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From Ratchathewi to Pattaya, Thailand by van 2023

Minh Châu

Tháng Ba 29, 2023

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Exploring Pattaya: Your Guide to Getting There from Bangkok

Pattaya, situated just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, is easily accessible by bus, van or taxi. The travel time ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and route. Some buses make stops at Chonburi, Sri Racha or Laem Chabang, while others go directly to Pattaya. Big buses to Pattaya depart from all three bus terminals in Bangkok, arriving at Pattaya Northern Bus Station.

Direct transfers from Suvarnabhumi airport are also available. For greater flexibility, travelers can opt for the Bangkok-Pattaya van, which departs from various locations in Bangkok and drops passengers off in the center of Pattaya. The cost of bus and van tickets ranges from THB120 to THB400. For a fast and luxurious door-to-door option, a taxi is available at varying prices, ranging from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB4,000 for a private van accommodating up to 9 passengers. Motorway 7, one of the best motorways in the country, links Bangkok to Chonburi and Pattaya, making travel by bus, taxi, or private car a smooth and easy journey.

Smooth Sailing: Avoiding Traffic Jams on the Bangkok to Pattaya Bus Route

Bangkok has three bus terminals for travelers to choose from: Sai Tai Mai in the south, Morchit in the north, and Ekkamai in the east. For those headed to Pattaya, the latter two are the best options due to their location and popularity.

If you’re planning a trip to the Eastern Seaboard, the Ekkamai bus terminal is the ideal starting point. It’s conveniently located near the BTS station of the same name. Buses departing from Ekkamai can get you to Pattaya in as little as two hours, although it’s more realistic to expect a journey time of around three hours, as they often make stops in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang to drop off passengers. Pattaya Bus operates three daily services from Ekkamai, departing in the morning (at 9:30 am), afternoon (at 1:30 pm), and evening (at 5:30 pm), all priced at THB127.

If you’re staying in the north of Bangkok or arriving at Don Mueang airport, the Morchit bus terminal is a convenient choice. However, it’s important to note that despite the BTS station of the same name, you will need to take a short bus or taxi ride to reach the actual bus terminal. Buses from Morchit take around three hours to reach Pattaya and are priced at THB127 with the Pattaya Bus company. There are three departures a day at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. In Pattaya, buses arrive at the Northern bus station on North Pattaya Road, just 200 meters from Sukhumvit intersection. From there, you can choose to take a songthaew (THB40 per person), a motorbike taxi, or a regular taxi to reach the city, but always negotiate the fare in advance.

All Aboard for Pattaya: Train Travel from Bangkok

In technical terms, traveling by train from Bangkok to Pattaya is possible. There’s a morning train, #283, that departs Bangkok at 6:55 am and arrives in Pattaya at 10:34 am. However, this train makes several stops along the way, and the journey itself is not particularly noteworthy. Expect to spend around four hours in a third-class carriage with only fan seats, and don’t anticipate any breathtaking views. However, you will have ample opportunities for interesting people-watching. Among all of Pattaya’s train stations, Huay Yai is probably the most picturesque. It’s worth noting that train tickets are quite affordable.

From Point A to Point B: Taking a Taxi to Pattaya from Bangkok

If you’re traveling with a large group, family, or a lot of luggage, a taxi may be the best option for getting from Bangkok to Pattaya. One recommended company is Glassflower, which offers excellent service, comfortable and clean cars, and competitive prices.

Glassflower also has minivans available that can accommodate groups of up to 12 people. Another option is PGS, which offers smart solutions for both individual and group transfers. Their Toyota Camry can seat up to 3 passengers for THB2,200, while their Toyota Commuter can accommodate up to 9 passengers for THB2,530. Both options are all-inclusive, with no extra tolls or additional fees for pickup and drop-off at specific locations. The trip should take no more than three hours, depending on your starting point in Bangkok.

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport? Head to Pattaya with Ease

If you’re arriving in Thailand through Suvarnabhumi, the main airport, and your next destination is Pattaya, you can use bus and taxi services to get there directly without having to go through Bangkok’s bus terminals. Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8, departing every two hours from 8am to 6pm. Their VIP24 buses are comfortable and spacious, offering a more comfortable ride than economy class on any airlines. The whole trip takes about two hours, and passengers are dropped off at the Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road.

Note that tickets for the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus can be bought on the spot, but the route is very popular, so it’s likely that you won’t be able to get tickets for the next bus and will have to wait until the next but one departure. If you book in advance, tickets cost THB272.

For more comfort, PGS offers charter services that take you from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya directly. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers (THB1,980) or a Toyota Commuter that accommodates up to nine people (THB2,200). The latter is a great option in terms of price and quality. Rates are all-inclusive, with no extra tolls, luggage fees, or drop-off charges.

Tip: If you’re waiting for the bus at gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi, check out the nearby Magic Point canteen for cheap and tasty Thai favorites like rice with chicken (khao man gai), rice with pork leg (khao kha moo), and tom yam soup, all starting at just THB40 per dish.

From Relaxation to Adventure: The Many Faces of Pattaya

Pattaya is often associated with its red light districts, lady bars, and ladyboys who can be quite aggressive in their pursuit of customers along Beach Road. This reputation has earned Pattaya the nickname “City of Sin,” where impoverished women seek money and sometimes even love from foreign visitors while supporting their extended families. However, Pattaya has much more to offer beyond these stereotypes, and visitors who take the time to explore will discover a rich culture and diverse community.

