Van to Bangkok

[Trvlr 50]

Some years ago there used to be vans that would provide transport from hotel/condo to same between Bangkok and Pattaya. Plus luggage.

Has anyone used one of them recently? I will appreciate an address where I can visit to make enquiries or a booking.

And what did it cost?

 

Edit: I should clarify that I am talking about shared vans, not renting the whole thing.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Trvlr

[rightsaid 44]

The only one that I'm aware of was the Dynasty group providing transport between it's hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya. Whether that's still available? I'm not sure. If you go to their web site you should get your answer.

[Trvlr 50]

There is still one operating, and it can be quite agreeable. In my case the company suffered a mishap, so there was a hitch, but it turned out okay in the end.

First the modus operandi, then I will explain the hitch.

The van is operated by a company called EBC, and leaves Pattaya twice a day - noon and 5 p.m. I had chosen to stay in a godforsaken location in Jomtien to which the Bell bus vans did not journey.

They pick up an hour to half hour before departure. After some more pickups, we first went to Suvarnabhumi, and then I was dropped off at my hotel on Sukhumvit 13. In my case the total time was some three and half hours, the extra time was because they picked me up an hour earlier. It cost 500 baht, compared to Mr Toom's price of 1700 for a car. I booked it through an agent on Soi 11, which connects 2nd Road to Soi Buakhow. The driver kept to a sensible speed and the journey was comfortable.

 

I had booked a noon departure, but the van was in an accident I was told. No one was hurt, but they could not do the noon run. They offered to pick me up and take me to the Bell bus, but I preferred to change the time to 5 p.m.

[Patna 3,802]

Why not just use the Bell bus? I used them go to the airport about a week ago, they picked me up at my door and only cost me 250 baht all. I understand they do BKK delivery at your location of convenience.

[steamer 158]

I've used it a couple of times. I just inquired at a taxi booth in Pattaya and again at a travel agents in BKK. If you are one of the first to be picked up and one on the last to be dropped off the ride is really rather long. Not good if you're crammed in with those from the continent that haven't yet heard of soap like I was.

[Trvlr 50]

Why not just use the Bell bus? I used them go to the airport about a week ago, they picked me up at my door and only cost me 250 baht all. I understand they do BKK delivery at your location of convenience.

 

I like using the Bell bus to the airport. They maintain a safe speed and the size gives me a sense of security (maybe false!).

 

In this case I was going to Bangkok. And - you may have missed it above - the place I was staying is not on Bell's list of pickup places. Taking Bell would have meant getting a taxi to a place where Bell would pick me up. Then transferring at the bus station from the van. And then again in Bangkok transferring to a van to be dropped off at the hotel. Not something I want to go through - I would have rented a car instead.

 

A van that takes me door to door for 500 baht is a no-brainer. Besides, Bell charges about 350 for Bangkok. Add the cost of the taxi and you are almost at 500 baht. Plus an extra hour or two, and a lot more hassle.

[teelack 9,640]

Seems that your problem is location. If it is difficult for you to get a Bells then any other suggestions that I have are just as useless. The last time I used Mr T (not Toom) BK/PTA it was 1000 baht so I wonder how far out in the sticks you are?

[Trvlr 50]

Thanks for the intent to help, but everything was resolved. Maybe read the thread again?

I posted the resolution to aid others in similar situations.

I was not that far out, but Bell only recognizes a specific list of locations - not every building in Pattaya.