Airport pickup Bangkok..ACC Limosine?
Aug 15th, 2011, 08:04 PM
#41
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much for all the advice and help. Now if I could just get any of the tour companies to respond to my emails, I would start feeling a little more prepared. We're going to sign up in advance for the Bangkok Food Tour, but we're starting to wonder if we should just wait until we get there and have the hotel help us find some of the tours we want. My husband speaks Thai, but he was in Thailand as a missionary many years ago, not as a tourist. Hopefully his Thai will help us deal with taxi drivers, etc.
Aug 15th, 2011, 10:41 PM
#42
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Joday: Things in Thailand move slowly. And regarding not yet hearing from some of the tour companies, remember that not only do they get tons of e-mails, and probably some really detailed ones, but they are not reading them in their native language or even reading them in Thai script. Happy Travels!
Aug 16th, 2011, 05:46 AM
#43
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Even if neither of you speak any Thai you will do fine in Thailand.
Do carry your hotel card with you when you go out, so you can hand it to a taxi driver and he'll know where you are going. When you get a taxi at your hotel, the doorman should tell the driver where to take you. You might also want the concierge to write it for you in Thai.
There is really no reason to take tours in Bangkok (other than a special interest tour like the food tour). Bangkok is easy to navigate on your own via skytrain, water taxi and taxicab. Just always insist that the taxi driver turn on the meter. If he doesn't, get out. Say no to all tuk-tuk drivers and anyone who want to recommend a tailor, jewelry store, etc. And if you arrive at the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha and someone tells you it is closed, laugh and keep going. Do you have the Nancy Chandler map yet?
Do carry your hotel card with you when you go out, so you can hand it to a taxi driver and he'll know where you are going. When you get a taxi at your hotel, the doorman should tell the driver where to take you. You might also want the concierge to write it for you in Thai.
There is really no reason to take tours in Bangkok (other than a special interest tour like the food tour). Bangkok is easy to navigate on your own via skytrain, water taxi and taxicab. Just always insist that the taxi driver turn on the meter. If he doesn't, get out. Say no to all tuk-tuk drivers and anyone who want to recommend a tailor, jewelry store, etc. And if you arrive at the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha and someone tells you it is closed, laugh and keep going. Do you have the Nancy Chandler map yet?
Aug 16th, 2011, 06:08 AM
#44
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Personally I've had tuk tuk drivers get me thru traffic that a taxi would have taken a LOT more time to navigate. A tuk tuk is a 'thrill ride' for sure. I usually have one tuk tuk ride per every other trip or so, to Bangkok. It's possible some of the newbies will actually want to try one. Just keep in mind that you negotiate the price before you get in. Tuk tuks are usually priced rather high when you begin to negotiate. Be ready to bargain! If you don't get the price you want, walk away!
And always always always make sure the meter is turned ON when you get into a taxi. No flat fares (unless it is maybe a return trip to the airport... I do pay a flat rate then).
There are also motorcycle taxis. You'll see the bikes lined up at street corners. The drivers have on orange vests. They will provide you with a helmet. I did take my first EVER motorcycle ride in Bangkok, on a taxi. I'm too old to be trying new stuff like this... what a ride!!! OMG It isn't something I'd do again, I don't think. You'll see how the motorcycle taxi drivers navigate thru traffic when you get to BKK and see a busy intersection. The tuk tuks do the same sort of thing, weaving in and out, but not QUITE so scary as the motorcycle taxis. My legs were like cooked spaghetti when I got off the bike... I could hardly stand up.
Carol
And always always always make sure the meter is turned ON when you get into a taxi. No flat fares (unless it is maybe a return trip to the airport... I do pay a flat rate then).
There are also motorcycle taxis. You'll see the bikes lined up at street corners. The drivers have on orange vests. They will provide you with a helmet. I did take my first EVER motorcycle ride in Bangkok, on a taxi. I'm too old to be trying new stuff like this... what a ride!!! OMG It isn't something I'd do again, I don't think. You'll see how the motorcycle taxi drivers navigate thru traffic when you get to BKK and see a busy intersection. The tuk tuks do the same sort of thing, weaving in and out, but not QUITE so scary as the motorcycle taxis. My legs were like cooked spaghetti when I got off the bike... I could hardly stand up.
