Ferries across the gulf of Thailand

[EcureuilTenace]

Apparently, there was a passenger-only ferry service between Hua Hin and Pattaya. It has had intermittent service (often suspended) and I believe it has stopped now. without  success  I was looking for something to take my car too so I could enjoy relaxing on the boat rather than driving around BKK, the sort of relaxing I enjoy when crossing the English Channel. Apparently in a shorter time than by road too.

It looks like a good idea to me but this is why ChatGPT thinks it isn't:

• High investment costs to launch and operate a vehicle ferry service.

• Port infrastructure may be insufficient for car-carrying ferries in some coastal towns.

• Uncertainty around profitability, especially during low seasons or off-peak times.

• Maritime conditions in the Gulf (wind, waves) can be unpredictable in certain seasons.

 

Can it be done privately (without my car I expect)? It doesn't have to be Pattaya/ Hua Hin which do not attract me particularly.

 

Any comments?

Kind regards

 

[richard_smith237]

This has been floated, put into action, cancelled, re-started etc..    I'm not sure how many times.

 

Ultimately - the answer you are always likely to receive is: its a 5 hr drive....   just drive.

 

 

A few threads here.. 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/981949-updated-new-schedule-for-pattaya-hua-hin-ferry-starting-20-may-2017/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1206141-exclusive-pattaya-hua-hin-ferry-service-scrapped-indefinitely-uncertainty-over-future-of-hua-hin-flights/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1280393-hua-hin-to-pattaya-ferry/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1314421-pattaya-hua-hin-ferry/

 

[jas007]

I think you can hire a car from Pattaya for around 3300 baht.  Or, you can go to Bangkok and take a train to Hua Hin. The cost of the train ticket is almost nothing. 

 

I was actually thinking of doing that just the other day. There's a new express train from Bangkok. The only drawback is that the train leaves early in the morning? You would have to spend the night in Bangkok.  

 

A guess you could call it an adventure.  

[howerde]

There is a VIP bus service Pattaya to Hua Hin. think it says only 24 seats  reclining  seats etc

[Harrisfan]

Should have flights.

[newbee2022]

On 5/18/2025 at 8:35 PM, EcureuilTenace said:

Apparently, there was a passenger-only ferry service between Hua Hin and Pattaya. It has had intermittent service (often suspended) and I believe it has stopped now. without  success  I was looking for something to take my car too so I could enjoy relaxing on the boat rather than driving around BKK, the sort of relaxing I enjoy when crossing the English Channel. Apparently in a shorter time than by road too.

It looks like a good idea to me but this is why ChatGPT thinks it isn't:

• High investment costs to launch and operate a vehicle ferry service.

• Port infrastructure may be insufficient for car-carrying ferries in some coastal towns.

• Uncertainty around profitability, especially during low seasons or off-peak times.

• Maritime conditions in the Gulf (wind, waves) can be unpredictable in certain seasons.

 

Can it be done privately (without my car I expect)? It doesn't have to be Pattaya/ Hua Hin which do not attract me particularly.

 

Any comments?

Kind regards

 

Ask a local fisherman.

But remember: 

Don't pay the ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side"

[Watawattana]

On 5/18/2025 at 10:37 PM, jas007 said:

I think you can hire a car from Pattaya for around 3300 baht.  Or, you can go to Bangkok and take a train to Hua Hin. The cost of the train ticket is almost nothing. 

 

I was actually thinking of doing that just the other day. There's a new express train from Bangkok. The only drawback is that the train leaves early in the morning? You would have to spend the night in Bangkok.  

 

A guess you could call it an adventure.  

I've used that express train, but from HH to BKK.  It was absolutely fine; fast-ish and comfortable.  I'm happy to recommend it.

[Watawattana]

On 5/18/2025 at 9:35 PM, EcureuilTenace said:

Apparently, there was a passenger-only ferry service between Hua Hin and Pattaya. It has had intermittent service (often suspended) and I believe it has stopped now. without  success  I was looking for something to take my car too so I could enjoy relaxing on the boat rather than driving around BKK, the sort of relaxing I enjoy when crossing the English Channel. Apparently in a shorter time than by road too.

It looks like a good idea to me but this is why ChatGPT thinks it isn't:

• High investment costs to launch and operate a vehicle ferry service.

• Port infrastructure may be insufficient for car-carrying ferries in some coastal towns.

• Uncertainty around profitability, especially during low seasons or off-peak times.

• Maritime conditions in the Gulf (wind, waves) can be unpredictable in certain seasons.

 

Can it be done privately (without my car I expect)? It doesn't have to be Pattaya/ Hua Hin which do not attract me particularly.

 

Any comments?

Kind regards

 

This HH to Pats ferry is an ongoing joke on HH and sometimes Pats expat forums & on Facebook.  A commercial operation seems a long way from restarting.  You might find a non-commercial operator to take you of course, but I doubt that'd be licenced.

[TopThai54]

23 hours ago, howerde said:

There is a VIP bus service Pattaya to Hua Hin. think it says only 24 seats  reclining  seats etc

one daily departure at 15:30 for about B 500 ! Very comfortable ride, no stops but has a toilet onboard !

[crazykopite]

We havnt had a car ferry service from Samui to Koh Phangan for a number of years it used to Raja Ferry but for some reason just stopped without explanation now you have to get a car ferry from Samui to a Donsak then another ferry from Donsak to Phangan the inconvenience is frustrating !

[Colki]

Where does the VIP bus leave from. Assuming Northern bus station?