[govigov]

Originally Posted by Jebs

... best ways to reach Pattaya... Please suggest.

DMK is a very busy airport and the flights usually land around 4AM to 6 AM. Once you clear customs and immigration and reach the exit it is usually around 6:30 AM. From DMK, you can find lots of taxi drivers asking if you want to be dropped to Pattaya. They usually charge around 1600 THB for this. This is the fastest and easiest way to reach Pattaya. Travel time will be around 3 hours. You will be tired after the flight, so this will give you the option to catch up on some sleep as well.

Public transport to Pattaya will be available via buses from Ekkamai bus terminal next Ekkamai BTS. You can take the yellow A2 bus from DMK airport starting at around 7 AM to reach Mo Chit BTS. From Mo Chit BTS, you could take the Sukhumvit line to reach Ekkamai BTS from where you can reach Ekkamai Bus terminal. It is easy and simple. If you are taking the bus from Ekkamai, I would recommend you to stay one day in Bangkok and start the next day early morning to reach Pattaya the next day. You can use this day for local sightseeing in Bangkok. You can choose a hotel/hostel near the Sukhumvit BTS line to have easy accessibility to Ekkamai BTS.

Originally Posted by Jebs

... local SIM ...

From your departure airport after clearing immigration, you would be in the security hold area. This place usually has 'uniconnect' booths. You can pick up a local Thai sim from here for about 1800 Rs. It is valid for about a month and gives you sizeable high-speed data.

Another option is, after clearing the immigration at DMK, near the exit of the terminal from which you would be boarding your bus or taxi, you can at least 2 shops which would say thai tourist sim. These will give you about 10 THB balance and about 4GB of high-speed data with a validity of a week for about 399 THB. You would need to use the high-speed data available to call home using WhatsApp / google duo or use the data for facetime.

[Jebs]

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

There are plenty of bus services to Pattaya and would be pocket friendly as well

Originally Posted by govigov

DMK is a very busy airport and the flights usually land around 4AM to 6 AM. Once you clear customs and immigration and reach the exit it is usually around 6:30 AM. From DMK, you can find lots of taxi drivers asking if you want to be dropped to Pattaya.
......

Thanks really a ton for the details! I'd be staying only 3 days in Pattayya/Thailand as it's a short trip. That's the reason I was thinking about to enable roaming pack in AirTel. My Hotel check-in time would be around 2 PM (as all hotels in BKK), So reaching the hotel early will make me to wait sometime in the lobby.

[Turbanator]

I was thinking about to enable roaming pack in AirTel.

works very well, no hassles of losing any incoming calls on Indian number. I regularly use while traveling to Europe/ US. Very competitively priced with plans for one day to a month.

[smrtdvl]

Hi all this April 2018 am travelling with my extended family to Thailand. Booked the tickets y'day. I'll be there for a period of 7 days. I'll be reaching Bangkok (DMK) airport early morn on Day 1 and depart late night on Day 7. Even though I've been to Malaysia thrice this is the first time am planning and preparing for a abroad trip all by myself so need your valuable inputs on the same.

I would love to visit a few kids centric places, beaches and a couple of temples. Not too much into shopping or night life. Depending upon the suggestions here I need to book flight tickets to either Phuket/krabi. What all are the places I shouldn't miss on this trip?

TIA

[Saanil]

Originally Posted by smrtdvl

I would love to visit a few kids centric places, beaches and a couple of temples. Not too much into shopping or night life. Depending upon the suggestions here I need to book flight tickets to either Phuket/krabi. What all are the places I shouldn't miss on this trip?

TIA

You need the appropriate places for Phuket/krabi or Bangkok. I just did a google search for places in Bangkok.

http://www.bangkok.com/kids.htm
https://mylittlenomads.com/bangkok-with-kids
https://thailand.tripcanvas.co/bangk...-do-with-kids/

Some of the suggestions might not be the best one but you can get an idea from here.

