Driving In And Outside Of Pattaya

[celebrateOften]

What do you all have to say about driving? Do many of you have your own vehicles? How has the driving experiencing been? How easy or hard is it to rent a car?

I'm primarily interested in driving outside of Pattaya, though I imagine the rental agencies are in the city, so I'd have at least minimal driving within it. I've heard driving in the city is maximally stressful and hazardous. What do you think?

Are car rentals available outside of town?Is suburban and/or rural driving ok?

If this is a practical idea, I would drive around outside of the city with an eye to finding areas that would appeal to me for renting a house. I would then return to them with a Thai driver or someone else who reads Thai.

[johng]

Driving in Pattaya city is quite easy, although the traffic jams can get very bad.

However its much much easier than driving in Bangkok with its bus lanes expresways and ever changing one way system.

Outside pattaya is even easier..very pleasent to drive out on the open roads or around the country roads as allways you do need to stay alert to some very reckless road users but that applies to all parts of Thailand.

Lots of places to rent a car in Pattaya City, allmost no places outside in the countryside.

Why not take the Thai speaking person along with you on the first trip ? and a mobile phone too so they can phone the house owner and get some details.

Edited August 10, 2006 by johng

[hiromj]

.

Outside pattaya is even easier..very pleasent to drive out on the open roads or around the country roads as allways you do need to stay alert to some very reckless road users but that applies to all parts of Thailand.

Those reckless road users would just happen to be my driver. I'm in the car outside of Pattaya every workday. I can't understand why the roads are sooooo terrible. Pavement one minute - dirt the next - and pavement again 30 meters later. Plus all the potholes and speed bumps. Gas pedal to the floor, slam on the brakes, swerve right then left, then gas pedal to the floor again. Sometimes he has to throw out both anchors just before vaporizing a scooter or slamming into a huge liquid propane truck. I'm from Michigan (known for bad roads because of the weather conditions) and Thai roads make Michigan's look like glass. That's all for now, more to follow.

[wcr]

Are car rentals available outside of town?Is suburban and/or rural driving ok?

As the owner of a car rental company you are welcome to contact me. Several board members have rented from me in the past.

If you rent a car, any driver of the car must give thier licence and passport/id details to the rental company. A copy only, never give originals.

PM me if you want to have more details.

[CGW]

If you are a good confident driver in your own country, you will be able to drive in Thailand.

If you are a rubbish driver in your own country you will fit right in with the vast majority of Thai drivers - You will be "surprised" and doubtless often scared! - I think?

Good Luck

[Mister Doom]

It'll take you a week or so to settle in and get used to it, but it's no big deal. Pattaya City or up-country.

Even Bangkok isn't that bad once you know which way to go - there's loads of farangs who drive there.

Always expect the unexpected (like drivers undertaking, not stopping at red lights, cutting you off when you 'think' you have the right of way etc) and you'll be fine.

Oh, and you mustn't be timid - or you'll never get there.

[bangsaenguy]

Just stay on the defensive and ask yourself as you see every car "what can he do stupid?" and you'll be OK.

[celebrateOften]

Thanks, all of you, for the info and great descriptions!

[Scott]

Driving in Thailand is a nightmare experience--I've been doing it for years and it's almost never pleasant. When you are out of your own area, roads are poorly marked and signs are atrocious.

Good luck and by, the way, if your driving don't even think of looking around.

[wilko]

LOVE driving in Thailand......I use my car for my job and for holidays. Next month I'm off either down South or maybe a National Park, I’ll just end up staying in some cheap hotel somewhere I’ve never been to before...

At first, you will get a few nasty surprises as the standard of driving is pretty poor, some manoeuvres are quite inexplicable by any rationale. Once out on the open road the traffic levels are quite low, just keep your eyes peeled for the unexpected...elephants in the fast lane, bikes coming towards you in any lane, the insane U-turns on dual carriageways, side cars crawling along with no lights, potholes, dogs both dead & alive, buffalo, but in the end it’s all worth it.

If you want to understand why the Thais drive like they do, I believe it’s because the country initially had a boat based transport system, so unlike Europe where the transition was from horse and cart the rationale here is that of the river....they flow....no brakes or acceleration, just going with the flow....hugging the banks to avoid the current....parking nose first and hoping the back will swing round.....etc. etc....to get into the right frame of mind just repeat to yourself “I’m in a boat...I’m in a boat...I’m in a boat”

PS - If you want to hire a car, I used to use Holiday Rent-a-car on 3rd Road, they are farang run and appear to have good insurance.

