Pattaya - Hua Hin Ferry
If they use Bali Hai pier on the Pattaya side, you can be anywhere in town Pattaya/Jomtien on a MCT or baht bus in 10 minutes. The only taxis you'll see are those waiting for a return run to Bangkok, not for local use. Baht busses can be hired for private runs, usually about 120 Baht max for trips to the far ends. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Just for reference, this is a pretty good map of Pattaya. Bali Hai pier on it is named 'Pattaya Pier". Look to the right of reference number 6 on the map. More than likely this is where the boat will dock. Pete
http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/pattaya ... ttaya.html
http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/pattaya ... ttaya.html
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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barrys
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hhfarang said "I'm not sure why anyone would take a boat at that cost except tourists" -
well, maybe people who like (luxury) boats.
Some people prefer to go by bus, some by minibus, some by taxi, some by private limousine and I'm sure some would choose to fly if it was possible ..... so why not by boat - not everyone weighs it up purely on the basis of the cost factor.
I'm also pretty sure you can't get a taxi from HH to Pattaya for 2,400 baht - it costs about that just to get to the airport.
As for driving time, I do it every couple of weeks.
The quickest I've ever done it is 3 1/2 hours - and that was with just one 5 minute stop for fuel - normal time is 4 - 4 1/2 hours.
Steve G wrote: "I'm assuming that the self inflating life rafts mounted on pallets have yet to be secured properly and have just been positioned for the photograph"
They weren't put therefore specifically for the photo - I took that myself!
It would appear that they've recently been delivered brand new and haven't been mounted yet.
I would imagine passengers will (dis)embark at Bali Hai, now that Pattaya Corporation has at last approved the building of some floating pontoons for this purpose - and it's only 2 minutes from Walking Street.
Super Joe wrote: "Do you think it would be a rough bumpy trip during the months when the seas are a bit choppy, or do you not feel it so much in a catamaran because of the design?"
The advantage of a cat is that it has more lateral stability and doesn't roll - but it can still be uncomfortable in choppy seas - just have to wait and see how this particular vessel handles - hard to say in advance.
The owners are also taking a "wait and see" approach - they are quite aware that it won't be possible to run every day - they are northern Europeans and seem to be adopting a very sensible and cautionary approach.
They have done some sea trials and have already decided to make some modifications based on the results of these.
They're not going to start this service until they feel they've ironed out any blips that are still there.
I can't wait to go on it - bring it on
well, maybe people who like (luxury) boats.
Some people prefer to go by bus, some by minibus, some by taxi, some by private limousine and I'm sure some would choose to fly if it was possible ..... so why not by boat - not everyone weighs it up purely on the basis of the cost factor.
I'm also pretty sure you can't get a taxi from HH to Pattaya for 2,400 baht - it costs about that just to get to the airport.
As for driving time, I do it every couple of weeks.
The quickest I've ever done it is 3 1/2 hours - and that was with just one 5 minute stop for fuel - normal time is 4 - 4 1/2 hours.
Steve G wrote: "I'm assuming that the self inflating life rafts mounted on pallets have yet to be secured properly and have just been positioned for the photograph"
They weren't put therefore specifically for the photo - I took that myself!
It would appear that they've recently been delivered brand new and haven't been mounted yet.
I would imagine passengers will (dis)embark at Bali Hai, now that Pattaya Corporation has at last approved the building of some floating pontoons for this purpose - and it's only 2 minutes from Walking Street.
Super Joe wrote: "Do you think it would be a rough bumpy trip during the months when the seas are a bit choppy, or do you not feel it so much in a catamaran because of the design?"
The advantage of a cat is that it has more lateral stability and doesn't roll - but it can still be uncomfortable in choppy seas - just have to wait and see how this particular vessel handles - hard to say in advance.
The owners are also taking a "wait and see" approach - they are quite aware that it won't be possible to run every day - they are northern Europeans and seem to be adopting a very sensible and cautionary approach.
They have done some sea trials and have already decided to make some modifications based on the results of these.
They're not going to start this service until they feel they've ironed out any blips that are still there.
I can't wait to go on it - bring it on
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margaretcarnes
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Pattaya><HuaHin
It's certainly sounding - and looking - good. Given all the speculation and long wait I'm surprised there isn't more in the way of positive comments about the proposed service.
True, probably a more tourist centred service, although there may be the weekend golfing fraternity and 'weekend on the tiles' guys prepared to use it as well. And it needs time to become established of course.
Cost wise it seems OK to me, given the hassle of the roads, although I still wouldn't venture onto any boat for that crossing during monsoon season. But thats a personal hang up rather than any doubt about the boat itself or the competence of the operators.
True, there maybe aren't enough tourists at the moment to make it viable, but there's clearly a lot of investment here, and I'm sure the operators will have done their homework and can ride the storm. Best of luck to them.
True, probably a more tourist centred service, although there may be the weekend golfing fraternity and 'weekend on the tiles' guys prepared to use it as well. And it needs time to become established of course.
