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Pattaya/Jomtien - a bit of Thailand!
Pattaya
An internationally well-known seaside resort, Pattaya is a vibrant city night and day. Its population is a colourful potpourri of mixed nationalities from near and far. A vast range of tourism-related activities await visitors, from relaxing on the beach, actively taking part in land and sea-based sports to visiting the scores of attractions in and around Pattaya.
Meaning the 'south-west monsoon wind" and correctly pronounced "Putt-tuh-YAH" not "Patt-EYE-uh", it ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. Increasing numbers of tourists come from the former Soviet Union and East Asia.
The city of Pattaya is a self governing special municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue and Na Kluea and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. It is located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang and Chon Buri. However, it remains mostly a tourist city, with very light industry.
Pattaya is second only to Bangkok in high rise buildings, as many condos for foreign residents are built, and has a modest skyline. The city's economy benefits from its relative proximity to Bangkok.
Pattaya is also the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, the conurbation in Chonburi Province.
Jomtien
The popular Jomtien Beach is know for its water sports (jet skis, para sailing, scuba diving) and for several annual sponsored events and festivals, attracting visitors from around the world. Equally popular is Dong Tan Beach with its many sections of colorful umbrellas. There are several high end resorts along the beaches, including the Rabbit Resort and the Avalon Beach Resort.
There has been a construction boom in the last several years with many new condominiums as well as housing developments in the Jomtien area as it has become quite popular with Bangkokians seeking a second home and retired expats who are trying to escape the noise and sex scene of Pattaya proper. Among the new projects is Ocean 1, which when completed at 91 stories will be one of the tallest residential buildings in the world.
The Jomtien Complex, which includes a large group of shophouses, has recently seen a phenomenal growth as well after many years of standing vacant. The complex now features many restaurants, bars and stores of all kinds.
A recent trend has been the opening of many upscale restaurants along Thappraya Road, the main thoroughfare connecting Pattaya and Jomtien. Newly christened "Restaurant Row" by some locals, the area includes Bruno's, Mata Hari, Manhattans Steakhouse, Indian By Nature and the Italian Restaurant Pan Pan which is next to Expat Car Rent.
Long before Pattaya became a famous destination – Jomtien Beach had already carved a niche of its own, at least among the local beachgoers who adored it for its pearly white sands and long straight beach.
Albeit a little late, there’s a renewed tourist interest in Jomtien from around the World. On an ordinary day, the resort looks like a busy carnival ground with colorful umbrellas dotting the whole stretch of the beach and sun worshippers in all kinds of swimwear-spicing up the scene. An interesting foreground to the huge palms, flood lit at night overhead with the Gulfs gentle breezes whispering in your ears.
Jomtien today
Not so much of a water sport center then, this distinction came much later.
Today, Jomtien is a much more popular destination, the six-kilometers of largely straight beach, located just around the headland from Pattaya is popular with many water sports enthusiasts. It is also quieter and more relaxing than Pattaya Beach, shop’s, restaurants and the occasional bar are available along the road that runs parallel with the beach.
Thera are about 20 international golf-resorts in the area around Jomtien.
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Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chon Buri.
Jomtien was an old fishing village, a great favorite picnic destination among the Bangkok residents evidence of which can be seen on any Thai public holiday!