Jomtien Beach and area in Pattaya: detailed guide

What is Jomtien and how it differs from central Pattaya

Jomtien is the southern suburb of Pattaya, which has essentially become a fully integrated part of it. If central Pattaya is endless noise, bars, and shopping malls, then Jomtien is a laid-back beach life. The area stretches along the coast for several kilometers and is famous for its wide sandy beach, considered one of the best in all of Pattaya.

The main difference between Jomtien and the central part is its focus on family and relaxed vacations. People come here to swim, sunbathe, stroll along the promenade, and enjoy the sea, rather than rushing from one nightclub to another. But the area isn't boring either: it has its own bars, night markets, and excellent restaurants. Everything is just in a more intimate, cozy format.

Getting to central Pattaya from Jomtien is easy by songthaew (shared taxi) for 15 baht (0.45 USD) – the ride takes about 15–20 minutes. So if you suddenly feel like diving into the nightlife of Walking Street, it's not a problem.

Jomtien Beach: size, cleanliness and comfort

Jomtien Beach is almost 6 kilometers of golden sand, stretching from Pratamnak Hill to the next, even more peaceful suburb Na-Jomtien, which resembles a cozy village. The water here is noticeably cleaner than on Pattaya's central beach, especially in the southern part. The reason is simple: the currents are weaker here, and the shore is more open, so the water mixes better and doesn't stagnate.

We really like that the beach has a promenade. There's a promenade in the center too, but here there are far fewer cars and less bustle – you can peacefully walk by the sea at any time of day. Along the promenade, there are benches, trash bins, and shaded areas under palm trees.

Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent on the beach – from 100 to 200 baht for a set for the whole day (6.03 USD). You can bargain, especially if you're renting two sets. Vendors walk along the beach selling coconuts, beer, corn, and seafood. Prices are slightly higher than in stores, but that's the price of convenience.

As everywhere in Pattaya, Jomtien has tides. At low tide, the water recedes far, exposing the sandy bottom, but you can still swim – you'll just have to walk further out. A much more serious issue is the "murky" water, which is due to suspended sand and silt rather than pollution. During the rainy season or strong winds, the water may be less clear, but overall, Jomtien Beach is much cleaner than the central beach.

График приливов и отливов в Паттайе подробно ⧉

Pros and cons of Jomtien Beach

Climate and seasons in Jomtien: when is the best time to go

Pattaya is in a tropical climate zone, so it's warm here year-round. However, the seasons do differ, and this affects the quality of your beach vacation. In Jomtien, as in all of Pattaya, there are three main seasons:

• Dry and cool season (November – February) – the best time for a vacation. Air temperature +25…+30 °C, low humidity, almost no rain, and a refreshing breeze from the sea. The sea is clear, waves are small. This is peak tourist season – hotels and tickets should be booked in advance.
• Hot season (March – May) – temperatures rise to +33…+35 °C, humidity is high. The sun is at its zenith, so beach activities are best planned for the morning or evening. In mid-April, the Songkran water festival takes place – a great way to cool off. There are fewer tourists, and accommodation prices drop.
• Rainy season (June – October) – rains are short (1–2 hours), mostly in the afternoon, after which the sun comes out again. Nature becomes bright green. The rainiest months are September and October. During this time, the sea may be murkier due to storms, but you can still swim, especially between showers.

Overall, Jomtien is suitable for vacations year-round, but if you're coming for clear sea and cloudless skies, choose the period from November to April.

Temperature and precipitation in Pattaya by month

Current weather in Pattaya and forecast for the coming days:

* - прогноз указан по местному времени. Данные получены с https://openweathermap.org. Если отображаются устаревшие даты, обновите страницу с помощью F5+Ctrl.

Area layout: transport, streets and navigation

Jomtien is not a monolithic area; it's divided into several parts. The main artery is Jomtien Beach Road, which runs along the entire beach. Hotels, condominiums, cafes, and shops are concentrated along it. Numerous sois (lanes) branch off inland, where there is also accommodation and infrastructure.

