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[QUOTE=Traveler1234]For newbie, probably easiest is B$700 for thai limo; premium over taxi but it includes tolls and you get to ride by yourself.[/QUOTE]
I agree, for the first time traveler to BKK pay the premium and take either the Thai Limo Service or the one that uses the white cars. I forget the name of that service, but their desk is located across from the exit out of customs in the middle of the terminal. Last time I used their service it was 650 THB, but that was about six months ago.
[QUOTE=Traveler1234]For newbie, probably easiest is B$700 for thai limo; premium over taxi but it includes tolls and you get to ride by yourself.[/QUOTE]
Where do you get a Thai Limo for B$700? That is what I always use (work pays) and the lowest I've ever seen is B$1500 one way or about 2500 return. The taxi buses across the hall from the Thai Limo service charge about the B$700.
[QUOTE=Jc373]Where do you get a Thai Limo for B$700? That is what I always use (work pays) and the lowest I've ever seen is B$1500 one way or about 2500 return. The taxi buses across the hall from the Thai Limo service charge about the B$700.[/QUOTE]
When you exit immigration, turn left, you'll walk past a group of money changer kiosks (on your left), into the waiting area....right past the metal fence, on the right are 1 or 2 kiosks that says car service (don't remember exact words/titles).....you pay at the kiosk, they give you a receipt, a guy will take your luggage down to the taxi area and usually into a volvo car.
I took one about 10 months ago cuz the q for the taxi was too long and all of my country managers and other jr exec when they first visit LOS - I always instruct them to take Thai Limo their first time in town, before they learn the ropes.
[QUOTE=Jc373]Where do you get a Thai Limo for B$700? That is what I always use (work pays) and the lowest I've ever seen is B$1500 one way or about 2500 return. The taxi buses across the hall from the Thai Limo service charge about the B$700.[/QUOTE]
I have never paid more than 700 THB. Usually 650.
Thai Airways Limo service does offer a London type cab for much more, but it is mostly for tourists. The regular Volvo type should be about 700 THB, or at least it was six months ago. The Airport Limousine LTD. uses the white Merceds ot Camrys for 650 THB.
I checked the Thai Airways website and they offer a Premium service using new Mercedes 220 for 1,500 THB. But that is premium service! The regular service uses Volvos and is 700 THB. It isn't advertised and you probably have to ask for it at the counter, or book in advance. I will check later today at the airport and see what Airport Limousine Service charges.
[QUOTE=Retired Army]I checked the Thai Airways website and they offer a Premium service using new Mercedes 220 for 1,500 THB. But that is premium service! The regular service uses Volvos and is 700 THB. It isn't advertised and you probably have to ask for it at the counter, or book in advance. I will check later today at the airport and see what Airport Limousine Service charges.[/QUOTE]
The Merc one is the one I use. I didn't know they had a regular service. For me it doesn't matter, as I said work pays the money back no questions asked, but handy to know they have a regular service.
With the regular service do you have to go to the counter that is outside that first large hall, just near the exit doors or can you still get it at the premium counter?
[QUOTE=Retired Army]That is correct. AOT prohibits the taxis from picking up passengers anywhere but the Taxi Kiosk. That's where all the taxis are lined up and people are waiting in line. Doesn't take very long as it moves pretty fast. AOT charges 50 baht for each taxi, that's why you have to pay the 50 Baht to the driver.
A lot of times you can go up to the departure level and grab a taxi there, therefore saving 50 Baht. Drivers are happy to do it, but the parking police gets after them and sometimes fines them.
[/QUOTE]
Since I'm based in BKK, I travel in and out quite often - sometimes multiple times per week... before I knew better, I'd stand in the queue 15-20 minutes on a bad day. Now I go upstairs to catch a taxi, save time and money and the best part is I can pick the one I want. It's suprising to me how raunchy some of the ones in the queue are.
I often see a number of taxis hanging out upstairs, but have never seen them hassled - In fact, when I returned yesterday afternoon, one of parking police noticed me walking out with my luggage and stopped a taxi and pointed to me to get picked up. :)
-Y
The last time I traveled to Thailand was 1993. Then you had to make clear with the bar girl that you wanted BJ. Not all girls provided this service. You had to point to your pants and ask “do you smoke?” Is this still the case? Or do the girls automatically know what is expected?
I always ask because it can be a deal breaker for me if they don't. It's better to ask ahead of time, than be disappointed back in the room. Sometimes refusal can be a sign of a bad attitude - a starfish in bed, complaining etc.. In my experience, the better looking they are, (hot GoGo girls), the more resistance to doing it. Beer bar girls are the best bet for this - IMHO.
[QUOTE=Love Seeker]The last time I traveled to Thailand was 1993. Then you had to make clear with the bar girl that you wanted BJ. Not all girls provided this service. You had to point to your pants and ask “do you smoke?” Is this still the case? Or do the girls automatically know what is expected?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Yi Ren]
I often see a number of taxis hanging out upstairs, but have never seen them hassled - In fact, when I returned yesterday afternoon, one of parking police noticed me walking out with my luggage and stopped a taxi and pointed to me to get picked up. :)
-Y[/QUOTE]
Did you also notice that the driver probably gave the parking police a small token of his appreciation?
My work travel strategy is to 'cheap' the short-term stuff and stock-up on the long term things that matter. Those of you on european-type expense accounts need not read further.
