Travelling to Chon Buri

Travelling to Chon Buri

By Car

Chon Buri is a one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, taking the Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route) will reduce travel time.

By Bus

The 1.5-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.

There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Call: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information. In addition, Si Racha Tour, Tel: 0 2936 4029 operates air-conditioned bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.

Travelling to Pattaya

By car

Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.

By bus

Air-conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Departure times and fares may be obtained from the Eastern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or the Northern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2936 2852-66.

There are also minibuses that travel directly from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya at 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the Bangkok International Airport, tel. 0 2535 1111.

In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.

By train

The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 06.55 a.m., tel. 0 2621 8701. It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.

By Air

Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya).

Travelling in Pattaya

Pattaya City is divided into four major zones: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Chomthian. It should be noted that there is a small mountain known as the Hill, located between South Pattaya and Chomthian. For a visual illustration take a look at the Map of Pattaya and Chomthian with the Hill.

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transport in Pattaya. However, transportation in the city is facilitated through the use of special cars (song taew), customized pickup trucks with passenger seats in a covered overhead back cabin. These pickups, known as Bahts-Bus, can easily carry 8-10 passengers in the back, plus 1 or 2 passengers in front. They 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 Chomthian reaching Chomthian beach within 5 minutes, and continues alongside Chomthian beach, which is approximately 20 kilometers long with some secluded escapes.

Chomthian Beach Rd., which is a two-way road, also parallels Sukhumvit Rd and is the only road in the Chomthian area, except for some connecting streets. On the other side of Sukhumvit road are several country clubs, golf courses and typical Thai rural villages, providing charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small streams 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

Distances from Amphoe Muang or Chon Buri Town to other districts :

Ban Bueng 14 km.
Phanat Nikhom 22 km.
Phan Thong 24 km.
Si Racha 24 km.
Ko Sichang 35 km.
Bang Lamung (Pattaya) 45 km.
Nong Yai 51 km.
Bo Thong 56 km.
Sattahip 86 km.

Distances from Chon Buri to neighbouring provinces :

Chachoengsao 43 km.
Rayong 98 km.
Samut Prakan 64 km.
Rayong 98 km.
Chanthaburi 164 km.

Car

By Car: Chon Buri is one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, a faster trip can be made by taking Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route).

Bus

By Bus : The 1.30-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.
There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. Call :0 2936 2852-66 for more information. Si Racha Tour Tel: 0 2936 4029 also operates air-conditioned bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.

Pattaya Travel Guides

Originally Pattaya is a small, unknown fishing village on the eastern side of Thailand facing the Gulf of Thailand. Its location appear for the first time in the Thai history when Phraya Tak who later became King Taksin marched to Chanthaburi and passed through this vicinity after the downfall of the former capital Ayuthaya to the Burmese in 1767.

After learning that an unknown troop entered the boundary, a Thai clan leader in the region, named Nai Klom intend to sack Phraya Tak's army. When Nai Klom encounter his enemy, he was awed by the dignity of Phraya Tak's army and surrendered without a fight. The have-to-be battlefield but no bloodshed is called Thap Phraya, literally means the Army of Phraya. Later it was changed and simplified to Pattaya meaning the wind flowing from Southwest to Northeast.

Pattaya had long been forgotten and not until the American servicemen discovered it during the Vietnam War in 1961. From then on, Pattaya blossomed into the Thailand' premier and most developed beach resort which attracts innumerable visitors and tourists annually. The tranquil fishermen's village disappeared and was replaced by shops, houses, mega-hotels to guesthouses, department stores, and so on. The white sandy beaches are visited by swimmers and sunbathers, not only from the local Thai but from the foreign tourists around the world.

For resort and leisure seekers, its sunny climate is an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing. There are three major beach areas, i.e. Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and those on Ko Lan (Coral Island) where you can enjoy your holiday.

Pattaya is only 147 kilometers away from Bangkok with a comfortable 3-hours drive and the transportation services to this resort is greatly convenient!

