Transportation Pattaya

Travelling to Pattaya

By taxi meter From Bangkok Arranged car services will tend toward the higher end, but licenced meter-taxis should be negotiable to the lower end of the range. Allow about 90-120 minutes, depending on where in Bangkok you're coming from; more around rush hour. From Suvarnabhumi Airport When you get to Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can get a taxi to go to Pattaya. It's not expensive. Also, it's quicker than Don Muang Airport (40 km. closer than Don Muang), now, around 90 minutes. and you can get to the Pattaya quicker if you connect to highway.

By bus You can get Air-condition buses depart from Ekkamai(Eastern Bus Terminal) and Mochit 2 (Bangkok Northen Bus). From Eastern Bus Terminal, Buses (first class air-con) depart every 30 minutes from 05.00 to 23.00 and from Northern Bus Terminal from 05.00 to 19.00. First Class Bus - 1st class buses from Bangkok to the North Pattaya Road bus station are air-con, almost always have an on-board toilet, are essentially direct (ie no stops), and provide a no fuss, no frills, hassle-free service. Departures from the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal and Northern (Moh Chit) Terminal are frequent (every 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day; more frequent still at public holiday weekends) and usually take 2-2.5 hours; those from the Southern (Sai Tai Mai) Bus Terminal are less frequent and take a little longer Second Class Bus - 2nd class services (air-con, usually no on-board toilet) don't use the expressways, and make frequent (and sometimes lengthy) stops, hence they take considerably longer than their 1st class counterparts (which at worst will only halt momentarily once or twice to let passengers jump off on the final approaches to their destination). Many 2nd class buses from Bangkok continue on to Jomtien Eastern Bus Terminal, tel. +66 (0)-2391-2504, +66 (0)-2391-8097 Northern Bus Terminal, tel. +66 (0)-2936-2852-66

By train The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station to Pattaya at 07.00 (get to pattaya around 10.25). In the way of the train, it will stop at each train station. if you transport by train, it's interesting because you can get view of country that you cannot see it when you transport by car. Hua Lamphong Station to Pattaya, tel. +66 (0)-2621-8701

By Air

Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya). U-Tapao Airport is sometimes incorrectly described as "Pattaya Airport" - it's actually at Sattahip, just off the main Sattahip - Chanthaburi (Sukhumvit) highway, 30km south of Pattaya. Primarily a military facility, it's the closest airport fielding commercial passenger flights, but only to a handful of destinations. There are no commercial passenger flights connecting U-Tapao directly with Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang.

Travelling in Pattaya

Pattaya City is divided into four major zones: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Jomtien. It should be noted that there is a small mountain known as the Hill, located between South Pattaya and Jomtien. For a visual illustration take a look at the Map of Pattaya and Jomtien with the Hill.

	Songthaew Apart from a handful of privately operated examples, Pattaya has no tuk-tuks and most ad hoc local transport is undertaken by a flotilla of over 700 dark blue coloured songthaews - pickup trucks converted to buses, also called Baht Buses. The official "bus" fare is 5 baht for trips within Pattaya, however foreigners are universally expected to pay 10 baht. Having the correct change is by no means essential, but does keep the potential hassle factor to a minimum. Flat fares only apply when operating as a bus; beware the driver of an otherwise empty songthaew, especially one that's parked up at the roadside, who might presume (or decide on your behalf) that you want to charter - in which case expect a much higher fare of 100 baht or more, depending on your negotiating skills.

Motorbike Taxis The quickest way to get around is by motorcycle (motosai). A moto-taxi will be less expensive than a songthaew charter, but arguably less safe. Roadside moto-taxi stands are scattered throughout town, and waiting drivers usually clap their hands or sometimes call out to attract the attention of potential passengers; alternatively just flag down the next available one that cruises by, as the drivers are easily identified by their coloured vests. Some will carry two (or more!) passengers - although this is illegal. Foreigners can expect to pay around 30-40 baht for trips around the inner parts of town.

Major Road, Right along the beach is Beach Rd., which is a one-way road from the north to south that is a few kilometers long. Second Rd and Third Rd are a hundred or so meters away and carries city transport mainly from the south to north. The last road is Sukhumvit Rd, a continuation of the highway leading to Bangkok. Many small streets called Soi(s) cross the roads. And it's advisable to walk some of the small streets, which are enumerated from north to south, although some have names. Second Rd. continues on to South Pattaya and turns to Jomtien reaching Jomtien beach within 5 minutes, and continues alongside Jomtien beach, which is approximately 20 kilometers long with some secluded escapes. Jomtien Beach Rd., which is a two-way road, also parallels Sukhumvit Rd and is the only road in the Jomtien area, except for some connecting streets. On the other side of Sukhumvit road are several country clubs, golf courses and typical Thai rural villages, providing charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small streams in the leisurely and relaxing countryside.

Many kinds of motorbikes, convertible monster Jeeps, sport and passenger cars are offered for rent. A driver's license is not required for driving around Pattaya and vicinity, so many tourists are tempted get behind the wheel. It should be noted that in Thailand drivers drive on the left lane, as in England and Japan.

Private Transportation
	Buying a Vehicle New cars and motorcycles must be registered. Registration costs are based on engine size. Registration can be processed at the license bureau on Sukhumvit in Naklua. Before you buy a used car or motorcycle be sure that the registration papers are in order.

Vehicle Rental Cars, jeeps, and motorcycles can be rented on Beach Rd and sois adjacent to the beach. Be sure to ask whether insurance is included in the rental or even available. Some problems have been reported with street rentals, caution is advised. There are many small companies offering lower rates but these may prove costly in time and effort, if the car isn't serviced properly. Major companies include.

