Secrets & Tips For Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) + Navigating Pattaya Bus Chaos
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- #pattaya #bankok #bangkokthailand
If you take a trip to Thailand and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), you will need to know this tips to make the most of your trip. Whether you're moving to Thailand or just here on holiday, these will help. I'll show you what to do, what not to do and even reveal the best kept secret at the airport.
Planes, trains and automobiles. Taking the Airport Rail Link or a taxi into Bangkok? I'll show you how. Taking the bus to Pattaya or Hua Hin? Yep, I'll show you how to do that too! Everything from exchanging money, to getting a SIM card and your transportation options is covered in this Thailand travel guide. This video will also eliminate ALL of the CONFUSION and chaos on the bus trip to Pattaya from the airport. Watch what really happens on the ride when you haven't seen this video.
The best way to support me and the channel is by hitting those like and subscribe buttons and watching the entire video. This helps RUclips know you like what you're seeing and they'll show it to more people. Thanks!
If you like, you can also
Buy Me a Coffee
www.buymeacoffee.com/retiring...
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission. I don't recommend these products and services because of the commission, I actually use them myself.
===========================
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
bit.ly/3LrIuRZ
Transfer Money from the U.S. to Thailand with Wise
bit.ly/3nBOAau
===========================
If you would like to contact me, you can email me at retiringtoasia@gmail.com
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Where to exchange money at BKK
01:52 Need a snack or drink?
02:20 BKK Airport via the Airport Rail Link
02:40 DON'T DO THIS AT THE AIRPORT
03:23 Bus Ticket to Pattaya or Hua Hin
04:38 Hidden Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Secret
06:08 How to take a taxi from BKK into Bangkok
06:45 Grab is now available at Thailand airports
07:32 eSIM for your phone
07:56 Eliminate Pattaya bus confusion
Were any of these new for you?
Yes. I've never seen one video this specific. Especially the location of the taxi's, Bolt, and other transport options.
I’ve never seen the street food area, thanks! Did notice signs when you entered prohibiting roller bags and bag trolleys, is there someplace to leave your bags?
@HiFiMRY Good spotting. You would have to leave them outside the food court. Little tough if you're alone.
@@RetiringToAsiagood information thank you from Scott new Zealand can't wait to retire in Thailand hopefully bang saray
@scottgreen3062 Bang Saray has been great so far. I'm enjoying it.
The moment you said "The best place to eat in the airport . . ." I knew excactly where you were going. :)
Lots of options and great prices, especially for an airport.
Fantastic. These are the types of videos no one makes. Showing, step by step, which website to book your ticket from, which bus to catch and which stop to get off on.
You legend.
Thanks so much
I always book my taxi in advance, driver waiting at gate 3 with my name up, easy straight forward, directly to hotel, more expensive yes, but so very convenient, I have never used the bus. A well presented and informative video, thnx.
Thank you
do you book it via your hotel?
@@regnorse No, but you can if you want to, but I found that hotel booking is always a few baht more expensive than direct, there are many taxi companies available, you can book online, I use Nams lady drivers....never let me down!
This is great info, thank you
My pleasure!
great content, super helpful - thanks
You're very welcome!
Thumbs up 👍 Michael
Now that was a well done video. Cheers
Thank you very much
Excellent. You identified the points of confusion and clarified them.
Thank you
Excellent video. I have subscribed to your channel.
Awesome, thank you!
Good info. I remember the first time I took the Bus to Pattaya. Many years ago. Looks like things haven't changed but have gotten better.
Great 👍 thanks
I hit your subscriber button as your video are excellent and information is excellent thank you from Scott new Zealand
Thank you
very good information.
Thank you
Dropping knowledge, and Spanish on us! Thanks for the info.
🤣
Thank you very very helpfull
Here's my tip for the bus. If you don't book online make sure you have small notes. I tried to pay with a 1000 baht note. They said they didn't have change. As mentioned the lines are long so it was frustrating to go and get change. Buy something at 7 11, get will break that 1000 baht note for you. Helpful for bus or Taxi. When you book your hotel online have them send you a copy of the reservation in Thai. Print or screenshot that as well. It can help the bus or Taxi driver to get you to the correct destination. Don't leave your valuables, money or passport in the bag underneath the bus. What if someone throws a heavy bag on top and breaks your electronics, or grabs the wrong bag entirely. The wrong bag thing happened to me once, but was in the USA. If you arrive late evening after the bus has ran it's last trip, Taxi is your only option the Pattaya. I use a taxi from Nam's taxi. Always clean, polite, safe lady drivers. The ladies don't seem to drive as aggressively like the male drivers, so it's relaxing. Hope this helps someone
Great tips. Thanks for adding them. 1000 baht notes are hard to use many places. I almost always hit 7-11 and buy something to break them.