[nirmaljusdoit]

Originally Posted by Jebs

Thanks really a ton for the details! I'd be staying only 3 days in Pattayya/Thailand as it's a short trip. That's the reason I was thinking about to enable roaming pack in AirTel. My Hotel check-in time would be around 2 PM (as all hotels in BKK), So reaching the hotel early will make me to wait sometime in the lobby.

Be careful and read all terms and conditions before activating any international roaming. If you do, please reconfirm the plan is activated correctly before your departure. I had bad experiences both with Airtel as well as Vodafone and incurred huge bills. There is no proper redressal system as well to dispute the charges and you will end up getting stonewalled with the customer care. After the experience i find it cheaper to buy a sim locally and make calls .

[Jebs]

Originally Posted by nirmaljusdoit

Be careful and read all terms and conditions before activating any international roaming. If you do, please reconfirm the plan is activated correctly before your departure. I had bad experiences both with Airtel as well as Vodafone and incurred huge bills. There is no proper redressal system as well to dispute the charges and you will end up getting stonewalled with the customer care. After the experience i find it cheaper to buy a sim locally and make calls .

Looks like I was one lucky person as I didn't get charged even for single penny extra. Roaming was really hassle free and did not face any single issues.

I was using the hotel wifi most of the time and used the 3GB data only on demand. Extensively received incoming calls and very few outgoing calls as well. Overall, It was a peace of mind considering that no SIM change or new SIM activation or handling incoming calls from home.

[SoumenD]

Need some info regarding planning a trip to Krabi & Phuket. Was checking for flight tickets and kinda liked this option.



However I have a doubt. During onward journey , will I have to complete immigration formalities in Bangkok, collect my baggage and re-chekin for Karabi flight? Or the immigration would happen at Krabi itself? In former case 2 hour layover seems a little tight. But if its the latter, nothing to worry. Can someone throw some light?

Secondly, is it advisable to go there(Krabi) directly by air or better option would be getting out in Bangkok and hiring a car for Krabi?

Third, is it OK to carry money via travel-card(hdfc/icici) or carrying cash is recommended? As in how are the ATM transactions charges for these travel cards there? In Europe travel card transaction charges were nil but in Australia they charged $2 AUD per transaction. Some tips would be helpful.

And is it recommended to go through package deals on MMT/Yatra or planning ourselves is better? I have 3-4 months for planning.

Not comfortable with Scoot/Air-Asia & malaysian airlines(bad experience) so looking for Thai Air or Singapore airlines preferably. How good/bad is Thai airways compared to malaysian?

TIA

[govigov]

Originally Posted by SoumenD

However I have a doubt. During onward journey , will I have to complete immigration formalities in Bangkok, collect my baggage and re-chekin for Karabi flight? Or the immigration would happen at Krabi itself? In former case 2 hour layover seems a little tight. But if its the latter, nothing to worry. Can someone throw some light?

In all likeliness, you would have to clear immigration at the first port of entry. So, you would need to get your visa stamped, collect luggage and then board the next flight. It is much faster if you get your visa from Bangalore itself, as you would just need to fill the Arrival/Departure card and go in to get your visa. The VOA counter is little further away and always crowded. Expect up to an hour to get your visa stamped.

Secondly, is it advisable to go there(Krabi) directly by air or better option would be getting out in Bangkok and hiring a car for Krabi?

Definitely, stick to air. The road journey is too long and you will lose at least two days in travel. Cab/Taxi for 800 kms may end up being costlier for smaller group size. Plus, the tiredness, the food and fuel stops. It is better overall to stick to air would be my suggestion. You can always self-drive by booking a car via hertzthailand. That may end up being fun.

Third, is it OK to carry money via travel-card(hdfc/icici) or carrying cash is recommended? As in how are the ATM transactions charges for these travel cards there? In Europe travel card transaction charges were nil but in Australia they charged $2 AUD per transaction. Some tips would be helpful.

If you are on VOA, you would need to show the cash to the agent. There is no way out. Overall, instead of a travel card, using your international credit card is hassle-free. Use travel card to lock in good forex rates. The withdrawal charges are about 2USD per transaction.

