Transportation

ORIENTATION

Highway 3 starts in Bangkok and goes all the way down the East Coast through Chonburi, Bang Saen, Sri Racha, Ao Udom, Laem Chabang, Naklua, Pattaya, Jomtien, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Ban Chang, Map Ta Phut, Rayong and on to Chantaburi and Trat; in town it becomes Sukhumvit Road.  Motorway 7 goes from Bangkok and joins Highway 36 about 6km east of Sukhumvit Road.  Highway 36 runs southeast connecting North Pattaya with Rayong.  Further inland is Route 331, the old route between Bangkok and Sattahip.  See the PILC Best Map of Pattaya.

In town, many of the small side streets are numbered i.e. Sukhumvit Soi 7 or Pattaya-Naklua Soi 16.  Some are better known by a restaurant (Soi Yamato) or a public service (Soi Post Office) located on that road.

MOST COMMON ROADS

Pattaya has four main traffic arteries running north-south or parallel to the beach:

  • Beach Road – Sai Chaihad is one-way south
  • Walking Street – southernmost end of Beach Road, closed to traffic at night
  • Pattaya Second Road – Sai Song is one-way between South Pattaya Road and Pattaya Central Road.
  • Pattaya Third Road – Sai Sam or Chalermprakiat
  • Sukhumvit Road – out of town known as Highway 3

Four main roads run east-west or perpendicular to the beach:

  • North Pattaya Road – Pattaya Nua runs from Beach Road to Sukhumvit Road
  • Central Pattaya Road – Pattaya Klang runs from Beach Road to Sukhumvit Road at Km 145
  • South Pattaya Road – Pattaya Tai starts where Beach Road becomes Walking Street and goes to Sukhumvit Road
  • Thepprasit Road – south of South Pattaya Road, from Sukhumvit to Jomtien Beach Road

Roads in Naklua:

  • Pattaya-Naklua Road – starts at the Dolphin roundabout going north through Naklua and joins Sukhumvit Road near Km 140
  • Soi Potisan – runs between Naklua-Pattaya Road and Sukhumvit Road
  • Sawang Fa Road – between Naklua-Pattaya Road at the traffic lights and Sukhumvit Road

Roads in Jomtien and Sri Racha:

  • Jomtien Beach Road – starts south of Pattaya Hill and then runs parallel to the beach
  • Chaiyapruk Road – south of Thepprasit Road between Sukhumvit and Jomtien Beach Road
  • Jermjompol Road – in Sri Racha, runs from Sukhumvit Road near Km 120 through the town centre, then along the waterfront and joins Sukhumvit Road again on the north side of town

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Thailand has an efficient and inexpensive network of public transportation, both short and long distance.  There are many types of public transport available in the area:  baht buses, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, city buses and air-conditioned buses, and there is also a train going to Bangkok.

BAHT BUSES

Many ‘songthaew‘ ply the streets of Pattaya.  These covered pickup trucks with open sides, open back and two benches for seating are hailed like taxis.  They do not have fixed stops, and you will see them everywhere.

Legal baht buses have a logo and number stencilled on the inside and outside of the truck for identification.  If you have any serious trouble with the driver, you can go to the tourist police with the number and time of day; they should be able to help.

Baht buses have certain routes but do not always stick to them.  In general they run south on Beach Road and go back north on Pattaya Second Road, sometimes cutting short through one of the sois.

It’s not as complicated as it appears to be.  If in doubt, get on a baht bus going in your direction.  If it takes a turn that is not in your direction, push the buzzer, jump off, pay and get on another baht bus that is going your way.

Dark blue buses with a white band across the lower part of the body go from Naklua to Jomtien, beginning at the bus stop opposite Wattanachai Store.

Buses on the corner of Pattaya Second Road and South Pattaya Road also go to Jomtien.

Buses on the corner of South Pattaya Road and Sukhumvit Road go to Pattaya Second Road and sometimes all the way to Naklua.  They may also go to Jomtien on request.

Buses leaving from Central Pattaya Road corner Sukhumvit Road will go either to South Pattaya Road or to Naklua; ask first where the driver goes “pai tinai“.

White baht buses with a blue band across the lower part of the body go from Naklua to Sri Racha.  The red baht buses in Sri Racha go to Bang Saen and Chonburi.

Light blue buses go from Naklua to Jomtien area on Sukhumvit Road but may also turn onto side roads.  You can use these buses at the Naklua new market for special hire.  Some expats use these to go to Sattahip area when making a trip out to one of the islands.