Finding an accommodation to stay can be both easy and difficult depending upon the seasons. Cheap guesthouses and budget hotels are plenty and are mostly popular among the frequent visitors with longer stay where economy is a major concern. A number of medium and deluxe hotels in Pattaya can be found scattered on the beach roads from North to the South or on the more serene beaches surrounding the Phratamnak Hill.

Numerous sporting activities can be found at this resort of Thailand. Full range of water sports is available including fishing, sailing, water skiing, water-scooter rider, windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing, and etc. In addition, there is a wide variety of land sports ranging from golfing, shooting, motorcar racing, horse riding, bowling, badminton, tennis, go-cart, paintball, bungee jumping, etc. Gyms and health clubs are also available at some major hotels.

Pattaya is more than a beach resort. There are many tourist attractions that are worth visiting for individuals, couples or family with kids. Interesting sites in the vicinity within easy reach are Phra Tamnak Hill, a vantage point to view Pattaya bay; Wat Yannasangwararam, a Royal Buddhist Temple built in Chinese-style atmosphere, Bottle Museum, over 300 miniatures of world-wide monuments in the bottles; Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, weird and unique things can be found in this museum.

Recommended Pattaya Tours and Sightseeing are a half-day scenic cruise to the offshore Coral Island (Ko Lan) with a chance to view the coral on a glass-menu2 boat; Nong Nooch Village, a tropical garden with various cultural and traditional shows, Million Year Stone Park having ancient flora and rare animal species as well as a crocodile farm, Sri Racha Tiger Zoo containing a largest number of Bengal tigers with numerous animals and interesting shows like pig racing; Elephant Village, where ones can see elephant shows with amusements; Minisiam, replica in miniature of renowned temples and palaces, and last but not least, the Alcazar Cabaret Show, fascinating shows and dances by beautiful actresses but actually they are all male in origin!

Pattaya is also a shopping paradise, where you can buy for various items and materials from various shops and fashionable boutiques such as garments, silk, handicrafts, gemstones, jewelry, paintings, sportswear, souvenirs, and etc.

For gourmets, various International cuisines and fresh seafood are offered in many restaurants and food shops such as Thai, French, Italian, German, Scandinavian, Russian, American, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian and etc.

After dark, Pattaya becomes a lively nightlife with many entertainment places from coffee shops, bars, karaoke, to discotheques and etc. Most of these entertainment places are concentrated in Central and South Pattaya.

In short, Pattaya is one of the most fascinating beach resort in Thailand and in Asia as it offers several facets for holiday seekers

How to get to Pattaya?.

Pattaya being located only 150 kilometres south of Bangkok, there are no commercially viable alternatives to the road, save for the rail, and a single flight service from/to Koh Samui

Routes to Pattaya (from Bangkok)

By Bus and Taxi:

One of the taxi available in Bangkok - Taxi are of many different colors look for any with the sign Taxi - Meter on top.

Recommended Bus Service: Departure from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Pattaya bus station on North Pattaya road, every 30 minutes, daily from 05:00 till 22:00. Duration ±2½ hrs. One way fare: 101 baht.

Reservation: Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 3911230. Ekkamai Bus Terminal
Tel. 02-391 9829, 392 9227.

Departure from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mor Chit) to the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya road every 30 minutes, daily from 05:00 till 19:00. Duration ±2½ hrs. One way fare: 101 baht.

Reservation: Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 2712962. Mor Chit Bus terminal
Tel. 0 2279 4484-7, 0 2272 5242, 0 2272 5761.

Rail Service:
A rail service that runs once a day connects Bangkok to Pattaya station:
leaving Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Bangkok, daily at 7:00 am, arriving Pattaya 10:25 am.
(Call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, 0 2223 0341 for information).

Stopping at several destinations on the way, it is a pleasantly interesting journey--as it runs through the country side not seen from the road route.

Local Transportation:

If you arrived from a bus on your arrival, you can use collective pick-up taxis called "baht-buses" or "songthaew" (i.e. two-rows) which should take you anywhere in town for around 60 - 150 bath. Within the resort, those dark-blue pick-ups continually follow the circuit made up by passing from Beach-road to Pattaya 2nd-road and back. Fares are 10 baht per person per ride. If you know your destination on this circuit, wave your hand for the coming taxi to pick you up, jump on at the back and pay the fare after you alight (press the buzzer to stop the taxi).

There are also other routes going through Soi Buakhao, Pattaya Klang (Centre), Pattaya Tai (South) and Pattaya Nua (North). Up to Naklua, down to Jomtien, fares may increase to 20 baht or more. You can also hire the vehicle for yourself, or change route, then you must negotiate the price beforehand.
For door-to-door trips, you can hire motorcycle-taxis [i.e. with a driver] available in strategic spots of the resort like at cross-roads or "commercial" places.

For more independence, and explore Pattaya's surrounding countryside and beaches at leisure, motorcycles of different capacities can be hired for one day, one week or one month. Customers are advised to check around prior making a choice because different companies offer different prices and conditions (don't forget to wear the compulsory helmet and be aware there is no insurance...).

Rent-a-car:
*Pattaya Car Rent Centre, 437/157 Soi Yodsak. Private cars, vans, pick-up. 1st class insurance and services. Reasonable prices. Tel. 038 420 863, 038 361 358, 01-906-6307, 01-945 7850, F. 038 420 863

*VIA, 215/15-18 2nd road, opposite the Royal Garden Plaza. Cars are fully insured and well maintained. Australian management. Tel: 038 426 242, fax 038 426 243.

*AVIS, Dusit Resort (at the beginning of Beach-road).
Tel: 038 361 627-8, Fax 0 2254 6718, Telex: 038 721 18 Avis Th.

*ARC, 389/114 moo 5, Sukhumvit road. Tel: 038 420 252, 01 861 3357, Fax: 038 420 252

*PP Car Rent, 193/156 Rungland Village, South Pattaya. Cars, jeeps and minibus for rent, as well as taxis. Tel. 038 426 552, 038 428 059.

*Budget, 333/1 moo 6, Sukhumvit road, Naklua. Tel.038 726 185, Fax: 038 726 362. Car, pick-up & truck rental, full insurance.
There are scores of jeeps for rent (usually parked) on Beach-road, on the way to South Pattaya.
You have to bargain and check if there is any insurance, otherwise an accident could prove costly.

Getting out of Pattaya (To Bangkok)

Several private but reliable companies operate (comfortable, air-conditioned) minibus-transfer from anywhere in Pattaya to Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. Actually, they come to pick you up at any address (within the resort) you mention at the time of booking (24hr before is sufficient).

By Bus and Taxi:
Taking a bus from Pattaya

Recommended Bus Service: Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) every 30 minutes daily from 05:30 to 21:00. One way fare: 90 baht.

Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Northern Terminal (Mor Chit) every 30 minutes daily from 05:30 to 19:00. One way fare: 90 baht.

Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Bangkok's Don Muang Airport, via the northern terminal at Mor Chit every two hours from 07:00 to 18:30. Book at least half an hour in advance and check the timings.

By train:
Departure from Pattaya Railway station at 13:47 arriving 17:15 at Hua Lamphong station, Bangkok.
Tel: 038 429 285. (No English spoken).

And if you want to GO EAST from Pattaya, buses (or any other road-vehicles) can take you to RAYONG, CHANTHABURI, TRAT, KOH (Island) CHANG...
KANCHANABURI (130 km west of Bangkok), and its infamous River Khwai's bridge, is worth going too!

Submitted by : Ervin

Pattaya Travel Information

Pattaya City is 147 kms south of Bangkok and with the opening of the motorway from Bangkok is less than a two hour drive. It has gained the title of "The Rivera of Thailand" annually attracting hundreds of thousands of fun loving tourists from all over the world making it one Thailand's major beach resorts.

