When we arrived in Pattaya, we were told over and over again that Jomtien Beach is much better than Pattaya Beach. And in some ways, that’s true — but not in all. After spending time at both, we’d honestly call it a 50/50 split, depending on what kind of beach experience you’re after.
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🌅 Jomtien Beach – Relaxed, Local & Family-Friendly
Sunset at Jomtien
Sunset at Jomtien is stunning. Anywhere along the beach works, but Jomtien Head’s Viewpoint is especially beautiful. We grabbed a beer from 7-Eleven, picked up food from the vendors lining the beachfront, and simply sat and watched the sky change. It felt peaceful, local and unhurried — one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you.
Jomtien Night Market
After sunset, we made our way to the Jomtien Night Market, which is absolutely worth a visit.
- Huge selection of food
- Lovely open-air setting
- Entertainment, especially for kids
- Very busy, but that’s part of the atmosphere
One standout was the fresh juice stalls. They pack plastic cups full of different fruit combinations — you choose your cup (usually 30 baht), they add water and blend it fresh. It’s cold, refreshing and honestly pure heaven in the heat.
Food-wise, we had a salmon steak with salad and potatoes for 150 baht, and it was excellent. There’s plenty of parking if you’re on a motorbike, and it’s easy to reach by songthaew or on foot if you’re staying nearby.
Jomtien Beach During the Day
We also spent time at Jomtien during the day.
- Beach chairs or day beds cost 100 baht for the full day
- You can ask for sun or shade — we were given an umbrella
- Chairs are set very close to the water (around 2 metres)
That closeness is both a pro and a con. It’s great for dipping in and out of the sea, but:
- People constantly walk past right in front of you
- Swimmers wade very close
- The chairs sit on a slight slant
- Vendors pass by constantly (very polite, but frequent)
Add in jet skis, banana boats and excited kids, and it’s not exactly quiet — though it’s all part of a lively beach scene.
The water is okay, but it’s not crystal clear or blue like the nearby islands. For that, you’d want to head to Koh Larn, which is reachable in around 40 minutes by ferry or boat tour.
🌴 Pattaya Beach – Lively, Central & Full-On
Pattaya Beach is also a long stretch of sand, so where you sit does matter. We stayed toward the north end, away from the main bar strip, but to be honest, the overall vibe doesn’t change drastically.
One thing we liked here was the setback:
- Beach chairs are around 30 metres back from the water
- You’ll need jandals — the sand gets boiling hot
- Chairs are still 100 baht for the day
- Food and drinks are brought to you
- Vendors still pass by regularly
The water is similar to Jomtien — not the cleanest, but definitely swimmable and refreshing enough to cool you down.
🌃 After Dark at Pattaya Beach
This is where Pattaya Beach really differs.
As the sun goes down:
- Beach chairs are packed away
- The road across the beach comes alive
- Street stalls, bars and nightlife take over
It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s intense.
But honestly? Everyone seems happy. It’s a full sensory overload, and whether that excites or exhausts you depends entirely on what kind of traveller you are.
🤔 So… Which One Should You Choose?
Jomtien Beach is better if you want:
- A more relaxed, local feel
- Families and open spaces
- Great sunsets and night markets
- Easier daytime lounging
Pattaya Beach suits you if you want:
- Energy and action close by
- Easy access to food, stalls and nightlife
- A more central, urban beach experience
For us? It was a genuine 50/50.
There’s no right or wrong — just different vibes for different moods.
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
“Travel isn’t about choosing the best place — it’s about finding the place that fits you.”