Tips for the Use of Baht Buses

  • To stop a baht bus, wave your hand downwards a couple of times.
  • To get off, press the buzzer on the roof or the sides.
  • Stop a bus that is going in your direction and climb aboard in the back.  If you ask a driver where he is going (except those who leave on Central Pattaya Road and go south or north) or ask him to go somewhere specific, the price will increase, as he will assume you want to hire him privately.
  • Baht buses can be hired for the day, or you can request a specific destination.  If you want to do this, negotiate the price before you board.  Do not argue with the baht bus driver over the fare.  If you are not happy with the fare, wait for another taxi.
  • Baht buses parked outside hotels or stores will charge more.
  • It is a good idea to collect business cards written in Thai for specific destinations in case a hired driver has difficulty understanding your English or your Thai.

 

MOTORCYCLE TAXIS

Motorcycles provide a door-to-door service.  Motorcycle taxi drivers wear coloured vests with numbers on the back.  Groups of drivers sit at street corners and in front of popular shops and restaurants.  The fare is negotiable and not always cheap, but it is a quick way to your destination.  If you have a lot of errands to do, you can hire a motorcycle taxi for the whole trip.  You are at your own risk when riding motorcycle taxis.  The accident rate is high in Thailand and motorcycles are often involved.  Insurance is not mandatory and helmets are not always provided.  The fare usually starts around B20.

 

TUK-TUKS

These three-wheelers or ’samlors’ are not unique to Bangkok, they are also in use in Sri Racha.  Drivers will go anywhere in Sri Racha and occasionally can be persuaded to go to Naklua and Pattaya.  They are mainly stationed around Pacific Park Mall, Comcity Sriracha and on Jermjompol Road near the indoor market.  But you will easily find one anywhere.  Negotiate the fare before travelling.  If you are the only passenger, it is safer to sit in the middle of the seat.

 

AIR-CONDITIONED / VIP BUSES

These blue and white buses go to the North and North-East of Thailand and are an inexpensive and reliable means of public transportation.  They usually stop for meals.  It’s best to double-check departure times before you leave.

 

NON-AIRCONDITIONED BUSES

These buses stop at the green-roofed bus stops.  Seats are small.  Most foreigners prefer the comfortable air-conditioned buses.  Tickets can be purchased on the bus.  Use small bills or coins.

Blue buses travel between Rayong and Chonburi.  Ask the bus driver “pai tinai”, and he will tell you where he goes.  If the driver does not stop at your exact destination, please do not panic or lose your temper.  Just get off at the next stop.  Pattaya to Chonburi is B25; Pattaya to Sri Racha is B10.

Orange city buses leave at Chaiyapruk Road in Jomtien, travel along Jomtien Beach Road, Pattaya Hill Road, South Pattaya Road to Sukhumvit Road and on to Bangkok Ekamai.  They leave every hour between 0400 and 1800.  Fare is B50 one-way.

 

RAIL

Trains are reliable, comfortable and inexpensive.  Sleepers are available on Express Trains.  First and second class have air-conditioning.  If you want to see Thailand by train, the Royal State Railway of Thailand (RSR) has introduced tickets combining trains, coaches and boats.  Also, available is the Thailand Rail Pass valid for 20 days.  See a travel agent for details.

There is a single track between Bangkok and Plutaluang, north of Sattahip.  Tickets can be purchased at the station.

 

BANGKOK / SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

From the East coast there are a number of ways to travel to Bangkok.  Both the bus terminals and the railway station in Bangkok are well located for shopping.  It will normally take you around two hours to reach the airport from Pattaya.  If you can avoid rush hour traffic, it may take less time.

To help you find your way around Bangkok, we recommend the Bangkok Guide published by the Australian-New Zealand Women’s Group and Vivre à Bangkok published by the French Association in Bangkok.  Also, Nancy Chandler’s Bangkok Map is very useful, full of interesting, and often much appreciated, facts.

Ekamai Eastern Bus Terminal is convenient for reaching shopping malls and business areas along Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok.  The Emporium, Siam Paragon, Central World Plaza, Silom and Sathorn Roads can easily be reached from here by skytrain.  Tip:  Get off at the On Nut skytrain station; with the heavy traffic in Bangkok, you will save a lot of time.  You can pickup a BTS map at any of the skytrain stations.

Mochit Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal is right across from the Chatuchak Weekend Market.  This market is open on Fridays (not all shops), Saturdays and Sundays 0800-1700.  It sells everything from antiques to plants, pots, furniture, clothes, and animals too!