Car Insurance

International Driver Licence

Thai Driving Licence Obtaining a Thai driving license requires that you have either a resident visa or non immigrant visa with at least 90 days remaining on the visa. "Me steps required are: • Obtain a doctor's certificate showing that you are in good mental and physical health. The doctor can obtain this certificate at any of the hospitals or clinics following a brief interview. • Immigration must certify that your visa is acceptable. This procedure will cost B500. • You must bring your passport; two photocopies of the picture page, visa stamped pages, and two passport photos. • You must also produce evidence of where you are living e.g. copy of lease contract. Copies and photos can be obtained at a little shop just next to the office. (Be sure to get two additional photocopies of the passport pages and additional photos for the license bureau.) • Take the papers from the Immigration office to the License Bureau on Sukhumvit, near Banglamung District Office (on the left side of the highway). License application is on the second floor. A color blindness test will be given. • Written and driving tests are required if you do not have a valid license from your own country. • The passport copies and photos are required for the license. The Thai license is valid for one year and can be renewed twice. • If you have resident status, you must have a Thai driving license to drive in Thailand. • If you have a tourist or non immigrant status a valid International Driving License or a Thai license is required.

Penalty If you commit a moving violation (speeding, Jumping a red light, etc.), you will be fined Bt.100 to Bt.500, payable either on the spot or at the police station. If your wheels are clamped because you are parked illegally, the fine can range between Bt.100 (for holders of 'Thai licenses) and Bt.400 (non-Thai license). Since the 15th of September 1994 the wearing of crash helmets has been compulsory in Pattaya (but look around and draw your own conclusions!).

Safety on The Road

There are many fatal and non-fatal accidents in and around Pattaya. If you hurt a Thai and it is your fault, you will be expected to make financial compensation, to the family and the individual.

Rules of The Road

The following Rules of the Road will help you understand driving in Thailand. If you are fortunate enough to have a driver, sit back and relax. Otherwise, pay close attention, as driving in Thailand is very different from anywhere else. Accidents are serious in any event and become more serious when a foreigner farang' is involved.

• The speed limit is 90 km per hour for pickup trucks, and 120 km per hour for cars on the highways. The speed limit in town is 40 km per hour. These limits are often ignored by drivers but are the law.

• Stay in the left-hand lane except when overtaking another vehicle. Refrain from staying in the right-hand lane too long, pass vehicle(s) and go back to the left-hand lane as soon as possible. Police will stop you if you keep in the right hand lane without a signal. This happens frequently along Sukhumvit between Sriracha and Jomtien.

• Do not park if the curb is painted red & white, or yellow & white.

• Do not park in front of a loading area or driveway.

• It is quite usual to leave your car in neutral with the parking brake off in a car park, so that it can easily be moved by the attendant to let other cars in and out.

• Vehicles on your right and already in the roundabout have the 'right of way'. However, do not dispute with buses or trucks. It is an unofficial law that the larger vehicle has the 'right of way' over the smaller vehicle.

• Signal when changing lanes and/or overtaking another vehicle.

• When you are in the right-hand lane of a four-lane road, move to the left-hand lane when a vehicle behind you flashes its lights and/or sounds its horn.

• At dangerous intersections (cross traffic has stop signs, or yield signs) put on hazard lights as you cross the intersection. (E.g. the intersection between the Rayong Highway (Route #36) and Sukhumvit (Highway #3).

• An oncoming vehicle flashing its headlights is warning you that it is coming through, and oncoming traffic should get out of the way. This can also happen when the overtaking vehicle has not anticipated the distance required passing. Buses and 10-wheel trucks are notorious for forcing on-coming traffic off the road on two lane highways. BEWARE!

• Lane markings are not enforced. Drivers often cross solid yellow lane markers, passing on hills, blind curves, passing on either side and in the face of oncoming traffic. Being alert is the only defense, so slow down and move over if need be.

• Traffic lights frequently burnout and are not replaced for weeks.

• Be cautious at North, Central and South Pattaya Road intersections with Sukhumvit, also at these intersections, as you turn right (South) onto Sukhumvit watch out for vehicles coming from your left (North), quite often they do not stop for the red light. Frequently, drivers will jump red lights.

• As a pedestrian, cross the road when clear and safe.

• Watch out for pedestrians who dart across traffic lanes, especially at night.

• Street vendors with motorcycles and sidecars are often on the streets and highways without proper lights at night, they are difficult to see.

• Drive slowly and beware of this hazard!

• Be alert at all times.

• Driving is not the time to sightsee or let your mind wander.

• Be particularly careful of motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and dogs. They can be a menace and are often the cause of 'fender-bender' accidents. Motorcycles and bicycles are often traveling down the wrong side of the road. Watch Out!

In Case of an Accident

• Keep cool and use common sense; do not panic. Do not flee the scene!

• Do not move the vehicles until the police report has been filed.

• Only vehicles not involved in the accident should be used to take injured persons to the hospital.

• Call the representatives from your company, the car rental company and your insurer. Wait for them and do not sign anything. Do not make any comment. When your assessor arrives report the accident. Meanwhile, you can:

• Try to obtain the names and addresses of injured persons and of all witnesses (including passengers).

• If possible, take photos of the scene before cars are moved.

Note impact damage on both vehicles. Note registration numbers of all vehicles involved.

• Try to find English speaking Tourist Police whenever possible.

• Do not admit liability. The police and the insurance company will define liabilities.

• Do not make any comments to anyone except to the police or a representative of the insurance company.

• Make a copy of this procedure and keep it in the glove compartment, with the telephone number of your insurance or car rental company.