Airport pickup on bike.

[chicoelnino]

Looking to collect a mate at the airport and was thinking I'd go on the scooter to pick him up.

From Patong, how long would it take to reach Phuket airport by scooter?

[LivinginKata]

About one hour.

[timewilltell]

Do you have a death wish or is it that you are completely out of your mind?

Tell your mate to get the minibus and buy a snack for when they stop to try and con you. Say nothing and buy nothing. Has the bus stopped running?

[stevenl]

Do you have a death wish or is it that you are completely out of your mind?<snip>

Way, way overdone, it actually is a nice ride.

Edited September 3, 2013 by stevenl

[NamKangMan]

Do you have a death wish or is it that you are completely out of your mind?<snip>

Way, way overdone, it actually is a nice ride.

And if it's raining???? Two people on a motorbike, in the wet, with luggage, for 1 hour on Phuket, on a major bus, minivan and taxi route - very dangerous.

[stevenl]

Do you have a death wish or is it that you are completely out of your mind?<snip>

Way, way overdone, it actually is a nice ride.

And if it's raining???? Two people on a motorbike, in the wet, with luggage, for 1 hour on Phuket, on a major bus, minivan and taxi route - very dangerous.

So don't do it on a bike if it is raining. I would presume some common sense present here. The coastal road is not a major bus, minivan and taxiroute BTW, but you'd have to venture outside of your beloved Patong to know that.

Edited September 3, 2013 by stevenl

[falkan]

no problem, i did it a couple of years ago..

[Pakaty]

 

Do you have a death wish or is it that you are completely out of your mind?<snip>

Way, way overdone, it actually is a nice ride.

And if it's raining???? Two people on a motorbike, in the wet, with luggage, for 1 hour on Phuket, on a major bus, minivan and taxi route - very dangerous.

So don't do it on a bike if it is raining. I would presume some common sense present here. The coastal road is not a major bus, minivan and taxiroute BTW, but you'd have to venture outside of your beloved Patong to know that.

Agreed, nice ride if its not raining. Just use the coast road Kamala, Surin then turn left at the Cherng Talay police station as opposed to going thru to two-heroins monument. Do not use By-pass road coming from Patong! Even when I lived in Patong I used the coastal route. I do Kamala-airport and back 30 minutes each way. I would slow it down if I had a passenger though. As long as your friend is flying with only carry-on bags its not a problem. Rain is an inconvenience but not a show stopper IMHO.

[NamKangMan]

Do you have a death wish or is it that you are completely out of your mind?<snip>

Way, way overdone, it actually is a nice ride.

And if it's raining???? Two people on a motorbike, in the wet, with luggage, for 1 hour on Phuket, on a major bus, minivan and taxi route - very dangerous.

So don't do it on a bike if it is raining. I would presume some common sense present here. The coastal road is not a major bus, minivan and taxiroute BTW, but you'd have to venture outside of your beloved Patong to know that.

I simply suggest to many here to keep their use of the roads on Phuket to a minimum, especially if riding a bike. Accident statistics would tend to suggest is is good advice, not to mention the fatality statistics from many of those accidents. (I notice another fatal motorbike crash today)

For the sake of 150 baht (I think it may have gone up to 200 baht now) the OP's friend can get a minivan - not that they are that much safer.

It would have been handy if the OP supplied more details, but in general, my advice would still stand.

Yes, the coast road is a pleasant ride when weather conditions are nice. I ride along the coast road regualrly.

I just think if the airport pick up is all about "transport" and the "meet and greet" and the scenic ride home is not the main priority, I would suggest the OP's friend take a minivan.

The leisurely coast road ride together can wait a few days.

Edited September 3, 2013 by NamKangMan

[robertthebruce]

Do you have a death wish or is it that you are completely out of your mind?

Tell your mate to get the minibus and buy a snack for when they stop to try and con you. Say nothing and buy nothing. Has the bus stopped running?

Agree with you, definetly not for the faint hearted... Bus is the best solution..

[ALFREDO]

=CHICOELNINO= OP - I made that many times, but sure not with heavy luggage , but with people who travel on the "light" side, - my GFs !

When the weather allows it, I bring them from and to the airport with a scooter and small luggage.

No problem, I presume you can drive a Motorbike or scooter!

Take your time and drive Patong - Kamala - Surin - and stay at the coast drive the road passing by NAITHON Beach, nearly no traffic there, but curvy,

if your time frame allows that.

Patong - airport on the coastal road route possibly a bit longer with the Moto, easy done in 45 min.

Have fun.

PS

Some years ago.a decade + ? I drove the roads, that time with less traffic with the stop watch.

Patong - Airport, Patong - Sarasin bridge, Patong - Kaoh Lak, I keep that times for me, do not want to get stoned here!

Edited September 3, 2013 by ALFREDO

[stevenl]

Way, way overdone, it actually is a nice ride.

And if it's raining???? Two people on a motorbike, in the wet, with luggage, for 1 hour on Phuket, on a major bus, minivan and taxi route - very dangerous.

So don't do it on a bike if it is raining. I would presume some common sense present here. The coastal road is not a major bus, minivan and taxiroute BTW, but you'd have to venture outside of your beloved Patong to know that.

I simply suggest to many here to keep their use of the roads on Phuket to a minimum, especially if riding a bike. Accident statistics would tend to suggest is is good advice, not to mention the fatality statistics from many of those accidents. (I notice another fatal motorbike crash today)

For the sake of 150 baht (I think it may have gone up to 200 baht now) the OP's friend can get a minivan - not that they are that much safer.

It would have been handy if the OP supplied more details, but in general, my advice would still stand.

Yes, the coast road is a pleasant ride when weather conditions are nice. I ride along the coast road regualrly.

I just think if the airport pick up is all about "transport" and the "meet and greet" and the scenic ride home is not the main priority, I would suggest the OP's friend take a minivan.

The leisurely coast road ride together can wait a few days.

Now that is a much more sensible reply than your first 'don't do it, it is dangerous' one. I don't totally agree with it, but that is something different.

[NamKangMan]

@ stevenl

"I would presume some common sense present here." - I am saying, "common sense" says it's a dangerous journey. :)

[madeinguiri]

I have made the journey from Chalong to the aiport and it has been fine. Just drive carefully. Of course if there was a reliable bus service I would take that. I am not a fan of expensive, rude taxi drivers so I'd rather 'risk it' and take my bike. Who can say that the bus won't crash!?