Getting there, around and away

[tony999]

I travelled from BKK to Pattaya last week and I want to post some up-to-date prices and some travel warnings.

I was working in BKK and staying in the, girl-friendly, Conrad Hilton (US$180 a nite). I asked the concierge to organise a taxi for me to take me to Pattaya and he got me a great guy in a clean cab (with Air Con) for BHT 1700. Good, comfortable drive down so I gave the guy BHT2000.

Getting around.
I travelled around Pattaya by mini-bus (Songteuw?) which is basically a converted pick-up truck with seats in the back. They drive up and down the main streets and you just hop on and off when you need to. In the 2 guide books I read the prices were listed at B10 and B20 - so I just gave the guy BHT20 each time....Any price would be worth it to get out of the heat. Mostly they just go in a straight line but sometimes turn corners...Not sure how to determine where exactly they'll go....Someone else more knowledgeable can add to this note.

Getting back
I was heading back to BKK Airport and there are heaps of people selling taxis for BHT800 from Pattaya to the airport. I picked one and organised a taxi for the next morning. I paid my 300 deposit and got a receipt. I also agreed that I'd pay the freeway tolls of approx 160.

Next morning the guy turns up on time. The taxi wasn't new, but it was in ok condition. As soon as I get in he says "you give me a tip" - and it wasn't a question! A couple of miles out of town I discover the air con wasn't working, there was just cool air coming out. No point in saying anything, too late to replace the air con. Halfway to BKK he gets a call then gets off the phone and tells me that BHT500 isn't going to cut it, I'll have to give him BHT900. Thinking that I wasn't going to argue with the guy in the middle of nowhere, I agreed. A few miles later the car is rattling and he has to get out and change the tyre! This is becomming a fucking nightmare and I'm beginning to get a little scared, especially when my luggage is sitting on the side of the freeway.

Anyway, we get to BKK airport and he insists on going to the Arrivals level, rather than the departures level. I get out, get my luggage and stand on the kerb. I give him 500 and he says, no - BHT900. I point to the cop up the street, show him my receipt which says 500 due and say "Fu*k off Cu*t" - and walk into the airport. He went back into the cab as the cop came over.

My advice....be careful with these guys. If you want to pay 800 (plus 160 in freeway tolls) then just make sure that when the guy comes to the hotel you agree on the price again - before you get into the car. Also, make sure the car is in good working order and it's got air con.

To be honest, the experience spoiled an otherwise great time in Pattaya for me.

[Arris Sung]

I always arrange the cab through either the hotel or the desk at the airport. That way you have a person in a fixed location you can track down in case you're unhappy. The driver knows this, and so does the bell captain who arranged the cab. That way, you don't get screwed as much and it only costs a little bit extra.

On my last trip, I was at the Marriott in Pattaya and had the bell desk arrange the cab. I'd checked out of the hotel, gave my baggage to the bell desk, and told them I was going to get lunch and would be back in an hour. They got the cab for me for 1,000 baht including tolls. Didn't go to the airport, just back to Sukhumvit, but I figure it was only 100 baht overpay. That's probably the bell staff's cut.

In any case, the car was perfectly functional and the driver handed me a card for a future call should I be in town again. A very different experience from yours, and it only cost me an extra 100 baht.

[sahara]

The last time I was in Pattaya (Aug '04) I booked a mini-van back to BKK for a little under 800 baht. It seems every place quoted me a different price. I found this price at the Travel Desk in the lobby of the Diana Hotel on 2nd rd. The hotel I was staying at, Sandy Springs, wanted to charge me 1100 baht for the same mini-van.

The bad part was I had to share the van with about 5 other people and when the driver got to BKK he didn't know his way around very well and I was the last to get dropped off.

[eym4reel]

Go to the little stand near 2nd rd and soi 7, 800b incl.tolls. The taxi is in good shape and at your hotel 15 minutes before your required time, even at 5:30 am.

4Reel

[Billabong]

JESUS FELLAS!
Forget those arselicker minibus charmers, or the rip off cocksuckers in beat up taxis and GET A LOCAL BAHTBUS ALREADY!
Busfare B112 to/from Pattaya, plus local cab/samlor fares from terminus to airport or yr hotel B300 oneway door to door and you get to eat drink and eye the lovely across the aisle!
Don't tell me its too much hassle! If the cover story on this thread is not a hassle I'd like to know what is?
To find out how, go read my post on the NEW AIRPORT thread.
Another thing, travel with a bag you can heft on your back if you have to, and preferably take in aircraft cabin with you, you won't NEED all that shit, trust me, use the laundry, or wash your spare kit in the shower each day. Leave the suitcases to chicks.
Happy mongering!