Pattaya is a well-known tourist destination in Thailand, often referred to as the “city that never sleeps.” Visitors can explore the city day and night, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere. While Pattaya was once notorious for prostitution and vice, the city has undergone a transformation and now offers a diverse array of attractions, food options, and accommodations. It is known for being a truly independent city with something for everyone, including international package tourists, families, and Bangkok residents who flock to Pattaya on weekends and public holidays.

While Pattaya may not have any rare or unique attractions, the festive and vibrant atmosphere of the city never fails to capture the hearts of its visitors. The city offers a wide range of restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all around the world, with astonishingly affordable prices, as well as delicious street food options. Visitors can choose between first-class international hotel chains and simple guesthouse rooms, elegant high-rises and traditional shophouses, modern shopping malls, and entertainment centers, and colorful night markets. In addition, there are nearby islands that transport visitors to a perfect island paradise, and a growing number of family-oriented attractions secure Pattaya’s status as one of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations.

When it comes to getting around Pattaya, songthaews are an affordable and convenient option. With fares ranging from THB10 to THB40, depending on the distance, and several routes covering the entire city, they are an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Blue songthaews run from the junction of South Pattaya Road and Second Road to Jomtien, from Jomtien to the Dolphins roundabout in the north, and along a Second Road-North Pattaya-Pattaya Beach Road loop. White songthaews operate along Sukhumvit Road, extending as far as Sattahip. Songthaews can also be hired as taxis, with the fare to be agreed upon before the ride.

Motorbike taxis are also widely available and affordable, providing a convenient solution to the city’s worsening traffic.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, car and motorbike rentals are available throughout the city. Scooters typically cost THB200 per day or THB2000 per month, while small cars like the Honda City can be rented for THB1000 per day. While scams related to “vehicle damage” are not common, drivers should be aware that police often stop both cars and motorbikes to check licenses, and wearing seat belts and helmets is mandatory.

While bicycles are becoming more common on Pattaya’s roads, the chaotic traffic makes it neither safe nor pleasant to navigate between speeding cars, tourist buses, and bikes.

Stylish and Trendy: Pattaya’s Best Hotels for Young Travelers

Choosing the right accommodation in Pattaya ultimately depends on personal preferences. For those seeking a lively nightlife scene with a seedy edge, centrally located hotels and guesthouses around Soi Buakhao and between Beach Road and Second Road are ideal. Alternatively, the North and Nakluea areas boast several respectable five-star chain hotels.

Jomtien is a great option for those seeking relatively cheap guesthouses and mid-range hotels, and while the Jomtien beach is considered mediocre, it is still suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Pratamnak may be a bit off the public transport routes, but the area is very green and tranquil, with several nice beaches including Cozy Beach. The Ambassador City Hotel area is far from the city’s entertainment hotspots and may only be suitable for those seeking a lazy beach vacation.

Some important bus routes in Bangkok that pass through tourist destinations you should know:

Route 02: Samrong – Sukhumvit – Central World – Pratunam – Democracy Monument – Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market.
Route 03: Phra Arthit – Samsen – Chatuchak – Northern Bus Terminal.
Route 15: Charoen Krung – Silom – Siam Square – Democracy Monument – Sanam Luang.
Route 25: Paknam – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Siam Square – Hualamphong – Yaowarat – Pahurat – Wat Pho – Grand Palace.
Route 29: Hualamphong – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Don Muang.
Route 34: Hualamphong – MBK Shopping Mall – Phaya Thai – Victory Monument – Chatuchak.
Route 53: Hualamphong – Yaowarat – Pahurat – Wat Pho – Grand Palace – Sanam Luang – Phra Arthit – Samsen.
Route 59: Sanam Luang – Phaya Thai – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Don Muang.
Route 79: Southern Bus Terminal – Taling Chan Floating Market – Democracy Monument – Siam Square – Central World – Pratunam – Fortune Town – Ratchada.
Route 503: Sanam Luang – Dusit – Wat Stewamabophit – Victory Monument – Chatuchak.
Route 508: Sanam Luang – Grand Palace – Siam Square – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm.
Route 509: Thonburi – Democracy Monument – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Northern Bus Terminal.
Route 511: Southern Bus Terminal – Democracy Monument – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm.
Route 524: Wat Pho – Grand Palace – Phra Arthit – Samsen – Chatuchak.

Planning Your Pattaya Trip: Commonly Asked Questions

1. How can I get from Bangkok to Pattaya? There are several transportation options to get from Bangkok to Pattaya including taking a bus, hiring a private car or taxi, or taking a train. The most popular and convenient way to travel is by bus. Buses depart frequently from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (also known as Ekkamai) to Pattaya.

2. How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The travel time from Bangkok to Pattaya varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. A bus journey from Bangkok to Pattaya typically takes about 2-3 hours, while traveling by private car or taxi can take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Taking the train may take longer, usually around 3-4 hours.

3. How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The cost of traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya depends on the mode of transportation you choose. A bus ticket can cost between 100-200 Thai Baht (approximately 3-6 USD), while hiring a private car or taxi can cost around 1,500-2,000 Thai Baht (approximately 45-60 USD). Train tickets can range from 31-119 Thai Baht (approximately 1-4 USD), depending on the class of travel.

4. Can I take a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya? Yes, you can hire a taxi or private car to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya. Taxis are available from Bangkok’s airports, train stations, and bus terminals, and the fare usually ranges from 1,500-2,000 Thai Baht (approximately 45-60 USD). It is important to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

5. Is Pattaya worth visiting? Pattaya is a popular beach destination known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. It is a great place to visit for those looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment. Some of the popular attractions in Pattaya include the Sanctuary of Truth, the Pattaya Floating Market, and the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.