| Getting Around |
  Apart from a handful of privately operated examples, Pattaya has no tuk-tuks and most ad hoc local transport is undertaken by a a cornucopia of over dark blue colored songthaews - pickup trucks converted to buses. They ply the main bay area. Jump in, call out the destination and pay the fare after you have stepped off. The fare starts from 10 baht and should increase depending on your destination. But don’t be scared as you wouldn’t be charged an exorbitant amount. For example , taking a Songthaew from North Pattaya Beach to Jomtien Beach would cost you not over 30 baht. The rule for foreigners these days is “give the amount in baht pretending that you know the far and walk away. If he the drivers yells at you, it means you are short of a few baht.Be aware that flat fares only apply when operating as a bus. Thus when the driver of an otherwise empty songthaew is parked up at the roadside, who might presume that you want an exclusive transport and charter, expect a much higher fare of 100 baht or more, depending on your negotiating skills. Other types of transport to get you around Pattaya includes a motorcycle taxi, like the ones that are ubiquitous in Bangkok. Always ask for the fair before commanding him to your destination, and this the rule of thumb. |
| Touring Pattaya by motorcycle |
These two-wheeled vehicles are fast and can navigate almost any terrain. In Pattaya, many types of motorcycles with different engine displacements can be hired on an hourly or daily basis.
They range from small 100 cc motorcycles that are ideal for city streets to bigger road bikes with 1000cc engines that are equipped with luggage carriers and great for travelling long distances. Rates are reasonable; for only Bt120 a day, you can rent a motorcycle and see all the beaches or go for a spin around Pattaya. For the more adventurous individual, dirt bikes can be used to navigate just about every type of terrain, including jungle trails. The most commonly available models in most of Pattaya's bike shops are a 250 XR or XLR. Daily rental cost ranges from Pattaya's network of small feeder roads that go through and around the coastal areas is one reason why many bikers often gather here. If you're planning to visit several nearby provinces, it might be a good idea to rent a CB-400 model. This powerful four-cylinder road machine is fuel efficient and can easily be handled. Prices usually start at Bt700 a day. Whatever type of motorcycle you have in mind, bear in mind that discounts are often offered to those who rent it on a longer basis. | ||
The easiest way to see much of the countrywide is to take a bus or rent a car. But then these vehicles can only traverse the main highways and side streets. And while Thailand has an extensive network of roads, some sights, however, can't be reached that easily. That's where motorcycles come in.
Thailand drivers are not different from those of other coutries and so great care is advised. Be very wary of your speed and always look out for bad drivers, Pattaya is beaming with them. Unlike many Western countries, it’s very easy to pass a driving test here, and it makes no wonder why there are a number of drivers here who are inexperienced on the road. Worse, many simply don’t have a driving licence at all.
