Jomtien, Pattaya

Jomtien is the beach district south-east of the city, past Pratumnak Hill, with a long stretch of sand and a quieter pace than central Pattaya. It is a songthaew or Grab ride from the main bar areas. Coaches from Bangkok also stop in Jomtien, which makes it easy to reach on arrival.

Laid-back and spread out. Instead of one bar strip, the evening is beer bars, open-air pubs and beachfront places along the road, with an older, long-stay crowd and far fewer tourists. It is quieter and slower than Walking Street, and you will not find the touts or the crowds of the main party areas.

Not a named one. Jomtien lists no red-light hub, but it has 17 beer bars, one gogo bar, We are No 1 A Go Go, and a gentlemen's club, Passion. Ping Pong Beer Bar 1, 2 and 3 are among the beer bars. For a proper red-light street, go to Soi 6 or Walking Street.

Of 176 places, 148 are bars, 17 are beer bars and 6 are massage shops, with 1 each of gogo bar, nightclub, rooftop, market and attraction. The list is dominated by ordinary bars, which makes Jomtien a place for a pub-style evening rather than the full range of adult venues.

Both are quieter alternatives to the center. Jomtien is a long beach strip with many more bars, 176 listings against 74, and an easier-going expat crowd. Pratumnak Hill is a hilly residential area between the city and Jomtien with smaller, more local places. Either suits a longer stay.

Stay in Jomtien if you want a beach, quieter nights and a monthly rental, and are happy to travel for the big bars. A beer bar along the road makes an easy start, and the ride to Soi Buakhao or Walking Street is short. Check that a hotel welcomes guests before you book.

Coaches from Bangkok reach Jomtien directly, and songthaews and Grab link it to central Pattaya. Songthaews along the beach road are cheap, but for anything off the loop you must agree the fare first. A scooter is common for long-stayers, but ride sober, wear a helmet and check your insurance.

Fares and scooters. Because Jomtien is outside the main songthaew loop, drivers may quote a charter price, so agree it first. If you hire a scooter, photograph it before you ride and never leave your passport as a deposit. The beachfront can be quiet late, so use the lit road, and watch your drink.