Getting Around in Pattaya

Getting Around in Pattaya
Author: lar

Once you have negotiated your taxi fare from Bangkok to Pattaya and have arrived in your hotel or resort, you will need to get around the city.

You have quite a few options. First, you can walk around most areas of Pattaya as the city is fairly compact. This serves a couple of purposes; it will give you some exercise and you will see things up close and personal.

The most common way for getting around Pattaya is the Baht bus. The Thai name is song thieaw (two axles) and they are all over Pattaya. Basically, they are a pick-up truck with some bench seating in back. They can hold about 12 people comfortably but I have seen as many as 20 in one Baht bus.

The fare is 5 Baht for a Thai and 10 for a Farang (foreigner). This will get you almost anywhere in the city. Keep in mind that this is using the Baht bus in the “normal” way. By that, I mean you just stand on the sidewalk and wave one over. The truck stops and you hop in the back. When you have reached your destination, you push the buzzer and he will pull over and stop. Pay your 10 Baht and keep moving. Always have exact change.

The other than normal way to hire a Baht bus is to negotiate a ride from point A to point B. This may be to go outside of Pattaya to do some sightseeing. You will have to use your best negotiation skills to get a decent price.

Another way to get around Pattaya especially if you are going off the beaten path is to hire a motorcycle taxi. A moto taxi can be found on almost every street corner. Most rides will be in the 20 to 40 Baht range and you will be placing your life in the hands of your driver. You will wear your flimsy plastic helmet and hold on for dead life. Moto taxis will use the sidewalk, drive the wrong way on one-way streets, and do whatever it takes to get you to where you are going in the shortest distance possible. Kiss he ground when you arrive.

You can also rent motorcycles, mopeds and ATVs all over Pattaya. Beware of scams involving you returning the bike back damaged. Check the bike with a fine tooth comb before you depart. Check prices at a few different places before you decide to rent. Remember, if you are from the USA, you will be driving on the other side of the road. Road signs, traffic lights and driving laws don’t apply unless you are a foreigner and a Thai cop needs an extra 200 Baht. Always wear a helmet and keep a good set of prayers handy.

For me, walking and using the Baht bus are all that is needed. I have been going to Pattaya for over 30 years and have never used the moto taxis. I usually walk to where I am going or take a Baht bus if it is hot or a little further than I want to walk. And, of course, I am a gentleman and always get a Baht bus if I have a lady with me.

The Baht buses circle Pattaya all day and night and it is not difficult to figure out the routes. The worst that can happen is you want to go straight and the Baht bus turns. Just get off, pay your 10 baht, and get on another. Mai pen rai – never mind.

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Larry Westfall gets to Thailand whenever he can and is the author of Pattaya Crazy | Newbie's Guide to Pattaya
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