How to Travel From Bangkok to Pattaya

Kimmam

Pattaya is one of the best-known beach resort areas in Thailand. There's more to it than the sex industry that put it on the map. Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled by the windsurfing and paragliding available at Jomtien Beach, as well as the diving courses and waterskiing. After flying into Bangkok, here's how to reach Pattaya.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Travel Methods From Bangkok to Pattaya

Things You’ll Need:

Money in Thai Baht (varying amounts) Phrasebook
Money in Thai Baht (varying amounts)
Phrasebook

Step 1

Several methods exist for getting from Bangkok to Pattaya. Bus and train are the best options for backpackers and lone tourists, while large groups may want to consider renting a taxi or private minibus. Take into account the number of people traveling and the amount of money available.

Step 2

To catch an air-conditioned bus to Pattaya from Bangkok, first arrive at the bus terminal. The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has its own bus pickups to Pattaya, the last of which is at 7 p.m. Flying in and directly transferring is an option. The price is around 150 baht, or U.S. $5, although fares are always subject to change.

Step 3

If not coming directly from the airport, take a city bus or a metered taxi (use only metered taxis in Bangkok) to the Northern (moh chit) or Eastern (ekamai) bus terminal. Taxi cost will depend on location: the baseline for ordinary routes, not including airport surcharges, is 35 baht for the first two kilometers plus about 5 baht per additional kilometer. Then catch an air-conditioned bus to Pattaya from the terminal. The price is the same as at the airport. Buses from the Eastern terminal run from very early until 11:00 p.m. They take about two hours, leaving the smart traveler with time and money to enjoy the wealth of Pattaya beaches and activities.

Step 4

To catch a train from Bangkok to Pattaya, approach the ticket office at Bangkok Station and buy a ticket for the Eastern Line. While the Eastern Line runs many times throughout the day, the only trip to Pattaya sets out from Bangkok at 6:55 a.m. It's only a good option for true morning people, or the dedicated budget traveler, since a second-class ticket runs 72 baht and a third-class ticket barely grazes the checkbook at a minuscule 31 baht, or about one U.S. dollar. Fares and timetables are available on the State Railway of Thailand Web site.

Step 5

Besides the bus and train information outlined here, other options abound, including private bus services. Several minivan services exist and hotels will often be affiliated with one of these services. The Pattaya Expats Club refers to Bell Travel Service, which costs 200 baht for a shuttle pickup: 038-370-055.

Tips & Warnings

Of the Pattaya beaches, Jomtien Beach is probably of greatest interest to extreme sports addicts.

It helps to know a few words of Thai in order to avoid getting lost in the terminal, but it's usually not hard to find someone who speaks English; just be very firm in insisting on the public bus, and don't get into anyone's unlicensed transport, which will always cost more. Tuk-tuks are more trouble than they're worth for anyone other than a fluent Thai speaker.

Article Written By Eri Luxton

Eri Luxton holds a B.A. in liberal arts, an M.F.A. in creative writing, a first aid certification and a biomedical ethics certificate. She has worked as an English teacher overseas and as a local volunteer in first aid and in technology troubleshooting. Luxton mentors students in chemistry and physics while studying toward a pre-health sciences degree.

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