Orientation and Transport

Pattaya Jeep
Convertible Jeep for Rent

Orientation in Pattaya is quite simple. It is divided into North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya, and Jomtien. Worthy of notice is a small mountain with the gold-painted statue of Big Buddha, known as Big Buddha Hill, strategically located between South Pattaya and Jomtien. Being shaped like a cape separating Jomtien Beach from South Pattaya, the hill houses a number of prominent hotels. Take a look at the Pattaya Map, which is rather detailed and provides plenty of tourist information and will help you to find your way around (but may take some time to load).

Big Buddha on Pattaya Hill

This compact city consists of three major roads which are parallel to each other. Right along the beach, a few kilometers long, runs the Beach Road, a one-way drive from north to south. In 100 or so meters distance is the Second Road carrying the transport mainly from south to north, although partly it's a two-way drive. Then it is the main Sukhumvit Road, a continuation of the highway leading to Bangkok. Many small streets (called soi in Thai) cross the roads, theyy are numbered from north to south, although some have names as well. Walking through some of the small streets is an adventure. You get to see more of the finer points of the place. It is also helpful to have eyes in the back of your head.

Royal Cliff in Pattaya
Royal Cliff Beach Resort on the Big Buddha Hill

The continuation of Second Road in South Pattaya (called Thap Praya Road) turns to Jomtien reaching the Jomtien beach within a few minutes' drive and continues alongside the Jomtien beach. This two-way drive Jomtien Beach Road is also parallel to the main Sukhumvit Road and is the only road in the Jomtien area, except for some connecting streets.

Motorbike for Rent
You must see Thai girls riding bikes

On the other side across the main Sukhumvit Road are several country clubs, golf courses, small agrarian farms, agricultural colleges, and typical rural Thai villages, where one can find charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small streams in the leisurely and relaxing countryside.

Pattaya Beach Road View

The day-to-day and night-to-night traffic in Pattaya is at ease under normal conditions. However, occasionally there are gridlocks, especially during special events hosted in Pattaya and on public holidays. Another contributing factor is the constant road improvements.

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transport in Pattaya. All kinds of motorcycles and they are everywhere. No problems with parking, but as of late, they are not allowed at night on Walking Street in South Pattaya.

Pattaya Taxi Songthaew
Baht-Bus ౼ Pattaya Taxi

The city transport is customized pickup trucks (songthaew in Thai) with the passenger seats in a back cabin covered overhead. Known as Baht-Buses, they can easily carry 8-10 passengers in the back, plus one or two seats in front. The pickups circle all around the city and are allowed to stop anywhere along the route, so you can get off. They are an efficient and cheap means of getting around. In addition to motorbike taxis, these Baht-Buses are the only public transport permitted in Pattaya. If not occupied, they also can be hired as private taxis. In fact, they are private vehicles, in most cases belonging to their drivers. There is an abundance of Baht-Buses day and night, and oftentimes they are out chasing passengers. BTW, you pay the driver after you get off.

Many kinds of motorbikes, convertible monster Jeeps, sports, and passenger cars are offered for rent. For driving in and around Pattaya vicinity, any driving license will suffice. So, many tourists are tempted by a private drive as a wheel, ride, or drive. Just keep in mind, that Thailand is the left-hand traffic country, like England, Japan, etc. The rule of the road ౼ the driving direction is onward in the left lane. Coming soon online Motor Rentals in Pattaya.