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Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 06:45 AM
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BKK airport to downtown

We will be flying into BKK on Tuesday. What is the best way to get to the Hilton Conrad hotel? We read there are taxis but that the lines are long and it is confusing. Any suggestions? We looked into getting a hotel car but it was nearly 3000 THB!!

Thanks in advance.
butch is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 07:11 AM
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A taxi is the least expensive. The cars are all quite small, so if you have a lot of luggage/people, you might want to see about getting a van instead. Others will chime in with their suggestions, I'm sure.

Getting a taxi is really not that difficult. Sometimes the lines can be long, but they move along quickly. To get a taxi, pass by all the touts who will be trying to get your attention inside the terminal. Follow the signs to the LEFT end of the terminal, and exit the door that goes to the public taxi line.

You will need baht in small bills to pay the taxi. Tolls are about 65 baht, and then there is the cost of the taxi ride, which is typically around 300 baht into the city, depending on traffic. I always tip the driver, and usually end up paying about 500 baht in all. A van will cost you 1000 baht, or maybe more.

Enjoy your trip!!

Carol
simpsonc510 is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 07:47 AM
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i would add to that: ignore all the touts OUTSIDE the the terminal as well. they seem to be spreading lately. you'll know them fairly easily: they'll be the ones in your face as soon as you exit the terminal, asking if you need a taxi. the taxi line itself is more 'official' looking--it's pretty easy to find.
filmwill is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 08:23 AM
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filmwill raises a good point...many will approach you offering services....don't even be polite and acknowledge them....keep walking and watching the over head signs...

AOT, the official limo service will take you directly to the conrad for about 1000B...they have desks in the arrivals hall, both by the luggage collect and outside of customs..

taking a taxi is real easy....just follow the outside signs to taxi....there will be a line but it moves very fast...just tell the "starter" which hotel you want....your wait will be 5-10 minutes or less, often just two minutes...
tell the driver you want the highway/toll road which costs extra, about 60 B which you will have to give to him...have 20B notes for that...cost about 300-400 B total...

i highly suggest the limo for your first arrival in bkk....you will be tired and often taxi drivers try your patience with their lack of knowledge of the city and crazy driving....its worth every cent of the extra $$...

don't forget to have dim sum one lunch day at the liu restaurant in your hotel on the 3rd floor....its fantastic!!
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Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 08:31 AM
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Taxis are quick, easy and cheap. If there are just one or two of you and you don't have lots of luggage, take a taxi. It's really not very confusing nor will you have to wait very long. As others have said, ignore ALL touts.

If you have lots of luggage or simply want the convenience of a car meeting you, use one of the "limo" services. These are slightly larger sedans (typically Mercedes or BMWs). If you have more than two people or a LOT of luggage, ask for a van (these will be more expensive, maybe 1500 baht). There will be someone standing right outside the customs area with a sign with your name on it. There is a sea of people with signs, so it may take you a minute to locate your name! The limo service I use is AAC limo. It will be about 1000 baht to the Conrad. Email them at [email protected] You will pay the driver in cash (get it at the ATM or exchange desk inside baggage claim).

A couple of years ago, I was so busy before I left for Bangkok, I got on the plane and realized I hadn't emailed them to meet me at the airport. When I got to Narita, I got online and emailed them. They responded within a few minutes, and they were there to meet me when I arrived.
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Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 09:59 AM
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they only meet you if you have an advanced reservation....i too have often used AAC with perfect satisfaction...

AOT is at the airport, but you pay at their desk, etc...

both would be perfect...
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Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 11:10 AM
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Lol, Bob, I guess in my reply I didn't make it entirely clear that AAC will meet you only if you make a reservation. (What kind of service is that???)

AOT is usually a 100 baht or so more than AAC, but you don't need a reservation, you just go to their desk.
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Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 11:44 AM
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kathie....we have answered this same questions so many times that we forget people don't understand the ins and outs....like making a res in advance, vs arriving and booking...we just assume things i guess...
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Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 11:56 AM
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The AOT car service is right inside of the baggage claim area. What I do is, after entering the baggage claim area, walk over to the AOT rep, before getting my baggage, and order a car and then go back and get the baggage and then he/she will roll my cart and luggage straight out to the waiting car. Happy Travels!
Guenmai is offline  
Old Mar 1st, 2009 | 10:40 PM
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Have stayed at the Conrad a number of times. As it is so close to the airport expressway the cost of a taxi is usually a lot less than some other hotels around town. The last time we were there I was amazed that the metered fare came to 200 baht!

If you haven't already done so, consider staying in one of the exec rooms IMHO well worth the extra $$. Also the buffet and Japanese restaurants are reall good.
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Old Mar 2nd, 2009 | 07:42 PM
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friday and saturday nites they have a seafood buffet that is well regarded in bkk
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Old Mar 28th, 2009 | 03:26 PM
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Greetings to all that replied! We just got back from our trip last weekend. We had no problem getting a taxi at the airport. We paid $300 THB plus $60 THB for tolls. It was a piece of cake.

The Conrad was great. We were upgraded to an executive level room, which was very nice. We appreciated the executive lounge, especially free access to the internet. All the staff at the hotel was very friendly and spoke English very well. Jack, the Concierge was very helpful. The hotel was a quick walk to the Sky Train, which really is the only way to get around the city unless you like sitting in a car at a standstill! The traffic is worse than we remembered it to be.

Thanks again for everyone’s help.
butch is offline  
Old Mar 28th, 2009 | 06:55 PM
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I'm glad you had a great time!
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Old Apr 4th, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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I agree with Kathie that AOT Limo is the best. They take you in cool and relaxing comfort right to your hotel. I go right to their desk upon arrival in Bangkok. Have fun.
citywalks is offline  
Old Apr 4th, 2009 | 02:32 PM
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you can use AOT but it is much more expensive. cab is fine for two people and up to 4 pieces of luggage and easy to get. was there in late February and had no problem going to Millenium Hilton which was great
micarda is offline  
Old Apr 4th, 2009 | 03:30 PM
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micarda, you must have small pieces of luggage. We typically travel to Bangkok with two suitcases each and one small carry on each. No way does our luggage fir into a taxi!!
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Old Apr 4th, 2009 | 03:43 PM
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i agree with kathie's statement....you might get four in but i don't like to ride with a bungy cord holding things in...
rhkkmk is offline  
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