Drive along the
Pattaya can be reached in a comfortable 2-hour drive from Bangkok.
Bang Na-Trat and Sukhumvit Highways (Highway No. & Highway No 3) via Bang Pakong, and Si Racha.
One can also avoid a lot of traffic on Bang Na-Trat Highway by opting for Motor Way (new
Bangkok-Chon Buri - Pattaya route).
Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transportation in Pattaya. However, transportation in the city is facilitated thorough the use of special cars (Song taew), customized pickup truck with passenger seats in a covered overhead back cabin. These pickups, know a Baths- Bus, can easily carry 8-10 passengers in the back, plus 1 or 2 passengers in front. The circle around the city and are allowed to stop anywhere. In addition to motorbike-taxis, the Bahts-Buses are the only form of 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 the drivers. There are so many of them that they end up looking for passengers.
This compact city consists of 3 major roads that parallel each other. Right along the beach is Beach Rd., which is a one-way road from the north to south that is a few kilometers long. Second Rd. is a hundred or so meters away and carries city transport mainly from the south to north, although it is partly a two-way road. The last road is Sukhumvit Rd, a continuation of the highway leading to Bangkok. Many small streets called Soi(s) cross the roads. And it's advisable to walk some of the small streets, which are enumerated from north to south, although some have names. Second Rd. continues on to South Pattaya and turns to Jomtien reaching Jomtien beach within 5 minutes, and continues alongside Jomtien beach, which is approximately 20 kilometers long with some secluded escapes.Chomthian Beach Rd., which is a two-way road, also parallels Sukhumvit Rd ad is the only road in the Jomtien area , except for some connecting streets. on the other side of sukhumvit road are several country clubs, golf course and typical Thai rural villages, providing charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small stream in the leisurely and relaxing countryside.
Many kinds of motorbikes, convertible monster Jeeps, sport and passenger cars are offered for rent. A driver's license is not required for driving around Pattaya and vicinity, so many tourists are tempted get behind the wheel. It should be noted that in Thailand drivers drive on the left lane, as in England and Japan.
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