Get Around In Pattaya

Get Around In Pattaya

Motorbike Taxi - "Pattaya Beach Bus" - Motorbike Rental - Car Rental
Map Of Pattaya & Jomtien Beach

"Baht-Bus"

Bad luck for "Thailand romantics". Even though traditional "Tuk-Tuk" taxis
can be found all over Thailand and namely Bangkok has become famous for these customized three-wheel motorbikes with attached passenger cabins, there aren't any Tuk-Tuks in Pattaya. Instead of this, Pattaya has emerged its very own - and equally controversial - means of transport: the infamous
so-called "Baht-Buses".
These are the easiest and most convenient way of getting around in Pattaya and have served the community for decades. "Baht-buses" are modified dark blue pick-up trucks with two rows of passenger seats in a covered overhead back cabin. They can carry up to ten or more passengers and usually drive around Pattaya in designated circuits.
The smaller circuit goes all the way around South Pattaya (South Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya Tai, Second Road/ southern section, Pattaya Klang) whereas the larger circuit includes the northern part of Second Road all the way up to the Dolphin Roundabout.
Alternative routes include Pattaya- Naklua Road, Pattaya Nua, Pattaya Klang and Pattaya Tai whereas other baht-buses link South Pattaya with Jomtien Beach.
According to official statistics more than 700 of these constantly honking dark blue tin monsters cruise the streets of Pattaya and play a major role in regular traffic congestions especially along Pattaya Beach Road near the Walking Street junction.
The drivers usually(!) charge a flat rate of 10 Baht for a short distance ride and 20 or 30 baht for longer distances - provided you use the baht-bus as a bus service and don't hire it as a taxi. Unless your destination is not along one of the main baht-bus routes - and you actually require a "special tour" - you should never ask the driver where he is going or ask him to take you to a certain destination that is on his designated route anyway; he would then interpret this as a "special route"/ being hired as taxi and charge you more than the usual fare. Be aware of empty baht-buses and such parked along the roadside, too.
In order to avoid getting ripped off by Pattaya's infamous Baht-bus drivers who may be amongst the least polite people you can meet in Thailand, you should just jump on the back and, in case you're not sure which route he is going, wait and see where he's taking you. If you should finally be near your desired destination or find out your Baht-bus is moving in a wrong direction and wish to disembark, just press one of the several buttons attached to the roof. Once the Baht-bus stops, get off and pay the driver his regular 10 THB. Do not ask him "How much?" as he would then take advantage of your lack of experience and charge you a price well above the regular fare. Of course, having a 10 Baht coin on you (or the appropriate banknote) minimizes your chances of getting ripped-off by receiving the wrong change!
Note: if your destination is not along the designated Baht-bus routes but indeedly requires a special tour in which case the Baht-bus operates as
taxi service you always have to agree on a price before.

There have been frequent discussions about two-tier pricing in Thailand and particularly about irregular Baht-bus rates charged for Thais and foreigners; the archives of the "Reader's Letters" sections in the local English language newspapers must be packed with people complaining about Pattaya's Baht-
buses and the two-tier pricing most of their drivers find appropriate. The truth is that Thais in general pay only five Baht for a short distance ride whereas Farangs are expected to pay ten baht or even more for the same service. Big problem?
Another truth is that the "average" Baht-bus driver is more impolite than his fellow countrymen and tries to overcharge (rip-off) as many unaware tourists as possible. Quite a few seminars have been held by City Hall or the TAT in order to teach the drivers a more "tourist-friendly" behaviour. Then again, in early 2007 a similar seminar has been held for Thai immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Anyone noticed a positive impact?
Whatever - beyond all possible reasons for complaints the funny thing is that Baht-buses are still the most popular, convenient and cheapest way of getting around in Pattaya, and they're as popular as ever.
Baht-buses to Jomtien regularly depart from the Pattaya Tai/ Second Road junction. They charge a flat rate of just 10 Baht but you will have to wait until enough passengers have boarded.
White baht-buses along Sukhumvit Road charge a flat rate of 10 Baht, too, no matter how far they take you.
Map Of Pattaya

Motorbike Taxi

If you're courageous enough to ride as pillion passenger on a motorbike in Pattaya's chaotic traffic, motorbike taxis might be a good, fast and cheap alternative to Baht-buses, especially when you're on your own or heading
for special destinations not located along the regular taxi routes.
Motorbike taxi stands can be found at virtually every street corner with many drivers shouting "mor-sai" (Thai slang for English "motorcycle") and clapping their hands in order to draw attention to their services. Vice versa, you can do the same when approaching them: clap your hands and shout "mor-sai", they would then drive up to where you are standing to save you from walking the last twenty meters (Thai style).
The drivers, in comparison with their baht-bus colleagues mostly friendly and helpful young guys, can be recognized by their typical vests with usually the name of their location printed on the back. Most of them are reliable drivers with good knowledge of the town and very often know shortcuts which baht-buses would not take. In addition, they offer a reasonable and generally fair pricing with short-distance rides starting at a minimum of 20 Baht only. However, as there is no general flat rate, you should always agree on a price before.

