Are you looking for ideas about what to do in Thailand? Let me give you some suggestions together with all the important details so that YOU can have a fantastic time living in or visiting this great country!
This channel is for you. It's not about watching someone else doing fun things; it's about explaining simply the where and how and how much for you to do it yourself.
That means how to visit the best places, maybe ones that you haven't necessarily heard of or been to yet. Checking out the transport options - should it be a flight, by car, a bus or a train? We show you the choices.
And although the journey is all part of the trip, what about the destination? The beaches or the cool parts of town? You might want a hotel to stay in, or a restaurant to eat in. If you do, take a look at our honest reviews based on real visits paid for out of our own pockets.
I've been living in Thailand for about 15 years, & making videos for a while, too. Let me share my experience with you
Thanks for your question. My honest answer is I don't know if they make any additional charge,, but I saw several people bringing guests back later in the evening.
The problem with both the coach and mini-van services is the time it takes to get out of Bangkok. I have found that by far the best way to get to Pattaya (where I have a house) is to get the Skytrain to the main airport, Suvarnabhumi, and then get the coach from there which also departs every hour thus avoiding Bangkok traffic jams. Journey time from the airport is around 1hr 40 mins. However although the coach will stop at a few points in Pattaya, the terminal is on Paternak Hill, on the border between Pattaya and Jomtien. There are plenty of Baht buses to take you onward from there.
Thanks for your input, Phil. I did do a review including the possibility of using the Airport Link train coupled with the big bus to Pattaya. You can see that video by clicking the link below: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mllRzQ0swoE.htmlsi=FnC_IZtvoX_JZhWN
I always (try) to take the Airport Bus from Suvarnabhumi to JOMTIEN. In the past, it was always ok - maximal 30 Min - 1 hour wait for the next Bus, but recently, I had a THREE hour wait one time and a TWO hour wait another time. And after travelling for 10-15 hours already to get to Bangkok, the extra wait is very annoying. The staff at the Airport Bus-booth is not very friendly and I suspect there is (some) shonky business going on, since I had observed some earlier Buses leaving with several empty Seats - even though the Staff said ..... fully booked???
Thanks, Alfred. I've had that myself, albeit with shorter flights, where the next available bus is hours away. Not ideal if you've had a journey, and that's when I definitely think about Grab taxi if the budget allows. One thing about empty seats I've noticed at Pattaya North Bus station, is that if earlier in the day there's a bus where they can put a ticket holder from a later bus onboard, then they do it. But then they have spare seats on later buses, which they try to fill, and the whole thing becomes a bit chaotic. Not sure if it's dodgy as such, but frustrating if you do see a bus leave with empty seats for sure!
Their policy is that "each passenger is allowed to have 1 checked bag with maximum weight of 20 kg. and 1 personal bag free of charge". They should only charge the excess 20 Baht if more than one bag or heavier than 20kg.
Minivan drivers are insane, only get it as a last resort. I used the bus to and from Pattaya on recent trip and both trips were very smooth and on time. Bus every time for me 😀😀
Don't hold back, Mark! Tell it how it is! 😃 Actually, I used to take the little orange buses around Bangkok years ago, and compared to some of those, the minivan guys are model drivers! 😨
@@balloonchaser i booked return online available every hour, when i got to PNBS a bus left every ten minutes, on my way home a bus left 20 minutes beforehand. As you pointed out it was a bit slow, i was sitting at the front on the way to BKK and bus hardly went above 50 mph, on the way back some idiot thought it ok to try sit on half my seat so i politely told him to GTF. It wasn't too bad for the price but I reckon I'd take my moped to first BTS station, park there, and use the train next time.
@jeffrussell488 I hear you, Jeff! Sounds like you have similar luck to me when travelling! It's a bit of a dilemma whether to book in advance (and have a guaranteed departure time) or to chance it and buy on the day. I got two guys behind me eating hot food and playing loud music on the minivan. They seemed surprised when I asked them to stop! The joys of travelling in Thailand, I suppose!
