Jomtien
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
[edit]
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
[edit]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 1 389 government bus. 07:00-21:00. runs on the hour between Suvarnabhumi airport and the Jomtien terminal. Bookings open 3 days prior and can be done online. In high season it is a good idea to book your ticket at least 1 day prior to the date you are returning to the airport. 143 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
[edit]
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
[edit]- 1 Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์), 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Rd, ☏ +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
[edit]- 1 Colosseum Show Pattaya, 168/9 Moo 12 Thepprasit Rd (Between Thepprasit Soi 13 and 15), ☏ +66 38 906530(-3). 18:00,19:30,21:00. This ladyboy cabaret show has operated since 2014. 600-1,000 baht.
- Dongtan Beach (Runs north to the right of the police box at the very end of Thappraya Rd). 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.
- 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 (Royal Jomtien Resort, Jomtien Beach Rd). Daily, 10:00-02:00. 8 lanes.
- Jomtien Fishing Park (Jomtien Beach Rd Soi 14). 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 (Jomtien Beach Rd), ☏ +66 38 232796.
- 2 Pattaya Park and Tower (สวนสนุกพัทยาปาร์ค) (Ride Jomtien Beach baht bus to Thappraya Soi 12 and walk down the soi), ☏ +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
[edit]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.
- 1 Bookazine (Next to the 7-Eleven opposite the Dongtan Police Box around the corner from Thappraya Rd). bookshop
- 2 Foodmart Supermarket, Thappraya Rd (Across the road from Pan Pan restaurant), ☏ +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.
- 3 Outlet Mall Pattaya, 666 Moo 12, Banglamung (Corner of Sukhumvit Rd and Thepprasit Rd), ☏ +66 38 427764(-5). 10:00-22:00. A large factory outlet mall selling authentic international brands like Adidas, Guess and Lacoste.
- 4 Pattaya Floating Market, 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Rd. 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.
- 5 Rompho Market, Jomtien 2nd Road / Rompho Rd (walk SE 500 m from intersection where Thappraya Rd turns to the beach). 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.
- 6 Thepprasit Market, Theppraya Rd (between Soi 1 and 2, next to the outlet malls off Sukhumvit Rd). F-Su 18:00-24:00. You can find the cheapest books in Pattaya at this night market.
Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]| This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink: | |
| Budget | Under 150 baht |
| Mid-range | 150-700 baht |
| Splurge | Over 700 baht |
- Aquarius (Jomtien Complex), ☏ +66 38 251895. Closed Monday. Pleasant, inexpensive European dining.
- Cafe des Amis (at the foot of Soi 11 off Thappraya Rd.), ☏ +66 38 364327. Charming, romantic continental dining. Moderate.
- Cafe Ritz (Jomtien Complex), ☏ +66 87 9129108. Nice British/continental food at reasonable prices. Very good daily specials.
- 2 Cheap Charlie's, 75/27 M.12 Soi Jomtien 5 Alley, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand (About 40 m east of Jomtien Beach Road on the northern side of Soi 5.), ☏ +66 8 55133539. 07:00-23:00 7 days a week. As the name implies a place for budget dining. However the food is exceptionally good value for money hence popular with expats. It can be crowded and service rushed at peak times. This is the second establishment with the same name following the same formula as the Pattaya venue in Soi Buakhao (but with different management). There is a loyalty card available for regular patrons with a modest joining fee.
- Dar's Place (Soi Bun Kanchana, side soi next to Tesco Lotus and dentist near covered market.), ☏ +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 (Jomtien Complex), ☏ +66 38 251669. Closed Tu. Informal French food, reasonable prices.
- Magg's (Thepprasit Rd, north side, about 250 m from Thappraya Rd.), ☏ +66 38 251236. Closed Su. Inexpensive, good British/European food, daily specials. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. No air-con.
- Mignon (Thappraya Rd, south side, about 200 m from Jomtien Beach Rd), ☏ +66 38 233763. Small, charming, inexpensive European food. Many beef dishes.
- Mike's Mexican (Soi 5, a short way down from Thappraya Rd), ☏ +66 38 720222. Good fresh Tex-Mex in charming open-air setting.
- Pagoda (Jomtien Complex), ☏ +66 89 8041450. Pleasant atmosphere, excellent service with continental/German cuisine at reasonable prices.
- Poseidon (Jomtien Complex), ☏ +66 38 303702. Sophisticated European dining at reasonable prices (drinks are a bit pricey). Terrific 144 baht buffet breakfast.
Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Hemingways Jomtien, 414/21 Thappraya Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand (Enter the Jomtien Complex Condotel parking area from Thappraya Road. First establishment on your right hand side after the gate.), ☏ +66 6 46209225. A Sports Bar & Restaurant that delivers quality meals in a comfortable air-conditioned establishment. Regular specials and events. Most sporting events are screened and there is a decent pool table at the rear of the bar.
- 2 Pan Pan (Thappraya Rd, west side, about 75 m north of Thepprasit.), ☏ +66 38 251874. Long- established traditional Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizza oven. Very popular with Thai families.
- 3 Pupen Seafood (ปูเป็น), 62 Moo 1, Na Jomtien (Ride Jomtien Beach baht bus south, walk south when it turns east, at the beach), ☏ +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.
- 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
[edit]- 4 Gian's, Thappraya Rd (Chateau Dale Plaza), ☏ +66 38 364934. Sophisticated Italian cuisine.
- 5 Moonlight Restaurant, 505/18 Moo 12, Jomtien (View Talay 7 condominium), ☏ +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.
