Originally Posted by
CJKatl
Does it work the same way on the trip from Bangkok to Pattaya? I was going to take the bus that leaves near the Marriott. Can the transportation from the bus station to the hotel be arranged the same way?
I'm still debating whether to do this or if I want to fly to another country near Thailand for a couple days on a cheap AirAsia flight. Your thoughts there?
Yes you got it - works the same way on Bell Bus from Bangkok to Pattaya. Bus drops you off at station, after which you will be shepherded into one of the vans to your hotel.
If you take the bus to Pattaya from the Ekamai station near Marriott Sukh 57, then no, you can't take the van since the bus (Roong Rueang) is not Bell. However, I believe Bell does pick up from hotels in Bangkok - you have to contact them.
I've taken the bus from Ekamai many times - each time I just walk it from the Marriott - maybe 10-15 minutes. More frequent departures. At least once every hour, maybe even 2. Takes the same route as Bell - the Motorway. You then get a motorcycle taxi or cab at the bus station at Pattaya to your hotel around 100B-200B depending on where you are going. No meter, they'll quote you a fare.
As to options around the region - perhaps you might ask on the Bangkok forum