Carol
Aug 16th, 2011, 06:18 AM
#45
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
we don't want to overplay how unhelpful some taxi drivers are, just be prepared. as suggested always carry a card from your hotel with their info (doorman will give it to you or front desk).
the renaissance is not the 'renaissance marriott', but simply the renaissance on plenochit. the renaissance chain is owned by marriott.
if a driver seems confused about where you are going, simply get out of his cab... i do it all the time... remember it is their job to know where things are and how to get there... i find i often have to tell them how to best get to places, but as first timers you do not have this advantage. the doormen are especially helpful in starting your trips off in the right direction giving the drivers directions. we often go to a hotel to get a taxi to avoid hastles, especially in certain areas where they want to charge a flat fee or are used to ripping off customers---nana area comes to mind.
some taxi meters are "rigged"... if you notice that the price moves very quickly, then it is rigged. get out of the cab and do not pay... cabs start at 35B and move slowly up in price... it's not unusual for a 1 hour ride to cost only $4-5.
don't be wary of taxis because of all this that we have written, just be aware. i use taxis all the time and it is my prefered method of transportation... i like the skytrain too but it is limited as to where it serves... i often combine skytrain and taxis to get places.
the renaissance is not the 'renaissance marriott', but simply the renaissance on plenochit. the renaissance chain is owned by marriott.
if a driver seems confused about where you are going, simply get out of his cab... i do it all the time... remember it is their job to know where things are and how to get there... i find i often have to tell them how to best get to places, but as first timers you do not have this advantage. the doormen are especially helpful in starting your trips off in the right direction giving the drivers directions. we often go to a hotel to get a taxi to avoid hastles, especially in certain areas where they want to charge a flat fee or are used to ripping off customers---nana area comes to mind.
some taxi meters are "rigged"... if you notice that the price moves very quickly, then it is rigged. get out of the cab and do not pay... cabs start at 35B and move slowly up in price... it's not unusual for a 1 hour ride to cost only $4-5.
don't be wary of taxis because of all this that we have written, just be aware. i use taxis all the time and it is my prefered method of transportation... i like the skytrain too but it is limited as to where it serves... i often combine skytrain and taxis to get places.
Aug 16th, 2011, 07:19 AM
#46
I found it cheaper to insist on the meter when going back to the airport, rather than agreeing to the flat rate. I rarely take taxis to get around Bangkok, the traffic is so bad. I make sure I'm staying near either a Skytrain or metro station, or a ferry stop.
Aug 16th, 2011, 07:40 AM
#47
Again, thank u all for this great intro. So helpful to me as a newbie to SEAsia.
On the tours, we contacted Tong Tours and at first did not hear back. tried again and joined her fb page. We got a msg that she was away and back on the 15th I think. today we did get an email from her. we r thinking of using her to go outside BKK for a day trip. not sure where.
On the tours, we contacted Tong Tours and at first did not hear back. tried again and joined her fb page. We got a msg that she was away and back on the 15th I think. today we did get an email from her. we r thinking of using her to go outside BKK for a day trip. not sure where.
Aug 16th, 2011, 09:15 AM
#48
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thursdaysd: I too insist on the meter being turned on on my way back to the airport. The flat rate prices that drivers have quoted me have always been more than the metered fare.
As for taxis in general, I basically try to avoid them as much as possible. I take the sky train regularly and walk a lot. I remember my best friend, her daughter and I walking from the Jim Thompson store, on Surawong, to the river, next to the Oriental Hotel. And that was in spring weather.
I'll usually go as far as the sky train or subway can take me and then walk the rest. I take taxis if, for example, I have a ton of fabric to get over to Cotton House, on the other side of town. But, even in that situation, I have often times taken the sky train to the river taxi. I'm one who just gets around quickly on foot. For me, staying very near a sky train station is a must. Happy Travels!
As for taxis in general, I basically try to avoid them as much as possible. I take the sky train regularly and walk a lot. I remember my best friend, her daughter and I walking from the Jim Thompson store, on Surawong, to the river, next to the Oriental Hotel. And that was in spring weather.
I'll usually go as far as the sky train or subway can take me and then walk the rest. I take taxis if, for example, I have a ton of fabric to get over to Cotton House, on the other side of town. But, even in that situation, I have often times taken the sky train to the river taxi. I'm one who just gets around quickly on foot. For me, staying very near a sky train station is a must. Happy Travels!
Aug 16th, 2011, 09:25 AM
#49
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Simpson510: LOL! Motorcycle Mama. One of my best American friends, who lives in Danmark, met me in Bangkok in Dec 2007/Jan 2008, I think it was. We had our Bangkok vacation together for 3 weeks and almost the whole time he took motorcycle taxis. He would come over to my place by a combination of motorcycle taxi and sky train. It's an experience to say the least. Smiles. And he's 70 years old now.
As for tuk tuks, I don't remember having taken one, but I have taken the other style tuk tuk, the longer one. Sometimes if I have to go somewhere very deep into a soi, I will occasionally take one and usually if I'm carrying a lot of stuff. Happy Travels!
As for tuk tuks, I don't remember having taken one, but I have taken the other style tuk tuk, the longer one. Sometimes if I have to go somewhere very deep into a soi, I will occasionally take one and usually if I'm carrying a lot of stuff. Happy Travels!