Pattaya started life as a sleepy fishing village almost cut of from the outside world. The impact of the Vietnam war was to change all of that . On the 29th April 1961 five trucks of war weary American servicemen rolled into Pattaya to rent some houses at the southern end of the beach. This bunch were to stay for just a week. As soon as they returned to base, at Nakorn Ratchasima, word spread about the sights and delights of Pattaya. The beach resort of Pattaya , a bi-product of that crazy Indochina war was born.

As the fighting continued in neighbouring Vietnam troops would return from the frontline for R&R. They drank at Nipa Lodge as it was the only bar in town but by the late '70 things were beginning to buzz. fishermen's hut along the beach were replaced with accommodation ranging from deluxe hotels to small guest houses. Fishing vessels were transformed in tourist boats It attracted visitors from all over the world that just wanted to party, which in turn lead to wilder and wilder things. Bangkokians who had come down looking for peaceful weekend shied away the party animals turned up the noise. The words Party and Pattaya danced together. Then nobody seemed to care about the image of sleaze and pollution of beaches as long as they had a good time.

That was then but in the immortal words of Bob Dylan "The times they are a changin'." Pattaya is about to experience a re-birth, rising like a phoenix out the fire. Pattaya City now has a water treatment plant located at the old Naklua Market that will be able to handle all of effluent waste and nothing will be pumped into the sea. As the water becomes cleaner the quality of marine life will improve and it is Pattaya's hope for the millenium that once again Dolphin will be swimming of the coast. That will be the clear sign that once again it is truly safe to swim in the Bay and the current trend for families to come back to Pattaya will grow.

How To Reach Pattaya
Bus The easiest and most popular way to reach Pattaya is by bus. From the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) there are departure every 30 mins by air-conditioned bus from 5am until 10pm. The one way fare is Baht 77. From the Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit II) there are departure again every 30 mins from 5am until 7pm with a one way fare of Baht 78.

Train
Few visitors to Pattaya are aware that the city does have a railway station. It is north of Sukhumvit Rd close to the Siam Country Club. One train a day leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong) at 7am and takes 5 hours to works its way down to Pattaya. For more details call (66-2) 223-7010, 223-7020.
Air
The vast majority of tourists going to Patttaya are unaware that the resort does have U-Tapo Airport at Sattahip. Currently the only scheduled flights are operated by Bangkok Airways to and from Koh Samui.

