How to Get to Pattaya Guide

 Filled with cafes, floating markets and beaches, Pattaya is a seaside town in Thailand. The town offers a rare combination of modern-day amenities, historical temples and giant Buddha statues. Pattaya's convenient location – a mere two-hour journey from Bangkok – makes getting here easy. The town makes for a great day trip from Bangkok. It's even better if you plan on spending a few nights here. From bus transfers to train rides to private tours, here's a list of ways to get here from Bangkok.

Wpcpey, Walking Street Pattaya Frog Bar 2018, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. Private airport transfer

Most tourists arrive in the country through Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, nearly 120 kilometres away from the town. If your first stop is a resort in Pattaya Thailand, it's better to go directly there rather than stopping in Bangkok. You can choose a one-way airport transfer, which will save you a lot of time and the hassle of dealing with local taxi drivers. With a private airport transfer, you get an English-speaking driver who'll meet you at the airport. You'll be given a bottle of water and a fresh cold towel for the journey. Most resorts arrange private airport transfers for their guests, and if you choose the likes of Avani Pattaya Resort, the option might be available to you as well.

2. By bus

This is the most comfortable mode of public transport available to you; it's also the cheapest. While it cannot be described as a scenic ride, the journey doesn't take any more than two and a half hours and costs you only 5 USD. Buses leave Bangkok several times a day, and the schedule starts at 5.30 am. You have the option of booking tickets through bus companies, or you can get to the bus terminal and wait for the next available bus. You'll arrive at the Pattaya bus station, a few minutes away from the city centre.

3. Private sightseeing tour

If you don't have a long time for Pattaya, you can explore the area in one day on a private sightseeing tour. A private tour gives a behind-the-scenes outlook at Pattaya, and it will take you back to the departure point before the day is over. The tour starts early in the morning, and you'll be picked up from your hotel. You'll be in Pattaya within two hours, all ready to explore the town. A private tour gives you the chance to see all the religious and historical sites and floating markets. These tours allow you to enjoy your time without having to worry about transport. After all the sightseeing, you'll be safely brought back to your hotel.

4. By minivan

A faster and more comfortable alternative to travelling by bus, minivans are a popular transport method in Thailand. While you cannot account for its safety, it certainly is a fast way to get anywhere in the country, including Pattaya. Your journey starts from Mo Chit bus station, and within a three-hour window, you'll be in Pattaya. You cannot book minivans, and you can only pay for the ride in cash. Luggage space is limited, most drivers will refuse to take you if you have a lot of bags, or you'll be asked to pay extra.

5. By train

Not the most comfortable mode of travel, but if you want the authentic Thai experience, travelling by train is your best chance. There are two trains that connect Pattaya and Bangkok, and they usually leave before 7 am on weekdays – trains don't run on weekends. Both trains have only third-class carriages, and they come with wooden seats and no air conditioning. The cost is around 1 USD, and most likely, you'll have to travel standing.