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.
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