Attractions
Not only is Pattaya cleaning its act up in terms of the physical environment it is now tackling the issues that had given it a bad reputation, sleaze and under-age sex. The message is now loud and clear that such behavior is no longer acceptable and anyone foolish enough to think come and get away with is mistaken. A person below the age of 18 years old is a minor and the engage in any sexual act is a crime for which the punishment is imprisonment. Pattaya is still a party city for people looking for legal fun. It is like an a la carte menu, each visitor can choose those items that suit their taste. And there is a lot to do in Pattaya both in the daytime and at night.
Apart from the obvious choice of going to the beach to relax and swim why not try some of the entertainment park in and around the City.
Sri Racha Tiger Zoo
Home to 80 magnificent Bengal tigers of which 58 were born at the zoo. The Bengal tiger is an endangered species, in 1936 their world population was 60,000 by 1994 the number had plummeted to just 4,000. The Sri Racha Zoo is providing a safe home for the tigers protected from their human enemies with over 100 staff to care for them including a full time vet. The Bengal Tiger is pretty sensible and don't like hot weather. They love to lie in the shade, swim in the pool beside their pen or munch away of a delicious piece of fresh beef.
The zoo is a triumph to harmony with tiger cubs and piglets sharing the same milk bar from a sow. An Interesting day out and somewhere for the Children.
Sri Racha Zoo, 341 Moo 3, Nongham, Sri Racha, Chonburi. Tel (66-38) 296556-8, Fax (66-38) 296559.
Just 15 ins east of Patty on the Sukhumvit Highway is Nong Noch Tropical Gardens with its well known "Cultural Show" presented three times daily. Followed by an elephant show.
What is not so widely known is that the primary business of Nong Noch is Architectural Landscaping and a Tropical Nursery. It is the long term goal of Mr. Kampon, the owner and long time collector of tropical plants to make it the best Botanical Garden in southeast Asia, The garden covers a 600 acre site with cactus garden, fern garden, orchid garden and a collection of over 1,000 species of palm tree. In September 1998 it was host to an International Palm Conference attracting over 1,500 delegates worldwide.
Nong Noch Tropical Garden, 163 Sukhumvit Rd, Sattahip, Chonburi. Tel (66-38) 709358-8, Fax (66-38) 238160
When Pattaya Park first opened in 1985 it had just thirty bungalows and town houses scattered around the water park with whirlpools and slides. In 1987 some of the bungalows were demolished to make way for a 14-floor hotel with 240 guestrooms. At the same time some of the townhouses were converted into a shopping arcade. But this was not enough to satisfy the demand and in 1995 the 24-floor tower wing was added giving 460 additional guestrooms. In February 1996 the 240 metre high Pattaya Park Tower opened and was the highest seaside tower on the East Coast of Thailand. On the 53rd floor the revolving restaurant takes a full hour to complete one rotation. The observation deck on 54th & 55th floors gives a unique view of Pattaya City and the coastline of Jomtien Bay.
For those seeking an adrenaline buzz there is the Pattaya Park Tower Jump included in the entrance fee. Strapped to a harness similar those used for parasailing, the brave can make the run down the cable to the ground floor. Don't worry its safe and the equipment was imported from a German Alpine resort and is replaced every four months. If the speed of the decent exceeds 200 metres a minute the emergency brake is automatically applied, likewise 40 metres from the ground to ensure a safe landing.
Pattaya Park Beach Hotel, 345 Jomtien Beach, Pattaya. Tel (66-38) 251201-8, 364110-20, Fax (66-38) 251209, 364129.
In 1995 Thailand had an elephant population of between 6-8,000 elephant of which some 2,000 were wild and scattered through the forests of Khao Yai, Buri Ram and Chanataburi provinces. Thailand's temporary suspension of its timber industry effectively made the elephant population redundant. Some found work in neighbouring Burma, Laos and Cambodia were the trade continues but there were not jobs for all. 20 elephant have found a home at the Elephant Village where the owners primary concern is for the elephant' welfare in a jungle-like environment. Elephant trekking is not only good exercise for them but also is the major income source for their feed. The majority of the money raised from the shows and trekking is directly spent on the elephants up keep.
Caring for an elephant is an expensive task, they need an anti-parasite vaccine at Baht 5,000 each every three months and eat about 200 kgs of Sugar Cane, Palm Leaves and Tamarind daily. The elephant' average working day is six hours. The work from 6-10am then rests until 2pm and work until 4pm. After every three working days they are given two rest days. Two masters or 'kwan' care for each elephant. An elephant can live until the age of 80 years but generally only work until the age of 60.
Elephant Village, 54/1 Moo 2, Nongprue, Banglamung, Pattaya, Chonburi Tel (66-38) 428645-8, 428158, Fax (66-38) 423031.
Ripley's "Believe It or Not" is part of the world's largest chain of amusement-type attractions in 26 locations worldwide, highlighting the life and oddities collection of Robert L Riley. Actual, original and unbelievable exhibits are displayed in themed galleries. One of the rarest must be the shrunken head from Equador in South America, a one of kind in Thailand. For Titanic fans there is the ship's original distress telegram that was never sent.
Ripley's Motion Master is the wildest simulated ride in the world. It's 70mm projection and dynamic seating which is capable of moving in eight different directions and awesome digital sound system, thrusts the passenger on an incredible journey of the mind and they are convinced they a moving a break neck speeds. Ripple's Laser Trek is an unbelievable virtual reality game played with computerized guns and vest in an indoor area, where the targets shoot back. One game is never enough. Ripple's Laser Bump is the new state of the art bumper car, faster yet safer than the traditional fairground ride. Ripley's Laser Coaster is a challenging and exciting game with a three-speed train, similar to a roller coaster. With your body strapped to Ripley's Gyroscope the three-ring sports machine can move three dimensionally give the opportunity to experience weightlessness, something previously reserved for astronaughts or scuba divers. If it were to rain in Pattaya with Ripley's World of Entertainment there is no need for the fun to stop.
Ripley's World of Entertainment, 218 Moo 10 Beach Rd, Pattaya, Chonburi Tel ( 66-38) 710485-7, Fax (66-38) 412319.

