Jomtien Beach starts just south of Pattaya, on the other side of Pratumnak Hill. Same sea, same sun, but a slower pace: people come here to swim, walk by the water and eat grilled fish, not to rush from one attraction to the next.
Who will enjoy Jomtien Beach?
Jomtien mainly attracts people who want the sea without the bustle of the centre. Families find a long strip of sand, sunbeds to rent and plenty of simple restaurants. Long stays are common, especially among European retirees who spend the winter by the sea.
For older travellers, it is a good compromise. The ground is flat, distances are short and songthaews pass constantly along Beach Road.
Water sports fans are not forgotten. Jomtien has long been known for windsurfing, and several kitesurfing schools operate further south, towards Na Jomtien. The wind is not reliable all year round: check with the schools before booking a lesson.
The different parts of the beach
The beach stretches for about 6 km. It has three distinct moods.
- Dongtan, in the north: the stretch closest to Pratumnak and central Pattaya. Shorter, and pleasant for a late-afternoon walk.
- Central Jomtien: the heart of the beach, along Jomtien Beach Road. Sunbeds, umbrellas, small restaurants, jet-ski hire and parasailing.
- Na Jomtien, in the south: quieter and more spread out, already in Sattahip district. Less transport, more room on the sand.
The seafront has undergone a long renovation: a new drainage system under the road, redesigned pavements and parking. Beach Road went back to two-way traffic in late December 2025.
Where to eat in Jomtien
In the evening, the easiest option is the Jomtien night market, opposite the beach, easy to spot thanks to the windmill at the entrance. Stalls open around 5pm and close around 11pm. You will find salt-crusted fish, grilled seafood, som tam and desserts, far cheaper than on the seafront.
At the weekend, the Thepprasit night market, on Thepprasit Road towards Sukhumvit, is worth the trip: it is in full swing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, roughly from 5.30pm to 11pm.
For a sit-down seafood meal, the beachfront restaurants display their fish on ice. Always ask for the price per weight before choosing, and have it written down.
How to get to Jomtien
From Suvarnabhumi Airport or Bangkok
The most convenient option is Roong Reuang Coach bus 389, on level 1 of the airport (gate 8). It serves Pattaya and ends at its Jomtien terminal, at the start of the beach. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours and a ticket of roughly 140 to 170 baht (prices checked in 2026, confirm on the operator’s website). From Bangkok, buses leave the Ekkamai and Mo Chit bus stations for North Pattaya bus station; you then need a songthaew or taxi to Jomtien.
From central Pattaya
Songthaews (also called baht buses) are blue pick-ups with bench seats. There is not always a direct route: you often change in South Pattaya, at the Second Road junction, then take a songthaew that runs along Jomtien Beach Road. A shared ride usually costs 10 to 20 baht per person (prices checked in 2026). If you climb into an empty vehicle and ask for a specific address, it is a private hire: agree the price first.
Which season to choose and how to swim safely
The best period runs from November to February: drier skies, bearable heat and an often calm sea. From March to May, it is very hot. From May to October, it is the rainy season, with short but heavy showers and a sea that can be rougher; September and October are often the wettest months.
At the end of the rainy season, jellyfish are sometimes reported in Jomtien Bay. Follow the signs and flags: a red flag means you should not swim. Preferably swim near the lifeguard posts.
Where to stay in Jomtien
- Dongtan and northern Jomtien: close to Pratumnak and central Pattaya, handy for combining the beach with trips into town.
- Central Jomtien: the best choice for a first stay, with markets, restaurants and songthaews on the doorstep.
- Na Jomtien: for peace and quiet, large condos and long stays, as long as you accept longer journeys.
If you are torn between Jomtien and the neighbouring hill, read our article on Pratumnak, the other side of Pattaya. And to fill your days, our guide to things to do in Pattaya brings the sights together.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Always carry small coins and 20-baht notes for the songthaews.
- Get to the night market before 6pm to find a table without waiting.
- For a jet ski, photograph the machine before setting off and agree the price in writing.
- Protect yourself from the sun between 11am and 3pm: the glare off the sand is strong.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jomtien Beach suitable for children?
Yes. The sand is long, the slope gentle and the atmosphere calm. Stay near the lifeguards and watch the flags, especially in the rainy season.
How much is a songthaew between Pattaya and Jomtien?
On a shared ride, expect 10 to 20 baht per person, sometimes with a change in South Pattaya. A private hire is negotiated before you get in.
When can you kitesurf in Jomtien?
The wind depends on the monsoon and varies from year to year. The schools in Na Jomtien will tell you which weeks are most reliable: contact them before you come.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Pattaya – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
