Ask us about visiting Phuket, Thailand
#511
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 261
What's the issue with arriving at night? Our flight is schedule to arrive at 01:30. Is reserving a car direct from the hotel a better alternative? Thanks
#512
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,634
No need to order a car from the hotel to pick you up. Upon arrival, book a car transfer at the counter for airport minibus and limousine services (you will find the counter in the arrivals hall when you exit the bagage area). Fixed (but inflated) fares ranging from 600 -1,200 B depending on your destination. I believe Patong is 800 Bath and Karon/Kata is 1,000-1,200
There will most likely be no public taxi available at that hour (and the saving is not much anyway)
There will most likely be no public taxi available at that hour (and the saving is not much anyway)
#513
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
After midnight (or a little before) many drivers have gone home for the night. At this point, the cars can ask as much as they want... and they DO. I know of people who were charged 1500THB to get a ride to Patong "after hours". I have fought to get a ride, and have settled with 850 to Patong. Their response was "You have to pay this price, or wait until 6:30 in the morning.
After peak periods where all cars have been taken there can be quite a long queue before any cars come back. This will happen in high season after a few 747's land.... beware if you're on the flight AFTER these ones land. A round trip to many areas and back can take a driver 2 hours.
No need to order a car from the hotel to pick you up. Upon arrival, book a car transfer at the counter for airport minibus and limousine services (you will find the counter in the arrivals hall when you exit the bagage area). Fixed (but inflated) fares ranging from 600 -1,200 B depending on your destination. I believe Patong is 800 Bath and Karon/Kata is 1,000-1,200
There will most likely be no public taxi available at that hour (and the saving is not much anyway)
There will most likely be no public taxi available at that hour (and the saving is not much anyway)
I HATE waiting an hour for a cab. I also HATE being overcharged by 50%.
#514
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
Just curious if anyone could provide any reports from on the ground out there. CNN/BBC report was getting some good airtime here this week, showing photos of vastly cleaned up beaches and en masse shutdowns of illegal development. And the operations against the taxi folks seem to have stuck. Looks all positive in my book - just curious if anyone who is actually there has anything of interest to add. I trust the words of a Flyertalker over mainstream news sources any day!
Headed that way for the first time at the end of this year and between these actions and the much-covered slowdown in Russian tourism, I'm hoping it might be like a throwback to the old days!
Headed that way for the first time at the end of this year and between these actions and the much-covered slowdown in Russian tourism, I'm hoping it might be like a throwback to the old days!
There has been a definite attempt to change things. Beach chairs and other structures have been removed from the beaches. But who knows how long that will last. Taxi mafia have been charged in court. It's hard to say how that will play out. But, it hasn't changed the extortionate and protectionist policies such as prices, taxis claiming zones as theirs, threats of violence and or mob attacks, and claims of corrupt police closing their eyes to the repeated extortion of tourists by the same old crooks playing the same old games.
It's quite possible that change/progress can be made. But it'll take more than a few months of action. Most of us here have a wait and see attitude.
#515
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,634
So the airport minibus and limousine service counter will close around/after midnight and the "fixed" prices no longer apply? So you will have to negotiate directly with the same drivers that during the day time would have to use the fares set by the limousine counter/agency?
Sorry, for asking but I have only arrived in the day time and had no problems getting my desired transportation.
If true, I agree that asking the hotel to pick you up will be a safe and better choice. But it will not be cheap though...
Sorry, for asking but I have only arrived in the day time and had no problems getting my desired transportation.
If true, I agree that asking the hotel to pick you up will be a safe and better choice. But it will not be cheap though...
#516
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,761
I cannot comment in detail. Or, I mean I am not brave enough to.
There has been a definite attempt to change things. Beach chairs and other structures have been removed from the beaches. But who knows how long that will last. Taxi mafia have been charged in court. It's hard to say how that will play out. But, it hasn't changed the extortionate and protectionist policies such as prices, taxis claiming zones as theirs, threats of violence and or mob attacks, and claims of corrupt police closing their eyes to the repeated extortion of tourists by the same old crooks playing the same old games.
It's quite possible that change/progress can be made. But it'll take more than a few months of action. Most of us here have a wait and see attitude.
There has been a definite attempt to change things. Beach chairs and other structures have been removed from the beaches. But who knows how long that will last. Taxi mafia have been charged in court. It's hard to say how that will play out. But, it hasn't changed the extortionate and protectionist policies such as prices, taxis claiming zones as theirs, threats of violence and or mob attacks, and claims of corrupt police closing their eyes to the repeated extortion of tourists by the same old crooks playing the same old games.
It's quite possible that change/progress can be made. But it'll take more than a few months of action. Most of us here have a wait and see attitude.
#517
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
So the airport minibus and limousine service counter will close around/after midnight and the "fixed" prices no longer apply? So you will have to negotiate directly with the same drivers that during the day time would have to use the fares set by the limousine counter/agency?
If you're staying at one of the hundreds of cheap guesthouses, I'm sure they can arrange a taxi for not much than a normal airport car. It can't be that hard to book a car. I never fly in without a prebooked ride.
#518
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Marriott Titanium, National EE
Posts: 536
Rent a car or hire a driver in Phuket?
Visiting Phuket in Nov. and will be staying at the Westin Saray Bay. I originally planned to rent a car but I'm now considering whether that's a good choice. The issue is I have never driven on the left side and from what I've read, traffic laws aren't really followed in Thailand. Has anyone else driven in Thailand and had their first driving on the left experience?
Alternatively, I'm considering hiring a driver with car instead. Anyone has a good recommendation of an individual or company?
Alternatively, I'm considering hiring a driver with car instead. Anyone has a good recommendation of an individual or company?
#519
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,989
Visiting Phuket in Nov. and will be staying at the Westin Saray Bay. I originally planned to rent a car but I'm now considering whether that's a good choice. The issue is I have never driven on the left side and from what I've read, traffic laws aren't really followed in Thailand. Has anyone else driven in Thailand and had their first driving on the left experience?
Alternatively, I'm considering hiring a driver with car instead. Anyone has a good recommendation of an individual or company?
Alternatively, I'm considering hiring a driver with car instead. Anyone has a good recommendation of an individual or company?
My experience is that it is no worse than driving in any of the other countries in which I have driven. Additionally, I had no traffic or parking problems either.
I would recommend renting a car if the cost is not prohibitive for you but, of course, be careful and take the precautions you would typically take whenever renting a car.
#520
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,761
#521
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,989
#523
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Headed back to Phuket for the 2nd time in December - staying at the JW.
Hoping to see a little more Thailand and a little less pool. Any suggestions? Anything in that area is appreciated.
Thank you,
M59
Hoping to see a little more Thailand and a little less pool. Any suggestions? Anything in that area is appreciated.
Thank you,
M59
#524
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London, Copenhagen
Programs: SK*G, BA Gold, IHG Plat AMB
Posts: 969
I need a trasnfer from Patong Beach Holiday Inn, over to Phi Phi Holiday Inn, then in 3 days onwards to Ao Nang Beach, Krabi. Suggestions?
We are 2 adults and 2 children. Quickest option would be best, but it should also be cost effective. Thanks
We are 2 adults and 2 children. Quickest option would be best, but it should also be cost effective. Thanks