@@RetiringToAsia I will definitely look into booking the bus online next time. That tip helps me. Another tip, this time about going home. Keep some of your Baht. You'll have a great time in Thailand and want to return. That way you can skip the money exchanges at the airport. If traveling to Pattaya. Don't worry tons of exchange booths. Just make sure the currency you bring with you has no rips ,tears or writing on them. The notes need to be pristine. If using US dollars 50's and 100's have a better exchange rate. Yellow TT currency booths have generally a slightly better exchange rate.
You forgot to mention BKK airport free wi-fi for i think 2 hours,.and the 2 entrances for passport immigration control, if first ones mega busy walk a few metres to the second entrance (usually quiter)
True, but I've found it isn't very good or reliable.
Seniors get to go through the Thai and flight crew lines, read the signs in English as you walk up the ramp to passport control (70?).
Love suvarnabhumi airport bangkok ❤❤❤❤
OMG this is fantastic, thank you, I’ve actually traveled around quite a bit but I’m still a nervous traveler, I hope you do this every year
Glad you found it useful.
i waited for it, and it was worth the wait! i would have fallen out of my chair! great vid.
I enjoyed the video
Awesome, thank you.
Lol, nice . I love how relaxed you look now ,i started following you when you were stressing in the US. Good Job
Life is Soooo much better now. Thanks for sticking with me.
new sub here,,have you compared and contrasted different Thai cities yet?
There's a map with all the stops at the ticket booth. Take a picture of it.
I never knew you could a sim card at 7/11 , cheers mate great information
You can do everything at 7-11 🤣
Many thanks god job !!!!
Glad it helped
You Got Mate. thanks indeed.
Glad to help
Good video, nice for the newbies. I’ve never got the bus to Pattaya, normally book a private vehicle to pick me up and drop me off at my hotel ( under $30 ) thanks for sharing, I’ll watch some of your other videos now 👍
Awesome thanks
30$ to pattaya?
Taxi driver at Suvarnabhumi tried to scam me. I got a ticket for the public taxi, walked over to the numbered spot, and the taxi driver took my ticket and kept it. We get into the car, and they always act like they don't know where your hotel is, but I was ready with a screenshot in Thai of the address. He tells me 600 baht for everything. I said no use the meter. He said 600 baht. Then when I said please give me back my ticket, he said ok..ok. you know everything. From BKK to Asok I paid about 500 baht including the 70 baht in tolls. So make sure to get your ticket back from the driver. You can report them using that ticket if they refuse to use meter I was told.
Thanks for watching
This was a wonderful video for newbies. I always take that Pattaya bus and eat at Magic Food Court. That bus takes your straight to Pattaya. Don't take the shuttle because it makes many dropoffs.
You are a legend. This is freaking amazing. I have a private car reserved (I suspect buses in Thailand are quite likely not accessible). The instructions I have received are to go to The second floor: Between gate 4 and gate 3 near the airport information counter. I will be completely exhausted and likely a bundle of anxiety.
You'll be fine. Enjoy!
did you book it thru your hotel?
Great video. I had an issue with exchanging older $100 bills in Thailand. Make sure you get new, crisp bills for exchange. I found the rates to be great at all Super Rich locations. I exchanged 2 or 3 times last fall. The food court on lower level is amazing, good selections and great prices. Planning my next trip for end of year. Maybe I'll run into you when in country!
Yes! I've done other videos that talk about what to bring, including NEW clean currency in large denominations. Thanks for watching.
I miss those days when you could up to the departure level & take a Taxi that had just dropped someone off
Yes I too recall that little bonus piece of knowledge. I think they started frowning upon that by about 2012.
Really great content. Get a map of the train system if you staying in Bangkok. The trains are above and below ground.
Great tip. Maybe another video for me.
the 7/11 was new to me. Good to know!
Thanks now. Wow automated exchange booths. I didn't know that.
You're welcome
10:02 You may have mentioned it but if not, Fast Track at Immigration is available for seniors(over 70). Can be very useful at busy times and for all passengers. I arrived last Friday and being 71yo.qualified and had no problem using Fast Track.
Good tip. I didn't mention it. Thanks.