Hualumphong Railway Station is centrally located.  It is a short walk to Chinatown and quite close to Siam Square.  All in- and outbound trains to and from Bangkok pass through Hualumphong.

Roong Reung Coach
North side of North Pattaya Road, close to Sukhumvit Road.
Tel:  038-429877
If you buy your ticket at the station, check the departure time on it.  You may not be able to take the first bus, especially on Fridays and weekends.  Passengers often request the driver to let them off in Naklua, Laem Chabang, Sri Racha and other destinations en route.  Unless you use this bus route regularly, it would be advisable to make inquiries the day before you leave.

Ekamai Eastern Bus Terminal Bangkok
In Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road, across from Soi 63
Tel:  02-391-2504

Mochit Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal Bangkok
In Bangkok on Kampaengphet 2 Road
Tel:  02-936-2841-8, 02-936-2852-66

Sri Racha Tour Co., Ltd
Off Sukhumvit Road, Soi on left side of Comcity Sriracha.  No English sign, ticket sale and waiting area behind glass doors.
Tel:  038-322-442/3922

 

SHUTTLE MINIVANS / TAXIS

Minivans shuttle daily between Pattaya and Bangkok. Limousines and hotel taxis are chauffeured, air-conditioned, modern cars.  The fare is not negotiable.  Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

 

U-TAPAO AIRPORT

U-Tapao is about 40km south of Pattaya off Sukhumvit Road Km185.
Tel:  038-245-595-7/5599
Fax:  038-245-196

The airport is located on military ground but no identification is needed.  Check with your travel agent for the current flight schedules and destinations.  Domestic travel in Thailand is available through Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways.

 

PRIVATE TRANSPORT

Regardless of what country we come from, driving in Thailand is a whole new experience.  We must share the road with motorcycles, squid carts, pedestrians, stray dogs and other hazards.  Many people choose to hire a driver or are required to do so by their company, but driving here is not difficult.  Air-conditioned cars are recommended to fight heat, humidity and pollution.  Cars are expensive due to high import duties on both imported cars and locally assembled cars.  Used cars are widely available.  Petrol stations line Highway 3 all along the East Coast.  They are usually open daily from around 0500-2000; many are open 24 hours.  It might be a good idea to fill up before going into Bangkok or into the backcountry.

 

BUYING A VEHICLE

New cars and motorcycles must be registered.  If a car changes districts, it needs to be registered in the new district.  The registration cost is based on engine size.  Registration can be processed at the Department of Land Transport.  Before you buy a used car or motorcycle, be sure that the registration papers are originals and in order.

Traffic tax has to be paid once a year at the car’s registration anniversary.  The tax can be paid at the post office.  When the car is eight years and older, you need to go for a technical check-up before you can pay the tax.

 

INSURANCE

Obtaining full insurance coverage in Thailand is essential.  Due to the great number of accidents, it is important to take out a fully comprehensive policy with a reliable company.  Despite the fact that third party insurance is now compulsory in Thailand, many cars still remain uninsured.  When selecting a policy, make sure that the fine print is explained fully and that you know the limits of liability.  You must have an international driving licence or Thai licence to validate insurance.

If you are not covered by a valid insurance policy you will have to pay for all damages or losses.  If you rent a car or borrow a friend’s car that does not have insurance, you can buy liability only insurance.  Reputable insurance companies will give you a paper explaining the procedure in case of an accident.

 

RENTALS

Cars, jeeps and motorcycles can be rented on Beach Road and many Sois and bars adjacent to the beach.  Be sure to ask if insurance is included in the rental or is even available.  Car rental agencies will give you a card explaining the procedure in case of an accident and how to contact the insurance company.  There are many small companies offering lower rates but it is safer to go with a major company as they are more reliable and more apt to maintain their vehicles.

 

DRIVING LICENCE

As a visitor you need a valid international driving licence.  If you have a non-resident visa and an international driving licence, it is advisable to apply for a Thai driving licence as soon as possible.  If you have resident status, you must have a Thai driving licence to drive in Thailand.

To obtain a Thai driving licence you must present the following:

  • Either a resident visa or non-immigrant visa with at least 90 days remaining on the visa.
  • A doctor’s certificate showing that you are in good mental and physical health.  This certificate can be obtained at any of the hospitals or clinics.
  • A certificate from Immigration that your visa is acceptable.  This procedure will cost around B200 and you must bring the following:
    • Passport
    • One photo copy of picture page in passport
    • One photo copy of visa stamp pages in passport
    • Two passport photos
    • Evidence of where you are living (lease contract) and copy of lessor’s ID card

Be sure to get two additional photocopies of the passport pages and additional passport photos to give to the licence bureau.  Take the papers from the Immigration Office to the Licence Bureau.

