Jomtien Beach stretches for six kilometres along the Gulf of Thailand, just south of Pattaya. Where Pattaya is loud and relentless, Jomtien is the quieter neighbour -- still lively, but with a more relaxed pace that draws long-stay visitors, families, and anyone who prefers their beach without a thumping bass line.
The beach road runs the full length of the waterfront, lined with seafood restaurants, massage shops, and small hotels. The water is calm enough for swimming most of the year, and the southern end of the beach is noticeably less crowded. Windsurfing, jet-skiing, and parasailing are all on offer, and longtail boats run day trips to Koh Larn island, where the water is clearer and the sand whiter.
Jomtien has grown considerably over the years, with high-rise condominiums now dominating the skyline, but the street-level feel remains pleasantly low-key. The night market near Jomtien Soi 5 is worth a wander for cheap Thai food and people-watching, and the area around Dongtan Beach at the northern end has a good concentration of restaurants and bars.