[celebrateOften]

Your description (I'm in a boat) is great. It reminded me of driving in Oaxaca Mex. There it is like a dance, or like passing throug the old Grand Central Station in NYC.

LOVE driving in Thailand......I use my car for my job and for holidays. Next month I'm off either down South or maybe a National Park, I’ll just end up staying in some cheap hotel somewhere I’ve never been to before...

At first, you will get a few nasty surprises as the standard of driving is pretty poor, some manoeuvres are quite inexplicable by any rationale. Once out on the open road the traffic levels are quite low, just keep your eyes peeled for the unexpected...elephants in the fast lane, bikes coming towards you in any lane, the insane U-turns on dual carriageways, side cars crawling along with no lights, potholes, dogs both dead & alive, buffalo, but in the end it’s all worth it.

If you want to understand why the Thais drive like they do, I believe it’s because the country initially had a boat based transport system, so unlike Europe where the transition was from horse and cart the rationale here is that of the river....they flow....no brakes or acceleration, just going with the flow....hugging the banks to avoid the current....parking nose first and hoping the back will swing round.....etc. etc....to get into the right frame of mind just repeat to yourself “I’m in a boat...I’m in a boat...I’m in a boat”

PS - If you want to hire a car, I used to use Holiday Rent-a-car on 3rd Road, they are farang run and appear to have good insurance.

[celebrateOften]

Would an international drivers license (which I wd get in the US) be useful when it comes to renting a car?

Your description (I'm in a boat) is great. It reminded me of driving in Oaxaca Mex. There it is like a dance, or like passing throug the old Grand Central Station in NYC.

LOVE driving in Thailand......I use my car for my job and for holidays. Next month I'm off either down South or maybe a National Park, I’ll just end up staying in some cheap hotel somewhere I’ve never been to before...

At first, you will get a few nasty surprises as the standard of driving is pretty poor, some manoeuvres are quite inexplicable by any rationale. Once out on the open road the traffic levels are quite low, just keep your eyes peeled for the unexpected...elephants in the fast lane, bikes coming towards you in any lane, the insane U-turns on dual carriageways, side cars crawling along with no lights, potholes, dogs both dead & alive, buffalo, but in the end it’s all worth it.

If you want to understand why the Thais drive like they do, I believe it’s because the country initially had a boat based transport system, so unlike Europe where the transition was from horse and cart the rationale here is that of the river....they flow....no brakes or acceleration, just going with the flow....hugging the banks to avoid the current....parking nose first and hoping the back will swing round.....etc. etc....to get into the right frame of mind just repeat to yourself “I’m in a boat...I’m in a boat...I’m in a boat”

PS - If you want to hire a car, I used to use Holiday Rent-a-car on 3rd Road, they are farang run and appear to have good insurance.

[Mister Doom]

Would an international drivers license (which I wd get in the US) be useful when it comes to renting a car?

An International Driving Licence is legal for driving in Thailand for 3 months from date of issue, even though they usually are issued for a 12 month period.

That gives you 3 months to get aThai licience which should be plenty.

[Rimmer]

Drive slowly and before every manouver look in each mirror three times, you need to think every move out before you do it. As airplane drivers say, if you get there before your brain you are going too fast.

[Kerryd]

Remember that they not only drive on the other side of the road (the opposite of North America), but they also drive the wrong way on the other side of the road, and on the sidewalks and pretty much every where else.

Expect the unexpected, always. NEVER assume that other drivers will follow the "normal" rules.

For example, you are in the left lane, making a right turn onto a side street. The oncoming traffic (in the right lane) is clear. You start to make your turn, only to have a motorcycle "illegally" overtake you on your right side (driving over the center line).

Take some time when you arrive to observe the traffic. Many people have a problem (initially) with driving on the other side of the road. Add in to that the chaotic manner in which people drive here every day and it can be a little scary to begin with.

I've never had an accident in over 28 years of driving, and was as Defensive Driving Instructor for awhile, yet I was hesitant to drive here at first.

I started off watching how things are done, especially while riding on moto taxis. After buying my own moto, I started by driving during quiet periods, on side roads and sois, away from heavy traffic.

Once I got used to the way things go here, I started driving even more.

Now I drive pretty much any where, any time. I try to drive as I would back home (with regards to traffic laws), and I try (usually) to set a good example, not that anyone else notices.

[bmanly]

Would an international drivers license (which I wd get in the US) be useful when it comes to renting a car?

An International Driving Licence is legal for driving in Thailand for 3 months from date of issue, even though they usually are issued for a 12 month period.

That gives you 3 months to get aThai licience which should be plenty.

