Jomtien - beach in Chon Buri province, Thailand

Jomtien (จอมเทียน) is immediately south of Pattaya and is a part of the municipality. Jomtien, like Pattaya, is popular with tourists, but has a significant population of permanent expat retirees and some workers, making it a more sedate alternative.

As with most Thai place and street names written using Latin characters, Jomtien is spelled in a number of ways: road signs usually read Chom Tien or Chom Thian while shops and businesses use Jomtien.

Understand

Jomtien is a quieter suburb of Pattaya where you can find accommodation with an ocean view for less and without constant attention from countless bar girls. It is 10 minutes from South Pattaya on a motorbike taxi over the hill along Thappraya Rd. Thepprasit Rd branches east to merge with Sukhumvit Rd while Thappraya Rd ends at Jomtien Beach where a police box is a local landmark. North of it is Dongtan Beach while Jomtien Beach stretches about 5 km (3 mi) to the southeast.

The beaches in Jomtien are lined with a rather pleasant beach walk shaded by trees in the same style as at Pattaya Beach; there are no beachfront hotels. Unlike at Pattaya Beach the water has not been declared to be hazardous to health. The beaches have sections reserved for swimmers by strings of buoys to keep motorized water sports away. Parasols and beach chairs continue to be a common sight.

The beach is lined mostly with accommodation, shops and restaurants. There is cluster of beer bars near the police box. However, there is a large beer bar complex at Rompho market on Jomtien 2nd Rd which runs parallel with the beach road.

The rather humdrum Wat Mai Hat Krathingthong (วัดใหม่หาดกระทิงทอง) serves the locals' religious needs between Soi 11 and Soi 12 at the beach road.

South of Jomtien beach is the Na Jomtien area which is actually already part of Sattahip and has poorer connections with Pattaya. Many hotels located there confusingly suffix Jomtien to their names. Na Jomtien area has its own beaches and the Ocean Marina Pattaya. Jomtien beach road (officially Jomtien Saineung Rd, i.e. Jomtien First Rd) extends to the north edge of Na Jomtien but public transportation to the area goes via Sukhumvit Rd (Hwy 3).

Jomtien has still many undeveloped plots of land and few tourist attractions while Pattaya and Sattahip have much more. As a result the level of traffic and tour bus numbers are much lower.

Get in

Most buses from Bangkok serve the main Pattaya bus terminal on North Pattaya Rd. Taxis are the easiest option for the onward trip to Jomtien. Songthaews (aka "baht buses", converted pick up trucks with two longitudinal benches in the back) also depart from the bus station and will drop travellers throughout Pattaya and Jomtien for between 20-150 baht depending on the distance travelled. If taking a baht bus it's advisable to know roughly where your intended stop is, as passengers have to push the buzzer to signal the driver to stop.

There used to be two bus terminals in Jomtien. The Soi Chaiyapruek terminal has closed, but the ticket office is still there. The current terminal in Jomtien (near Beach Rd) is the car-park of a small shopping precinct, and a Foodmart Supermarket, opposite Pan-Pan Restaurant. It is a busy junction, arrivals going to Pattaya travel north, and Jomtien to the south. The 389 government bus, 12.°, 100.°. 07:00-21:00. runs on the hour between Suvarnabhumi airport and the Jomtien terminal. In high season it is a good idea to book your ticket early on the day you are returning to the airport. 120 baht

If you have very little or no luggage (and don't mind risking your life) motorcycle taxis are plentiful and should cost between 20-100 baht to any destination within Pattaya or Jomtien.

Get around

Jomtien is covered by the Pattaya baht bus network. The baht bus route running in both directions on the beach road is the backbone of Jomtien transportation. In the north the buses turn to Theppraya Road and run to South Pattaya to the intersection of South Pattaya Rd and Pattaya 2nd Rd. Going south some buses loop back at the whim of the driver: some turn back at Chaiyapruek Rd while others push on almost to the end of the 5 km of Jomtien Beach. The fare is 10 baht/person regardless of distance; don't say anything, pay even money and the driver will not complain.

If you are going to Jomtien 2nd Road the best solution may be riding the beach road baht bus to the appropriate soi and then walking the 400 m to the 2nd Rd. Going elsewhere you would need to charter a baht bus with prices starting at 150 baht depending on distance.