The main point is the 1500B limo from the airport. That's about 30min after at least 18hrs of flying. Take your savings there. If you take a cab leaving from departures (take the elevator at the end of baggage claim), you have no wait at all and it's ~180 to Suk. And, you will ALWAYS have this cab alone. So, take that saved baht and get a one-star upgrade on your hotel on a short trip. See how easy that is for a very short transport time?
Although I always travel on business, I shop hard for cheap airfairs through consolidators. Since I do much of my work in the rented service-apartment, this really pays off by booking something better on a 5-10 day stay. Overall, it's much better to scrimp on the 'short-term' things rather than your room.
SB
[QUOTE=Josephedward]Thank you for the suggestions Retired Army.
Why concern over the Eden club though. It sounds exciting. Are there concerns about getting ripped off there. Or are the girls just way too aggressive. If you are going to enjoy 2 ladies at the same time they better be aggressive. Just the first time I have heard any concern over the place.[/QUOTE]
If you are familiar with shanghai, then Bangkok will not be too much to handle. To the best of my knowledge Eden is as legit as you can find (a lot more safe and less of a rip off then most places in shanghai) so i would suggest you will have no trouble enjoying it. The girls are also very aggressive and i would suggest trying the nazi option (you need to pre-order it) having two thai girls dressed up in waffen SS unforms while they place latex products in strategic locations is rather unusual to say the least. (I am not sure if this is still on offer, so you may need to ask).
However i must admit Retired Army's comments have a strong lining of truth and experience. Often you need to work your way upto the more bizarre forms of entertainment in Bangkok, otherwise you simply will not appreciate it.
A good example was of this is one particular service my Bangkok based mate keeps on trying to get me to try, the old ram your old fellow up the girls throat until she gags and covers it with gastric juices, the burning sensation is suppose to be quiet a thrill – however i am a boring old Beijing boy and not use to such perversions – so i know i would not enjoy it (and have refused to partake.)
On the other hand if i live in Bangkok for more than 5 years, like my mate, who knows what strange things would happen to my mind. I think its best if i stay in Beijing.
[QUOTE=Josephedward]
I am however coming up short on finding maps that describe the area with as many of the suggested locations listed. I've pieced some of it together, but am still not feeling all so confident with what I have.
[/QUOTE]
The hotels will provide you with maps, the best ones are in a magazine called after dark. However for folks new to Bangkok i would suggest using the above-ground railway. If your hotel is close to a railway station the key stations are Nana, Asok and Saladaeng. They will take you to the basic 3 farang entertainment spots.
1. For nana exit out of the West/South Exit and walk past the JW Marriot and take the 1st to your left, 20m down on the left you will find nana.
2. For Asok exit out of the North/East exit (follow the signs to Sukhumvit Station), go down the escalator to ground level and then take the escalator down into Sukhumvit station walk to the other side and take the 2 half escalators up (you will end up facing Asok station when you exit). Turn right and take the first to your right and you will find soi cowbow.
3. For Saladaeng take the North/West exit, keep facing the same way and after 30m you can turn right into patpong.
For other locations you will need to do some extra investigation.
[QUOTE=The Traveler]Retired Army,
You might be right, all I can say is, that all my Thai friends only refer to Ratchadaphisek as Ratchada, but Ratchadamri, Ratchadamnoen, Ratchadamnoen Nai, Ratchadamnoen Nok, Ratchadaphisek in Thonburi (yes, extensions of Rama III at both ends have the same name) and others are always referred to with their complete name. All taxi drivers - I just stayed at the Grand Hotel opposite Poseidon - new immidiately which street I was talking about.
Anyway, it's unimportant. Yes you were right, I meant Ratchadaphisek. [/QUOTE]I'm with Coma Boy and the Traveler on this one. Retired Army maybe just getting a bit too technical.
I speak Thai and know that Ratcha- prefix (without the da) means "of the King" or "Royal" Ratchada is a generally accepted loose abbreviation for the district ajoining this road (Ratchadaphisek) around the mentioned district HuayKhwang/Suttisarn and possibly up to LatPhrao road (not precisely sure of bounds) although abbrev not appearing on all maps.
Thai roads seem to have multiple names in some places and change name from district to district, e. G. Soi Asoke is also known as Asoke Road and as Ratchadaphisek Road.
Ratchadaphisek Road almost completes a full loop around Bangkok but has name changes in certain districts. E. G. "Soi Asoke" between Sukhumwit and Phetchburi Tat Mai, also Rama III, Maha Sawan, also joins to Wong Sawang and CHaroen Sanit Wong roads as part of the loop, and crosses Rama VII and Rama III bridges in the loop.
Attemping to include map snapshot with "Buses" marking the loop circuit.
[QUOTE=Yi Ren]Since I'm based in BKK, I travel in and out quite often - sometimes multiple times per week... before I knew better, I'd stand in the queue 15-20 minutes on a bad day. Now I go upstairs to catch a taxi, save time and money and the best part is I can pick the one I want. It's suprising to me how raunchy some of the ones in the queue are.
I often see a number of taxis hanging out upstairs, but have never seen them hassled - In fact, when I returned yesterday afternoon, one of parking police noticed me walking out with my luggage and stopped a taxi and pointed to me to get picked up. :)
-Y[/QUOTE]Ofcourse the parking 'police' staff will help you get in a taxi on departure level because the taxi driver pays them 20 THB when they pick up pax!