How to get from Pattaya to the Pak Chong District?

I have been trying to figure out the best way to get from Pattaya to the Pak Chong district of Na Khon Rachasima province. It is a little less than 200km from the northeast of Bangkok.

I have tried finding the best minivan or bus to take, but it can be confusing. I am hoping that someone may have some advice on the cheapest and fastest way to get there. Preferably without stopping in Bangkok. If anyone knows specific bus stations, or even a website, that would be great. here is an address where we are heading if it helps: Tesco Lotus Express Khao Yai, Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima.

If you can't find a bus direct to Khorat from Pattaya, take a minibus to Chonburi or Rayong, and get a bus from there. Have a look at 12go Asia, where you can view bus times, and book if you want to.

Pak Chong is west of Korat. The easiest way will be the bus to Morchit bus station and then connect. There are Korat buses at least every 20 minutes during day time. Almost like the BTS. Make sure they drop you off outside Pak Chong at an intersection on the main highway.
If you want to go directly into Pakchong you will need to ask for the right bus.

The Chonburi - Kabinburi - Korat route passes over the mountains. The road is dangerous and accident prone, better take the not as dangerous BKK-Korat route.

An alternative: Check in Pattaya for northbound buses like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. They bypass BKK and run through Saraburi. Buy a ticket to Saraburi and connect to Pakchong. This would be the best option. Unfortunately, buses will be available only for evening/night rides or earlier in the morning. For this connection, you need to check with the bus station/stop on Sukumvit about 200 meters south of the Pattaya Klang intersection. Unfortunately, it is on the other side of Sukumvit when coming from the city center.

For the BKK bound bus use the well-known usual bus station on Pattaya Nua, but I m sure you are aware of that anyhow.

I would ask when you are there -- I remember I wanted to go somewhere from Pattaya and was put on a NCA bus http://www.nca.co.th/main_en.html . It could have been to Korat. I just asked a local (perhaps my hotel) and they took me there. That web site isn't very good but it is a start. You can phone their call centre too 1624. You can pay at 7/11 or at the depot (but the bus might be full by then).

Paul

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