Where is Pattaya?

Pattaya is 145 kilometers from Bangkok, and sits to the south-east of the capital.

There are several ways to get there, but most opt for the road.

Getting to Pattaya

By Taxi

Ignore any touts that approach you inside the airport itself and head outside the terminal building. An official taxi stand can take you direct to your hotel. There’s a 50 baht surcharge at the ticket booth. Fees to each destination are printed out so there’s no need to haggle. The trip will take 2-3 hours and cost 1,500B.

By Bus

A free shuttle bus runs from the airport to a nearby bus terminal (look for the signs). From there, you can catch a VIP bus to Pattaya for around 120 baht.

If you’re not at the airport, Bangkok has two main bus stations in Bangkok: Ekamai and Mochit. Ekamai is closer to Pattaya and the best one to head for. Buses from Ekamai leave every 30 minutes between 5.20am and 11pm. Tickets are 120B.

Most buses are air-conditioned and can pack your luggage safely away. Once you’re at Pattaya Bus Station, a plethora of transports will be fighting their way through to offer a trip to your hotel. A new motorway connection means the drive time is now about two-and-a-half hours (two hours on a good day).

Leaving Pattaya, coaches to Bangkok depart from the main station on North Pattaya Road every 30 minutes between 4.30am-11pm.

Contacts:

Mochit (Northern Bus Terminal) Kamphangphet 2 Road, Bangkok Tel: (+66) 0 2936-3660, 2936-3666)

Ekamai (Eastern Bus Terminal) Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok: (+66) 02 391-8097, 2391-2504.

By train

Trains are slow, cheap and not very popular.

However, should you wish to see some countryside on your way to the hotel, trains are an option. There are first and second class tickets, which will result in much-needed air conditioning. You should love trains with a passion if you choose this method, as there’s only one a day from Bangkok and they are marginally faster than walking.

One train a day leaves Hualamphong Station in Bangkok, and four hours later it arrives at Pattaya Train Station

Contacts

Pattaya Railway Station: Off Siam Country Club Road. Tel: (038) 429 285 (www.railway.co.th).

By air

U-Tapao Airport is a little-known place 30 kilometres away from Pattaya (Tel: 245595-7, 245599).

The reason for its relative anonymity is simple: it’s on a military base and only flies a few routes. Plans are underway to transform it into a full international airport but as of yet it flies mainly to Ko Samui and Russia.

Getting around Pattaya

Songtaew

Songtaew (literally, two rows) perform a one-way loop around Beach Road and Second Road, 24 hours a day. Also known as baht buses, there’s a flat 10 baht fee. Other songtaews go along North, Central and South Pattaya roads, and it’s also possible to charter them if you’re going farther.

Taxis

Taxis are a relatively new phenomenon in Pattaya. So new in fact that they haven’t yet figured out how to turn their meters on. This means you have to work out a price before you set off, and be prepared to haggle hard for a longer trip.

Motorbike taxis

A good way to beat the traffic is to jump on a motorbike. Negotiate a fee before you set off. A 5-minute journey should cost 30 baht, as way of example. These guys don’t speak much English, so it’s wise to have a business card or the Thai-script for where you’re heading. If they offer you a helmet, wear it. If they don’t offer you one, go somewhere else.

Cars and Motorcycle

Expat Car Rental (038 252 275, chadchap@yahoo.com, 144/6 M.10, Thappraya Road, daily 8.30am-5.30pm)

Motorbikes for rent take up nearly all the parking spaces along Beach Road, so finding one isn’t hard. The daily rental fee is 200B, while cars can be hired from 1,000B a day. Be sure to ask about insurance. Check any vehicle thoroughly for any bumps or dents before you take it out.