Very sage advice regarding the purchase of SIM cards at the airport booths. I usually waited until I reached Pattaya and purchased from a 7/11 which was only about B150 several years ago. Also the SIM I bought from the airport wouldn't allow me to make international calls! Also for an extra B50 if you need the Soi Buakhao area get the Jomtien bus to offset the cost of a motorcycle taxi from the 1st stop at the beginning of Pattaya Klang. I think the street food food court is either a new edition or just wasn't open when I was there a year ago? I'm undecided whether to sell my house and retire to Thailand or The Philippines? I've spent a long time in both and I'm totally stumped, which I prefer🤔
I saw the first 13 seconds and have to say Suvarnabhumi Airport has been one the better airports in the world. From the time you leave your plane and pickup your belongings is pretty smooth (perhaps a little waiting in the pass control, but that is expected). The only chaos part is probably outside the airport when you need to get to your final destination by taxi or bus. all in all, I am pretty happy with this airport.
I hope you watched more than 13 seconds.
@@RetiringToAsia yeah, watched the whole thing. good tips, didn't know I could book the bus online.
Money exchanging in Thailand give you a good deal and rate which is different from one in Europe. If you've been there you know what I'm talking about
Hello everyone from Phuket Thailand 😊
Couple things. Just get your Sim card at the airport. The difference is $2 or $3. If you're that tight for cash you shouldn't be traveling internationally. As far as exchange the basement stalls are the same as in town. This has been confirmed by several vloggers including myself. You can not buy cigarettes at any of the 7/11s. But there is a quick mart outside and to the left on level 1. It is for workers but anyone can shop there. They have cigarettes.
All true but to have cash to pay for your bus, taxi or cigarettes you'll need to exchange some.
@RetiringToAsia my point is that the basement stalls are the same rate as in the city so just exchange as much as you want.
I have found that the SIM cards at the airport are the same as in the towns, in the past I have used AIS, D-tech and now True because they took over D-tech. Not sure what you mean about7/11 do you mean in the airport as they do sell in their shops in town.
@grahamjohnson4702 yes I mean neither of the 7's in the airport sell cigarettes.
Hey Michael, the 199 Baht 7/11 Sim Card is a eSim or physicalCard? What’s the name of App for booking Bus? Thanks
Physical for sure but I believe eSIM is available too.
That looks well quiet for Bkk airport
Thanks for doing God's work @14:45
When I 9 years ago took the bus to Pattaya I went to Jomtien Station. From there I took a normal 2 row bus to 2nd road/beach road. Think that cost me 20 bt from Jomtien to my hotel at beach road.
Great information, if you are coming to the USA and use T-Mobile as your carrier, T-Mobile is free call and text n need to change SIMM cards. Also new Iphone 15 and Samsung 24S do not have SIMM cards and the phones are locked you would need an older phone to install the SIMM card.
Hey Luis, thanks for watching. The new phones use eSIM instead of a physical SIM. Both can be purchased here in Thailand or an eSIM can be installed before arrival. I had T-mobile when I was in the US and found the international abilities they included in their price to be fantastic. If you come here on T-mobile you'll have no issues.
😊
The sim card deal you refer to outside the airport... is that a decent download speed with one of the main networks
Yes
You get what you pay for. Last year True were advertising unlimited 30-day data for 899 baht on their website. However, in the basement, we got them for 699 baht unlimited. 199 baht would for sure not be unlimited!
199 is 30gb
Why would you eat on arrival? surely you just want to be in a taxi and get to the hotel ASAP?
I wouldn't use it myself after just arriving, but it's still useful to know where to get cheap eats.
I went to the airport to meet a friend, but his flight was delayed. I had to hang out for almost three hours. I ended up going to Subway. I wasn't even hungry, I just wanted to kill some time. I wish I'd known about the food court.
That place would also come in handy if you've checked in early.
i would like to see a video where to buy a sim card next one
7-11 or any AIS, True service provider store.
Can you book at Grab at Airport on WiFi? (Does airport have WIFI} Good info thanks I also have a new appreciation for yellow pants
There is wifi
Do you know if there is any place in thee airport wheree i can keep my luggage for a few days until its time to return homee? Annd if its safe to keep if any?
I don't recall seeing it but I did a Google search and found this:
AIRPORTELs offers the most trustable and affordable services for luggage storage at Suvarnabhumi Airport and during your time in Thailand. Our primary services are Luggage Storage and Luggage Delivery.
At Suvarnabhumi Airport we are located on B Floor which is on the same floor as the Airport Rail Link to Bangkok city centre. For Luggage Storage, AIRPORTELs guarantees the best price at
Suvarnabhumi Airport.