The main transport within the area is the songthaew (pickup trucks with benches in the back). They run along Beach Road from the intersection with Thepprasit all the way to Na-Jomtien. Fare – 15 baht (0.45 USD). But there's an important nuance: songthaews from Jomtien don't go directly to the center. You need to ride to the terminal stop at the Thepprasit intersection (see on the map), get off, and transfer to another songthaew that goes along Second Road to the center. The way back is the same scheme, just in reverse order.

If you plan to actively move around the area, it's better to rent a motorbike (from 150 baht per day) or an e-bike – this way you'll be independent of the songthaew schedule and can explore all corners of Jomtien, including its quiet streets and markets. You can also use taxi apps Grab, Bolt, Maxim, InDrive – prices from 60–100 baht for a short trip. For longer trips (e.g., to the airport), it's better to book a taxi in advance.

On the map, Jomtien looks like a long strip along the sea. Conventionally, it can be divided into the northern part (closer to Pratamnak) – where hotels are more expensive and there are fewer people, and the southern part – where there are more markets, bars, and budget accommodation options. The beach in the southern part is generally cleaner, but there are also more tourists.

For more details on all types of transport (taxis, songthaews, bike and car rentals, ferries to Koh Larn) with current prices and routes, read our complete guide to Pattaya transport.

Where to stay: best hotels and condos in Jomtien

Jomtien has a huge selection of accommodation – from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts. Here are some of the most popular hotel complexes often chosen for package tours:

• Grand Jomtien Palace – a classic beachfront hotel, large pool, green grounds. Good for families with kids.
• Jomtien Thani Hotel – known for its spacious rooms and excellent location near the night market.
• Welcome Jomtien Beach – a popular budget beachfront hotel, often chosen for its affordable prices and good service.
• Breeze Jomtien Resort – a cozy resort with private beach access, a quiet spot in the southern part.
• Pinnacle Grand Jomtien – a hotel with panoramic sea views, excellent pool and spa.

Jomtien also has many condominiums where you can rent an apartment for a long period – from several weeks to months. This is especially popular among winter residents. Apartment rental prices start from 10,000 baht per month (302 USD) for a studio. For long-term rentals, always check whether utilities (electricity, water, internet) are included – they are often paid separately. Also check if the condominium has a pool and gym – these often come as a bonus.

Tips for choosing accommodation in Jomtien

• If you want to go to the beach every day – choose hotels on the first line (Jomtien Beach Road).
• For long-term winter stays, it's better to look at options on the second or third lines – they are cheaper, and you can walk to the sea in 5–10 minutes.
• Be sure to read reviews on independent platforms (e.g., Google Maps) – they are often more objective than on booking sites.
• Check for parking availability and noise levels: some hotels are near bars on Rompho Street, where it can be noisy in the evening.

How to book a hotel in Jomtien

If you're organizing your trip independently, it's better to book accommodation online. Here are trusted and reliable sites we use ourselves:

• 🛌 Trip.com – works with MIR cards and SBP, our most frequent choice
• 🛌 Yandex.Travel – reliable Russian aggregator
• 🛌 Ostrovok.ru – reliable Russian aggregator
• 🛌 Travala.com – crypto payments, 50 USD bonus on first booking via our link

If you need long-term accommodation (from several weeks to months), you can search on these platforms:

• 🏠 Sutochno.ru – accommodation in Pattaya
• 🏠 Avito – rentals in Pattaya

You can also contact local Russian-speaking real estate agencies – there are many in Jomtien.

How to get to Jomtien

Jomtien is in the southern part of Pattaya, a 15–20 minute drive from the center. You can get here by various means – from budget buses to taxis and transfers. We've broken down all the options so you can choose the most convenient one.

From Bangkok airports

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – the simplest and most popular way is bus #389 operated by Roong Reuang Coach. It departs from the first floor, exit #8, every 1–1.5 hours from 6:00 to 22:00. Ticket price – from 139 baht (4.19 USD) to the center, and 162 baht to Jomtien bus station. Travel time – about 1.5–2 hours. The bus arrives directly at Jomtien Bus Station (open on the map), which is at the very beginning of the beach road. This is an ideal option if your hotel is in Jomtien or Pratamnak – from the station, you can walk to most hotels or take a songthaew for 15 baht.

