Big bus Pattaya - Rayong

[thailandsgreat]

Hi

 

Sorry for a new thread on this, but the old ones are archived.

 

I will take a bus from Pattaya to Rayong. I carry backpack and prefer the big buses. They are more comfortable than the vans, I think.

 

At Pattaya bus station I was told there are no big buses. There are frequent vans from stops at Sukhumvit, like the stop at Nong Yai temple close to Pattaya neua intersection or Pattaya glaang intersection. 

 

People at the bus stops said there were sometimes big buses and some said no.

 

At Nakon Chai Air office they told me I could get on buses that passed every half hour from 4.30 am to 7 am, or a few buses in the afternoon, one at 4 pm. 

 

The NCA schedule seems a little odd. It ought not be several buses from Bangkok that have started even earlier in the night?

 

Internet information is pretty variable. NCA has buses every 30 min all day, one page said. But that is not what I saw when I visited the station.

 

It has started to rain a little in the mornings and I just want to find a comfortable ride to Rayong in a big bus. Does someone know how to do that?

 

Thanks.

 

BTW, is the Android app outdated? I had to use web-browser to connect to the forum.

 

[thailandsgreat]

2 hours ago, bahtboy said:

I once waited for over an hour at the bus stop on Sukhumvit at Pattaya Klang junction for a bus to Chantaburi. I later found that there was no such bus service. However possibly 20 buses stopped at that bus stop which had Rayong displayed on the side of the bus. I learned that I had to change at Rayong. Just go to a bus stop on Sukhumvit and at any time of day you'll have buses to Rayong stopping.

If there is no rain in the morning I'll first try the Nakon Chai Air and see if they really have these early services. Maybe evening buses arriving from Khon Kaen?

 

NCA is close to the 7/11 at glaang junction so I can fall back on that.

 

So you saw big buses for Rayong. Maybe that was some time ago? I didnt see any, when I passed, yesterday afternoon. Transportation switching for vans, I'm afraid?

 

I have come back from Cambodia several times over Chantaburi. Same thing every time, catching an over filled bus at Chantaburi. Standing most of the time to Pattaya. I can't remember changing buses in Rayong,  but maybe I forgot.

 

I honestly think Thailand is well organized. But just finding a simple bus ride can pose questions. Maybe mostly because I don't like to get into the vans with a big backpack.

[Asiantravel]

3 hours ago, thailandsgreat said:

If there is no rain in the morning I'll first try the Nakon Chai Air and see if they really have these early services. Maybe evening buses arriving from Khon Kaen?

 

NCA is close to the 7/11 at glaang junction so I can fall back on that.

 

So you saw big buses for Rayong. Maybe that was some time ago? I didnt see any, when I passed, yesterday afternoon. Transportation switching for vans, I'm afraid?

 

I have come back from Cambodia several times over Chantaburi. Same thing every time, catching an over filled bus at Chantaburi. Standing most of the time to Pattaya. I can't remember changing buses in Rayong,  but maybe I forgot.

 

I honestly think Thailand is well organized. But just finding a simple bus ride can pose questions. Maybe mostly because I don't like to get into the vans with a big backpack.

 

 

Your assumption about NCA is correct in that the buses arriving in Pattaya and heading to Rayong very early in the morning are arriving from all over the country (i.e. Chiang Mai, Nan province and Issan).

But they don’t go all day and in fact there will only be about seven or eight of these buses during the early morning time. After 9 or 10 o’clock in the morning there won’t be anything then until 7 or 8:00 PM

And by the way that big bus you talk about was the 99 bus originating in Bangkok which unfortunately they stopped altogether about five months ago and the only option to Chantaburior Trat now is minivans which I avoid like the plague.

[mgb]

I thought the yellow buses are going from north Pattaya bus station to Rayong.

[thailandsgreat]

9 hours ago, mgb said:

I thought the yellow buses are going from north Pattaya bus station to Rayong.

I asked for big bus in two different counters at the bus station. Both said there were only vans. One pointed me to the bus stop at Nong Yai temple.

 

But of course, you can never be sure. That's why I posted.

 

I assume some clerks may help the van drivers to earn more by sending the foreigners there. A bus driver earns nothing more from a foreigner buying a ticket at the counter.

