วันศุกร์ที่ 20 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Transportation & Transfers

Pattaya City - Transportation around, within and out of Pattaya

Pattaya Baht Bus (Songtaew) 4four

The Infamous Baht Buses of Pattaya. The Philippines have the Jeepnee, we have the Baht Bus ( Songtaew ). The Fare is 10 or 20 Baht for "In Route" and 50 to 100 Baht after bargaining for a "Hired" ride. But many Tourists have complained of over charging by more than a few drivers of these modified pick-up trucks. Please Set the Price in Advance and have correct change. We strongly suggest you smile and be overly friendly when bargaining with the drivers. A Good(Gods) Attitude will Return the Same. If you yell and get angry expect the same or worse in return. You will learn how to use them in a few days and they really are a bargain for the money. For "In Route" just jump on without saying anything and hit the Bell Switch on the Roof to Stop. Get off and give the correct Change.
Note: If you experience a problem with a Baht Bus driver, remember its number and complain to: Pattaya City Manager # 429-216, Banglamung District Baht Bus Cooperative # 221-271 or # 423-554.

Motor Cycle Taxi

by Motorcycle Taxi
Although it's a Dangerous Ride, it is a lot easier to bargain with the M/C Taxi drivers.
About 20 to 50 Baht for a "Hired" ride. You might want to know a little Thai beforehand,

Bi Cha Cha (21k) Go Slowly !

Learn to speak Thai


Motor Cycle Rental


Small Suzuki and Honda motorcycles are the most popular
Photos curtesy of Mai Pen Rai Bike Rental


If you know how to ride a motorcycle then this is the best transportation around Pattaya. You will find many Thai Rental shops on the streets of Pattaya. Also many expats who live here have set up rental businesses for their Thai wives. You will find these shops have not only better prices, but their bikes are better maintained and therefore safer to use. Be Informed that driving a Motorcycle in Pattaya is Dangerous, Go Slow and be Careful. Driving is on the Left Side. You will also need an International Drivers License and a Helmet, and don't forget the kickstand !

Jeep & Car Rental


Nice Jeep for rent


Insured Car for rent


Again you will find many shops that rent jeeps and cars on the streets and Hotels of Pattaya. Try to make sure it has full insurance. It will cost a little more to rent but worth it. Many street shops don't fully insure. When renting any vehicle first walk around it and write down any dents and scratches on the back of the rental form. This will save you problems upon return. You will also need an International Drivers License.

Airport Limousine Bus
3/8 M6 North Rd. About half way down North Road

Thai Limousine Tel# 423-140

This is the best way to go. For approx 500 Baht (one way) you will go Directly to Bangkok Airport ( Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang International ). They have both buses and vans. Times are 6:30am, 2pm & 6:30pm to Bangkok and Return 9am, 12noon & 7pm to Pattaya from Don Mung Airport. Look for their booth and waiting lounge inside the airport (arrival). This is also the best way to get to Pattaya. Try to schedule your air flite accordantly. There are also airport taxis at the airport for ~1500 - 2000 Baht.



Pattaya A/C Bus Station
On North Pattaya road near the Highway


Entrance of the Pattaya Air-Con Bus Station

Air-Con Bus to Bangkok



Driving Time to Bangkok ~ 2 1/2 -3 hours.

Pattaya to Morchit Station - Every 30 Minutes from 5:40am to 7:00pm

Pattaya to Ekamai Station - Every 30 minutes from 5:40am to 9:00pm

Airport Bus to Don Mung - 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm.

Fare to Bangkok - ~90 Baht. Airport Bus ~250 Baht

Todays Exchange Rates



Sukhumvit Highway Buses


Non-Air Red Highway Bus
There are both air-con and non-air buses that pick up passengers on the Sukhumvit Highway every 10 to 20 minutes all day long. Wait at the bus stops. Pick the air-con buses if you don't like dust ! The drivers of both buses like to play with their horns a lot. If you are not going all the way to Bangkok then use these buses. If you are only going a short way then there are White Baht Buses on the Highway.
White Baht Bus on the Highway



Pattaya Train Station
In Central Pattaya. Across Sukhumvit Road. Off Siam Country Club Road.


Entrance of the Pattaya Train Station


The Train to Bangkok


( not recommended )

Time Schedule

Leave Pattaya - 14:50 (2:50 pm) Arrive Bangkok - 18:35 (6:35 pm)

Leave Bangkok - 7:10 (7:10 am) Arrive Pattaya - 10:45 (10:45 am)

Fare to Bangkok - ~100 Baht

Speak Thai

Speak Thai

Some important Thai phrases

It would help a lot if you could speak some Thai before you get here. You will get better prices when bargaining & make friends more quickly. These wav files work on all computers, no need to download a plug-in.

Greetings

Note: The ending of a statement should end with "Krup" if you are a man and "Ka" if you are a woman.
In English it would be Sir or Madam, but in Thai it is the Gender of the person speaking that matters not the person you are speaking to. :
( below phonetic is for native English / USA )

Every Day Sayings Food & Dining Counting Numbers & Money

Tip: Write the first Five Numbers on the tips of your Fingers. It took me 2 days to Remember the First Five Numbers but the Rest of the week for numbers 6 to 10.

Events & Festivals


Pattaya City - Events, Important Dates, Festivals

January 1 : New Year Merit Day
January : Pattaya Tennis Open
February : Pattaya Women's Open Tennis
February : Driving for Peace Project
February : Chinese New Year
March : The Grand Pattaya International Music Festival
March : Miss Tiffanys Universe
April : Wan Lai Na Klua Festival (Songkran Festival) Pattaya
April : Pattaya Windsurfing Cup
April : Vasalin Full Sun Fun Fair
May : Top of Gulf International Regatta
May : Eastern Region Golf Tournament
June : Amazing Pattaya Grand Sale
July : Pattaya Marathon
July : Pattaya Windsurfing Cup (Race 2)
August : Pattaya Food & Hoteliers Expo
August : Eastern Bartender Contest
October : Miss International Queen
October : Pattaya Vegetarian Festival
October : The Hourse show
November : Loi Krathong Festival at Pattaya
November : Diana Gold Charity Golf Tournament
November : Pattaya Long Boat Racing
November : Pattaya Windsurfing Cup (Final)
November : 5th Eastern Kind of Cows Showing & Contest
November : Commart Pattaya
November : Pattaya City International Windsurfing
December : Group Ordination Ceremony Presenting to His Majesty the King
December : King's Cup Jet Ski World Championship
December 31 : Pattaya New Years Eve