Pattaya/ Jomtien
Pattaya and Jomtien are two separate towns located next to each other. To the casual visitor they appear as one . Both are about 150 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and about 100 kilometers from Suvarnahbumi Airport, Thailands major port of entry.
They are among SE- Asia’s most popular destinations drawing international tourists, retirees and Bangkok weekend escapees throughout the year. The main season, December through March, offers the best weather.
Pattaya/Jomtien are on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Both have a few distinctly different residential areas.
Families and those seeking a quiet and relaxing stay may prefer the more laid back resort atmosphere of Jomtien. Na Jomtien, Pratumnak and Naklua/ Wongamat. Those looking to be in the midst of the action feel probably more at home in the heart of Pattaya ( Beach Road and Second Street areas).
Whatever your preference, Pattaya/ Jomtien have something for virtually everyone.
The area boasts about 15 kilometers of sandy beaches. Water sports from yachting to fishing, diving, jet-skiing, and parasailing can be done at many ocean front hotels and other locations along the beach. Golf is another sport that can be practiced on nearby golf courses. A big Marina in Jomtien has room for large boats. The latest news promise an extension of the Marina to accommodate even super yachts.
Pattaya offers a large air conditioned mall and for the bargain hunter many small shops and street vending stalls selling everything from souvenirs to designer clothing (real and not so real).
Let’s not forget Pattaya’s well known night life with its numerous nightclubs, bars, pubs, shows and fine dining establishments that satisfy just about anyone’s taste.
The best residential areas are:
Naklua/Wongamat
It is located on the Northern tip of Pattaya and home to a number of luxury condominiums and five star Hotels. The area has a more quiet feel and offers one of the more picturesque beaches in town. It is only a short ride from Pattaya center.
Beach Road
It is Pattaya’s main road stretching from North to South along 4 kilometers of sandy beach. The beach is very busy and frequented by many beach vendors. Across from the beach, you will find many four and five star hotels, restaurants, the Festival Market Place and many small shops. Beach Road is full of life day and night. Currently, there is only one luxury condominium along the entire stretch.
Pratumnak
This area is to the south of Beach Road and separates Pattaya from Jomtien.
It is an upscale neighborhood located on a hillside overlooking the ocean. Pratumnak has a small town center, numerous high end condominiums and a nice beach known as “Cosy Beach”. Some members of the royal family also have second homes in this area.
Jomtien
Located south of Pratumnak, this commumity is like a smaller version of Pattaya itself. It is less crowded, especially on its southern boundary. The small centre offers shops, restaurants and the typical amenities found in a small beach town.
It also has its own nightlife, albeit much smaller then Pattaya. Along its beaches you will find five star hotels and luxury condominums as well as a few single family residence enclaves.
Na Jomtien
Just adjacent to Jomtien is Na Jomtien, a very peaceful and quiet community. Along the ocean are a number of luxury condominiums and five star resorts and the areas largest Marina. While the area still is short of many amenities, it is growing fast and in a more coherent fashion then some of the before mentioned Districts. It is well connected to the other areas by a brand new road which is nearly complete. Na Jomtien is particularly popular with upper class Thais and the Management cadre from Bangkok and the surrounding industrial estates of Chonburi Province. It is a perfect weekend getaway for them.