If anyone else watching can confirm this is open, that would be very helpful.
@@RetiringToAsia Thanks so much sir, i was wondering that, annd anther thing, if i want to do some shoppingn and drop it off at the eairport luggage storage, do i need to like ringn passport ad boarding pass to enteeer eairport through rail link to drop it off or i can just easily enter airport drop my stuff at the service and go about my day?
nothing needed to get to railway, only to go to gates.
@@RetiringToAsia No i meant, to enterr airporrt annd drop my luggage, do i need to carry passport and tickeet to drop it off ?
i might add for the smokers/vapers after you buy your bus ticket if you go out exit 8 and turn to the left, you walk a minute or so, there is a smoking/vaping area outside.
Just keep in mind, raping is technically illegal and Thailand and they have been cracking down, especially at importation.
@@RetiringToAsia yep, i am well aware of that. also, i don't smoke or vape but mentioned it because there are those that do.
Thanks for watching and commenting. All good information for others.
Where to get drop from bus if need to go to Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya on beach road?
2nd stop, Pattaya Tai. Any stop is ok. Just get a Bolt, Grab or Taxi when you get off.
@@RetiringToAsia ok thanks. It means South Pattaya.
The currency exchange just before the train line have the best exchange rates, Get a true sim card from the airport 7/11, not from tourist sim booths
Lately the airport 7-11 is only stocking True Tourist SIM but definitely worth checking and asking.
The SIM cards from there are the same price as the street so no problem getting them there, I do it every trip.
What's the bus ticket prices for adults and children from Bangkok airport to Pattaya is it worth it to travel on bus for a family of 5 does it save any $$?
It's less than $5 US per person but I wouldn't recommend it for small children as the on board toilets are rarely open. It takes about 2 hours when there is average traffic. My last trip was 3 hours. A private van for 5 people would be about 2000 - 2500 baht depending on who you hire.
@@RetiringToAsia Thank you so much appreciate it 🤝
After getting to Thailand, are Thailand language classes difficult or expensive ?
Not expensive. watch my "6 Months" where I talk about my classes.
Both, and useless after 1 month of 1 on 1 tutorials 2 hours per day I was none the wiser
@@RetiringToAsia I always find it easier to navigate in a new city by learning the language or at least the basics.
✅ NEW SUBSCRIBER
Thank you!
You missed the best exchange rates at the airport. Go down to the train station on the level below the bus to Pattaya and walk to the furthest end of the airport away from the escalator. There is a whole bunch of exchange kiosks competing with each other and they are over the line of the airport property which makes them cheaper than any kiosk within the airport.
555 I think you missed part of the video.
@@RetiringToAsia No you didn't explain very well I got confused as well, and I know the system.
Yep, I didn't see you go there and I didn't see any coverage of the whole bunch of kiosks.
TAXI FASTER 💯 AND TAKE YOU RIGHT TO THE HOTEL 💵💰 COST MORE BUT EASYER
how much was it?
@@regnorse 1600 IN 2019. BUT WAS DOWN TO 1000.
@@vikingprepper9847 was that all the way to pattaya? even for 2000 its a hot deal
@@regnorse YES BANGKOK AIRPORT PATTAYA. BUT 5 YEARS AGO BUT STILL TAXI CHEP IN THAILAND
@@regnorse1200 BHT if you use Pattaya central , great service .
wifi in the airport is free for 1 hour so you dont need a sim card until you reach your destination.....
true but I've found it to be slow and spotty
If you have just spent 30 hours on a plane any sane person would jump in a $30 taxi🤣🤣
Not everyone who comes to Bangkok has long flights to get here. Thanks for watching and adding your opinion.
Those bus seat reservations don`t work when it`s busy. Firstly you have to queue with everyone else to get your small boarding ticket. And secondly they will sell out the bus you had reserved and you will be no better off then those that just turned up.
Never had that experience. Go to the front of the line or Hua Hin line, show the reservation on your phone and get ticket. Have gotten my reserved seat every time and I use it monthly
On the cell phone, am I understanding you right that you will save a 100 baht by going outside the airport? And a 100 Baht is a little less than 3 dollars.
Mate I am just asking a question, coming to Thailand in October and just trying to figure it out.
The tourist SIMs are shorter term, 8, 14 day and start around 300 baht. A regular SIM for 30 days as low as 199. If you're only here a week or 2, it really doesn't matter which you get. Thanks for the question.
@@RetiringToAsia you re absolutly right so go in a 7/11 and ask for the 199 baht card sim... 30 days > airport scam.... btw how luch you paid to got to pattaya and how many hours to get there ?
