New Ferry Service Between Pattaya and Hua Hin

UPDATE:
This ferry service no longer operates. It was suspended in early 2020 due to Covid and permanently closed in August 2020.

A new ferry service between the coastal resorts of Hua Hin and Pattaya is set to launch later this week. Operated by Royal Passenger Liner Company Ltd., the initial service will launch with one ferry. According to some local reports the ferry can accommodate up to 150 people, but other media outlets quote a higher figure. Royal Passenger Liner say a larger vessel will go into service in February. There has also been some confusion about the timing of the departures during the opening phase of the service. Various online media outlets say boats will leave Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier at 08.30 with the return journey from Hua Hin’s Saphan Pla Pier (the Fish Marketing Organisation Port) at 15.30. However, these timings could be subject to change with at least one media source quoting different times from Pattaya and Hua Hin. The operators expect average journey time on the sea route to be approximately 1 hour 40 minutes compared to between 4-5 hours by road.

The new Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry service got off to an inauspicious start with high waves in the Gulf of Thailand scuppering the planned launch on January 1, 2017. The first ferry has been rescheduled for later this week. Once the service does begin, it will be free for passengers up until January 15 January 31. After that, it’s anticipated that normal pricing will be approximately 1,200 Baht one-way per passenger for an economy ticket although this may still be subject to change. Initially, the Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry will be for foot passengers only, but there are plans in the long-term to use larger vehicle ferries.

With previous attempts to run a ferry service between Pattaya and Hua Hin proving to be unviable, Royal Passenger Liner were the only firm granted a license by Thailand’s Marine Department to operate on the route. Royal Passenger Liner have apparently purchased three large 38-metre long ferries from China, each with the capacity to carry over 300 passengers. The same company also has plans for water taxis to connect Pattaya with Sattahip, and Hua Hin to Cha Am.