HammerMan

On 3/3/2024 at 7:58 PM, MarcelV said:

Is it easier to depart/arrive from BKK than Sattahip?

Obviously, there is the river passage to the berth which is quite time-consuming but may offer a unique experience of seeing the fabulous Temples etc. I'm told the demand from passengers is significantly higher in Bangkok and therefore worth trying.

On 3/2/2024 at 9:32 AM, MarcelV said:

Hammerman, Hammerman, where are you?

Still here..  The Blue Dolphin shifted to Bangkok.

The lack of posts is simply because of the lack of development. The vessel is sitting at anchor off Sattahip.. Many potential partners have been in discussion, but they're always frightened off by the hidden costs of business in Thailand. We did look at alternative ports, but the investment/paper work involved made the investment not viable. The current plan now, I believe, is to accept defeat and sell the vessel.

On 4/14/2023 at 1:48 PM, moogradod said:

Line and Facebook do rather attract a younger clientele. I would never use it. I think you will loose quite some business by not having a professional website.

 

Granted, it seems to have a real good web design might pose a problem in Thailand for even large companies have terrible web designs - but I am sure this would help to boost the reputation, attractiveness and professionality of your service. But it must be visually attractive and not overloaded with dozens of fonts and colors, easy to use and for payment two factor authorization required etc.....

 

I wish you much sucess. May your cabins be available if you finally got your website working.

Thanks for the comment. You are totally correct and we are trying to resolve this ASAP. The delay is mainly due to the Banks linking payment methods, in particular credit card payments. Hopefully this will be resolved soon.

On 4/12/2023 at 12:49 PM, nrasmussen said:

As a Hat Yai resident I do hope that you haven't completely abandoned all plans for a route to Songkhla. Please? ????

The problem with Songkhla is not really us, we see the potential there, but the issue is the fishing nets/posts strewn across the shipping channel, which make it difficult to safely navigate to the inner berth.

The berths near the entrance to the lake cannot agree with a fixed schedule, so it's "hit and miss" with their availability, that makes planning extremely difficult.

The local government are aware of these issues and are trying their best to find a solution to a complex situation. We meanwhile wait and see, but realistically with the current global situation and climbing oil prices, pricing will have to be significantly higher and therefore less attractive.

We definitely take the matter seriously and will happily cooperate with local representatives in Songkhla and Hat Yai.

On 4/12/2023 at 7:00 AM, Bobthegimp said:

I'd happily join the 97% if there was a website that opened and I could see the schedule and book a ticket. Not a Facebook user; is there another option, perhaps a phone number or email? I rode my Honda Click up to Pattaya from Phuket and would prefer a boat ride to three days on that seat again. 

 

 

Please try: https://lin.ee/t0PNYOR

On 3/30/2023 at 10:26 AM, banglay said:

A spare of the moment decision  . woke this morning  at decided to book a ticket on today's (30th)  sailing from Sattahip .  ,The app is fairly simple to use and I got confirmation and a E Ticket back almost instantly . I used their LINE app the get some questions answered and again got responses back within 5 minutes ,, overall a good experience ... 

I will post a full review from arriving at the checking in desk to disembarking at Koh Samui  and all things in between    "warts and all"

So, how was the experience? 

On 2/20/2023 at 4:15 PM, moogradod said:

The standard room has obviously no toilet in the cabin. Only from the Suite upwards it has a toilet. That is at least what I decipher from the room descriptions. So for us (wife and myself) the calculation would be (I am dependent on a toilet nearby for I cannot walk well) and the anticipated duration of the journey (12'000 X 2 + 2'000) X 2 = THB 52'000.-) round trip for two persons incl. car. Or is the price for the suite for 2 persons included ? There are only 2 suites available on board according to the website - so the possibilitites for being able to travel are a bit limited - everything must be organized very much dependent on the available dates of the ferry, but of course that is possible.

 

No idea how much a flight is nowadays. But of course HammerMan is right - another (better) experience with the boat and you can bring a car. Besides we reside in Sattahip - so near to the port, which is an advantage. Quite possible that we will try it some day.

Yes, as mentioned previously, room rates include passenger ticket. i.e. no additional 2,000 baht/person. Secret is to book early. There are wheel chairs on board and staff assistance if required, they are happy to assist if needed.

On 2/22/2023 at 11:46 AM, banglay said:

I am going to book a passage next month .. and I was wondering is it worth upgrading from a standard seat to a VIP seat ? any feedback from anyone who has actually booked and tried either type of  the seats would be appreciated .

 

or  is it possible to book a pre standard seat  then upgrade to a VIP once board ?

and are pillows and a blanket provide within the price of the seats?

The VIP seats are definitely more comfortable and the area is very quiet/secluded. Also closer to the restaurant/sky deck etc. Personally I would recommend it. Yes you can always upgrade on board subject to availability.

Pillows/Blankets/Towels are available, but I have to be honest I do not know off-hand if there is any charge, but if there is its reasonable and makes a great souvenir. 

On 2/21/2023 at 12:05 PM, banglay said:

What is the name of the port on Koh Samui that the ferry berths at ?

Nathon Jetty.  Same location as the High Speed Ferries and next to the Seatrans Jetty.

On 2/19/2023 at 8:24 AM, Henryford said:

I fancied using this service until i totalled up the cost of a return trip with a car, 2 passengers and a basic cabin, 30,000 baht !

Think you miscalculated.. Basic room is 8,000 (which includes ticket price) car 2,000 - So that makes 20K round trip. Flying is similar or slightly more but without the fabulous experience and the benefit of taking your own car.

On 2/12/2023 at 5:12 PM, pontious said:

When - you have had years to get a website working - you keep saying soon. WHEN ?

Absolutely agree.. I scream for the website everyday and I'm stonewalled with vague answers and suggestions its complicated.. totally ridiculous buy hey T I T..

9 hours ago, kuma said:

Hey Hammer. We are on our Southern tour now, left early Jan and the ferry from Sattahip was not in service so we have been thinking about trying to take the Samui - Sattahip leg. I see here that the booking site is not 100% and that the first sail is now set as Feb 9, to Samui. What day would the return voyage to Sattahip be? We are still tripping around and will consider wrapping up on Samui and taking the service back to Sattahip if there is a solid departure date planned 

Cheers

Departing from Samui Sunday 12th late afternoon and arriving Sattahip early morning Monday 13th.  You can contact as follows: