Hello everyone. Today we took a walk in the Jomtien area, starting at Dongtan Beach located at the beginning of Jomtien. It was an opportunity to observe the water and the atmosphere of the holidaymakers.
This beach is one of our favorites. However, what we saw today was a bit disappointing. Most of the beach was covered with sun loungers and umbrellas, which took away from its natural beauty. We used to love this beach more for its natural charm, especially the palm trees and the feeling of being close to nature. There was a small section without loungers, but it was crowded, with people almost piling on top of one another. In contrast the areas with loungers were mostly empty, likely because people didn’t want to pay 100 Baht.
Despite the umbrellas this beach remains one of our favorites. In the evenings dance events are held here, featuring energetic, aerobics-style activities. Across the street, there’s a 7-Eleven, making it easy to grab snacks. And small cafés offer meals for just 50 Baht. We particularly love a three-story 7-Eleven with a mini café inside, where you can enjoy the sea view while having a bite.
As we walked further towards the beginning of Jomtien, we turned down a side street and saw a tuk-tuk passing by. These tuk-tuks only travel to the end of Jomtien, with no return service yet. We also noticed a currency exchange office, part of a chain with many branches across the city.
At Jomtien’s starting point, evening street stalls are often set up. However, we realized not all of them are legal, as they quickly pack up and leave when the police arrive.
Ongoing roadworks in Jomtien were also noticeable. Pavements were being lifted to replace drainage pipes and then reinstalled. The work seems to be progressing quickly and while it’s said to last for a few years, it appears to be finishing earlier than expected. Many areas have already been renovated, including the spot we walked through. The process involves closing one section, digging it up, replacing the pipes and sealing it again. A lot of progress has been made so far.
We then reached the area across from Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel. The hotel has a great location with direct beach access. On the right, loungers are available for 100 Baht per day, with umbrellas priced the same. On the left, there are reclining chairs for 50 Baht.
I really enjoy Jomtien’s beach road, as there are plenty of open spaces for walking. Walking along the shore during sunset, when the sun isn’t too intense, is a fantastic experience. Today’s weather was great. Although it was midday, the sun wasn’t too harsh, so we could walk around without worrying about heatstroke. The mornings and evenings are even cooler, making it very comfortable. This is an excellent time to visit Thailand.
Across from the beach, there are numerous cafes, shops and hotels. Jomtien has excellent infrastructure. Large shopping centers are mostly near the city center, but they’re rarely needed during a holiday. As we approached the night market, some pavements were still under construction. Although some roads were closed, most work seems to be complete. However, certain areas still had unfinished sidewalks and temporary dirt paths were in use.
Closer to the night market, fewer people were at the beach due to the ongoing roadworks. Most prefer to avoid these areas. Near the Angry Birds kids' play area, much of the work has been completed. We were able to sit and enjoy the sea view on the road leading to the night market. This market offers a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Indian and other international dishes.
The sea was clear and clean, with people happily swimming. Street vendors along the beach made grabbing small snacks easy. We moved towards the Jomtien Sea Breeze Hotel. While some sidewalks were completed, a few areas still had ongoing work. Fortunately, dry dirt paths made crossing possible, though the view was a bit unsightly.
A word of caution when exchanging money in Jomtien: converting certain currencies directly in Thailand can be disadvantageous. It’s better to bring dollars, euros or yuan and exchange them here. Online currency exchange options are also available.
In front of the Grand Jomtien Hotel, a well-paved sidewalk begins, though there are some dangerous holes, possibly where palm trees are to be planted or have been removed. The pavement extends directly to the beach. We walked to the shore and looked at the sea. Equipment and accessories rental prices are current and while the area was busy, the beach’s width made it feel less crowded. Loungers are set slightly inland, leaving enough space to approach the shore. However, the sand wasn’t entirely clean, with leaves, seashells and the occasional plastic bag. Thankfully, there isn’t a significant litter problem. The beach’s vastness is a plus. The water at earlier stops seemed clearer, likely due to lighter sand. Here, the sand was darker but not dirty.
From time to time, some trash washes ashore on the beaches of Thailand. This is often due to debris drifting from the ocean or waste discarded from ships. However, beaches are usually cleaned regularly, with cleaning activities taking place every morning. It’s also essential for visitors to take responsibility for their waste. Many trash bins are available along the beaches, making it easy to dispose of your litter properly.
For a cleaner and more stunning sea experience, you might consider visiting nearby Koh Larn island. We shared a post about our trip to Koh Larn, which offers breathtaking views. However, overcrowding has become a significant issue there recently. As an alternative, you can head to the southern military beaches, about a 30-minute drive away. These beaches feature pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. And tours to nearby deserted islands are organized, resembling the postcard-perfect beaches Thailand is famous for.
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Walking to the left of Grand Jomtien Hotel, we discovered a bustling market area. However, the sidewalk ends in this section. Opposite D Varee Hotel, the beach widens, but sunbeds are placed a bit farther from the water. Umbrellas are essential for shade, as walking this distance under the sun can be uncomfortable.
The area around D Varee Hotel is particularly popular with tourists. Friends of ours who stayed there were pleased with their experience. The hotel offers rooms with full or partial sea views. If you’re planning an active holiday that includes exploring the city and visiting nearby islands, this hotel could be a great choice. The area is quiet but lively in the evenings, with street vendors, cafes and shops remaining open.
Walking a bit to the right from D Varee Hotel, we reached a part of the beach with designated swimming areas and more sunbeds. Here you’ll also find street food vendors. There are several seafood buffet restaurants in the area as well.
Early in the morning, you can buy fresh seafood directly from the fishermen along Jomtien Beach. Tuk-tuks are available nearby, offering rides back to the city center. The area transitions into Na Jomtien, where two-way traffic begins. This region is home to many apartment complexes. Passing by one of them, we approached the popular Lumpini complex, where the aroma of grilled kebabs and durian mingled in the air. Nearby is the B & G Market, a relatively new, clean and organized night market offering a mix of international cuisines. We plan to share a detailed review of this market soon.
The expansive part of the beach here is polarizing. Some love it, while others aren’t fond of it. The area features large and popular residential buildings, such as the scenic Metro Condo. However, the lack of greenery and limited sunbeds make the atmosphere less appealing to some. Most people bring their umbrellas here. Personally, I don’t find this area very relaxing due to the sight of ships offshore, which detracts from the serene vibe.
In the evenings the area becomes quieter. Tuk-tuks serve this region, but some stop operating earlier in the day and drivers might charge 20 baht instead of the usual 10 baht. At the far end of the beach, you’ll find a few seafood restaurants marked by a large crab statue. This spot is known as the place with the crab. These restaurants are busier in the evenings and feature vendors selling toys and kites for children. The beach’s wide and open space makes it perfect for kite flying.
While the seafood restaurants here aren’t cheap, they offer high-quality dishes. For instance, fish dishes cost around 450-470 baht, while a papaya salad is priced at 180 baht. For more budget-friendly options, you can visit buffet-style seafood restaurants where you cook your own food. These places are much more economical, costing 399 baht per person for unlimited seafood.
We walked the entire length of Jomtien Beach and continued toward the second road. Thailand and Pattaya in particular, offers sunshine, fresh sea air and warm ocean waters. Visit soon and enjoy all it has to offer. See you soon.