@@balloonchaser i've only done the bus twice, last time I waited nearly 1 hour 30 minutes at Pattaya North (i left for a wander) as i didn't book, was surprised to see so many buses leaving on Friday. Yep you can never guarantee who'll be in the next seat, hopefully it'll be a hot babe the next time for both of us 555
I recently took the bus and a normal 2 hour ride was 2 hours and 50 minutes because like you said it stopped at bang na for what reason I don’t know because the bus was full and 10 minutes from pattaya it stopped for over 25 minutes to get gas as a bus went to fill up with gas after my bus and left before us.
Many thanks for your input. Seems most people prefer the big bus. It's certainly more comfortable, and on the days when I travelled, much the same journey time as the van!
Good overview on the ride comparison and time comparison between services BC. I have been on the Ekkamai to North Pattaya big bus many times, almost always comfortable, sometimes the older buses seats have worn out padding and a bit uncomfortable. Strange the minivan stops at Bag Na when no customers were waiting, simple phone call would confirm. Keep on vlogging my friend.
Hey, Ric. Older, worn out, uncomfortable...thought you were talking about me for a minute! Big buses are a really dependable service in the main. I like the fact that they add extra buses when they get busy. I think some minibus stops are them "checking in" with the office to show that they're on route and on schedule. Sometimes, they sign a document. Other than that, I have no idea! Anyway, catch you later! 👍
I have done both many times. Big bus just more comfortable to me and with toilet and luggage option. Similarly why I use the big bus Jomtien to airport too. Minivans will always depend on the type of driver and stop offs for the experience, which can vary wildly.
Thanks, Paul. For anyone with a suitcase the big bus is definitely better. And you've got reclining seats and a feeling of space. The big plus of the vans is if you want to be dropped off outside of the Central area. A few people got off beyond Sukhumvit Road. Overall, it's the big bus for me! Hope all is well with you.
Last time I took a minivan I did not have a drop off option more central. They dropped me off Sukhumvit/South Pattaya Road. Had the same problem that the information "will leave now" with "now" meaning "when the minivan is full", and additional stops on the way. With the option to drop-off at Central Festival for example you could save the hassle and money for the last mile taxi that would set you off another 50-100 THB for the big bus or for minivans with bad drop-off points. Add the time for the taxi from north bus terminal to your destination may change the duration difference between coach and minivan, too. My conclusion: If you want to go to Sriratcha, or the minivan offers a drop-off near your final destination, minivan is a good option. Other than that take the big bus.
Many thanks for your input. You've made some good points about minivan. I was lucky this time that I arrived in time for the last 'proper' seat. Other times, I've sat for 20 minutes or more! There is one minivan service which starts or finishes at Central Festival Pattaya and Centralworld in Bangkok. But that one is 349 baht. They seem to find a way of getting an extra 100 baht somehow! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bcgX3OUXymI.htmlsi=iTsjRx6c0itAmXA8 Thanks again for your comments!
I prefer the big bus ,you have more space around you . The mini vans I worry about how fast they drive . Done it a few times and it can be abit hair raising when they look at their phones on the motorway. Great vlog comparing both BC . Enjoy your weekend 🍻
Many thanks, Jimmy. I agree with you; most of the minivan feel very cramped by comparison. This guy was a pretty good driver, but I've seen ones texting messages while driving which is scary to say the least! Big bus is my usual choice! Have a good one, mate!
Plus the minivan luggage is crowded. Only advantage of Ekkimai is they leave far more often. Suvurnabhumi is the move. Especially if you've just landed. Disadvantage of the airport is there are no late night buses. But the airport bus makes more stops in Pattaya/Jomtien, instead of only North Pattaya Station. Baht buses from there won't go many places
I've used the big bus a few times, it's quite convenient. Long line in Pattaya to purchase a ticket, but that moves very fast. The time you spend on the bus depends on the traffic on Sukhumvit road when you arrive in Bangkok. Once it took me more than 3 hours, between a gas stop for 20 minutes in the middle of the journey and hectic traffic in Bangkok. You just have to be patient.
Thanks, Alain. The only tip I've got about Sukhumvit Road is getting off at Udom Suk BTS station when going TO Bangkok and then completing the journey by BTS Skytrain. Can be much quicker. I've also got on the big bus at the Bang Na station before when going to Pattaya as that can save time too. Minivan drive me crazy when they keep stopping!
