Non Yao Beach (Pattaya Sam)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 18.00

 

Hat Non Yao in Nong Bua Lamphu, also widely known as Pattaya 3, is a freshwater beach on the shore of Ubolratana Reservoir in Ban Non Yao, Khok Yai Subdistrict, Non Sang District. It is one of the most popular lakeside recreation spots on the Nong Bua Lamphu side of the reservoir. The beach stretches broadly toward the water, offering open lake views, cool breezes, casual dining areas, resting huts, water-play zones, and a clear view of the Phu Phan mountain range. Although it is far from the sea, the atmosphere feels like a local inland beach, which explains why people call it Pattaya 3.

 

The appeal of Hat Non Yao comes from its relaxed and accessible character. Visitors do not need to climb a mountain, enter a cave, or follow a difficult trail. They can simply arrive at the lakeside, sit in a shaded hut, order local food, enjoy the reservoir scenery, take photographs, and spend time with family or friends. This makes Hat Non Yao very different from many other attractions in Nong Bua Lamphu. It is not a dramatic adventure site, but a place for slow recreation, lakeside meals, and everyday local leisure.

 

The beach is part of the wider landscape of Ubolratana Reservoir, a major freshwater body shared by Nong Bua Lamphu and Khon Kaen. From the beach, visitors can see the broad water surface stretching toward distant hills. The combination of lake, open sky, sandy shoreline, and mountain background creates a scene that feels spacious and calm. This is why many travelers describe the area as a freshwater sea of Isan. The scenery is especially attractive in the morning and late afternoon, when the light is softer and the reservoir reflects the sky.

 

The name Hat Non Yao comes from Ban Non Yao, the local village where the beach is located. The nickname Pattaya 3 reflects the beach-like atmosphere of the place. It is used by local people and travelers to describe a freshwater beach that has food shops, resting huts, water-play areas, and a lively holiday mood. The name is not meant to compare the place with a coastal city in size or nightlife, but to communicate the feeling of a fun and accessible beach destination in the interior of northeastern Thailand.

 

The shoreline changes with the water level of the reservoir. At some times of year, the beach appears wide and open, with more space for huts, walking, photography, and water play. At other times, the water level can rise, changing the shape of the beach. This seasonal variation is part of the character of a reservoir-side attraction. Visitors may find the place different from one trip to another, depending on rainfall, water management, and the season.

 

One of the most recognizable features of Hat Non Yao is the line of lakeside huts and seating areas. These small shelters allow visitors to sit comfortably by the water, order food, rest in the shade, and enjoy the view. They are important to the beach experience because Hat Non Yao is a place where people often stay for several hours rather than making only a short stop. Families can gather around food, children can play nearby, and adults can relax while looking out over the reservoir.

 

Food is a major part of the Hat Non Yao experience. Lakeside restaurants and local food stalls commonly serve northeastern dishes, grilled chicken, papaya salad, fish dishes, made-to-order meals, and group-style food suitable for sharing. Eating beside the reservoir is different from eating in a town restaurant because the water, wind, and mountain scenery become part of the meal. For many visitors, the best memory of Hat Non Yao is not only the scenery, but also the feeling of eating simple local food with a view of the freshwater sea.

 

Main activities include sitting by the reservoir, eating local food, playing in the water when conditions are suitable, walking along the beach, taking photographs, and enjoying the view of the Phu Phan range. Some periods may also include water activities depending on local service and water level. The site is suitable for a half-day visit, especially for travelers exploring Non Sang, Ubolratana Dam, Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park, and nearby viewpoints.

 

The hot season is usually the liveliest period. Local families and visitors come to the beach to cool down, eat by the water, and enjoy a holiday atmosphere. Weekends, long holidays, and Songkran periods can be especially busy. The lively atmosphere is part of the identity of Pattaya 3, but visitors should still pay attention to water safety, cleanliness, and the comfort of other people sharing the beach.

 

Morning is one of the best times to visit Hat Non Yao. The air is cooler, the light is softer, and the reservoir often looks calm. Late afternoon is also attractive because the light becomes warmer and the lakeside atmosphere feels more relaxed. Midday can be hot because the shoreline is open, so shaded huts, drinking water, and sun protection are useful. Visitors who want good photographs should consider morning or late afternoon light for the best lake and mountain views.

 

Water safety is important because Hat Non Yao is located on a natural reservoir rather than a swimming pool. Water depth can change, and the lakebed may not be even. Visitors should play only in areas that look safe, stay close to the shore, supervise children closely, and avoid going far into the water. Children should remain within sight at all times, especially during crowded weekends or holiday periods.

 

Families with young children should choose seating areas that allow adults to watch the water clearly. Footwear can also be useful because the ground near the water may include wet sand, stones, shells, or small branches. Visitors should avoid running on slippery surfaces and should not enter the water after heavy rain or when conditions look unsafe. A careful approach allows everyone to enjoy the lake comfortably.

 

Cleanliness is essential at Hat Non Yao. Food containers, plastic bags, bottles, foam boxes, and snack wrappers can damage both the scenery and the reservoir environment. Visitors should use proper disposal points and avoid leaving waste on the beach or in the water. Keeping the beach clean protects the attraction, the lake, local fishery, and the community economy that depends on visitors.