And is it recommended to go through package deals on MMT/Yatra or planning ourselves is better? I have 3-4 months for planning.

Never tried via MMT. But, when you are at the hotel, they have many packages for day trips to many nearby touristy places. This is a standard affair for most of the tourist hotels. If you just use google street view you can see many such places.

If you want to skip Bangkok, then there are direct flights to Krabi via Singapore (twice daily, scoot & thai-AirAsia) or via KL (thrice daily, AirAsia).

You can also make it in such a way, wherein you enter Thailand through Krabi, using KL or SIN, then make an onwards journey to Bangkok, then exit via Bangkok to Bangalore. Instead of making your entry and exit airport the same, you can make them separate.

So many options. Planning a trip is fun. Enjoy!

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by SoumenD

However I have a doubt. During onward journey , will I have to complete immigration formalities in Bangkok, collect my baggage and re-chekin for Karabi flight? Or the immigration would happen at Krabi itself? In former case 2 hour layover seems a little tight. But if its the latter, nothing to worry. Can someone throw some light?

Because you are flying Thai Airways, the immigration clearance should be in Phuket; your baggage will get directly transferred to the onward flight to Krabi.

Originally Posted by SoumenD

Secondly, is it advisable to go there(Krabi) directly by air or better option would be getting out in Bangkok and hiring a car for Krabi?

Stick to the flight option unless you want to plan two days (round trip to Bangkok) by road.

Originally Posted by SoumenD

And is it recommended to go through package deals on MMT/Yatra or planning ourselves is better? I have 3-4 months for planning.

I would suggest avoiding package deals; Bangkok/Krabi is pretty easy to go around by yourself.

Originally Posted by SoumenD

Not comfortable with Scoot/Air-Asia & malaysian airlines(bad experience) so looking for Thai Air or Singapore airlines preferably. How good/bad is Thai airways compared to malaysian?

Thai Airways is almost as good as Singapore Airlines. Service is immaculate, but if you have food restrictions specify your preferred meal while booking.

As a separate option, you can try Scoot if the fare difference is substantial. For short-haul flights it’s pretty much alright; just that you may have to do a check-out/check-in routine in Singapore.

[ajmat]

Adding to VB-San's post. Ideally, book your accomodation from Bangalore. Do not take taxi drivers recommendations for tours etc. The hotel normally has good deals. Most prices are the same.

Do not buy T-shirts, knick-knacks in Krabi as the prices are sky-high compared to Bangkok.

Krabi consists of one main street which is walkable but there are small rickshaws that work on a per/person rate

[Saanil]

As far as I remember, the immigration/visa process will happen in Bangkok itself. The luggage will directly be transferred to Phuket/Krabi. As soon as you get down at Bangkok, the airline officials will escort you to the visa counter to get the formalities done and make sure you board the flight to Krabi/Phuket. I would also recommend you to take a flight to Phuket/Krabi.

I suggest to do the planning yourself rather than take packages from travel websites. There is a lot of information on internet and you can easily short list many things to do in Thailand. One tip: Bargain hard especially for day trips. They may start with THB2000 but do come down to THB1200/1400 if you bargain.

[2500cc]

Originally Posted by SoumenD

Need some info regarding planning a trip to Krabi & Phuket. Was checking for flight tickets and kinda liked this option.

Attachment 1733496

However I have a doubt. During onward journey , will I have to complete immigration formalities in Bangkok, collect my baggage and re-chekin for Karabi flight? Or the immigration would happen at Krabi itself? In former case 2 hour layover seems a little tight. But if its the latter, nothing to worry. Can someone throw some light?

You have to complete the immigration formalities (VoA) at BKK itself. The ground staff would assist you. The luggage can be checked-in through Krabi from Bangalore. 2 Hours is decent time. If you think it is getting delayed, let the VoA officers know you have connecting flight.

Secondly, is it advisable to go there(Krabi) directly by air or better option would be getting out in Bangkok and hiring a car for Krabi?