There are also Bell Service buses – they are more expensive (from 216 baht + 120 baht for hotel delivery), but they will take you directly to your hotel in Pattaya. They also depart from exit #8.

From Don Mueang Airport (DMK) there are no direct buses to Jomtien. The most convenient way is to get to Suvarnabhumi by free shuttle (if you have an onward flight ticket) or by bus #554/555 (36 baht), and there transfer to bus 389 to Jomtien. Or take a taxi – price from 1600 baht.

Taxis and transfers – the most comfortable but also most expensive option. From Suvarnabhumi, a taxi to Jomtien costs from 1200 baht, from Don Mueang – from 1600 baht. You can order at the airport taxi counter, through apps (Grab, Bolt), or in advance on Kiwitaxi, Intui websites.

From central Bangkok

If you're already in Bangkok and want to get to Jomtien, you have two main options:

• Bus to Pattaya Northern Bus Station – buses depart from the eastern terminal Ekkamai (every hour, 148 baht) and northern Mo Chit (every 1–2 hours, 158 baht). They arrive at Pattaya Northern Bus Station. From there, you need to take a songthaew to Jomtien – first to the center (15 baht, with a transfer at Thepprasit), then along Jomtien (15 baht). Or take a taxi (from 100 baht).
• Get to Suvarnabhumi Airport – take the Airport Rail Link from central Bangkok (e.g., from Phaya Thai station) to the airport, and there take bus 389 to Jomtien. This is convenient if the bus departure time from the airport matches your arrival.

There are no direct buses from Bangkok to Jomtien – only via the Northern Station or the airport.

From other cities and islands

Getting to Jomtien from other Thai resorts can be done in several ways:

• From Phuket – there is a direct night bus Sawadee Tour (from 1205 baht, 17 hours) to Pattaya, arriving at the station on Third Road. From there – take a songthaew to Jomtien.
• From Chiang Mai – Nakhonchai Air buses go through Pattaya (stop at their station), you can get off and take a songthaew to Jomtien.
• From Samui, Phangan, Tao islands – it's best to take a combined transfer (ferry + bus) from Lomprayah or Boonsiri, which will take you directly to Pattaya (dropping off in the center or at your hotel). From there – take a songthaew to Jomtien.
• From Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood – similar ready-made transfers (from 650 baht) with delivery to Pattaya.

In any case, if you arrive not at Jomtien station but in central Pattaya, getting to Jomtien is easy by songthaew (15 baht) with a transfer at Thepprasit, or by taxi (about 100–200 baht).

For more details on all ways to get to Pattaya – from airports, Bangkok, other cities, and islands – read our complete guide to arriving in Pattaya.

Where and what to eat in Jomtien: cafes, restaurants and street food

Jomtien is not just a beach, but also a great place for culinary discoveries. You can eat here on any budget: from street stalls for 60 baht per dish to fancy restaurants with sea views.

Budget food: food stalls, food courts and vendors

If you want to eat like locals and not overpay, your choice is street stalls and small eateries. There are plenty of them in Jomtien, especially along the beach road and at markets.

A portion of Pad Thai or rice with chicken at a stall costs 50–70 baht (1.81 USD). For 100–150 baht you can get a whole grilled fish. Local soups and noodles – from 40 baht. It's not just cheap, it's also delicious: Thais know how to turn plain rice with meat into a little celebration.

On the Jomtien promenade and around Rompho Market, there are several food carts – mobile stalls where they cook right in front of you. Don't be afraid to try: if you see a queue of locals – go for it, it's a sign of quality.

Food courts – another budget option. Unlike street stalls, they have air conditioning and cleanliness. Jomtien doesn't have large malls with food courts like the center, but you can check out the food zone at Jomtien Night Market – prices are low and selection is big.