The bus is 143 baht at the counter 168 online and it takes about 2 hours, little longer if there's heavy traffic.
6:40 same same except i was charged a " Special Airport Fee " because it was between 12:01 am and 5:30 am. I took the scammer up but when he reached the destination, sparks flew. I was in no mood , after flying 36 + hours to be scammed. . Scum bag. I think Thailand needs to grow up. Stuff from like Soi 6 in Pattaya is old school.
Thanks for watching
As soon as you step off that plane prepared to be scammed. It’s systemic.
That's not unique to just Thailand
What's the best mode of transportation from bkk to pattaya ?
Not being snarky but, whatever suits your needs and preferences.
2 options bus every hour 7am - 9pm 143 baht or taxi approx 1500 you can get cheaper taxis by booking agents
Bell Bus is the best. Since it leaves from right there at the airport, every hour, and only takes less than 2 hours to get to Pattaya.
@@avernvrey7422 Thank you.
You information wrong on the airport bus to jomptein. 80 percent of the buses goes straight to jomptein bus station no stops either way . Check this out .
You are wrong the many times I travel there is always stop in Pattaya
@johnwhite4638 you certainly have your own experiences, but 100% of the buses I've been on stop as shown in the video. Thanks for watching.
Do the buses have a toilet inside?
Yes, but most of the time, they are not in service
weird country indeed. Im going there 30 years, any improvement leads to confusions to even Thais LOL. They re from another planet but its fun and pretty safe. Unfortunately, prices are going up way too fast !
Thanks for watching
Pattaya Dai he said...translates to South Pattaya
The problem with booking the bus online is that you just wasted your money if you're delayed and miss your scheduled time.
For me, it's worth risking $4. I give a 2 hour cushion for delays and clearing Immigration
And can you get the sim card from the seven eleven at the airport?
Airport 7-11, when I was there yesterday, had only True Tourist SIM in stock
@@RetiringToAsia i know my hotel, so i can easily get to hotel from airport and i havee a 7 elleven outside my hotel, so would you recommened me egetting a sim from there, or a sim from ais, or true at the airport, i will only be staying for 9 days 12th june-20th june, thats how many days i need it for.
@alviislam4412 for a 9 day stay it really doesn't matter. The price difference will be minimal. Get what is most convenient for you.
Hey Michael, which Bus company do you use?
Airportpattayabus.com
Great video. Shame there's no bilingual drivers. That would greatly help those who don't know or speak Thai.
So many foreigners from many countries use the bus.
@@RetiringToAsia Being originally from New York City, I'm used to public transportation, I'd just have to make sure I have Google translator or language translator device to be able to communicate a little more while trying to learn the language.
hi.I went to new york and not one taxi driver could speek thai or swaheli or welsh. so why would a thai taxi drive？？？？
Not a very good vidio. you forgot to let us know about the fast track for pasengers over 65 years old
@@kantaralak.billlbill1857 So you tell us! I'm 74 and will be there in the Fall.
What fast track??! 🤔
Didnt take the bus yet. Do they have onboard toilets? My driver stops when i need to pee 😂
They do, but I have only seen them working once
@@RetiringToAsia thanks for the reply. So i stick to my driver. He drives for a moving company and lets me join in his truck as long as i bring snacks. So it’s not much more than the bus and i can order him at short notice
@glaubhafieber you would actually want to use a bus toilet ? In Thailand?
@@Milkyway109 it's worse than going in your pants?
@@regnorse most ikely ,yeah
I am probably speaking for myself here but if im going on holiday to Thailand I certainly down worry about saving 500 baht by not getting a SIM card at the airport or by saving a few baht by not exchanging at super rich on the ground floor. Im on holiday so who cares. I get it for cheap Charlie retirees but are holiday makers that bothered?
Thanks for watching
theyre gonna love you there lol
You need to explain more, ie Why did you hand over your ph getting a bus ticket, just explain more detail as you go along, its just a heads up on improving your content for new travelers. We want as much detail as possible to get us through easily..
I said before/as you saw that, you can go online and book a ticket...just show them the pdf on your phone. Timestamp 3:58...thanks for watching
@@RetiringToAsia Khop Khun Krap, i missed it.🤐
Foods poor
I disagree, but everyone has different tastes. I've always enjoyed what I've gotten.
It's poor also no secret it's been there fir years I remember when it was vouchers its OK for a beer or shake soup is OK everything else is not so good
is it good anywhere ?
Yes it good I only stated the magic food court food is not the best