Travel Guide to Pattaya - Thailand

Located 140km south-east of Bangkok, on the Eastern Seaboard of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is popular with both residents of Bangkok and international tourists. Over one million people visit this beach resort every year to sample the sun, sand, sports facilities and many fine attractions. After dark Pattaya really comes alive and the city takes on a party atmosphere which lasts until the early hours.

Getting There

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) there is a bus service run by Thai International. Tickets can be purchased in the arrivals hall. Two limousine services also offer transport to and from the International airport, at a cost of 1500 Bahtone way. Transfer times from the airport vary from 2 - 2½ hours depending on traffic conditions.

From Ekami Bus Terminal in Bangkok air-conditioned buses run every 20 minutes to Pattaya, and are clearly labelled in English. A taxi ride from a central Bangkok hotel to Ekami will cost 100 - 150 Baht.

Orient Thai Airlines have flights from Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket to U-Tapao airport, which is a 45 minute taxi ride from Pattaya.

Bangkok Airways have a service from Koh Samui to U-Tapao.

Getting around

Around Pattaya mini buses cruise the main bay area for a set fare. Just jump on, call out your destination and pay as you alight. For longer trips to say Jomtien beach you will have to bargain for the fare.

Bus Service (Jan 2005)

They will begin servicing 3 main roads with 5 routes;
Route 1: (Yellow) From Kratinglai 3-way intersection to Wat Intanararam to Jomtien Beach via Thappraya Road, Pratamnak Road, Dolphin Roundabout, Naklua market, Banglamung district office and to the Kratinglai 3-way intersection (6 buses).
Route 2: (Green) North Pattaya bus station, North Pattaya Road, along Sukhumvit Road to Jomtien Beach, Thappraya Road, Pattaya Third Road and along North Pattaya bus station (5 buses).
Route 3:(Red) From Soi Potisan (Naklua) along Sukhumvit Road, South Pattaya Road, Chaiyamongkhol Temple, along Pattaya Second Road and Pattaya Naklua Road to Soi Potisan (7 buses).

The bus service is scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to midnight daily with adjustments to be made according to demands.

Proposed ticket prices are: One way - 30 Bahtfor the entire length of route; One day ticket - 90 Baht; Three day ticket - 180 Baht; Monthly ticket - 900 Baht. City administrators have suggested that Pattaya residents be eligible for a discount of 50 percent of the monthly ticket purchase, bringing the price down to 450 Baht, as well as provide a student monthly ticket for 350 Bahtas part of the New Year gift.

Car Rental

There are several car and motorcycle rental services in Pattaya. The larger firms offer full insurance, but many only have third party cover. You may find yourself having to pay for any damage or mechanical problems with the vehicle. Read the terms of the contract carefully before renting a vehicle, and don't forget your international driving permit.

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