[wpcoe]

Several big yellow buses go from Pattaya to Rayong:  http://www.iloveyellowbus.com/en/roots.html

[chickenslegs]

https://12go.asia/en

 

From an ad. on Thaivisa.com

[timberpond]

33 minutes ago, wpcoe said:

Several big yellow buses go from Pattaya to Rayong:  http://www.iloveyellowbus.com/en/roots.html

 

Call and verify before planning your trip as the advertised schedules are not followed. I wanted to travel from hua hin to pattaya using yellow bus and just when the time comes to make the trip, I learned that the service does not exist. I asked the counter why did they advertise something that they don't provide? The answer is, " What advertisement? What website? no such thing!"....

 

I know some might be thinking I asked the wrong counter... nope... I double checked Roong Reuang Coach. Even called the main line and was told the same thing... NO SUCH SERVICE!

[KhunBENQ]

 

21 hours ago, Asiantravel said:

Your assumption about NCA is correct in that the buses arriving in Pattaya and heading to Rayong very early in the morning are arriving from all over the country (i.e. Chiang Mai, Nan province and Issan).

As an example bus 824 from Loei to Rayong.

Some years ago I used their night bus.

[Asiantravel]

5 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

 

As an example bus 824 from Loei to Rayong.

Some years ago I used their night bus.

 

sometimes you can even hitch a ride to Rayong on one of their first class busesbetter than slumming it.

[thailandsgreat]

2 hours ago, timberpond said:

 

Call and verify before planning your trip as the advertised schedules are not followed. I wanted to travel from hua hin to pattaya using yellow bus and just when the time comes to make the trip, I learned that the service does not exist. I asked the counter why did they advertise something that they don't provide? The answer is, " What advertisement? What website? no such thing!"....

 

I know some might be thinking I asked the wrong counter... nope... I double checked Roong Reuang Coach. Even called the main line and was told the same thing... NO SUCH SERVICE!

Thank you timberpond and everyone, very useful.

 

Unless heavy rain, I first try to hitch a ride with one of the early Nakon Chai Air, Pattaya-Rayong. They told me there are usually seats available, 75 Baht.

[thailandsgreat]

Nakon Chai Air worked fine. Comfortable, 63 Baht including water :) . Probably less than a van driver would have asked me.
Many buses around at 5.30 am. I also saw a yellow bus marked Rayong. But around noon, when I went the day before, maybe almost none.
Haven't been to Rayong, Ban Phe, Trat before. I don't know where the centers are and people get together. Hotel staff advised me Tesco Lotus in Rayong.

[siam2007]

On 10/01/2017 at 0:13 PM, thailandsgreat said:

If there is no rain in the morning I'll first try the Nakon Chai Air and see if they really have these early services. Maybe evening buses arriving from Khon Kaen?

 

NCA is close to the 7/11 at glaang junction so I can fall back on that.

 

So you saw big buses for Rayong. Maybe that was some time ago? I didnt see any, when I passed, yesterday afternoon. Transportation switching for vans, I'm afraid?

 

I have come back from Cambodia several times over Chantaburi. Same thing every time, catching an over filled bus at Chantaburi. Standing most of the time to Pattaya. I can't remember changing buses in Rayong,  but maybe I forgot.

 

I honestly think Thailand is well organized. But just finding a simple bus ride can pose questions. Maybe mostly because I don't like to get into the vans with a big backpack.

 

Sadly, there are no NCA Buses from Khonkaen, Udon or Nongkhai going to Rayong, only from UBON and the North (CMai CRai and the likes).

[siam2007]

On 13/01/2017 at 8:59 AM, thailandsgreat said:

Nakon Chai Air worked fine. Comfortable, 63 Baht including water :) . Probably less than a van driver would have asked me.
Many buses around at 5.30 am. I also saw a yellow bus marked Rayong. But around noon, when I went the day before, maybe almost none.
Haven't been to Rayong, Ban Phe, Trat before. I don't know where the centers are and people get together. Hotel staff advised me Tesco Lotus in Rayong.

 

 

 

 

 

I applaud your decision to use a big Bus (particularly operated by the countries' best company) and avoiding Minibuses, even if the schedule might be slightly inconvenient. But, returning to your home country in an urn would have certainly be even more inconvenient....

[Mooner]

On 13/01/2017 at 8:59 AM, thailandsgreat said:

Nakon Chai Air worked fine. Comfortable, 63 Baht including water :) . Probably less than a van driver would have asked me.
Many buses around at 5.30 am. I also saw a yellow bus marked Rayong. But around noon, when I went the day before, maybe almost none.
Haven't been to Rayong, Ban Phe, Trat before. I don't know where the centers are and people get together. Hotel staff advised me Tesco Lotus in Rayong.