Motorbike taxis are available. You can expect to pay 100 baht for a ride to Pattaya. From Beach Road up the soi to 2nd Road a reasonable fare would be 10 baht.

See

• Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์), 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Rd, 12.8966982°, 100.8938733°, +66 38 756879. Daily, 09:00–18:00, feeding times 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. This is an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species from the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can walk through the acrylic pedestrian tunnel and witness various kinds of fish swimming all around. The tunnel is 105 m long divided into 4 zones. The first zone holds beautiful and rare fish such as angel fish, cleaning wrasse, and butterfly fish. The second zone displays soft-boned creatures such as sharks, stingrays. The third zone stars Napoleon fish, groupers, pomfrets, hawksbill turtles and green turtles which reside around a replica of shipwreck. The fourth zone is a special one where fish from the Amazon River are on display. There are marine life feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone. 400 baht/adults, 200 baht/children

Do

• Colosseum Show Pattaya, 168/9 Moo 12 Thepprasit Rd (Between Thepprasit Soi 13 and 15), 12.90477°, 100.87739°, +66 38 906530(-3). 18:00,19:30,21:00. This ladyboy cabaret show has operated since 2014. 600-1,000 baht
• Dongtan Beach. While this area is frequented by mostly straight families, it also boasts perhaps the largest concentration of LGBT community beach-goers in Southeast Asia as a 265 m section of this beach, from Tui's Place up to Rabbit Resort, represents Pattaya's only gay beach. The beach is divided into sections, each run by a separate vendor. You can relax and share your experiences with fellow gay travellers from around the world or with local expats, get a foot massage (about 300 baht for an hour), purchase all manner of DVDs and other paraphernalia from roving vendors, people watch, eat & drink. 2017-01-30
• Hardbody Fitness Gym, 401/17 Moo 12, Thappraya Rd. Daily, 08:30-21:00. Small non-air-con free weights-oriented gym. 75 baht/day, 300 baht/week, 500 baht/fortnight, 750 baht/month, 2,000 baht/3 months, 3,500 baht/6 months, 6,000 baht/year
• Jomtien Bowl. Daily, 10:00-02:00. 8 lanes.
• Jomtien Fishing Park. Guides are available, as is food (including your catch) and drink. Competitions on Saturday and Sunday 15:00-17:00 (100 baht/rod). 100 baht/own rod, 200 baht to rent house rods
• Jungle Bungy Jump, +66 78 336655. 09:00-18:00. Beautiful tropical setting, 50 m (165 ft) over a jungle lagoon. Will pickup/return anywhere in Pattaya.
• Paintball World, +66 38 232796.
• Pattaya Park and Tower (สวนสนุกพัทยาปาร์ค), 12.9063°, 100.8619°, +66 38 364110(-20). Su-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-20:00. Large whirlpool with giant slides and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. 200 baht

Buy

Thappraya Road has several independent money changers with good rates and a branch of Krungsri Bank with Western Union services on the section from Jomtien Beach to Jomtien 2nd Road. Near the 7-Eleven at the beach corner is a photo shop that provides passport photos as you wait.

• Bookazine, 12.8988°, 100.8668°. bookshop
• Foodmart Supermarket, Thappraya Rd (Across the road from Pan Pan restaurant), 12.9050°, 100.8697°, +66 38 303467. 00:00-24:00. A 24/7 supermarket with a good selection of Western groceries and breads as well as import beers and wines.
• Outlet Mall Pattaya, 666 Moo 12, Banglamung (Corner of Sukhumvit Rd and Thepprasit Rd), 12.9087°, 100.8948°, +66 38 427764(-5). 10:00-22:00. A large factory outlet mall selling authentic international brands like Adidas, Guess and Lacoste.
• Pattaya Floating Market, 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Rd, 12.8680°, 100.9056°. 10:00-23:00. It was built on dry land from scratch as a tourist attraction in 2008. It has four zones selling food and goods from each region of the country in wooden houses built in the regional styles. There are plenty of vendors paddling around in boats as well as sideshows ranging from zorbing to elephants to cultural and martial arts shows. Since the market is totally artificial it fills all the tourist expectations much better than indigenous 'water markets' few of which provide boats for shoppers and tend to be open only part of the day on weekends. 200 baht
• Rompho Market, Jomtien 2nd Road / Rompho Rd (walk SE 500 m from intersection where Thappraya Rd turns to the beach), 12.8984°, 100.8730°. 07:00-17:00. The roofed wet market stocks meat, vegetables and fruit. Behind is a big shed selling clothing, bags and souvenirs. Later in the day the square in front hosts stalls selling street food. 2017-02-11
• Thepprasit Market, Theppraya Rd (between Soi 1 and 2, next to the outlet malls off Sukhumvit Rd), 12.9086°, 100.8930°. F-Su 18:00-24:00. You can find the cheapest books in Pattaya at this night market. 2017-02-11

