The well know blue Baht bus.
These vehicles are essentially open pickup trucks with two benches for passenger transport. The Thai word Songthaew literally means "Two rows of car." They are highly convenient and inexpensive, but there are some tips and tricks that you need to be aware of to avoid paying too much.
One of the best things about public transport is that it is well organized and cheap. There are over 700 that operate on a fixed route. The most common route is the "Counterclockwise route".
They also operate on other routes, depending on where you board them. For example, if you want to take a baht bus to Jomtien, you need to turn right at the traffic lights at the intersection of South Rd. and Second Rd., and walk a little further. You will find they lined up there, waiting to take you towards Thepphraya Rd.
The official fare for a ride is 10 baht per person. This is the same rate for both tourists and locals. However, many tourists make the mistake of paying too much for their ride, as they are not familiar with the system. For instance, some tourists stop one and ask the driver how much the fare is. The driver sees this as an opportunity to ask for more than the usual fare.
To avoid paying too much for your ride, you need to follow some basic rules. Firstly, when you stop one, don't ask where it is going. This immediately identifies you as an ignorant tourist, and the driver might take advantage of your lack of knowledge. Instead, pay attention to the route the baht bus is taking and where it makes stops.
Don't ask the driver in advance if he wants to stop somewhere. Just press the buzzer when you are near your destination, and get off. Finally, always pay the exact fare. If you give the driver more than what is due, he might smile kindly and drive away, leaving you out of pocket.
It is an incredibly convenient and affordable mode of transportation. However, tourists need to be aware of the system and how it works to avoid paying too much for their ride.
Remember to pay attention to the route, get off at the right stop, and always pay the exact fare. By following these tips, you can enjoy the baht bus system and explore Pattaya without breaking the bank.
This article provides useful information for tourists, on how to use the local transportation efficiently and at a fair price.
It is a common mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. A pickup truck with two benches in the back and a roof to provide shade from the sun. It operates on fixed routes, picking up passengers along the way who hail them down. It is an affordable and convenient way to get around the city.
When it comes to the regular route, the price is fixed, and negotiation is not necessary. To get on the baht bus, hail it down and get in the back. Once you reach your destination, press the buzzer, and the driver will stop the vehicle for you to get off. Walk to the front of the cabin and pay the fare of 10 baht per person (or 20 baht for two people). It is advisable to carry small coins, as the driver may not have change for larger denominations. Hand over the exact change, and you can walk away.
However, for longer trips, such as going to Nong Nooch Gardens in Sattahip, negotiating the price is necessary. You can hail an empty baht bus, and the driver will quote a price. Depending on your bargaining power, the cost of a one way trip from Pattaya to Nong Nooch Gardens is about 350 baht.
The driver may try to increase the price by offering a return trip as well. They may even demand an exorbitant price of 1,000 baht for the round trip, claiming that there are no cabs available. This is untrue, as there are plenty of taxis waiting there.
If you feel that the driver is asking for an unreasonable price, it is best to politely decline and walk away. Smile and thank them, and then hail another baht bus. Avoid paying more than the fair price to save money.
Another reason could be related to the need for improved safety measures. With more people using baht buses, the operators may have wanted to ensure that their vehicles meet the necessary safety standards. Increasing the height of the vehicle can provide better clearance for obstacles on the road and help prevent accidents.
The increase in the size of baht buses may have contributed to the increase in height. As the vehicles became larger to accommodate more passengers, the operators may have raised the height to ensure that the larger vehicle would still fit under bridges or other low hanging obstacles on the road.
Another factor that may have contributed to the increase in height is the changing road conditions. Over the past few decades, many roads have undergone construction or repair work, resulting in higher road surfaces. To avoid scraping the bottom of the vehicle, operators may have increased the height of their vehicles to navigate these roads safely.
Like any tourist destination, also this city has had its share of scams and incidents involving songthaews or baht buses.
Some songthaew drivers may try to overcharge tourists, especially those who are not familiar with the standard fare. It's essential to negotiate the price beforehand and agree on the fare before boarding the vehicle.
Unfortunately is pickpocketing a common occurrence in crowded places such as this vehicles. Tourists should be vigilant of their belongings and keep them close to them.
The taxi's involved in accidents from time to time. It's essential to take precautions and ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before getting in.
Safety concerns, they don't have seat belts or other safety features, which can be a concern for some passengers. It's important to weigh the risks before choosing to ride in a baht bus.
While Pattaya is generally safe, tourists should still exercise caution and be aware of potential scams or incidents involving songthaews. By being vigilant and taking necessary precautions, tourists can avoid any negative experiences and enjoy their time.
More general information.
The blue pick up trucks are a popular mode of transportation. They are essentially pickup trucks with covered beds that have bench seats along the sides, allowing passengers to sit facing each other. Here are some more details.
-The fares are usually between 10 and 20 baht per person, depending on the distance traveled. However, fares can be higher for tourists or foreigners who don't speak Thai, so it's a good idea to ask a local how much you should pay before you get on.
-You shared among other passengers, which means you may have to wait for other passengers to get on and off before you can reach your destination. This can sometimes be frustrating if you're in a hurry, but it's all part of the experience.
-To catch one, simply wave your hand to flag one down. They usually operate along main roads and are easily recognizable by their bright colors.
Additionally, be sure to hold on tight when the songthaew is in motion, as they can sometimes be bumpy rides. These ones are an affordable and convenient way to get around town, but they may not be the best option if you're in a hurry or have a lot of luggage.
-Are a cheap way to get around, with fares usually ranging between 10-20 baht per person.
-Don't follow specific routes like buses or trains. Instead, they operate on fixed routes that are determined by the driver and passengers on board. This means they can be more flexible in terms of where they go.
-Are easily recognizable by their bright blue color and can be found along main roads.
-Riding can be a fun and unique cultural experience, as you'll be sharing the ride with locals and other tourists.
Cons:
-Destinations, only operate on certain routes, so they may not go to all the destinations you want to visit.
-Rides, shared among passengers, which means you may have to wait for other passengers to get on and off before you can reach your destination. This can be frustrating if you're in a hurry.
-Language, if you don't speak the local language, it may be difficult to communicate with the driver or other passengers on the blue baht bus. This could make it challenging to ask for specific stops or directions.
-Uncomfortable comfort, especially if you're sharing a ride with several other passengers. The benches can be hard and bumpy, and there may not be enough legroom for taller passengers.
A convenient and affordable way to get around, but it may not be the best option for everyone. If you're looking for a more comfortable and direct mode of transportation, you may want to consider taking a taxi or renting a motorbike instead.