Nillerille

Thanks for the response treetops! You have any idea about the other direction (jomtien-bkk)? I have a flight 11:15 and wonder if the 07:00 bus is to be trusted. What do you think? Was planing on booking it online like you said.

I should also add that I travel light. So I only had a smaller bagpack and a villa market carry bag with some stuff (not heavy). So no big luggage to haul around.

After reading this thread I decided to not take axtaxi this time around and see how public transportation will treat me, as I had the whole day and nothing planned. This was on a monday for reference. I was heading for Jomtien beach and decided I would first head for bkk airport and take the bus from there as that bus end destination was Jomtien (the bus from mo chit stop at north pattaya, close to Central festival/terminal 21 area, so then its still a bit to go). Touching down in DMK I headed to take the bus A3 to Ratchaprarop station. There are plenty of signes to find the bus (exit 8). I had to wait around 5 mins for the bus (stood inside in aircon). The fare was 50 thb and took around 20 mins or so. Bus is aircondition and normal sort of bus. The lady that sold the ticket called out the station, as many people are getting of there. From there it was a 3 min walk to catch the highspeed train (Airport Rail Link) to BKK airport. Just use your eyes. Its impossible to miss what direction to walk as its a big station that looks similar to sky train. The ARL is 8 station in total and I needed to travel 7 station. It cost 40 thb. You pay with cash and u get a small plastic token that u use to get inside to the train. I waited around 2 mins until the train arrived. Also took around 20-25 mins. At BKK airport I headed to floor 1 and baught my bus ticket. And this is the only part of the experience that was anoying. I had to wait like 2.5 hours until the bus left. No idea if this is normal or not. The fare was 143 thb. As I started the trip early (10:00) iit was np to me but if late arrival it could be anoying. Anyway I got me some food and after enjoyed some tv-show on my phone until it was time to leave. There are charging stations around and plenty of food choices at BKK airport. The bus was airconned and comfortable. No plugs to charge so have your entertainment device charged. Trip took almost exactly 2 hours. Comparing taxi and public transportation (the route I took) I honestly think I prefer the public one. One of the reasons is im not stuck with an anoying driver the whole way. Also I can take a break at BKK airport and grab some food wich I liked. I usually pay around 1700 thb for the taxi wich compares to 234 thb for public. That is a 1464 thb saving. I dont hate money so I like that. All in all it was a small little adventure that I, for the most part, enjoyed. I thought I would get sweaty but I was only outside for like a total of 10 mins during the whole thing so was good. From now on ill take public transportation, but only if I arrive during the day time and is not pressed for time. I reccomend that You give it a try!

Thanks for that advice champers! Really hepful.

After my first two responses I realize this is not the place for these things. Cant blame a man for trying tho!

Yes! Thanks for your response.

Hello people. I used to live in phuket for 5 years pre-pandemic and are now looking to perhaps make a homebase in Jomtien. Im in my 40ties and still actively making money. I have made the move to Thailand before and know how the system works here when it comes to income and what I am allowed to do. Im hoping to get in touch with people currently working/entrepreuners in the area to get a feel for how it is staying longterm as a farang and making a living here. I know from living in Phuket that its a very different ballgame coming for a vacation and living. Im up for a coffee/beer, some pool or perhaps just some talks online if YOU feel up for it 😀 Feel free to send me a PM or join in here in the thread.

Thanks!

Hello more experienced Pattayand! Iv been taking mostly bolts so far but thought I would arleast want to try the baht buses to see what they are like 😅 I am planing to go from around Jomtien night market to the mall Central festival in Pattaya. I did some research and saw they leave here from Jomtien 2nd road and you just hail them down with your palm down. But how do I know wich one head to Central festival from Jomtien night market? I just jump on one and hope for the best? 😂 or is there a way to tell where the bus is going? I have my girl with me so trying to keep her from staying in the heat all day riding the wrong bus :)

Thanks for the responses everyone! I ended up going to makro. It was a 40 baht motorbike taxi ride. Took my bagpack and filled it with chickenbreast with skin that costs 60 baht per kilo. Awsome! I also went to check out Ratanakorn market and bought fruits and veggies there. At the time I was there there was no chicken anywhere to be seen (sunday at 13:00 or so). But thats ok. Im very satisfied with the chicken I got at makro. I will go to Foodmart also to check it out.

What options are there close to Jomtien beach to buy groceries? I am mainly looking for chicken and vegetables to make food at home.