Eat

Budget: under 100 baht, mid-range: 100-500 baht, splurge: over 500 baht (meal for one + soft drink).

• Aquarius, +66 38 251895. Closed Monday. Pleasant, inexpensive European dining.
• Cafe des Amis, +66 38 364327. Charming, romantic continental dining. Moderate
• Cafe Ritz, +66 87 9129108. Nice British/continental food at reasonable prices. Very good daily specials.
• Dar's Place, +66 87 9170561. European and Thai food. Steaks, fresh coffee, espresso and cappuccino, outdoor and indoor dining. Daily 99 baht specials. Friendly English speaking Thai lady owner with European and Thai cook.
• L'Olivier, +66 38 251669. Closed Tu. Informal French food, reasonable prices.
• Magg's, +66 38 251236. Closed Su. Inexpensive, good British/European food, daily specials. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. No air-con.
• Mignon, +66 38 233763. Small, charming, inexpensive European food. Many beef dishes.
• Mike's Mexican, +66 38 720222. Good fresh Tex-Mex in charming open-air setting.
• Pagoda, +66 89 8041450. Pleasant atmosphere, excellent service with continental/German cuisine at reasonable prices.
• Poseidon, +66 38 303702. Sophisticated European dining at reasonable prices (drinks are a bit pricey). Terrific 144 baht buffet breakfast.

Budget

Mid-range

• Pan Pan, 12.9050°, 100.8690°, +66 38 251874. Long- established traditional Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizza oven. Very popular with Thai families.
• Pupen Seafood (ปูเป็น), 62 Moo 1, Na Jomtien (Ride Jomtien Beach baht bus south, walk south when it turns east, at the beach), 12.8618°, 100.8953°, +66 33 124 664. 10:00-22:00. Reasonably priced seafood popular with Thais. No air conditioning. During high season you can view the sun setting to the sea from small private tables set outside. 2017-02-11
• Sraan Resttaurant, 315/423 Moo 12, Thepprasit Rd (A 5 min drive outside the city), +66 38 303039. Serves Thai and Western foods. Set in a garden which is ideal for a relaxing dinner or a small party. Recommended dishes include sautéed salted roasted duck, the shell in hell, chilled prawns, and goong lava (deep fried prawn with Thai herbal dressing and whipped cream on top).

Splurge

• Gian's, Thappraya Rd (Chateau Dale Plaza), 12.9064°, 100.8693°, +66 38 364934. Sophisticated Italian cuisine.
• Moonlight Restaurant, 505/18 Moo 12, Jomtien (View Talay 7 condominium), 12.8998°, 100.8668°, +66 852 777 745. 1,400 baht, car service 200 baht
• News Steaks & Grill, 306/89 Chateau Dale Plaza, Moo 12 Thappraya Rd, +66 38 267174. 12:00-23:00. Very good European/Swedish food in pleasant setting. Offers a single dish lunch special for 200 baht. ~1,000 baht

Drink

While more subdued than the bar scene in Pattaya, Jomtien has a number of beer bars, a few ordinary bars, and a single go-go bar scattered in the smaller sois off Beach Road or along the main road towards Pattaya. Most of the gay bars and establishments are concentrated within the low-rise Jomtien Complex off Thappraya Road.

Prices are generally a little lower than in Pattaya or Bangkok as bars are more reliant on the expat clientèle.

