Bangkok to Surin by taxi

[Guest]

Hi,
In September I have to go to Surin/Prasat exactly from BKK and I took a cab in May out there but my gf arranged it and with my Thai speak ability not there at all, can anyone suggest a service? I paid 2400 baht in May but I don't have the number any longer and I contacted Mr. Toom and he wants 5500 baht....I laughed at his email and quote.
Any info is very much appreciated,
Nhscotsman

[mardhi]

I think if it was me, I'd arrange at the transport desk of the hotel your staying at in BKK. No idea of the price but I could understand Mr Toom being so expensive as his driver would have to come up from Pattaya into BKK and then onwards to Surin (I am assuming he does not have a BKK based team of drivers).

Cheers
Mardhi

[jadeite]

A taxi would be the last way I'd choose to go to Surin and I've been there. Trip of that distance (7 hours or so) just makes no sense in a taxi. Take an airconditioned bus for 240 baht (10x cheaper). Or fly to buriram for 1500 which is also cheaper. They can meet you at the bus station/airport at their end.

[Guest]

(jadeite @ Jul. 21 2007,18:19) A taxi would be the last way I'd choose to go to Surin and I've been there. Trip of that distance (7 hours or so) just makes no sense in a taxi. Take an airconditioned bus for 240 baht (10x cheaper). Or fly to buriram for 1500 which is also cheaper. They can meet you at the bus station/airport at their end.

I have taken the bus and it's pretty decent and CHEAP too and the cab ride in May was great too and also half the time, it was like 4 hours instead of the buses 8 hour ride. My initial thought is that when I posted info about getting a taxi in Surin, all there is are tuk tuks and an occasional motorbike for rent. Now, on my way I want to stop somewhere in Surin and buy a TV (21"/29") for my GF's family and bring it with me to the house. I also need to by a toaster too, but that's another whole story...haha
So someone suggested I contact the Farang Connection in Surin and he quotes me around 1000-1200 baht from Surin to my GF's house outside of Prasat, it's maybe 40 minutes at the most from Surin. He's a really cool guy and he doesn't run a taxi service, but I thought it was still high for such a short amount of time, but it is Surin too. So after thinking this over, I thought...."Why not just rent another cab ffrom BKK again?" and then Mr. Toom quoted me the high price, but then again, he is more BKK-Pattaya based, not Surin. If he sends the car to Surin, he is probably thinking he has to make it worth his wild in case he has to come back empty.
So you can see, I'm just thrashing this all around in my head...haha. I just have visions of getting to the market area in Prasat, climb off the bus with a 29" flat screen and try to hail a cab......lol.
As always.....you guys and ladies always come through in the end........THANKS!
Nhscotsman

PS....I was looking at this thread and thought, this is a boring subject, it needs a picture....so who best to add but the adorable Joy and the equally cute Pear....haha

[jadeite]

Ok, cool. Another thing is I think a pickup can be rented for a day in Surin for 700 baht. Or even look to rent a car for a few days from Bangkok. One other thing is taxis actually list fixed prices of going to places like Surin--look for this price list or ask to see it the next time you are in any taxi, but I think it might be even more expensive than the quote you got. Just some more random thoughts!

[Ladyboy_Loser!]

I live in Surin and I know what you are going through. I have used taxies, limo services, car rentals, the bus and the train all trying to get back and fourth. Avoid the Taxies and Limo services, way too expensive, never under 5000 Baht. The Farang Connection pickup service is also not your best option, way overpriced. If possible do as I learned to do and just rent a car in Bangkok and drive yourself. An easy 5 hour trip with a pit stop for food,gas and a toilet break. Car rentals are very cheap, I booked a Honda City or Totota Yaris for just under 1000 Baht per day. The overnight train in a first class sleeper car is another possibility, you leave BKK at 8:30 at night and arrive in Surin at 4:30 in the morning. The V.I.P. buses are good also but they run only at night, the normal bus service is fine and have a much more flexible schedule. Once in Surin if you still need a car then the Farang Connection is fine for a rental. You will have to pay a heafty deposit upfront though and it's cash only. Also, your bill at the end is payable only in cash. He does have compact cars, an SUV and I belive he still has a pickup. I am going to be in Bangkok on September 4th and 5th and my wife will be driving back to our home on the 5th after she drops me off at the Airport, so if you are here then maybe something can be worked out as the trip back to Surin goes right through Prasat.
Let me know if I can be of more assistance.

[lbcrazy]

(PogueMahone @ Jul. 25 2007,00:59) I live in Surin and I know what you are going through. I have used taxies, limo services, car rentals, the bus and the train all trying to get back and fourth. Avoid the Taxies and Limo services, way too expensive, never under 5000 Baht. The Farang Connection pickup service is also not your best option, way overpriced. If possible do as I learned to do and just rent a car in Bangkok and drive yourself. An easy 5 hour trip with a pit stop for food,gas and a toilet break. Car rentals are very cheap, I booked a Honda City or Totota Yaris for just under 1000 Baht per day. The overnight train in a first class sleeper car is another possibility, you leave BKK at 8:30 at night and arrive in Surin at 4:30 in the morning. The V.I.P. buses are good also but they run only at night, the normal bus service is fine and have a much more flexible schedule. Once in Surin if you still need a car then the Farang Connection is fine for a rental. You will have to pay a heafty deposit upfront though and it's cash only. Also, your bill at the end is payable only in cash. He does have compact cars, an SUV and I belive he still has a pickup. I am going to be in Bangkok on September 4th and 5th and my wife will be driving back to our home on the 5th after she drops me off at the Airport, so if you are here then maybe something can be worked out as the trip back to Surin goes right through Prasat.
Let me know if I can be of more assistance.

I've done overnight train (for my wedding), 'vip' bus and hire-car. I think I would classify them in that order, you can sleep real well on the sleeper train but the overnight bus is bumpy and you don't get a proper recline (not so good for back problems).