Job Discussion Forums

[AdamLorts]

So as the title reads, I got a job and am working in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. So I'm thinking about step by step how I'm going to go about from flying into BKK airport to stepping off the train to see my new co-workers. So far-

-Fly into BKK at 11pm,
-There is an express train leaving at 0800 from the Hua Lamphong station to Surat. I am meeting my group in Surat, going from there to NST is not a big concern and I don't know if I'll stay in Surat a few days until class starts.
-There are also later trains, though they are slower.

So can I get a ticket at 11pm for that next days train ride? If not, is it a good idea to get one online? I leave on monday so don't really have a chance to have anything mailed.

Also, what hotels would you recommend? Should I try to get a taxi or tuk-tuk from the airport to a hotel close to the train station or just go to a hotel close to the airport and go straight to the train station early in the morning? I will have all my stuff with me. I really think being close to the train station at a hotel would be preferable to limit any variance between the time i wake up and get to the station, but it's also late at night.

Thanks alot for anyone that has any advice/ideas I'm really excited.

Adam

[Pauleddy]

If you land at 23.00 you may not get out of the airport until 00.00 or worse.

The airport is far from the city centre, about 20km or more (I can't recall). At that time of night, if you are a newcomer, go to the official taxi rank which costs a dollar more but you have less probs. Don't listen to guys who offer you taxis etc. You won't get a Tuk-Tuk at the airport itself. They do short local journeys in the city, and they would give you a huge price if you could get one at the airport.

Check the internet for hotels both options. AFAIK, the hotels real near the airport are typical airport hotels and not cheap for Thailand.

If you get a cab, YOU will have to pay the 2 tolls to the city (normal) SO you will have to go to one of the airport cashpoints or bureaux. The fare will be about 250 or 300b, and the tolls about 80-100b. The official cab should put his meter on--ask him if not.

You will be tired, and you won't have much sleep if you need to get up early. Check online for the later train times. Trains here always take hours and hours.

I have never heard of anybody getting rail tickets on-line, but I believe that it is now possible if you do it 15 days ahead. This is Thailand, not Seattle. The Thai railway will certainly not mail you a ticket to Oregon!! Jeez. You are about to enter another world!

I am sure that somebody will correct me if I am mistaken and getting senile.

Tough choice, horrible times.

Eddy

[roguegrafix]

Eddie's advice is correct. If you want a good hotel at that time of night, then there is The Rex on Sukhumvit Soi 32/1. It's away from all the hot spots. Tel: 02-259-0106 through 15. It's about 1,200 baht per night -- not the cheapest but the rooms are clean and good: air-con, fridge, TV and hot water. It also has a swimming pool and a downstairs restaurant.

There is no need to book -- they always have rooms.

In the morning, get a taxi to the train station. They're cheap, reliable and in this weather, air-conditioned. Should not be more than 150 baht.

Good luck.

[AdamLorts]

Paul: The rail ticket online was surprising to me when I saw it, they supposedly queue for you and then can have the ticket couriered to you, (so the website reads) this for about twice the price and no guarantee, lolz to that I said after looking into it. I don't expect anything to run well or on time.

All:Thanks for the hotel advice. I found a really good rate on a flight that will only add $20 or so to the bottom line and save me about 4-5 hours. This means I'll just stay close to the airport, I looked at booking The Great Residence, airport pick up and drop off plus room for 700bt. 8 min away from the airport. I'm just happy i have a safe plan to get in and out of bangkok.