A colour blindness test will be given.  If you do not have a valid licence from your own country, it is required to pass a multiple choice test in English and a driving test.  The Thai licence is valid for one year and can be renewed twice.  Cost for the licence is B105 for cars, B55 for motorcycles.

A Thai licence can be used like an ID card for car rental, hotel check-in, parcel pick-up at the post office and driving in neighboring countries.  For travel abroad, it can be useful to have your licence translated into English at the Department of Land Transport in Bangkok Tel:  02-272-3614.

 

RULES OF THE ROAD

Like any other country Thailand has it’s traffic rules.  If in addition to the rules you are prepared to expect the unexpected and are willing to drive defensively, then driving here can be a real enjoyment.  Thai drivers blow the horn only as a warning, never as a means of venting anger; they let you get in and out of their line without making a fuss.  Nevertheless, accidents are serious in any event and become more serious when a foreigner or farang is involved.  If you hurt a Thai, and it is your fault or not, you will be expected to pay for medical treatment and make financial compensation.

 

PENALTIES

If you commit a moving violation, you will be fined B100 to B500.  This is payable either on the spot or at the police station.  If you are parked illegally, the fine can range between B100 (Thai licence) and B800 (non-Thai licence).  Penalties involving damage or death to others can involve jail, perhaps requiring bail in excess of B1,000,000.  Due to the enormity of this sum, it is prudent to make sure that you are fully insured at all times.

 

TIPS ON HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY

  • Stay in the left-hand lane except when overtaking another vehicle.  Take care to signal when changing lanes or overtaking another vehicle.  Police will stop you if you keep in the right-hand lane.  This happens frequently along Sukhumvit between Sri Racha and Jomtien and on the motorway.
  • Police also check for driving licence, tax, insurance and seat belts.
  • Double your attention and be prepared to react in time when confronted with (for you) an unusual situation.
  • Vehicles on the roundabout have the ‘right of way’; don’t take this for granted.  Do not dispute with buses or trucks; being heavier, they like to take the right of way over smaller vehicles everywhere.
  • At intersections, where cross traffic has stop signs or yield signs, many Thai put on hazard lights as a warning for those who follow and those who wait to cross.
  • An oncoming vehicle overtaking and flashing its headlights means “here I come”, and they expect you to squeeze to the side.  This happens also where there are solid yellow lane markers, hills and blind curves.
  • Motorcycles and sometimes cars travel down the wrong side of the road, because they want to avoid a detour.  Many motorcyclists barely look for oncoming traffic when they make a turn without stopping.  When a car is involved in an accident with a motorcycle, the motorcycle is nearly always in ‘his right’.
  • Many cars and cycles ignore red lights.  Always be very alert at intersections, both as a driver and as a pedestrian.
  • Check if somebody is behind you when approaching an intersection, as Thai drivers like to speed up when the traffic light turns yellow.
  • Driving at night is even more dangerous, as invisible pedestrians and poorly lit motorcycles tend to underestimate the speed of a car, when they want to cross a road.  Street vendors are often on the streets and highways without proper lights.
  • Do not drink and drive.  The legal limit is 0.15 or about 1 drink.
  • In busy parking lots, it is common to park in front of a row of parked cars.  Put the gear in ‘neutral’ with the hand brake off and front wheels straight, so attendants can move your car and let others in and out.
  • Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

 

IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT

  • Keep cool and use common sense.  Do not panic or flee the scene!
  • Do not move the vehicles until the police report has been filed.
  • Call the representatives from your company, the car rental company and your insurer.  Wait for them and do not sign anything and do not admit liability.  Liability will be defined by the police and the insurance company.
  • Only vehicles not involved in accidents should be used to take injured persons to the hospital.
  • Try to obtain names and addresses of injured persons and of all witnesses (including passengers).
  • Note impact damage on both vehicles.  Note registration numbers of all vehicles involved.
  • Make a rough sketch of the road and positions of the vehicles involved before and at the time of the accident.
  • If possible, take photos of the scene before cars are moved.
  • Try to find English speaking Tourist Police whenever possible.  Emergency/Accident Tel:  191 or Tourist Police Tel: 195 or 1699
  • If you have injured someone, as a foreigner you will be expected to pay the immediate costs of treatment – regardless of liability.
  • Ask your insurer for a procedure or make a copy of this one and keep it in the glove compartment with the telephone number of your insurance or car rental company.   ♥