Cafes and restaurants: from cozy to scenic

Jomtien has cafes and restaurants for every taste – from modest family-run establishments to trendy spots with panoramic views:

• Krua Jomtien – an unassuming family restaurant known by seasoned tourists. Located on Soi 7, opens closer to the evening. Prices are pleasantly surprising, and dishes are cooked like for family – hearty and without pretension.
• Kruatabird – another hidden gem of Jomtien. Locals praise it for its low prices and great taste – 5 stars on Google Maps. Perfect if you want authentic Thai food without tourist markup.
• Rom Pho Cafe – a new coffee spot that opened in late 2024. Cozy atmosphere, good coffee and light snacks – a great option for breakfast or a break between the beach and walks.
• Broyke Cafe – a minimalist cafe right on Jomtien Beach. Black-and-white design, white sand instead of floor – looks very stylish. Open from 10:00 to 18:30, closed on Thursdays.
• Sanim Rim Lay – a cafe for relaxing. Open from 8:00 to 17:00, good for breakfast or lunch with a view.
• Escape Specialty Coffee and Bar – a recently opened spot 20 meters from the beach. You can combine coffee and cocktails, depending on the time of day.

If you want something more serious, check out the restaurants with views:

• Anya Pattaya – a restaurant on Jomtien Beach with a beautiful sea view. A great spot for photos and a romantic dinner.
• Glass House BOHO – a stylish beachfront restaurant serving traditional seafood and international cuisine.
• Mermaid Jomtien Restaurant – another beachfront restaurant with great reviews.
• D Varee Jomtien Beach – on the 38th floor of the hotel, there's a seafood buffet. Sea views from above and a great selection of dishes.

Special mention goes to 3 Mermaids restaurant – it's on Pratamnak Hill, but people often come here from Jomtien too. Tables in "bird's nests" above the beach, panoramic sea views – worth visiting at least once for the atmosphere. Bookings are required in advance with a deposit.

Seafood – Jomtien's main feature

Jomtien is a coastal area, so seafood here is especially fresh and delicious. It's served everywhere: from street stalls to expensive restaurants.

• Poo Pen Seafood – a famous seafood restaurant right on Jomtien Beach. Specializes in fresh crabs, shrimp, and fish.
• Lung Sawai Seafood – another popular spot. Located on Beach Road in Na-Jomtien, but many come here from the central part.
• Ton Hat Seafood – a relaxed seaside restaurant. You can eat with a sunset view, prices are moderate, portions are large.

At night markets (we'll talk about them below), seafood is significantly cheaper than in restaurants. A seafood skewer on the grill – from 10 baht, a portion of battered shrimp – 60–80 baht, a whole salt-crusted fish – 100–150 baht. The main thing is to bring cash and not be afraid to experiment.

If you want to try something unusual – check out Runway Street Food Market in the center (you can get there from Jomtien by songthaew). They serve crocodile meat, ostrich, and fried insects – it's more of an attraction than everyday food, but worth trying once.

Want to learn more about food prices in Pattaya and the best dishes? We have a detailed guide to food in Pattaya – everything about budget, restaurants, and Thai cuisine.

Shopping in Jomtien: markets and where to buy what

Jomtien is not just a beach. There are several great markets here where you can buy clothes, souvenirs, fruit, and try Thai street food. We've highlighted three main markets that are definitely worth visiting.

Jomtien Night Market

This night market is right across from Jomtien Beach and operates every evening. It's considered one of the best in Pattaya for buying clothes, shoes, and accessories. The selection is huge, prices are lower than in malls, and bargaining is expected. There are especially many vendors with children's clothing and toys. There's also a food court with affordable Thai food. Average check for two – 300–400 baht.

• Opening hours: daily from 17:00 to 23:00.
• How to get there: songthaew to Jomtien (Jomtien Night Market on the Pattaya map).
• What to buy: clothes, shoes, accessories, children's items, street food.

Rompho Market – best for fruit and local food

Rompho Market is in the Jomtien area, away from the beach but easily accessible on foot. It's one of the most local and authentic markets, where fruit and food prices are significantly lower than in tourist zones. Here you can buy mango for 50 baht/kg, mangosteen for 50, rambutan for 40, durian for 240–260 baht for a large fruit. Open from morning to evening, and in the evening it turns into a street food court with seafood and barbecue.

• Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 daily.
• How to get there: songthaew to Jomtien, then walk (Rompho Market on the Pattaya map).
• What to buy: fruit, seafood, ready-made food.

Thepprasit Market – huge selection at low prices

This market is located near Jomtien and is famous for its diversity. They sell clothes, shoes, bags, dishes, plants, and a huge amount of food: from Thai sweets to fried insects. Prices are very low, and it's one of the few places where you can find really cheap items. Open on weekends, but many vendors trade on weekdays as well. There are also several pet stores that children visit with pleasure like a zoo.

• Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 16:00 to 22:00 (partially open on weekdays).
• How to get there: songthaew to Jomtien, then walk (Thepprasit Market on the Pattaya map).
• What to buy: clothes, dishes, home decor, Thai sweets, food.

If you want to study all shopping malls, markets, and prices in Pattaya in more detail, we have a separate big article about shopping in Pattaya – we covered everything there: from malls to second-hand stores, from fruit prices to tax refunds.

What to see in and around Jomtien: attractions and entertainment

Jomtien is not just beach and markets. Near the area and within an hour's drive, there are several interesting places worth visiting to diversify your beach vacation. Most of them are beyond walking distance, so you need to plan how you'll get around in advance.

How to visit attractions: tours or on your own?

You have three main options for getting to parks, temples, and shows:

• Tours – the most convenient and often most cost-effective option. In Pattaya, travel agencies are on every corner, many with Russian-speaking staff. Prices in Russian are practically no different from English-language ones. A ready-made tour with transfer often costs the same as buying an entry ticket on your own, but with delivery from the hotel and back. For families or groups, this is especially profitable.
• Taxi – via apps Grab, Maxim, Bolt (Uber doesn't work). From 100 baht in the center, from 300 baht to the outskirts. But there's a nuance: it can be hard to get a car back from attractions, and prices spike in the afternoon. Hack: check the price in the app, multiply by 2–2.5 and try to negotiate with a street taxi driver for a round trip with waiting – often works out cheaper.
• Transport rental – motorbike from 200 baht/day, car from 500 to 1000 baht. Keep in mind left-hand traffic and the mandatory international driving permit. More about transport →

Where to buy tours in Pattaya

You won't have to search long for tour kiosks here – they're on every street. Russian-speaking agencies are everywhere, staff speak Russian, and prices are transparent. They'll explain everything, show you, and give you a price list with schedules and prices.

If you want to compare options in advance or pay with a Russian card, you can book online. Here are trusted services we use ourselves:

• Trip.com – the biggest database of tours and tickets, accepts Russian cards
• Sputnik8 – tours in Russian, verified guides
• Tripster – private and group tours in Russian
• GetYourGuide – international platform with lots of reviews

Wat Phra Yai Temple – Big Buddha on Pratamnak Hill

Wat Phra Yai is an active temple on top of Pratamnak Hill, located between central Pattaya and Jomtien. Its main attraction is the 18-meter golden seated Buddha statue visible from many parts of the city. The grounds also feature the "Emaciated Buddha" during his ascetic period and a Buddha footprint. The temple gives a good introduction to Thai Buddhism, and from its grounds, there's a great view of Jomtien, the sea, and the surroundings. Definitely worth a half-hour visit to rest from the noise and bustle and take some beautiful shots.

Practical information:

• Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 22:00.
• Entry: free (donations welcome).
• How to get there: on foot or by motorbike from Pratamnak or northern Jomtien (about 10–15 minutes uphill). By songthaew – get off at the turn to the hill and walk 500 meters.
• Dress code: covered shoulders and no shorts above the knee.

Koh Larn Island – a day trip to clean beaches

Koh Larn Island is located 10 kilometers from Pattaya. It's the most popular island for day trips – the water here is clearer and the beaches are cleaner than on the mainland. Easy to reach by ferry from Bali Hai pier (in central Pattaya) – ticket costs 30 baht, travel time about 40 minutes. Ferries run on schedule several times a day, and there are also speedboats (150–300 baht, 15–20 minutes). The island has several white-sand beaches – you can rent a sun lounger, eat at a beachfront cafe, or rent a bike to visit all the beaches.

Practical information:

• Ferry cost: 30 baht (0.91 USD) one way.
• Travel time: 40 minutes by ferry, 15–20 minutes by speedboat.
• Departure: from Bali Hai pier in central Pattaya.
• Tip: you can rent a bike on the island (about 200 baht/day) to visit all the beaches.