 

Hat Non Yao also supports local livelihoods. Visitors spend money on food, drinks, seating areas, small services, and local products. This helps create income for the community around Ban Non Yao and nearby areas. The beach is not only a view or a water-play spot; it is also part of the local economy and social life of Non Sang District. The informal, friendly atmosphere is a major reason many people return.

 

Nearby travel routes are diverse because Hat Non Yao sits close to both the Nong Bua Lamphu and Khon Kaen sides of Ubolratana Reservoir. Visitors can combine the beach with Ubolratana Dam, Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint, Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park, Wat Phra Bat Phu Phan Kham, Bang Saen 2, Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, and Nam Phong National Park. This makes the beach a strong stop for a one-day or weekend route around the reservoir.

 

Ubolratana Dam is closely connected with the beach because Hat Non Yao lies on the reservoir created by the dam. Visiting the dam helps travelers understand the larger water system behind the beach scenery. The reservoir is important for water management, fishery, local recreation, and tourism. Seeing both the dam area and Hat Non Yao gives visitors a more complete picture of the landscape.

 

Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint offers a higher perspective over the reservoir and surrounding hills. While Hat Non Yao gives a lake-level view, the viewpoint provides a broader panorama. Combining both places makes the trip more visually complete: one stop for beach and water recreation, another for mountain and reservoir scenery from above.

 

Wat Phra Bat Phu Phan Kham is another nearby site that pairs well with the beach. It is a hilltop Buddhist site on the Khon Kaen side of the reservoir and is known for its prominent Buddha image and views. A route that includes Hat Non Yao and Wat Phra Bat Phu Phan Kham gives travelers both a lakeside recreation experience and a Buddhist mountain viewpoint in the same day.

 

Food choices are available directly at Hat Non Yao and in nearby Non Sang and Ubolratana areas. Lakeside restaurants are the easiest option for visitors who want to stay by the water. Other nearby choices include Varee Valley Resort and Restaurant, Radna Talat Khuean Ubolratana, Khrua Isan Restaurant, Made-To-Order Food and Coconut Smoothie Restaurant, and Ban Nok Khok Khwai. The best choice depends on whether visitors want a beach atmosphere, a town restaurant, or a countryside café setting.

 

Accommodation options are available in nearby Ubolratana, Non Sang, and Nong Bua Lamphu town. Varee Valley Resort and Restaurant is one of the closest well-known options near the beach. Oranee Resort and Muji House Resort are practical choices in the Non Sang area. Travelers who prefer more services, markets, and restaurants can stay in Nong Bua Lamphu town at hotels such as Ruean Chor Fah Hotel, Rungrod Grand Hotel, or Nongbua Garden View.

 

Getting to Hat Non Yao from Nong Bua Lamphu town is straightforward by private car. Drive toward Non Sang District for about 60 km, then continue from Non Sang town to Ban Non Yao in Khok Yai Subdistrict for about 13 km. Private transport is the most convenient option because attractions around the reservoir are spread across local roads. Travelers coming from Khon Kaen can also approach from the Ubolratana side and combine the route with viewpoints, temples, and dam scenery.

 

For international travelers, Hat Non Yao provides a view of Thailand that differs from the coastal south or major urban destinations. It shows how people in Isan enjoy freshwater beaches, reservoir landscapes, local food, family picnics, and community recreation. The experience is simple, informal, and very local. This makes it a meaningful place for visitors who want to understand everyday leisure in northeastern Thailand.

 

Overall, Hat Non Yao, or Pattaya 3, is one of the most enjoyable freshwater beach attractions in Nong Bua Lamphu. Its highlights include the broad reservoir shoreline, open lake views, Phu Phan mountain scenery, lakeside huts, restaurants, water-play atmosphere, and easy access to nearby attractions around Ubolratana Reservoir. For travelers exploring Non Sang District, it is one of the best places to relax, eat by the water, and experience the freshwater sea of Isan.

 

Getting There from Nong Bua Lamphu town, drive toward Non Sang District for about 60 km, then continue to Ban Non Yao, Khok Yai Subdistrict, about 13 km from Non Sang town. Hat Non Yao is located on the shore of Ubolratana Reservoir. A private car is the most convenient option because the beach can be combined with Ubolratana Dam, Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint, Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park, Wat Phra Bat Phu Phan Kham, Bang Saen 2, Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, and other attractions around the reservoir.

 

 

A: Hat Non Yao is located at Ban Non Yao, Khok Yai Subdistrict, Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province, on the shore of Ubolratana Reservoir.

 

A: Yes. Hat Non Yao is the main place name, while Pattaya 3 is a popular nickname inspired by the beach-like atmosphere of the reservoir shoreline.

 

A: The beach is open daily from 09.00 to 18.00.

 

A: The main highlights are the freshwater beach, Ubolratana Reservoir view, Phu Phan mountain scenery, lakeside restaurants, resting huts, and relaxed water-play atmosphere.

 

A: The hot season, weekends, and holidays are lively for water play and lakeside meals, while morning and late afternoon offer the best light and a more comfortable atmosphere.

 

A: Yes. There are lakeside restaurants at the beach, and additional restaurants are available in nearby Non Sang and Ubolratana areas.

 

A: From Nong Bua Lamphu town, drive toward Non Sang District for about 60 km, then continue about 13 km to Ban Non Yao in Khok Yai Subdistrict.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint, Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park, Ubolratana Dam, Wat Phra Bat Phu Phan Kham, Bang Saen 2, Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, and Nam Phong National Park.