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There are quite a few ways to get around in Patia, which is located near the eastern shores of Thailand and is considered a very prominent tourist destination in the country. You can use public transportation and you can also rent a car and travel independently. Car rental in Pattaya is not that common, compared to, for example, to bangkok, but there are travelers and vacationers who prefer to do so, especially if they continue from it to other destinations or come to it from near or far places. The city is only about 145 km from Bangkok, so it is not such a long journey for those who choose to rent a car while in the capital, or for those who arrive in Pattaya by bus. in flight or by train and only after arriving go to a car agency and choose the appropriate vehicle.
Driving in Pattaya, like driving in other cities in Thailand, can be a real challenge. The laws, as well as the road system, are based on those of Great Britain, and what this means in practice (for Israeli drivers) is driving on the left side of the road. At the same time, as far as the law in general and the traffic laws in particular are concerned, it is a somewhat loose system, which may be viewed rather than simple. This is especially true when it comes to driving on weekends, when the roads are much more congested and also during the peak tourist season and especially around Christmas and the beginning of the civil year, periods when the city is packed with vacationers. This density and congestion can significantly slow down the pace, cause traffic jams and also make it difficult to find free parking spaces (unless you go to a mall or a large shopping center).
Similar to driving in other cities in Thailand, even in Patia it is mandatory to have an international driver's license. The car rental companies will often be required to see it and it is recommended to also carry a photo of it, as a copy that you keep in the car while driving. In the city itself there are quite a few car rental agencies. Some of them belong to large and well-known chains and some are local. The recommendation, and from the experience of many, is to turn to those that are better known, even when the rental cost is higher. It is very useful to conduct a market survey when you arrive in the city or to compare data using the various websites. The car rental companies often offer cheaper prices and different promotions, however, and especially if you are not familiar with them, it is recommended to contact the big ones and sellers (unless you received a specific recommendation from other travelers about a local company in the city).
Unlike a rented car, it is very common to get around in Pattaya, similarly to move around the various Thai islands, on a scooter or motorcycle. When visiting the place, it's hard not to notice their large number, especially when tourists (and not just locals) ride them. You don't have to travel long distances to find a place to rent a motorcycle or scooter in Pattaya. There are quite a few Hotels And also hostels and guest houses that offer the service to anyone staying in them or to travelers in the city itself. Along Pattaya Beach Road you can find quite a few companies and agencies through which you can rent motorcycles or scooters and it is highly recommended to conduct a short market survey before ordering.
The cost of renting a motorcycle in Pattaya ranges from 200 to 300 baht per day for a 100-125 cc motorcycle. The larger the motorcycles, the higher the rental cost will be. Renting a 1,000 cc motorcycle, for example, can sometimes even reach 1,000 baht per day. Those who rent long-term will have a very attractive price and those who rent a motorcycle during the week or for a period of a month will also receive a significant discount. Most of the time the renter will be required to pay some kind of deposit, where the amount of the deposit will be determined according to the duration of the rental and also the model of the motorcycle he is renting.
When renting the motorcycle in Patia, you must present a copy of your passport and provide an address in the city itself. The motorcycle rental companies will sometimes ask you to keep your passport with them (as security), but it is recommended to avoid this if possible and leave only its photo with that company. This of course varies between companies and suppliers and depends, among other things, on the models of motorcycles that are rented. To get on the motorcycle you must have a relevant (international) driver's license and a helmet, which is required by law. It is highly recommended to wear closed shoes and not flip flops or sandals and to learn a little about the rules of the road before going on a trip. Travel insurance abroad is necessary and it is very important to keep a copy of it under the motorcycle seat. It is very useful to read the fine print of the rental agreement and if you have any questions, raise them with the representatives of the rental company before closing the deal.
Pattaya can be crowded with cars, motorbikes and bicycles, although it is not as big a city nor as crowded as Bangkok. Still, it is important to obey the safety and transportation rules and be courteous when driving. Do not get on the car or motorcycle after drinking alcohol and if you do not know the road or route, avoid driving in the wee hours of the night or as soon as it gets dark. You must drive when the car or motorcycle lights are on. This is required by local law. Caution on the road is necessary and it does not matter what type or model of vehicle is being driven.