If you are on relaxing vacation, Fly directly to Krabi. If you are looking for some adventure, you can drive down, its fun. SSTraveller has done some roadtrips in Thailand though not to Krabi. You can check his experiences here and here

Third, is it OK to carry money via travel-card(hdfc/icici) or carrying cash is recommended? As in how are the ATM transactions charges for these travel cards there? In Europe travel card transaction charges were nil but in Australia they charged $2 AUD per transaction. Some tips would be helpful.

I would recommend carrying cash and use the cards only in case of emergency. The VoA requires you to pay in THB and the exchange rates in airport are expensive. You can get some good deals on forex in Bangalore.

And is it recommended to go through package deals on MMT/Yatra or planning ourselves is better? I have 3-4 months for planning.

I would say, avoid the package deals, book the hotels directly, you'lll get great deals and better upgrades when booked through the hotel portals.

Not comfortable with Scoot/Air-Asia & malaysian airlines(bad experience) so looking for Thai Air or Singapore airlines preferably. How good/bad is Thai airways compared to malaysian?

Thai is really good compared with others you have mentioned, but as someone mentioned, pre-book the meal of your choice.

TIA

Have a safe trip, PM me if you need any more information about Thai

[SoumenD]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Really helped. Last couple of days I have been browsing a lot regarding this and now have a bit clearer picture and last few doubts

1. I have decided to stick to my second favorite Singapore Airlines(Emirates being my favorite). Having used their service atleast 5-6 times during my 2 year stint in Australia I know the Changi airport like back of my palm. Had used Malaysian and Cathay Pacific as well, while Cathay is Okay-ish(Hongkong airport was boring), Malaysian was horrible. Couple of other interesting things like $40 SGD duty-free coupons if you have return flights on Singapore airlines and the 2 hour free city tour make up for the extra few grands . So that's sorted. Immigration check-in at Phuket and check-out from Krabi. 5 nights 6 days. We can do check-in and check-out from different cities in same country right?

2. About hotel, Yes I checked options online and am planning to do the hotel bookings myself as its coming way cheaper than what these package deals cost. However one thing which I found easier through package deals is bookings for the tours (phi phi island, 4 islands, fantaSea show etc) directly done by paying in INR. But if I try to book these tours myself the payment option is in THB so am not sure how to do it. Reason I am planning to pre-book the tours is I dont want last minute surprises(like no seat left and all). Can someone throw some light on this point?

3. And how much cash is sufficient for VOA formalities, as in they would need to see if we have sufficient funds? Are we allowed to carry 10-15k baht from India in cash? In all my international travels till now never needed to do this as I used to have Traveller's card from office or used to have account in the destination country(so relevant debit card). So some information on the same would help?

Thanks again for all the great info/suggestions. Really appreciate it.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by SoumenD

1. I have decided to stick to my second favorite Singapore Airlines(Emirates being my favorite). Having used their service atleast 5-6 times during my 2 year stint in Australia I know the Changi airport like back of my palm. Had used Malaysian and Cathay Pacific as well, while Cathay is Okay-ish(Hongkong airport was boring), Malaysian was horrible. Couple of other interesting things like $40 SGD duty-free coupons if you have return flights on Singapore airlines and the 2 hour free city tour make up for the extra few grands . So that's sorted. Immigration check-in at Phuket and check-out from Krabi. 5 nights 6 days. We can do check-in and check-out from different cities in same country right?

I assume this will be a mix of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Scoot. From what I remember, your BLR-SIN-BLR route will be SIA, SIN-Phuket will be SilkAir and Krabi-SIN must be Scoot.

Originally Posted by SoumenD

3. And how much cash is sufficient for VOA formalities, as in they would need to see if we have sufficient funds? Are we allowed to carry 10-15k baht from India in cash? In all my international travels till now never needed to do this as I used to have Traveller's card from office or used to have account in the destination country(so relevant debit card). So some information on the same would help?

When I travelled last time VOA was 2000 THB per person. Carrying 10-15K THB in hand is not an issue, infact its better that way.