 

 

 

In Rayong the center would be around Laemtong shopping mall. Parrallel to the sukhumvit is a road with lots of bars, restaurants etc. On the Kameo side.

Ban Phe doesnt really have a center. There are quite alot of farangs there. Maybe around the Christies area.

Dont know about Trat.

[Asiantravel]

4 hours ago, siam2007 said:

 

 

I applaud your decision to use a big Bus (particularly operated by the countries' best company) and avoiding Minibuses, even if the schedule might be slightly inconvenient. But, returning to your home country in an urn would have certainly be even more inconvenient....

 

you know they really are a good company and I have used them a lot over the years. Their first class service is really good (now they are even offering a choice of meal on first class). To all these people who keep saying why don't you fly, I say why would you bother going to an airport and going through all the palaver of check-in and baggage security (and the wait before you get on the aircraft) when you can just go to the bus station and get on the bus and just go!

 

the reason I would pay a premium is when I know I have a better chance of reaching my destination alive and in one piece. But NCA are able to offer so much more as well. Nobody told me that I had been accruing mileage points and I was even totally unaware they even existed. Apparently I had accrued 30,000+ points which allowed me to have a box full of free goodies. a small pillow (which I have to say it was exceedingly comfortable), overnight toiletry bag, eye shades etc. I don't know how they can do it because even though they are more expensive than other bus companies we are only talking in terms of hundreds of baht extra - not much at all and I think they represent very good value for money.

 

 

 

 

[thailandsgreat]

In Rayong the center would be around Laemtong shopping mall. Parrallel to the sukhumvit is a road with lots of bars, restaurants etc. On the Kameo side.
Ban Phe doesnt really have a center. There are quite alot of farangs there. Maybe around the Christies area.
Dont know about Trat.

Thanks. I found the places you mention, on the map. Will gradually check out.
Today I went to Central Festival. Much people on children's day, nice atmosphere.

[thailandsgreat]

 
you know they really are a good company and I have used them a lot over the years. Their first class service is really good (now they are even offering a choice of meal on first class). To all these people who keep saying why don't you fly, I say why would you bother going to an airport and going through all the palaver of check-in and baggage security (and the wait before you get on the aircraft) when you can just go to the bus station and get on the bus and just go!
 
the reason I would pay a premium is when I know I have a better chance of reaching my destination alive and in one piece. But NCA are able to offer so much more as well. Nobody told me that I had been accruing mileage points and I was even totally unaware they even existed. Apparently I had accrued 30,000+ points which allowed me to have a box full of free goodies. a small pillow (which I have to say it was exceedingly comfortable), overnight toiletry bag, eye shades etc. I don't know how they can do it because even though they are more expensive than other bus companies we are only talking in terms of hundreds of baht extra - not much at all and I think they represent very good value for money.

I see your point. I was on a silver class bus but that was very good. So to get the bonus and not have to go to the station to buy ticket, I would probably have to register and book on line? That is still above my Thai reading ability. But no problem.

I will continue using them. From Mo Chit I have used NCA north. But I realize it is probably better to go to their own teminal and not have to wait at Mo Chit for the bus.

But Rayong to Trat I must find other options. Haven't checked that out yet. The Rayon area seems to have much to offer.

[Asiantravel]

4 hours ago, thailandsgreat said:

I see your point. I was on a silver class bus but that was very good. So to get the bonus and not have to go to the station to buy ticket, I would probably have to register and book on line? That is still above my Thai reading ability. But no problem.

I will continue using them. From Mo Chit I have used NCA north. But I realize it is probably better to go to their own teminal and not have to wait at Mo Chit for the bus.

But Rayong to Trat I must find other options. Haven't checked that out yet. The Rayon area seems to have much to offer.

 

if you were happy with silver class you would even more happy with gold class and first class which have phenomenal seats that even give you a massage while you're travelling!

if you are going to be a regular traveller on them you just pay 59 Baht for a two-year NCA membership card and that's how you accrue points. the great thing about the membership card is then they have all your details such as passport number etc on their database so when you make a booking you just quote your membership card number and you then receive a 5% discount on all ticketing. So you almost immediately get your 59 baht membership fee back in any case particularly if you book say a first-class ticket from  Pattaya to Chiang Mai for example.