- 6 Sandbar By The Sea, 45/16 Moo 12, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya 20150 Thailand (Walk about 150 m north of the police box (towards Dongtan beach) at the intersection of Thappraya & Jomtien Beach Rds.), ☏ +66 8 15837269. 08:00-20:00 7 days. One of the best views overlooking Jomtien/ Dongtan beach as it's away from the busy Beach Road environment. Food here is excellent, mostly in the high price range but with some items more budget friendly (especially Thai food). Also they have quality entertainment on most nights but it pays to book ahead. Good venue if you're celebrating an event.
Drink
[edit]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.
- 1 Country Road III, Thappraya Rd (Next to the yellow Krungsri Bank). 10:00-01:00. The most visible member of the cluster of bars opposite Jomtien Plaza Condotel. Good place for inexpensive beer. It has 2 pool tables and charges a nominal fee per game.
- 2 Inn Lucky, 334/117 Moo 12, Soi Welcome, Jomtien Beach, ☏ +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.
- 3 JB Pool House, 410/2-4-6 M. 12, Thappraya Rd, Jomtien, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand (Immediately behind Country Road III (within the same complex)), ☏ +66 8 35826969, jbpoolhouse@gmail.com. Primarily a pool venue with 6 large quality tables and regular competitions. Drinks at reasonable prices. Tables can be booked on an hourly or per-game basis.
- 4 Rompho Bar Complex, Jomtien 2nd Rd / Rompho Rd (Between 2nd Rd Soi 5 and 7). 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.
- 5 Soi 4 Bars. The latter half of 2023 saw a lot of smaller bars in the adjacent Sois 2 & 3 close and move into Soi 4, Jomtien Beach. This has re-invigored competition in the Soi which was previously primarily used for guest-house accommodation (and only a handful of bars). The Soi is unique as it's a divided roadway but carries very little through traffic. The atmosphere is more chilled for a quiet drink, chat and/or game of pool.
- 6 Soi 7 Bars. This will be Jomtien's second most popular bar locale behind Rompho Market (further to the north). Featuring several dozen bars (along with accommodation, massage and other businesses) along its 400m stretch between Jomtien Beach Road and Jomtien Second Road. Most of the bars are small but it's a narrow crowded environment making for a competitive vibe.
- 7 Soi Whitehouse (The next Soi after Soi 7 as you head south along Jomtien Beach Road). Much like Soi 4 it's only about half as long as the "through Sois", but it doesn't have the centre divide and carries some (limited) bus traffic to & from the Pooh Beach Resort/ Spa/ Hotel at the far end. Another concentration of bars making for a competitive environment. Bryghuset Bar on the right hand side as you enter the Soi is the largest single establishment being a consolidation of 3 bars previously here - plus a restaurant section.
- 8 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), ☏ +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.
- 9 Take Care Bar, 413/137 Thap Phraya Rd., Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand (Corner of Thappraya Rd & Second Road. Part of Jomtien Complex.). Jomtien now has several live entertainment bars in this area, but Take Care Bar was one of the early adopters & continues on. A resident band will play nightly from about 20:00. They focus on rock & roll covers and ballads from the 60s/70s onwards. Requests are not just welcome but encouraged. Drinks are priced reasonably. No cover charge but a donation in the tip jar will be greatly appreciated.
- 10 Wombat & Kiwi Bar, 344 Jomtien Soi 9, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150 (From Pattaya/ Jomtien head south until you get to the corner of Jomtien Soi 9), ☏ +66 9 53614064. 07:00-23:59 7 days. Popular hangout for Aussie/ Kiwi expats & visitors - as well as others from around the globe. This business was established just prior to the onset of COVID, so the early incarnation was as a restaurant. Since then they've kept the food side of the business with regular specials, but have won several tourism awards for their overall standard of service & atmosphere. Sports are screened and live entertainment features on some nights.
Sleep
[edit]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
[edit]- 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.
- 1 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, fax: +66 38 233837, 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, ☏ +66 38231753. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Offers clean, but very basic air-con rooms with breakfast. THB 600+.
Mid-range
[edit]- Chang Charlie Inn, Jomtien Beach Rd, Soi 8, ☏ +66 38 232446, fax: +66 38 232386, 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, fax: +66 38 756144, 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.
Splurge
[edit]- 2 D Varee Jomtien Beach, 457 Moo 12 Jomtien, Soi 13-14 Beach Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150 (Beach Road between Sois 13 & 14), ☏ +66 3 8418999, rsvn.djb@playainternational.com. 5-star hotel opposite Jomtien Beach featuring modern rooms with balconies overlooking the Bay of Siam. Offering 2 pools and a gym, it boasts a rooftop bar and 5 restaurants. 226 rooms.
Cope
[edit]Dentist
[edit]- Dental Café, 306/57 Moo 12 Thappraya Rd, ☏ +66 38 364662, fax: +66 38 364663. 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.
- 3 Smile Time Dental Clinic, 406/35, Phratumnak Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, Thailand (Shopfront immediately adjacent to Infectious Bar - on the eastern side. About 40 m before you get to the 7/11 store on the left hand side as you go towards the beach.), ☏ +66 8 22079691, dr.preecha@Smiletimedc.com. Private practice for Dr Preecha. Full range of general, cosmetic & surgical treatments available inc. crowns & implants. Staff have good English language skills so popular with the expat community.
Doctor
[edit]- 4 Chanya Clinic Jomtien, 10 Thappraya Rd, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150 (If you are coming from Pattaya continue south about 20 m from the Hanumann statue as Thappraya Road becomes Jomtien Second Road. Prominent signage out the front.), ☏ +66 3 8303762. Medical clinic that will take walk-in appointments. Staff are friendly and have good English language skills.
Connect
[edit]- Thailand Post (Jomtien Post Office), Jomtien Beach Soi 5, ☏ +66 38 231944.
Go next
[edit]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.