I must admit that I expected better after not visiting this beach for a couple of years. The plus points are that it is a long sandy beach so you have a choice where to sit/swim. The vendors are still cheery and accommodating. I was disappointed with the amount of rubbish around and it wasn’t a pleasant site seeing so many old western men trying to cop off with younger thai women and boys!!!

We last visited here in 1988, dinner in an old railway carriage, and an expanse of golden beach that stretched to the distance. The beach still exists, looks a little narrower that 35 years ago but now has a backdrop of hotels, condominiums, restaurants, spas and no doubt other interests in the alleyways. A great area to unwinds for a week or more.

As far as beaches are concerned, this is quite normal. It is best for people-watching and looking at the sunset. There's a night market and some play areas for children. The sand quality is not that great and there are too many people for my taste. The biggest turn-off for some is that in some areas there are many sleazy old white guys going around trying to pick up very young girls and boys.

Jomtien beach is well served by attentive parasol/bed operators and numerous vendors hawking their wares. After a while it becomes tiresome when some grab your foot. Unfortunately the sea and beach are getting buried under litter and whatever the tide washes up. Our last visit included stepping in thick crude oil. It’s noisy and unpleasant and I can’t understand why they commercial operators can’t organise a proper beach clea.