And you don't have to go online. The easiest way to make a booking is phone 1624 and after they give you your preferred seat number, they will give you a seven digit code over the phone and you have until 12 midnight on the day you book to go to any 7-Eleven store pay the money and receive your ticket printed out from the cash register! Very easy and convenient

 

 

[thailandsgreat]

 

if you were happy with silver class you would even more happy with gold class and first class which have phenomenal seats that even give you a massage while you're travelling!

if you are going to be a regular traveller on them you just pay 59 Baht for a two-year NCA membership card and that's how you accrue points. the great thing about the membership card is then they have all your details such as passport number etc on their database so when you make a booking you just quote your membership card number and you then receive a 5% discount on all ticketing. So you almost immediately get your 59 baht membership fee back in any case particularly if you book say a first-class ticket from  Pattaya to Chiang Mai for example.

And you don't have to go online. The easiest way to make a booking is phone 1624 and after they give you your preferred seat number, they will give you a seven digit code over the phone and you have until 12 midnight on the day you book to go to any 7-Eleven store pay the money and receive your ticket printed out from the cash register! Very easy and convenient

Thanks. Very useful to know. I had some plans flying Trat to BKK and then on to Buriram. But I'll bus back from Trat to Rayong and then try the NCA first class to Buriram. I may have been on a first class long ago. I remember a bus with only three seats in each row. The one on the left was single, and aisle in the middle of course. Or maybe that was Gold, I don't remember any massage

[thailandsgreat]

Rayong seems nice. What I most appreciate is if I can get in touch with Thai people and also get a little used to the language. People here seem to accept foreigner reasonably well, so far.
Yesterday in the songtaew a man in Muslim clothes started rubbing my shoulder. Just coming from Pattaya I didn't know how to interpret the signal. But I rubbed his shoulder at the same time. After a while we stopped. When I checked the map in my phone he was very interested but I was maybe unfriendly and kept it too myself. I finally managed to get some distance to him and another farlang got on and sat in between. Shortly after, they both were playing with the farlang's cell phone.
Today a girl, maybe high school age, or older (?), was grabbing my knee in the songtaew, as it was braking, but not really a hard brake. The other Thai then offered her another seat opposite me, instead.
I can't really read the signals here yet.

[timberpond]

I like Rayong too... necessities are easily reached and living cost are much lower than Pattaya.  There are some nice beach around north east of rayong too. The only lacking part is the expat community... not much of activity. Majority of the locals are working at the refinery and spending power seems strong... more people eat out compare to other suburban area of Thailand.  

[thailandsgreat]

I like Rayong too... necessities are easily reached and living cost are much lower than Pattaya.  There are some nice beach around north east of rayong too. The only lacking part is the expat community... not much of activity. Majority of the locals are working at the refinery and spending power seems strong... more people eat out compare to other suburban area of Thailand.  

That's good to know. I don't really know where the beaches are, yet.
I like to try to practice the Thai words I have tried to memorize and people here may have a little more time and interest in a foreigner than in Pattaya. They don't use English immediately, here.

I have probably made a mistake at the vegetarian restaurant by the temple. I load up food from many dishes. Yesterday I think they said สอง อย่าง, but smiled and only charged B.35. I better only have two, I think. But they don't jump immediately at the foreigner, breaking the rule by mistake.

[timberpond]

Yes... you can find some beach in Hat Mae Ramphung and not forgetting that you are just a short boat ride to ko samet... 

[thailandsgreat]

Yes... you can find some beach in Hat Mae Ramphung and not forgetting that you are just a short boat ride to ko samet... 

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[joeyg]

On 1/13/2017 at 8:59 AM, thailandsgreat said:

Nakon Chai Air worked fine. Comfortable, 63 Baht including water :) . Probably less than a van driver would have asked me.
Many buses around at 5.30 am. I also saw a yellow bus marked Rayong. But around noon, when I went the day before, maybe almost none.
Haven't been to Rayong, Ban Phe, Trat before. I don't know where the centers are and people get together. Hotel staff advised me Tesco Lotus in Rayong.

 

 

 

So do they leave from the bus station in Pattaya Nua?   Or elsewhere? Thanks

 

[timberpond]

Actually you can get a van ride @ 12°57'07.0"N 100°54'24.1"E to any part of Rayong.

Just don't board the wrong van. Ask local for help. The van pass by there every 30 mins.