About the ride from Hua Hin to Pattaya
The ride from Hua Hin to Pattaya is a very popular one. Every day, beach-keen tourists take the trip to Pattaya from Hua Hin, which are two of Thailand’s most popular mainland beach destinations.
Thailand is famous as an anything-goes hub of indulgence- but Pattaya is absolutely Thailand at its most indulgent. While the area boasts great beaches, fantastic seafood and a fascinating old town, the big draws here are non-stop nightlife, mass-market sun soaking and cheap alcohol. If you want to kick back and enjoy good food, drinks and nightlife without any pretension, Pattaya is perfect.
Accessible, popular and full of tourists, it’s Thailand’s easiest solution for those seeking a simple exotic break.
Depending on how you travel from Hua Hin to Pattaya, your journey distance will vary. If you travel by road, it’s around 342 km (212 miles), but if you tackle the journey by the shorter - and faster - ferry option, it’s 108 km (67 miles).
For the trip to Pattaya from Hua Hin, you have three options:
- Bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya - typically around 6 hours
- Car from Hua Hin to Pattaya - typically around 4.5 hours
- Ferry from Hua Hin to Pattaya - typically around 2 hours
What to see when traveling from Hua Hin to Pattaya
The views on your trip to Pattaya from Hua Hin will depend upon whether you travel by road or sea.
If you travel by road, the trip isn’t particularly noteworthy, but it’s very comfortable. While some Southeast Asian road journeys are a veritable adventure of steep drops, potholed roads and beautiful views, that’s not the case here. This part of Thailand is very well-developed, so you’ll spend the vast majority of your journey gliding along vast highways.
While this isn’t the most exciting adventure that Thailand has to offer, it makes for a very comfortable journey, which can’t be said for lots of this region’s jaunts.
If you travel by ferry from Hua Hin to Pattaya, the journey is much more scenic. You’ll enjoy crashing waves, beautiful panoramas and the passage beyond the small islands which lie close to Pattaya’s shore.
How to get from Hua Hin to Pattaya
Taking a bus
If you take a bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya, you have only one option - a daytime journey which takes 6 hours. The bus has AC, an onboard toilet and comfortable seats.
Though this is a basic option, it’s very comfortable and simple, perfect if you’re traveling on a budget. If you want to travel to Pattaya from Hua Hin without spending too much money, this is absolutely your best option.
Taking a car
Taking a private car from Hua Hin to Pattaya is a fantastic idea if you value spontaneity and flexibility. Yes, this is a more expensive option, but it offers ultimate luxury. The car is very comfortable and spacious, and you can choose your own pick up point, arrival point and stops along the way.
With a private car to Pattaya from Hua Hin, you don’t pay for a seat. Instead, you pay for the entire vehicle, and split the cost between the people you’re traveling with. The car holds a maximum of three passengers.
The car has AC, comfortable seats and an English-speaking driver.
Taking a ferry
Taking a ferry from Hua Hin to Pattaya is the quickest option, as it saves the time and fuss of having to drive around the northern section of the Gulf of Thailand.
If you travel by ferry from Hua Hin to Pattaya, you have two options - Economy Ferry and Business Ferry. While the Economy Ferry is cheaper, the Business Ferry is more spacious and offers better views. The Business Ferry also comes with the guarantee of a few small snacks.
While the Business Ferry journey is more luxurious, both options are cool and comfortable.