If you're tired of the murky water at Jomtien – take a trip to Koh Larn. The water there is noticeably clearer, and the beaches are completely different. A great option for a day trip. More about Koh Larn Island →

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden – elephant and orchid park

One of Thailand's most famous parks is a 20-minute drive from Jomtien. The 2.4-square-kilometer grounds feature dozens of themed gardens – European, French, cactus, orchid. Daily elephant shows (elephants paint pictures, play football and volleyball) and Thai dance shows take place. This is one of the most popular spots for family outings – plan for half a day to explore.

Practical information:

• Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Elephant shows – at 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30.
• Entry ticket: from 600 baht (adult) / 400 baht (children). On Trip.com tickets from 445 baht – cheaper than at the box office.
• How to get there: by taxi (300–400 baht from Jomtien) or as part of a tour – many agencies offer transfer + ticket cheaper than independent travel.

More about Nong Nooch Garden →

Viewpoint on Pratamnak – panorama of Pattaya

Pratamnak Hill is located right between the center and Jomtien. At its top is the viewpoint with a view of the entire city – from one side you can see the central beach and islands, from the other – Jomtien and the southern coast. This is the spot where postcard views of the resort are taken – be sure to bring your camera. There's a park with paths and exercise equipment, a monument to Prince Chumphon, and just below – the big "PATTAYA CITY" letters.

Practical information:

• Opening hours: main area near the monument – from 7:30 to 19:00, there's a 24-hour area near the parking lot.
• Entry: free.
• How to get there: on foot from Pratamnak or northern Jomtien (about 30 minutes uphill), by motorbike or taxi. By songthaew – get off at the turn to the hill.
• Tip: best to come closer to sunset – the views are stunning.

Water parks and entertainment nearby

In the vicinity of Jomtien, there are several water parks and amusement parks suitable for family vacations. If you're with kids or just love water activities, be sure to visit at least one of them:

• Cartoon Network Amazone – a water park with cartoon-themed slides, located in Na-Jomtien (about 30 minutes by taxi). Price for foreigners – from 1,290 baht (adults) and from 990 baht (children), at the entrance it can be up to 1,590–1,808 baht.
• Columbia Pictures Aquaverse – a themed water park with rides, located in the same area. Online price – from 1,176 baht, at the entrance – 1,595 baht.
• Pattaya Floating Market – a floating market 15 minutes from Jomtien. It's more of a tourist attraction than a real market, but very colorful. Entry – 150–200 baht, with boat – about 300 baht.
• Ramayana Water Park – Thailand's largest water park, located 25 km from Pattaya. Over 50 slides and attractions. Entry – 1,099 baht, online tickets are cheaper.

For more Pattaya attractions – with current ticket prices, opening hours, map, and precise routes – read the full version of the guide: Pattaya attractions: what to see on your own.

Where to get the best exchange rates in and around Jomtien

In Pattaya, exchange rates can differ even between neighboring booths by 1–2%. Here are a few reliable spots in Jomtien and nearby Pratamnak with excellent rates:

• Exchange booth near Rom Pho Market (Jomtien) – open on the map. Modest signage, but the rate is often 0.1–0.3 baht per dollar higher than T.T. Exchange. On $1000, that's 100–300 baht (9.05 USD) saved. Open until evening (usually 18:00), on weekdays.
• Cash & Go exchange (Pratamnak) – open on the map. Another spot where the rate is often better than T.T. Open daily until 20:00. If you're staying in or visiting Pratamnak – definitely check it out.
• T.T. Exchange (baseline reference) – many branches throughout the city, rates consistently better than banks. Accept old-design dollars (without the blue stripe) at the same rate if bills are in perfect condition. Check rates before exchanging on their official website.

Our hack: Before going to any exchange booth, we always check the T.T. Exchange website for their rate – it's our benchmark. If another booth's rate is not lower than T.T.'s – we exchange there. If it's lower – we go to T.T.

What to avoid: Exchanging money at banks (worse rates), exchanging rubles in cash (loss up to 10% compared to dollars), and using private changers from Telegram – high risk of fraud. Bring cash dollars in 50 or 100 bills – they get the best rates.

We've prepared a complete guide to money and currency in Pattaya – everything about cards, cryptocurrency, expense calculators, and other nuances.

🕒 16 August, 2026