Boat Trip to the Local Island
One of the most popular daytime excursions in Pattaya is a day trip to the islands off-shore. The closest and visable from South Pattaya Beach is Koh Larn. Tourist boats depart from the pier at the south end of South Pattaya Beach. The journey time to the island by a "Big Boat" a converted fishing vessel is 45 minutes or if you are in a hurry to get the island a speed boat will have you there in 15 minutes. Day trips including a BBQ Seafood Lunch is Baht 500.
Beyond Koh Larn is the uninhabited island of Kho Phai (Bamboo Island) The island is under the control of the Royal Thai Navy, overnights stays are not permitted and everything that you will need during the day will have to be taken with you, and brought back afterwards! It is a fine deserted beach that is hawker free. Royal Cliff Beach Resort organize day trips on their Catamaran and take the food and drink as well as the staff to serve and pamper you.

Travelling to Chon Buri

By Car

Chon Buri is a one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, taking the Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route) will reduce travel time.

By Bus

The 1.5-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.

There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Call: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information. In addition, Si Racha Tour, Tel: 0 2936 4029 operates air-conditioned bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.

Travelling to Pattaya

By car

Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.

By bus

Air-conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Departure times and fares may be obtained from the Eastern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or the Northern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2936 2852-66.

There are also minibuses that travel directly from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya at 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the Bangkok International Airport, tel. 0 2535 1111.

In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.

By train

The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 06.55 a.m., tel. 0 2621 8701. It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.

By Air

Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya).

Travelling in Pattaya

Pattaya City is divided into four major zones: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Chomthian. It should be noted that there is a small mountain known as the Hill, located between South Pattaya and Chomthian. For a visual illustration take a look at the Map of Pattaya and Chomthian with the Hill.

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transport in Pattaya. However, transportation in the city is facilitated through the use of special cars (song taew), customized pickup trucks with passenger seats in a covered overhead back cabin. These pickups, known as Bahts-Bus, can easily carry 8-10 passengers in the back, plus 1 or 2 passengers in front. They 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 Chomthian reaching Chomthian beach within 5 minutes, and continues alongside Chomthian beach, which is approximately 20 kilometers long with some secluded escapes.

Chomthian Beach Rd., which is a two-way road, also parallels Sukhumvit Rd and is the only road in the Chomthian area, except for some connecting streets. On the other side of Sukhumvit road are several country clubs, golf courses and typical Thai rural villages, providing charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small streams 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



Distances from Amphoe Muang or Chon Buri Town to other districts :
Ban Bueng 14 km.
Phanat Nikhom 22 km.
Phan Thong 24 km.
Si Racha 24 km.
Ko Sichang 35 km.
Bang Lamung (Pattaya) 45 km.
Nong Yai 51 km.
Bo Thong 56 km.
Sattahip 86 km.

Distances from Chon Buri to neighbouring provinces :

Chachoengsao 43 km.
Rayong 98 km.
Samut Prakan 64 km.
Rayong 98 km.
Chanthaburi 164 km.



Car

By Car: Chon Buri is one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, a faster trip can be made by taking Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route).


Bus

By Bus : The 1.30-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.
There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. Call :0 2936 2852-66 for more information. Si Racha Tour Tel: 0 2936 4029 also operates air-conditioned bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.