trees and street lighting, public toilets and parking were all completed before covid struck. These changes, controversial though they may have been to some, have bedded in well in the intervening years and the place looks pretty good, it has to be said.
12113
The Plaza at the south end of the beach really comes alive as the sun goes down, popular with competing dance fitness groups among others. It is also a natural cruising ground, popular with young freelancers.
12114
The lifeguards are back!
12115
However, they are a far cry from the speedo clad athletic youths of Dongtan lore. Indeed today's lifesavers are more likely to be found hunched over their smartphones under a tree. In case of drowning, please send them a text message.
Dongtan was very busy over the New Year holiday, packed with beachgoers from at home and abroad.
The holiday is over now but there are still reasonable numbers of sun worshippers all along the beach.
The gay area runs between the two pillbox shaped public toilets, or between Tui's place and Rabbit Resort if you prefer.
It remains busy with all the beach chair concessions entertaining customers. Some of the more popular ones are about half full. The smiling Thai concessionaires, masseurs and waiters were being kept busy.
12116
12117
Further along the beach, the three beach volleyball courts were empty, a case of poor timing on my part!
12118
The paved promenade continues all the way to the beach end at Pratamnak Soi 6, where it is book-ended by Sands Cafe, a welcome stopping point on my beach walk. It is 30 degrees in January, after all.
12119
12120
Dongtan Beach faces west, providing the perfect aspect for beautiful sunsets. The perfect way to end the day...
12121