Cost wise it seems OK to me, given the hassle of the roads, although I still wouldn't venture onto any boat for that crossing during monsoon season. But thats a personal hang up rather than any doubt about the boat itself or the competence of the operators.
True, there maybe aren't enough tourists at the moment to make it viable, but there's clearly a lot of investment here, and I'm sure the operators will have done their homework and can ride the storm. Best of luck to them.
A sprout is for life - not just for Christmas.
I certainly intend to give it a try, but the only problem might be getting my partner onto it.
As she is from Issan, far from the coast, she is a bit unsure about boats and so far I've only managed to get her onto one that did a circuit of a lake and she wasn't even very happy about that. I'll probably have to tell her it's just going to Cha Am!
As far as I'm concerned it gives you another option for a trip out of Hua Hin for a day or two which can't be a bad thing.
I also know a couple of people who spend time in Pattaya who would probably come across for a game of golf and a night out on the basis of the fact that a boat journey is more of a holiday activity than spending several hours on Thailands road system.
As she is from Issan, far from the coast, she is a bit unsure about boats and so far I've only managed to get her onto one that did a circuit of a lake and she wasn't even very happy about that. I'll probably have to tell her it's just going to Cha Am!
As far as I'm concerned it gives you another option for a trip out of Hua Hin for a day or two which can't be a bad thing.
I also know a couple of people who spend time in Pattaya who would probably come across for a game of golf and a night out on the basis of the fact that a boat journey is more of a holiday activity than spending several hours on Thailands road system.
Having been in the U.S. Navy as well an avid traveler and scuba diver most of my life I can tell you that a boat ride like that can be either quite boring, or quite scary as well depending on the seas, the crew, and how the boat is equipped. If, indeed, it is a luxury boat with stabilizers and activities to while away the crossing (including a well stocked bar ) then it may be worthwhile.
Personally though, if going to Pattaya, I would rather drive so I would have my own transport with me over there for maximum flexibility.
My wife, as well, would have no part of it as she is afraid of boats too. It seems some fortune telling monk in her youth suggested that she would meet her ultimate end involving water and a boat so I probably couldn't get her into a rowboat on a still lake.
) then it may be worthwhile.Personally though, if going to Pattaya, I would rather drive so I would have my own transport with me over there for maximum flexibility.
My wife, as well, would have no part of it as she is afraid of boats too. It seems some fortune telling monk in her youth suggested that she would meet her ultimate end involving water and a boat so I probably couldn't get her into a rowboat on a still lake.
My brain is like an Internet browser; 12 tabs are open and 5 of them are not responding, there's a GIF playing in an endless loop,... and where is that annoying music coming from?
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Khundon1975
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The big modern cats that operate in the Med and other places have small stabilisers on the pontoons, even in winds up to force 8 they are still able to sail, I doubt that this one has anything like that.
On a flat sea, the ride would be fine but anything over a force 4 would be a lumpy ride. What happens if your return trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you then have to find transport back to Hua Hin.
At least by driving to Pattaya you would have the luxury of having transport at the end of your journey.
Still, I wish the owners luck in their venture.
On a flat sea, the ride would be fine but anything over a force 4 would be a lumpy ride. What happens if your return trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you then have to find transport back to Hua Hin.
At least by driving to Pattaya you would have the luxury of having transport at the end of your journey.
Still, I wish the owners luck in their venture.
I've lost my mind and I am making no effort to find it.
Not from this East side Lily, although I don't go into Pattaya too often anymore. Nothing in the Pattaya newspapers lately.Lily wrote:Does anyone have any updates on this?
Cheers
Maybe Barry has some news from the HH side. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Hi All,
Having spent most of my career on the open water in one form or another, I would make a couple of points:
1) It is 60nm from Patts to HH. At 20 knots (sorry, I dont see this cat as having wave piercing hulls, so I am making a large assumption that she has about 20 knots cruising speed) it will take 3 hours. Plus the mooring and unmooring operations, allow 20 minutes. I have done it in a car in 3.5 hours. Admittedly I am an early riser so tend to leave hoime at 0500 hours, but its still 3.5 hours.
2) Looking at the photos I cannot see 100 pax on there.... maybe 45-60?
3) The course to steer is East to West (give or take 10 degrees according to trusty Google Earth), meaning a wind on the port shoulder or left forward running from Patts to HH, slowing proceedings to less than cruising speed and if it experiences over 10 knots of wind leading to a fairly uncomfortable ride without wave piercing hulls. This will be most prevelant in the open water. Take a sick bag for the Isaan GF. (South West Monsoon)
4) The reverse is the case in the North East Monsoon. However the NE Monsoon winds tend to be stronger and can set in for days.
5) If anyone wants a number for a driver who charges 1600 baht in a newish toyota vios frrom HH to the airport let me know. He's a nice chap and drives sensibly too.
6) Assuming all is above board and to DOT regs, it will cost a LOT to keep this boat in survey. Also Oil is 70 USD/barrel. I dont expect it to last there forever. Expect a rise in ticket prices.