Aug 16th, 2011, 01:43 PM
#50
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
...motorcycle mama.... lol
I've seen those longer tuk tuks. They run up and down soi 8, taking people to several of the hotels/apartment blds located much further into the soi. Adelphi doesn't need one, since it is so close to the corner at Sukhumvit already.
I've seen those longer tuk tuks. They run up and down soi 8, taking people to several of the hotels/apartment blds located much further into the soi. Adelphi doesn't need one, since it is so close to the corner at Sukhumvit already.
Aug 16th, 2011, 02:01 PM
#51
Guenmai, would you please recommend some fabric shops or markets in Bangkok? Looking for fabric for new window treatment. I would like to go the right shop and be done with it as I do not enjoy shopping.Thanks.
Aug 16th, 2011, 02:07 PM
#52
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For beautiful silks, cottons, linens, Jim Thompson has an incredible selection. Go to the two outlet stores (one sort of across the street from the main store on Suriwong the other on Sukhumvit, Soi 93) for great prices.
Aug 16th, 2011, 03:30 PM
#53
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JT on soi 93 for sure.... tons to choose from: silks, cottons mostly...
they pack them into very small bundles...
there is a fabric shop at the corner of sukhumvit and asoke as well that has tons of merchandise... on the even # soi side of sukhumvit, nearest to nana.
there are a couple of other shops in the soi 23 area as well.
they pack them into very small bundles...
there is a fabric shop at the corner of sukhumvit and asoke as well that has tons of merchandise... on the even # soi side of sukhumvit, nearest to nana.
there are a couple of other shops in the soi 23 area as well.
Aug 16th, 2011, 08:16 PM
#54
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HappyTrvlr: Most of the fabric that I take to Bangkok, to have my clothes made, I buy either here in the garment district in downtown L.A. or in Singapore on Arab Street. But, when I do buy fabric in Bangkok, it's usually either at the main Jim Thompson on Surawong or the Jim Thompson discount store on Sukhumvit, soi 93. I buy fabric for upholstery and other items there.
To get to the Sukhumvit, soi 93 store, take the skytrain, east bound to the end (On Nut), that is if the sky train hasn't been extended. They've been working on it. Then from there jump in a taxi, heading east bound until you come to Sukhumvit. soi 93. It's not that far.
Shortly after you've entered soi 93, you will see the Jim Thompson sign on the left side of the street. When you finish at the store, the man standing outside will get you a taxi and then you can go back to the sky train station.
I take the sky train because it's faster. Although I stay at Sukhumvit, soi 24 (PromPhong Station) and only about 4 stops from On Nut, I still take the sky train. It can take forever to go out Sukhumvit in a taxi, but I have always found traffic to move faster once I've gotten in a taxi at On Nut. Happy Travels!
To get to the Sukhumvit, soi 93 store, take the skytrain, east bound to the end (On Nut), that is if the sky train hasn't been extended. They've been working on it. Then from there jump in a taxi, heading east bound until you come to Sukhumvit. soi 93. It's not that far.
Shortly after you've entered soi 93, you will see the Jim Thompson sign on the left side of the street. When you finish at the store, the man standing outside will get you a taxi and then you can go back to the sky train station.
I take the sky train because it's faster. Although I stay at Sukhumvit, soi 24 (PromPhong Station) and only about 4 stops from On Nut, I still take the sky train. It can take forever to go out Sukhumvit in a taxi, but I have always found traffic to move faster once I've gotten in a taxi at On Nut. Happy Travels!
Aug 16th, 2011, 08:34 PM
#55
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HappyTrvlr: http://www.thaifocus.com/bangkok/skytrainmap.htm
You can see On Nut (Sukhumvit Line) on the above sky train map. And to get to the main Jim Thompson store on Surawong, you can take the sky train to Saladang sky train station (Silom Line) and then it's only a 5-minute walk. Happy Travels!
You can see On Nut (Sukhumvit Line) on the above sky train map. And to get to the main Jim Thompson store on Surawong, you can take the sky train to Saladang sky train station (Silom Line) and then it's only a 5-minute walk. Happy Travels!
Aug 17th, 2011, 05:40 AM
#56
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The skytrain has been extended, now go to "the next station after on nut, bang chak. After you get off the bts, take exit 5, it will lead you to soi 95, just a block away from soi 93, and on to jt outlet. " From Kuranosuke's post here yesterday.
Aug 17th, 2011, 06:42 AM
#57
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
we always take a taxi to soi 93... we find the traffic moves very quickly in that direction.... returning to the center city traffic much more slowly however, but we still take a taxi or we use the hi-way which is nearby
Aug 17th, 2011, 09:12 AM
#60
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kathie: That's great to know. I wonder how many new stations will be added when it's all done with? I remember all of the construction past On Nut. So, now it will be super easy for me to get to and from Jim Thompson on soi 93. I'll be able to just jump on the sky train at Prom Phong and take it all the way to Jim Thompson. Great! Happy Travels!
