bkk v pattaya

[Guest]

I don't agree that the train to Pattaya is a poor option.  Yes there is only one train each way per day, so it requires some planning, but it is very cheap, less than one dollar US.  Southbound from Makasan Station (BKK) at 0700 arriving Pattaya at 1030, northbound from Pattaya at 1430 arriving Makasan at 1750.  Makasan is a short taxi ride from Soi Nana.

You can get up and walk around on the train, smoke in the vestibules if so inclined, and ogle the cute student babes between Bangkok and Changchangsao.  South of there maybe 6 or 7 passengers per car.  There is a vendor walking through the train selling beer, soda and fruit.  Lots of room to nap or just stretch out and read.  If you like Thailand you will travel through some backcountry that you would not usually see.

Once you arrive Pattaya there is a baht bus to take you to your hotel, 40 - 50 baht, more than the train fare.  You will arrive at your hotel when rooms are becoming available for check-in.  Conversely if arriving BKK you can be checked-in, cleaned up and out the door just as the bars are getting in to the swing of things.

In my mind it sure beats that crowded uncomfortably riding bus.  I use taxis too if I am in a hurry but if you have some time on your hands and would like a relaxing trip try out the train.  You might like it.

[donnnnnny]

(victorida @ Jun. 27 2006,04:14) I don't agree that the train to Pattaya is a poor option.  Yes there is only one train each way per day, so it requires some planning, but it is very cheap, less than one dollar US.  Southbound from Makasan Station (BKK) at 0700 arriving Pattaya at 1030, northbound from Pattaya at 1430 arriving Makasan at 1750.  Makasan is a short taxi ride from Soi Nana.

You can get up and walk around on the train, smoke in the vestibules if so inclined, and ogle the cute student babes between Bangkok and Changchangsao.  South of there maybe 6 or 7 passengers per car.  There is a vendor walking through the train selling beer, soda and fruit.  Lots of room to nap or just stretch out and read.  If you like Thailand you will travel through some backcountry that you would not usually see.

Once you arrive Pattaya there is a baht bus to take you to your hotel, 40 - 50 baht, more than the train fare.  You will arrive at your hotel when rooms are becoming available for check-in.  Conversely if arriving BKK you can be checked-in, cleaned up and out the door just as the bars are getting in to the swing of things.

In my mind it sure beats that crowded uncomfortably riding bus.  I use taxis too if I am in a hurry but if you have some time on your hands and would like a relaxing trip try out the train.  You might like it.

thanks excellent info cheers donnny the flash

[Randyman]

(celcius @ Jun. 26 2006,16:45)

(brocklanders @ Jun. 21 2006,02:38) I was hoping I could get Dao to try out for Linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Our linebackers are getting older and need some new blood.

at the very least she'll be able to teach your quarter back how to ride a fucking motorcycle

...I love a good one in the morning

RM

[mardhi]

(Mai-Kee @ Jun. 21 2006,07:07)

(JackG @ Jun. 21 2006,00:11) There are hotels as good or better than what is in BKK for half the price (not counting the 5 Stars hotel that are not friendly to overnight guests).

Geeeeeez!!!!! This is so not true, mate!!! I have no idea where you take that from, or even more, where you're normally staying in BKK?? I haven't found any comparable places to the President Solitaire or the Majestic Grand in Pattaya - and I know this shitty place for almost 20 years!
Pattaya is something for the stoned quickie on the garbage bins round the corner - but that 24x7 - for sure not a proper place for ANYTHING else! Still fun though if you're planning to get completely wasted so that you don't realize the cockroaches, rats and wtf else in the st rooms!

Amazing Pattaya!!!

MK

For the hotels you mention - your right - there is nothing comparable. It seems to be either very cheap or very expensive in Pattaya. And the very expensive stuff is very different style to these places you mentioned (ie aimed at European package tourists) and not whoremongers and businessman who seem to invent reasons to visit Bangkok purely for the evening gymnastics.

Joking aside, I remember when I lived in Singapore and travelled to Bangkok on 'business' I probably spent the equivalent of 60 nights here over 3 years and had the equivalent of about 6 hours worth of real business meetings that generated any business. All my mates are just the same - Bangkok as a business venue is a figment of everyones imagination but nobody wants to burst the bubble because they are all coming here for the same reasons....

Cheers
Mardhi

[SamplerDoc]

Would you guys say taking a side trip to Pattaya is a smart move if in LOS for first time and only going to be there 1 week.  Currently only planning on BKK.  Thanks for your thoughts.  

[katoeylover]

Stick to Bangkok for the first time unless you can get one of the local guys or meet up with boardmembers to show you around.