Bahtbus Alternatives?

[kudroz]

I just got here about a week ago. I'm still very new to everything that is going on here. I spent about 3 weeks in Bangkok before coming here. I loved how it's so easy to get a TaxiMeter there with AirCon... drivers are nice and you go everywhere for under 90-100 Baht.

Now in Pattaya... I don't see any TaxiMeter, I waited like a dongo the other day on the sidewalk hoping tosee one drive by... All I've seen is these blue pickup trucks (called baht buses?) honking me every time they seen me.

I had a small accident a few weeks ago, my knee is very fragile still and I'm not that comfortable getting on these pickup trucks. Why are there no TaxiMeter here? Are these pickup trucks the only way to get around? What if you don't exactly know where you're going? I liked it in Bangkok... I was just saying like "MBK" or "Siam Paragon" or my hotel name and it was done deal.

What are the alternatives here? Thanks!

[britmaveric]

Baht Bus

Motorcycle Taxi

Walk

Rent Moped

Rent Car

[Mighty Mouse]

wheel chair

roller skates

skate board

pogo stick

piggy back

police truck

sky rocket

or........if none of those suit you, hang on to my legs and I'll fly you around.

[kudroz]

hehehe right on, thanks for the tips!

[bergerac]

TARDIS

[karazyal]

I just got here about a week ago. I'm still very new to everything that is going on here. I spent about 3 weeks in Bangkok before coming here. I loved how it's so easy to get a TaxiMeter there with AirCon... drivers are nice and you go everywhere for under 90-100 Baht.

Now in Pattaya... I don't see any TaxiMeter, I waited like a dongo the other day on the sidewalk hoping tosee one drive by... All I've seen is these blue pickup trucks (called baht buses?) honking me every time they seen me.

I had a small accident a few weeks ago, my knee is very fragile still and I'm not that comfortable getting on these pickup trucks. Why are there no TaxiMeter here? Are these pickup trucks the only way to get around? What if you don't exactly know where you're going? I liked it in Bangkok... I was just saying like "MBK" or "Siam Paragon" or my hotel name and it was done deal.

What are the alternatives here? Thanks!

*

With a baht bus you get what you pay for it - just the basics. The majority of passengers get most places by only paying 5 or 10 baht. Sometimes one additional connection for another 5 or 10 baht brings you to where you want to go. Real cheap! Cheaper than the meter taxis in Bangkok!

Pick up a map and see how you can get to where you want to go with the fewest change overs and only pay the minimum Farang price. If you are on a "one-way" street you may have to catch the baht bus on the next street going in the direction you need. You'll get used to it eventually.

They honk their horns at you to let you know they are there if you need a ride. Don't walk so close to the road and they may ignore you, or walk on the other side of the road it the honking really bothers you.

My knee acts up from time to time too. I grab on to the steel rails and hop on and off with my reliable leg. I like baht busses because I am a cheapskate and 10 baht is a bargain!

If you can ride on the back seat of a motorcycle taxi they are about the same price as a meter taxi in Bangkok. And the motorcycle taxi drivers don't mind going the wrong way on a "one way" road just to get you to your destination a little faster!

[donkeykong]

Now in Pattaya... I don't see any TaxiMeter, I waited like a dongo the other day on the sidewalk hoping tosee one drive by... All I've seen is these blue pickup trucks (called baht buses?) honking me every time they seen me.

What are the alternatives here? Thanks!

Also see any of the air-con taxi limo-mafia vultures hanging around Pratamnak Rd / Soi P72 nr White Rose hotel. You can hire a driver all or half day. Your own chauffeur and tour guide for $30-$60.

Or BF a girl with a motorbike

Edited February 13, 2006 by donkeykong

[Mobi]

wheel chair

roller skates

skate board

pogo stick

piggy back

police truck

sky rocket

or........if none of those suit you, hang on to my legs and I'll fly you around.

Or seek out the crazy nutter who is building a catapault with extension springs...

PS Once you leave the confines of 'civilised' Bangkok, transport is a whole new, Thai, ballgame.