Korean Job Discussion Forums

ajstew · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Location: Korea

I'm sure a number of you have gone to Bangkok and then have gone to Phuket... more specifically Patong, and I'm curious what method of transportation (route) did you (have to) take... and which ones you would recommend? I don't really care how long it takes, so if you took some round about way and don't mind sharing your experience, please let me know. Any idea how easy it is to fly would be appreciated too. Thanks everyone.

davai! · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Location: Kuwait

If you do decide to take the bus (DON'T!) make sure to ask the other travellers what they paid for the tickets, cuz they will try to inflate the price, smiling all the way...

The train was cool, because you can get a sleeper berth. However, you will have to transfer in Surat Thani all the way across town to the bus station, where you have no choice but to take a bus/minivan down to Patong. Either way it is about 10 hours or so.

Halfway down was a cool place called Hua Hin. If you go, do it before Patong, so you don't get disappointed by the lesser beach that they have.

good luck!

You can also fly.

kangnam mafioso · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: Teheranno

the best thing to do is spend a couple of days in bangkok. i would recommend the nana plaza area or koh san road. nana is much closer to the airport. there are many travel shops located along the main streets in both areas. they can arrange everything for you ... bus, train or plane. you might compare prices at a couple of them and choose the best. i've taken the sleeper train down to surat thani and flown from bangkok to koh samui (about $75 for a one way). the train is obviously much cheaper, but takes a lot of time. i believe it took us about 18 hours from bangkok to samui (includes waiting for the ferry in surat thani, etc). depending on your schedule/ budget, you might try both (take the train down and fly back).

ajstew · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Location: Korea

Thanks. You were both helpful.

Zark · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 5:15 pm Post subject:

Fly Thai Orient (1-2-Go) - the best of the budget airlines about W45,000 one way. You can book online and get an e-ticket. No need to mess with travel agents. http://www.fly12go.com/en/main.shtml

If you buy your bus tickets AT THE BUS STATION - you have no worries of scams or overpricing. I wouldn't recommend the bus as it is an overnight h*ll ride of blasting video and freezing A/C. When a plane ride costs only a little more . . . why not?

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Bangkok Airways flies between Bangkok and Phuket about every hour for somewhere around $60 each way. Unless you're a cheapskate, why would you want to punish yourself on a train or bus?

dulouz · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Uranus

I justify overnite buses by saying "you have to sleep somewhere, why not on a bus?"

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

In Thailand now the best option is to fly with all the discount airlines you can get a good fare and the time you save is worth it

Only expensive flight in Thailand is Bangkok to Samui because Bangkok Airways owns the airport and they won't let any competition in.

Getting to Patong from the airport usually involves a songthaew which may run you 50-100 baht

Question: Are you going now? That side of Thailand the weather stinks with the SW monsoon, go to the Gulf side, weather is much better

Patong Dong · Joined: 06 May 2003 Location: On Nut

You didn't mention your budgetary constraints, but if it is not a huge concern do yourself a favour and FLY! You'll be happy you did.

As for getting to Patong from the airport I have never seen a songthaew from the airport but if they do run be prepared, they are excruciatingly slow and the novelty wears off quickly. Metered taxis can be had, although you have to go to a designated section of the parking lot to get them due to ongoing concession issues. You can join in on the airport mini-vans that are around 120-150TB but make multiple stops. I always spring for the taxi service found outside arrivals at the aiport. You pay about 550 TB (Won, a bit over 20K) to go straight to your hotel/guesthouse.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

BKK to PUKET you fly. its the best and easiest way to do it..
1 hour flight, its great.. if you take the bus, or train it will take you something like 18hours! its real cheap too.. like 100 bucks return!
patong is the commercial beach in puket!
then to patong hotel taxi will pick you up...

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Tiger Airways goes from BKK to Phuket. I think its something like $35 one-way or something like that. Varies from day-to-day and flight to flight. Discount airline however.

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

Both AirAsia (airasia.com) and Tiger Airways (tigerairways.com) run discounted flights to Phuket. You will be hit up for a fee almost as much as your base airfare to transfer from the Phuket Airport to your hotel.

I have taken the train several times. You can get a clean, air conditioned sleeping compartment for around 20,000 won to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani you can take a modern air conditioned coach (they are standing waiting for the train to arrive) for about 7,000 won. It is a scenic ride. If it is your first time to Thailand it is a great way to travel and see the country side.

If you decide to take the train, let me know and I will post details on how to hook up with it.

Take care