Make Getting Around Pattaya Easy
For getting around Pattaya there are many means of transportation.
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It all depends on
• what you are comfortable with
• how much you want to pay and
• how quickly you want to get to where you want to go
It also depends on how well you know about traveling in this city.
Personally I love it because you can get around anywhere for less than US$1.
Of course you have to know how...
Baht Bus Or Songtaew (two rows)
Getting around Pattaya by Songtaew is one of the easiest way. Baht buses in Pattaya are usually small pick-up trucks with an overhead canopy over the top. They are driving around Pattaya just about anywhere.
Just flag them down or they usually honk when they see a foreigner anyways. Wave and he or she will stop, or shake your head if you don't need a ride. You can sit in the back or even in front if the back is packed.
Typical Baht Bus
If you want to get off just press one of the buzzers somewhere at the ceiling of the canopy. Rides cost usually 10 Baht but if it is a long ride i.e. from Jomtien to Naklua they charge you 20 baht.
Until you know your way around you may not want to jump on an empty Baht bus that is parked or jump in when the driver asks you where you are going.
He will take you where ever you want to go but you will pay extra. If you do want him to take you someplace make sure you negotiate the fare before hand.
When you get off wait until the truck comes to a complete stop, have 10 baht per person in your hand and hand it to the driver or "co-pilot".
Metered Taxi
Metered taxis don't have the best reputation in Pattaya because many refuse to use the meter. If they refuse to use the meter...move on! There are some, unfortunately only some, who will use the meter.
I would not get in, or let's say I would get out if the driver does not want to turn the meter on. I personally don't use them.
You can also negotiate a fare with a Baht bus driver instead or flag down a motorbike taxi. If you find a good metered taxi driver...get his phone number so you can hire him next time around again.
Motorbike Taxi
Motorbike taxis are like sand on the beach in Pattaya and a quick convenient way for getting around Pattaya. Usually they are gathering at street corners where they have their "taxi station" under a sun cover and some seats but you can also stop them when you see one before they holla at you.
They are wearing uni colored vests (i.e. blue, red, yellow) with numbers on the back. Prices are negotiable and you pay more if you are two passengers. Make sure to wear a helmet which the driver will supply.
Renting a Motorbike
Renting a Motorbike or Scooter in Pattaya is a very convenient and practical way for getting around Pattaya if you have the nerve and you can handle the traffic. You can rent a Motorbike for around 200 Baht.
Some will charge more but 200 Baht is average for a short time rental. If you rent for longer you can get a fully automatic Motorbike for 3,000 baht a month.
Fully automatic Scooters are in my opinion the best bikes for getting around Pattaya. They have no clutch and there are no changing gears.
A good cheap Motorbike rental place is in Jomtien Complex plaza. It's called 'Mai Pang' (not expensive). The owner's name is Dik and she has been in business for 10 years.
Great service, she speaks good English, and you are in and out with your bike in 5 minutes.
Her phone# is 081-000-7943 and she may even pick you up and give you a ride
to her shop. She also rents long term storage lockers in two different sizes at a very
reasonable monthly rent.
Wear a Helmet
Police will stop and fine you if you ride without a helmet. Even Thai people will be
pulled over and fined but as a foreigner you are the first choice. The fine is 400 Baht
and you will have to go to the police station in Pattaya to pay the fine which is no fun.
Rent a Car
Cars can be hired in many places in Pattaya. There are many car rental companies around the city of Pattaya. If you really have to rent a car, prices start somewhere around 500 Baht a day for an older car and around 1500 Baht a day for a newer model. Long term rental is less expensive.
Driving a car around City of Pattaya may be a waste of precious holiday time, unless you like being stuck in traffic. During rush hour, on weekends, holidays, school times and other times it can be a very frustrating experience. A Motorbike may be the better option for getting around Pattaya.
Other Ways of Traveling
Bicycle Riding a Bike is definitely a very healthy, economical, and environmentally friendly way of getting around Pattaya. There are expats and tourists who ride bicycles around town and it is a lot of fun.
Check out the shopping centers in Pattaya. Carrefour has a nice
selection of bicycles and they may not be as expensive as you think. You can also consider buying a quality bicycle in Pattaya too!
Walking Getting around Pattaya on foot. There may seem nothing to be said about walking in Pattaya but I do have several recommendations. I am an avid walker myself and have walked almost anywhere in Pattaya.
It is a great way to getting around Pattaya and to get to know everything about Pattaya but for many it is way too hot to even think about walking.
If you can bring a bottle of water with you or buy and drink water often at 7- eleven's or similar convenience stores. Wear good walking shoes and loose fitting clothing. Be aware of every step you do. This is Thailand. Never think or assume that others watch where you go, especially when crossing a road.
Cross walks and traffic lights don't mean much in Thailand and don't expect anyone to stop for you, because they won't.
Watch out for low hanging power lines. Best times of the day for walking is morning and evening or nights. It can get extremely hot. Whenever you can, walk in the shade as Thais do.
Related Pages
Driving In Pattaya
All about driving in the city
Thai Driver's License
How to get a driver's license
Car Hire In Pattaya
How to rent or hire a car
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