A slow day on Jomtien Beach
Six kilometres of beach with a gentler rhythm, a night market and the best place in the area for kite and windsurfing.
- Area
- Jomtien & south
- Start from
- Central Pattaya
- Distance
- about 5–6 km
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Best season
- November – April
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Transport
- Baht bus from South Pattaya, Grab
- Tickets & rules
- None
Why go
Jomtien is Pattaya's quieter southern neighbour, a long straight beach lined with deckchairs, palm trees and a promenade. It's more relaxed than Pattaya Bay, with more families and long-staying visitors.
The southern end is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers; schools there offer lessons when the wind is right in the cooler months.
In the evening the Jomtien night market sets up with food stalls, clothes and small rides for children.
The road behind the beach has small family-run restaurants serving Thai, Isan and seafood dishes at local prices, and in the cool season a steady breeze makes even the afternoons pleasant.
The story
Jomtien grew from a quiet coconut-palm coast into a resort strip in a few decades. The name is linked by some to a local story of a man called Jom Tien, though versions vary.
The beach hosted sailing events when Thailand put watersports on the map in the region, and the steady winds of the cool season still bring sailors here every year.
In the cool season the north-east monsoon brings steady winds, which is why the beach became known for sailing. Thailand's royal family has a long connection to sailing, and the sport is popular along this coast.
Getting there
Baht buses go from South Pattaya over the hill to Jomtien and run along Jomtien Beach Road.
A suggested plan
- MorningWalk or cycle along the promenade before it gets hot.
- MiddayLunch at a beach restaurant, swim when the water is calm.
- AfternoonWatch the kitesurfers at the southern end or take a lesson.
- EveningJomtien night market for dinner.
- SunsetWalk to the Jomtien end of Pratumnak hill or sit on the beach to watch the sky change colour over the gulf.
Where to stay
Lots of condos and hotels in every price range along Jomtien Beach Road and Thappraya Road.
Good to know
- The promenade is good for an early-morning run.
- Some sections of the beach are shaded in the late afternoon.
- Rent a bicycle and ride the full length of the promenade in the early morning.
- Thappraya Road behind the hill has good cafés.
- Watch for red flags; currents can be strong in the rainy season.
- Jet-ski rentals can lead to disputes; avoid them or document carefully.