@@balloonchaser Yes, the Udom Suck stop is definitely a better choice timewise, but then the BTS ticket will be a little more expensive if you're tight on budget.
@@WanderlustReports That's true, especially for those staying near Ekkamai. But for those travelling onward to places like Siam, Silom or Nana, the marginal cost isn't much getting on at Udom Suk. That traffic along Sukhumvit road is jammed most of the day!
The big bus is safer and more reliable. With luggage it is also the better option. I don't like the fact that the minivans wait to fill up and go off route to pick up / drop off. It should be quicker. but in many cases ends up longer - as you found. I used a minivan from this place in Bangkok once and never would again. The big bus + Bolt is the better combo - unless of course you fancy walking from Pattaya North bus station or if the mono-rail dream ever comes to fruition.
Thanks, David. There's no doubt the big bus feels safer, has more space, and better for suitcases. And yes, the van overtook the bus several times, but then kept stopping meaning the big bus arrived in pattaya in less time. Then the only real issue is if you're OK arriving at Pattaya North. But grab or Bolt larges fixes thar, as you said!
Great info. Thanks. I've had many wonderful experiences on big buses in Thailand, especially the first class busses. I've had six minivan rides in Thailand and I felt very uncomfortable on three occasions where the driver was driving fast and recklessly. Nowadays if I couldn't get a big bus I would sooner pay for an expensive taxi before a minivan . Do the Big buses from Ekkamai have toilet's on them ? All the best, Cheers.
Thanks for the positive feedback. I agree with you about the big buses, especially the first-class ones for longer journeys. The big bus from ekkamai to pattaya is generally older, but they did still have a toilet on board. My minivan trip wasn't bad at all. But I've had some horrors over the years!
Thanks for your comment. I spend most of my time between Chonburi and Bangkok at the moment. But, I travel a lot, so I'm sure I'll be back in Ratchaburi at some time in the future!
Thanks, PFI. All these apps seem to offer good services depending on what part of the country you are in. Certainly saved me a couple of times already!
I used Bolt in Phuket Patong it was the best experience. For so many years the Taxi Mafia in Phuket they have been ripping off tourists 💀☠️ in BKK are good too but pay attention to rush hour and traffic congestion if you are heading to Airport, leave early.
Many thanks for your tips! Phuket the taxi apps offer a much better deal than the tuktuks on the street. Although even on the apps I've seen minimum fares of 100 or sometimes 200 baht. Even so, way better than the taxi "mafia". I like the apps when in Bangkok because the price is fixed, so you don't have the worry of a meter increasing every few seconds when you are sitting in a traffic jam!
That's fair enough. And walking is obviously the healthy option. I do think the taxi apps are good for slightly longer distances or where the Baht bus doesn't run easily.
This vlog reminded me of the Italian Job Thai style BC for some reason 😂😂😂 Iv still not used the taxi apps I got grab but didn’t arrange a taxi but I still like the yellow or pink taxis . Like black cabs in London . You did get some good prices on your trip. It was fun seeing your friends in the vlog too . Nice one enjoy the coffee ☕️ 👌👌👌
You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off! Actually, the other guys did give a good impression of the synchronised minis, departing and arriving together. Sadly, I was officially placed in my customary last place again! Regular taxis are (mainly) ok in Bangkok, but in places like Pattaya you'll save a lot using an app! Thanks for your comment, Jimmy.
All the Taxi apps are far more expensive than the regular Taxis, 50% more expensive in some cases, but usually 25/30% more expensive, A 100 bath ride in a regular Taxi costs 130 baht in an app taxi.
That's a very interesting point. Have to say it doesn't really match my experience over the years. I was in Bangkok for a few days last week, and every time I got a taxi, the traffic meant that the meter kept on going up, whereas an app fare is fixed. Also, outside Bangkok, and in some places inside, it's not easy to get a taxi to turn the meter on in the first place. Anyway, it is always useful to get another perspective on the topic, so many thanks for the comment 👍