"Pattaya Beach Bus"?

In 2005 Pattaya City had finally launched an air-conditioned bus service with scheduled stops along designated routes which covered the main areas of Pattaya, Naklua and Jomtien beach and was introduced as a kind of quality alternative to the rather uncomfortable baht-buses.
The so-called Pattaya Beach Bus service initially consisted of three lines, serviced by coaches in three different colours - Red, Green and Yellow - to make it easy for passengers to identify the lines. The bus stops along the routes are also colour-coded and numbered so passengers know where to board and disembark.
These modern microbuses charged a flat rate of 30 Baht for a one-way
ticket regardless of how far you would go and could seat up to 30 people. Routes were being served from 6 to 2 a.m. and all started out from Big C Supercenter/ Sukhumvit branch.
So what's become of the Pattaya Beach Bus Service in 2007?
At the moment (late 2007) only a few buses of the Red Line can be seen occasionally and at very unpredictable intervals. Services might have been suspended for low season only but the overall impression is rather that the effort of establishing an inner city air-con bus service has completely failed.
Anyway be warned! As there are no timetables available and no scheduled departure times from individual bus stops it's very hard to predict how long you might have to wait before your desired bus turns up. Watching dozens of Baht-buses pass by in the meanwhile can be a bit frustrating of course. Due to the lack of reliable information on their services and apparently poor management, the "Pattaya Beach Buses" never became really popular, neither with locals nor with tourists, and could never really endanger the monopoly of the traditional Baht-buses.

Red Line
(Spotted on Jomtien Beach Road, January 2008!)
Sukhumvit Road, Soi Chayapruek, Jomtien Beach Road, Thappraya Road, Pattaya Second Road (reverse route along Beach Road), Pattaya-Naklua Road, Banglamung, Sukhumvit Highway, Kratinglai intersection/ U-turn, Sukhumvit Road, Soi Chayapruek intersection (U-turn), Big C
Green Line
South Pattaya Road, Pattaya 2nd Road (reverse route along Beach Road), Dolphin Roundabout, Naklua Road, Soi Potisan, Sukhumvit Road (Big C).

Pattaya Mail reported on March 28th, 2008 that the Yellow Line service has been suspended. "The Red Line and the Green Line services remain (...) travel time for these routes is 45 minutes (...) the buses run from 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m. every day." - For further up-to-date info call 038-757 340/1.

Motorbike Rental

Now this is the most Fun and convenient way of getting around in Pattaya for those who have faith in their driving skills and enjoy being independent. The official requirements are either an international or a Thai driving licence although most motorbike rentals won't insist on their submission (neither will police in most cases). Before going into further details, however, please note that driving within Pattaya City limits with the careless driving habits of Baht-
bus drivers and an innumerable amount of other vehicles on the congested streets can sometimes be quite hazardous - particularly when you are not used to driving on the left. Even as an experienced driver you should always be aware of careless driving behaviour of other motorists whose reactions might be unpredictable.
Of course there are traffic rules in Thailand but their interpretation in specific situations often depends on the motorists involved. A "Stop" sign in Thailand has the same meaning as anywhere else in the world, however, do not rely on everyone to get that message properly! Traffic rules in Thailand are often just a question of interpretation. Please note that not only the driver but the pillion passenger as well is required to wear a helmet; whereas this law has existed for a long time already but was commonly ignored by police officials it is now increasingly being enforced within city limits.
As a matter of course, the same applies to drunk driving!