Don't forget to tell him that to get a Thai Drivers License you must have a Non Immigrant Visa too. Cheers.

[Mister Doom]

Would an international drivers license (which I wd get in the US) be useful when it comes to renting a car?

An International Driving Licence is legal for driving in Thailand for 3 months from date of issue, even though they usually are issued for a 12 month period.

That gives you 3 months to get aThai licience which should be plenty.

Don't forget to tell him that to get a Thai Drivers License you must have a Non Immigrant Visa too. Cheers.

I believe I am correct in saying that there have been a number of recent threads where members have reported obtaining Thai licences on a tourist visa - certainly in Pattaya. The key is the letter from immigration verifying your address, and I understand they issue them to anyone who asks - on payment of the fee.

[Thaipwriter]

An International Driving Licence is legal for driving in Thailand for 3 months from date of issue, even though they usually are issued for a 12 month period.

Can you tell us where you got this info from?

Never heard this before and I believe it to be false

[bmanly]

Don't forget to tell him that to get a Thai Drivers License you must have a Non Immigrant Visa too. Cheers.

I believe I am correct in saying that there have been a number of recent threads where members have reported obtaining Thai licences on a tourist visa - certainly in Pattaya. The key is the letter from immigration verifying your address, and I understand they issue them to anyone who asks - on payment of the fee.

This year I had to renew my license. For a 5 year license I needed a Non Immigrant visa. I needed 2 letters from Immigration (2 as I have Motorcycle and Car), each letter 200 baht. To get my address verified all I had to do was produce last years one year licenses, that was their basis of proof of residency. Yes I stand corrected, I remember a thread from "maigo6" saying he renewed his license with a tourist visa but could only obtain a one year license. For a 5 year one you need a Non Immigrant , there were a lot of posters doubting it was true at the time.

[Kerryd]

I believe I am correct in saying that there have been a number of recent threads where members have reported obtaining Thai licences on a tourist visa - certainly in Pattaya. The key is the letter from immigration verifying your address, and I understand they issue them to anyone who asks - on payment of the fee.

That form is easily available from Immigration. It was 200 baht the last time I got one (January ?). Took about 2 hours, had to have a photocopy of my passport and a passport sized photo. Fortunately, next to the new Immigration Office, there is a shop that does photos and photo-copies.

You also need proof of your address of course (they accepted a photocopy of my landlady's house registration book).

[celebrateOften]

Do any of you know if the internat'l license is ReQuiRed for renting a car?

Would an international drivers license (which I wd get in the US) be useful when it comes to renting a car?

An International Driving Licence is legal for driving in Thailand for 3 months from date of issue, even though they usually are issued for a 12 month period.

That gives you 3 months to get aThai licience which should be plenty.

[celebrateOften]

Great. Good advice.

Remember that they not only drive on the other side of the road (the opposite of North America), but they also drive the wrong way on the other side of the road, and on the sidewalks and pretty much every where else.

Expect the unexpected, always. NEVER assume that other drivers will follow the "normal" rules.

For example, you are in the left lane, making a right turn onto a side street. The oncoming traffic (in the right lane) is clear. You start to make your turn, only to have a motorcycle "illegally" overtake you on your right side (driving over the center line).

Take some time when you arrive to observe the traffic. Many people have a problem (initially) with driving on the other side of the road. Add in to that the chaotic manner in which people drive here every day and it can be a little scary to begin with.

I've never had an accident in over 28 years of driving, and was as Defensive Driving Instructor for awhile, yet I was hesitant to drive here at first.

I started off watching how things are done, especially while riding on moto taxis. After buying my own moto, I started by driving during quiet periods, on side roads and sois, away from heavy traffic.

Once I got used to the way things go here, I started driving even more.

Now I drive pretty much any where, any time. I try to drive as I would back home (with regards to traffic laws), and I try (usually) to set a good example, not that anyone else notices.

[wilko]

Do any of you know if the internat'l license is ReQuiRed for renting a car?

Would an international drivers license (which I wd get in the US) be useful when it comes to renting a car?

An International Driving Licence is legal for driving in Thailand for 3 months from date of issue, even though they usually are issued for a 12 month period.

That gives you 3 months to get aThai licience which should be plenty.

Most people will rent you a car on production of your native licence but problems may arrive in the event of an accident....you may be told that your insurance does not cover you without an international licence. So I guess it would be best to get one before you come over. It's a minor expense, so better to be safe than sorry.

I like the idea of gradually introducing yourself to the local traffic...that is certianly what I did.

I drive happily on either side of the road. Remeber about 40% of the world's road are drive-on-the-left, so it's worth getting used to.