• Country Road III, Thappraya Rd (Next to the yellow Krungsri Bank), 12.8994°, 100.8676°. 10:00-01:00. The most visible member of the cluster of bars opposite Jomtien Plaza Condotel. It stretches deep into the building and has about 10 pool tables. Good place for playing pool and inexpensive beer.
• Inn Lucky, 334/117 Moo 12, Soi Welcome, Jomtien Beach, 12.88475°, 100.88043°, +66 879 470 369, philip.r.t@hotmail.co.uk. Cozy bar with pool table, sports and lovely hostesses. Rooms with separate living area available for rent - 600 baht per night. 2016-10-02
• Rompho Bar Complex, Jomtien 2nd Rd / Rompho Rd (Between 2nd Rd Soi 5 and 7), 12.8981°, 100.8737°. This beer bar complex runs 250 m along Rompho Rd and has more than 50 open-air bars open from late afternoon till about 01:00 daily. It's highly competitive, with many bars offering live entertainment or free pool as enticements. 2017-02-11
• Tui's Place (Tui's Place Guesthouse, Bar & Restaurant), 318/77-78 Thap Phraya Rd, Moo 12 (on Jomtien's gay beach, about a 10-minute songthaew ride from Boyztown and Sunee Plaza), 12.900927°, 100.864784°, +66 38 251432. 08:00-18:00. Full drinks menu. Serves a delicious array of local favourites and light snacks including salads, soups and sandwiches. Guest rooms range from 900-2,100-baht. Each room comes with a private bathroom, balcony, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, in-room safe. 50 baht for coffee up to 350 baht for a carafe of wine

Sleep

There are many guesthouses and apartments/studios up the side streets, the majority being in Soi Watboon, which is alongside The Grand Jomtien Palace Hotel. Expect to pay 750 baht per night in a reasonable guesthouse.

Budget

• Angel's Guest House, Jomtien Beach Rd, 131/23-24 Chaiyapruk Rd, +66 86 841 8920. Angel is a baby-blue miniature boutique complex with Wi-Fi and Thai décor including shrines. Set back in a rustic part of the town, it's a 1-minute walk from the beach and a 15-minute songthaew ride to Pattaya. The staff speak English and can help with arranging local tours.
• Jomtien Golden Inn, Jomtien Beach Rd, Soi 7, +66 89 0953226. A small guesthouse offers convenient air-con rooms with cable TV and free Wi-Fi. From 550 baht
• Jomtien Hostel, 279/347 Moo 12, Soi Somprasong Plaza, +66 38 233416, jh@jomtienhostel.com. TV cable, shower, fridge, balcony for smokers, LGBT-run establishment. 20 rooms 8 apartments for monthly rent. Lift, wheelchair access. For 260 baht, a bed in the fan dorm room, privates for 2 from 550-1,050 baht with air-con
• Lek Hotel Jomtien, Jomtien Beach Rd, Soi 7, +6638231753. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Offers clean, but very basic air-con rooms with breakfast. THB 600+ 2022-10-28

Mid-range

• Chang Charlie Inn, Jomtien Beach Rd, Soi 8, +66 38 232446, info@chang-charlie-inn.com. A boutique hotel a couple blocks from the main stretch of Jomtien Beach. Beautiful rooms with a mixture of traditional Thai as well as colonial British-Indian décor and art. Great rates for what you are getting (private patio, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, etc). 1,000-2,000 baht; 2-4 bedroom suites 2,500-6,000 baht
• Jomtien Boathouse, 380/5-6 Jomtien Beach Rd, +66 38 756143, info@pattaya-apartments.com. This central 4-storey hotel faces across Jomtien Beach Rd to the sea. Rooms are a decent size with very pleasant décor and large beds. You have to climb the stairs for the best view, and bear in mind that the balcony rooms facing west do get hot in the afternoons. Wi-Fi signal is best in the lobby and bar. 875-1,500 baht

Cope

Dentist

• Dental Café, 306/57 Moo 12 Thappraya Rd, +66 38 364662. Daily, 10:00-20:00. Delightful reception area and café, and the receptionist's smile is a testament to her employer's determination and tenacity.

Connect

• Thailand Post (Jomtien Post Office), Jomtien Beach Soi 5, +66 38 231944.

Go next

People looking for more varied and wilder nightlife will head to Pattaya with Walking Street a 10-baht ride away.

Daytime people are likely to take a tour to attractions in Sattahip or Si Racha, or simply take a baht bus to Pattaya.