Pattaya in January 2027: the Jet Ski World Cup on Jomtien Beach moves to 13-17 January
The Waterjet World Cup in Pattaya will take place not in December but on 13-17 January 2027 on Jomtien Beach. Watching from the shore is free. Here is where to stand, when the finals are and how to avoid the traffic jams.
The WGP#1 Waterjet World Cup, the jet ski world championship in Pattaya, has been moved from 16-20 December 2026 to 13-17 January 2027. The venue stays the same - Jomtien Beach. If you planned a Pattaya trip around the December races, shift your dates to mid-January.
There are two reasons for the change. From 14 to 19 December Thailand holds the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Queen Mother Sirikit. And on 11-13 December Pattaya hosts Tomorrowland, so seaside hotels will be fully booked.
You can watch the races for free right from the beach, no ticket needed. Hundreds of riders from dozens of countries take the start: in 2024 more than 300 athletes from over 40 countries came to Jomtien. The programme includes slalom, endurance races and freestyle with jumps and flips, while on the shore there is live music, a food court and autograph sessions with the riders.
Where to stand:
1. The main stage and grandstands are near the Jomtien Night Market - that is also where the finish line and awards are.
2. The heats are easy to see from anywhere on Jomtien Beach along the course: grab a sunbed by the water and watch without the crowds.
When to go: 13-15 January are weekdays, the beach is quiet and the qualifying rounds are on. The finals traditionally take place on the last two days, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January. That is when the beach is busiest.
How to avoid traffic. On finals days Jomtien Beach Road near the night market is jammed and there is almost no parking nearby. The easiest way to get there is by scooter or by the songthaews that run along the seafront. By car, take the parallel Jomtien Second Road and park further away from the market. You can rent a scooter or car from trusted rental shops for your trip.
If you want to stay right by the course, an apartment on the 26th floor of Copacabana Beach Jomtien is for rent a couple of minutes from the night market, with a view of the bay where the races run. January in Pattaya is the dry season with a calm sea, so you can combine the races with a day on the water: on a weekday between heats take the Serenity catamaran to three islands.
Forward this news to friends who were planning to come to Pattaya for the December races: there is still time to move their hotel and flights to January.
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