7) Lastly I have been watching their website with interest for several months now... and have not seen much action. Last time I looked they were looking for "Boat drivers" (my skin crawled) and agents to sell tickets both ends.
Really Lastly, The safety factor cannot be ignored. The Ferry crosses traffic lanes and through fishing grounds. It's a long way out to sea and I have experienced squalls with gale force winds of >50 knots and seas at >2m in the SW monsoon. (this occured around 300nm to the south-south east of HH, July this year.)
Personally I will take the car.
Having spent most of my career on the open water in one form or another, I would make a couple of points:
1) It is 60nm from Patts to HH. At 20 knots (sorry, I dont see this cat as having wave piercing hulls, so I am making a large assumption that she has about 20 knots cruising speed) it will take 3 hours. Plus the mooring and unmooring operations, allow 20 minutes. I have done it in a car in 3.5 hours. Admittedly I am an early riser so tend to leave hoime at 0500 hours, but its still 3.5 hours.
2) Looking at the photos I cannot see 100 pax on there.... maybe 45-60?
3) The course to steer is East to West (give or take 10 degrees according to trusty Google Earth), meaning a wind on the port shoulder or left forward running from Patts to HH, slowing proceedings to less than cruising speed and if it experiences over 10 knots of wind leading to a fairly uncomfortable ride without wave piercing hulls. This will be most prevelant in the open water. Take a sick bag for the Isaan GF. (South West Monsoon)
4) The reverse is the case in the North East Monsoon. However the NE Monsoon winds tend to be stronger and can set in for days.
5) If anyone wants a number for a driver who charges 1600 baht in a newish toyota vios frrom HH to the airport let me know. He's a nice chap and drives sensibly too.
6) Assuming all is above board and to DOT regs, it will cost a LOT to keep this boat in survey. Also Oil is 70 USD/barrel. I dont expect it to last there forever. Expect a rise in ticket prices.
7) Lastly I have been watching their website with interest for several months now... and have not seen much action. Last time I looked they were looking for "Boat drivers" (my skin crawled) and agents to sell tickets both ends.
Really Lastly, The safety factor cannot be ignored. The Ferry crosses traffic lanes and through fishing grounds. It's a long way out to sea and I have experienced squalls with gale force winds of >50 knots and seas at >2m in the SW monsoon. (this occured around 300nm to the south-south east of HH, July this year.)Personally I will take the car.
Very informative f0xxee.
Sums basically up the comments I heard since I first heard of the rumour that a Pattaya - Hua Hin ferry "will be in operation soon" back in the 90's.
Economical viability questionable.
No significant reduction in travelling time.
And last but certainly not least: not safe.
Sums basically up the comments I heard since I first heard of the rumour that a Pattaya - Hua Hin ferry "will be in operation soon" back in the 90's.
Economical viability questionable.
No significant reduction in travelling time.
And last but certainly not least: not safe.
We are all living in 'the good old days' of the future.
Yes, the thing seems to have fallen by the wayside yet again.
I think one of the biggest problems might be actually finding somewhere to dock at the Hua Hin end.
As for the safety aspect, it's a valid point but I would think you would stand far more chance of killing yourself driving in Thailand than having a boat sink under you.
I think one of the biggest problems might be actually finding somewhere to dock at the Hua Hin end.
As for the safety aspect, it's a valid point but I would think you would stand far more chance of killing yourself driving in Thailand than having a boat sink under you.
Hi Steve,
I think Statistically you are right: YOu have worse chances driving than floating. I think the difference is you have your life in your own hands in a car, as opposed to the boat where there are many other factors at play: The seaworthiness of the boat, weather, prevailing circumstances and conditions, the panic factor of the cast and crew, etc etc.
Besides which sea-sickness is such a miserble feeling. On the Devonport (Tasmania) to Melbourne (Australia) run they put on two huge ocean going cats that could do the trip in about 6-8 hours... However they used to wash the puke out with fire hoses. Not nice.
Yep, statisitcally I guess the odds are in your favour on a boat rather than a car... But in Asia the track record is not good.
PS: Could they not berth at the Hua Hin Pier? the draft of the boat I have seen could not be more than about 1.5m.
I think Statistically you are right: YOu have worse chances driving than floating. I think the difference is you have your life in your own hands in a car, as opposed to the boat where there are many other factors at play: The seaworthiness of the boat, weather, prevailing circumstances and conditions, the panic factor of the cast and crew, etc etc.
Besides which sea-sickness is such a miserble feeling. On the Devonport (Tasmania) to Melbourne (Australia) run they put on two huge ocean going cats that could do the trip in about 6-8 hours... However they used to wash the puke out with fire hoses. Not nice.
Yep, statisitcally I guess the odds are in your favour on a boat rather than a car... But in Asia the track record is not good.
PS: Could they not berth at the Hua Hin Pier? the draft of the boat I have seen could not be more than about 1.5m.
Last edited by f0xxee on Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.