Motorbike rental shops are located all over town and in virtually every Soi with hundreds of "motorbikes for rent" parked along Beach and Second Road only.
Most models are half automatic "moped" style bikes or fully automatic scooters with 80-125 cc on average and electric starters. They can drive
as fast as 100 km/h or even more, only a few are equipped with a clutch.
The most common models are Honda Wave, Yamaha Mio/ Nouvo, a few Kawasaki and Suzuki models and less well-known regional brands. Their average rental fee is around 150 Baht/day with usually a discount available when rented on a weekly or monthly basis.
Bigger and more powerful bikes with up to more than 1000 cc and even original "Harley Davidson" models are available for rent as well. Most big
bikes can be found parked along Pattaya Beach Road with a "For Rent"
sign around their steering wheel.
Important note: Driving bigger bikes on Pattaya's busy streets can only
be recommended to those drivers with an appropriate licence and sufficient driving experience to handle heavy motorcycles in chaotic traffic situations. Otherwise you better stick to mopeds and scooters, they are fast enough and as custom-made for Pattaya's congested city streets.

In order to sign a motorbike rental contract you will have to submit a copy of your passport which - as required by Thai law - you should always carry on you anyway (do NOT give away your original passport). Usually no further documents or driving licences are required.
You may enquire into insurance options but do not expect too much, T.I.T. = this is Thailand. Always lock your rented bike as secure as possible as you would have to pay when your scooter gets stolen! In addition, in case of an accident or damage, most motorbike rental shops would not allow you to take the bike to a garage yourself and get the damage repaired. Why this?
Because when they take it to the garage they can charge you on top of the price they have paid themselves. Good additional business. Take care!

Car Rental

With all the major international car rental companies offering services in Pattaya plus the many local companies on top, a car rental might provide a comfortable transportation mode for those who like to be independent and explore Pattaya and the East coast on their own.
Most rental cars are limousines including Honda, Toyota, Nissan or other Japanese auto models. "Jeeps" are also available for rent by private owners and can be found mainly along Pattaya Beach and Second Road where they block public parking space.
The basic requirements are either an international or a Thai driving licence though most local car rental companies might be satisfied with a national driving licence. Note, however, that driving in Thailand and especially within Pattaya City limits can sometimes be very hazardous, particularly when you're not used to driving on the left. Same rules apply as for motorbike rental (read above).

Argus Car Hire
Pattaya Marriott Resort Spa, Pattaya Second Road
www.argusrentals.com

AVIS Thailand
Pattaya Beach Road, Tel. 038-361 627/8
www.avisthailand.com

Budget Thailand
Thip Plaza, Central Pattaya
Tel. 038-710 717/8, 038-710720
www.budget.co.th, Email bracpty@budget.co.th

Car Rental Pattaya
www.car-hire-centre.co.uk

CCR Car Rent
124/ 113 M.10 Pattaya Third Road/ Sai Saam
Email info@ccrproperty.com

Chalee Car & Motorcycle Rental
312/ 13-14 M.9 Pattaya Third Road/ Sai Saam
Tel. 038-720 413
www.pattayacarrental.com

DV Rent-A-Car
Tel. 038-371 482
www.dvcarrentalpattaya.com,
Email dvcarrentalpattaya@hotmail.com

Expat Motors Co. Ltd. Sales & Monthly Rental
www.expatmotors.co.th, Email andy@expatmotors.co.th

Hertz Pattaya
6/28 M.9 Sukhumvit Road, Tel. 038-716 693
Windmill Resort, Naklua Road, Tel. 038-317 456
Marriott Resort & Spa, Pattaya Second Road
www.hertz.com

Holiday Rent-A-Car
Pattaya Second Road/ opposite Marriott Hotel, Tel. 038-723 814
Pattaya Third Road/ Sai saam, Tel. 038-426 203, 426 303
www.pattayacar-rent.com, Email hcrental@cscoms.com

Inter Car Rental & Sales
View Talay Condominium 1, Building A, Thappraya Road, Jomtien
Tel. 038-250 698
www.inter-car.net, Email info@inter-car.net

Pattaya Car Rentals
Quality and reliable car hire in Pattaya City, Thailand.
Tel. 08-10031598, 08-5279 1002
www.pattayacarrentals.com

Q Cars
Jomtien Beach Condominium, Jomtien Beach Road
Tel. 038-231 694
www.qcars.net, Email qcars@loxinfo.co.th

SIXT Pattaya
Aiswan Resort & Spa, Amari Orchid Resort

Thai Car Rental
Hotline 08-6336 0080, 08-9802 0220
www.pattaya-carrent.com

UNITY Car Rental & Service
Pattaya Tai Road (opposite Soi Korphai), Tel. 038-373 254
www.unity.co.th, Email info@unity.co.th

VR Car Rent
www.vrcarrent.com, Email vrcarrent@hotmail.com

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