Pattaya Traffic: When It's Worst and How to Live With It

I've driven around Pattaya for more than 20 years, and I'm writing this partly from a traffic jam. Here's what you need to know.

Has it got worse?

Yes, as the city has grown. It would be a lot worse if the roads hadn't improved. Projects like the tunnel at Pattaya Klang, where Central Pattaya Road crosses Sukhumvit, have helped, and plenty of roads have been built or resurfaced. The infrastructure has improved no end. There are just far more vehicles.

When is it worst?

Long holiday weekends. When a Thai public holiday, like a Buddhist holy day, falls on a Friday or a Monday, which seems to happen more every year, huge numbers of people drive down from Bangkok. You can tell from the number plates, and from the drivers looking for their turning. That alone can gridlock the city.

Which roads should you avoid?

On those weekends: Sukhumvit, Thepprasit Road, South Pattaya Road, Pattaya Klang and the roads coming in from Motorway 7.

Central Pattaya itself isn't as bad. Most weekend visitors head for the hotels outside the centre, in places like Jomtien, Na Jomtien and Bang Saray.

How do you beat it?

If you're happy on two wheels, take a motorbike. It's the only way to skip through the traffic. I don't ride much nowadays. I don't like arriving covered in dust and blown about by the wind, so I'd rather arrive in comfort, with the air conditioning on.

Otherwise, plan ahead and leave extra time.

My advice

Accept it. If you're stuck in a car, it's not as bad as it used to be. You can listen to a podcast or talk to an AI assistant hands-free, and there's plenty more to keep you entertained. I'm used to it now, and it doesn't irritate me the way it used to. Accept that it'll take a while, plan for it, and get on with it.

For more, read driving in Pattaya, scooter or car in Pattaya and getting around Pattaya.