Jomtien: The Beach That Central Pattaya Wishes It Was

About 4km south of central Pattaya, Jomtien Beach stretches for 6km of noticeably cleaner sand and water than its famous northern neighbour. The atmosphere is calmer, the prices slightly lower, the crowd noticeably more local and family-oriented. Long-term expats choose Jomtien. Families with children choose Jomtien. People who’ve been to Pattaya before tend to choose Jomtien.

It’s not that it lacks character — quite the opposite. Jomtien has a distinct identity: relaxed, unpretentious, genuinely Thai in places, with a long esplanade perfect for sunset walks.

Jomtien Beach vs Pattaya Beach

The honest comparison: Jomtien wins on beach quality. The sand is slightly whiter, the water slightly clearer (particularly at the south end near Dongtan Beach), and the jet ski/water sports pressure from vendors is noticeably lower.

Pattaya Beach wins on proximity to everything — the shopping, the big hotels, the nightlife. If you need constant stimulation and easy access to the city, Pattaya Beach Road is your home.

For most travelers planning a beach holiday with some city exploration, Jomtien is the smarter base.

The Dongtan Beach Section

The southern end of Jomtien — Dongtan Beach — is worth knowing about separately. It’s quieter than the main Jomtien strip, genuinely beautiful, and has traditionally been popular with the LGBTQ+ community. The beach chairs here are ฿80-100 and the vendor pressure is minimal.

The Rabbit Resort is at this end and remains one of Pattaya’s best resort options full stop.

Getting Around from Jomtien

Songthaews connect Jomtien to central Pattaya regularly throughout the day (฿10-20). The route runs along Jomtien Beach Road and up to Walking Street and the central area. Grab works well here for getting to destinations further afield.

Walking the esplanade from Jomtien toward central Pattaya is actually a lovely early morning or evening activity — about 40 minutes at a comfortable pace.

Water Sports

Jomtien has its own solid lineup of water sports, arguably better organized than the Pattaya Beach scene. Kitesurfing is a particular specialty — the Jomtien wind conditions make it one of Thailand’s best kitesurfing spots. Multiple schools and instructors operate on the beach.

Standard offerings (jet ski, banana boat, parasailing) are all available with slightly less intensity than the main Pattaya beach.

Where to Eat in Jomtien

The Jomtien Complex area (toward Dongtan) has a cluster of restaurants and bars popular with expats. The food quality is generally excellent and the atmosphere casual.

For Thai food: the night market along Jomtien Beach Road has authentic vendors operating from early evening. The fresh seafood restaurants toward the south of the beach are worth seeking out for a proper Thai seafood dinner at non-tourist prices.

Where to Stay

The Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel is the area’s largest beachfront option and reliable for what it is. The Sea Sand Sun is Jomtien’s finest, with its private pool villas. The Rabbit Resort occupies a special place as a boutique gem.

For the biggest complex at the lowest prices: the Ambassador City (over 4,000 rooms) is at the south end and genuinely affordable.

Browse all Jomtien hotels →

Who Should Stay in Jomtien?

Perfect for: Families with children (better, safer beach water), couples who want peace over party, long-stay travelers, budget travelers who want beach without chaos.

Not ideal for: People who want walking access to Walking Street, shoppers who need Terminal 21 and Central Festival nearby, and anyone who wants the full Bangkok-on-the-beach experience.