How can I get from Huaykaew Road and Canal Road to Central Fiesta mall ?

[RichardThailand]

I'm still trying to understand even basic "public" transport options in CM.

Can anyone give me any suggestions on how I could make this trip? Also I have a question about the red baht buses going up and down Huaykaew Road past the Maya mall. Where do they go (each direction) and how much should I pay for even a small journey. Are those buses on set routes or would they take me any place if asked. Seems they do a bit of both but I am just concerned as I don't know how much I should pay for the different routes.

Thanks in advance

[JulieM]

In theory, you tell the driver where you want to go, and if he agrees to take you there, 20 baht is the appropriate payment.

Or you request a "solo" journey (the driver takes you directly to your desired location without stopping for other passengers) and you negotiate a fee before you get in the bus.

From your location I don't think you will find a driver willing to take you there for 20 baht. If you offer 100, maybe.

If you don't mind walking a bit, you could walk down Huaykaeu until you pass the Maya Mall. You will now be at the intersection of Huaykaeu and the superhighway. Central Festival is on the superhighway. You might be able to flag a songtaew there. Still, I bet he will want 60 baht or so.

This is my understanding based on my experiences, but I don't take the songtaews often since it is indeed so confusing.

[JulieM]

I should add, for a very small journey (a few blocks in the direction the guy is driving anyway) you should be able to get a lift for 10 baht.

[RichardThailand]

Just letting everyone know.

I was able to get a red bus from Maya to Central for 150 baht total. It was a direct drive with just the two of us and no stops. Not sure if I overpaid but I guess it's reasonable.

Thanks for the people who took the time to reply to my question.

[Chicog]

How much did you pay to get back?

[RichardThailand]

150 baht in a taxi until half way there when the guy decided to stop and make a phone call to my hotel (no idea why as our directions were simple and we knew where to go) after that he said 180. We paid without complaining.

[Chiengmaijoe]

I was expecting to see the last part of the question ........ "Without going past a pub?". I happen to know the answer to that one.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Top tip for the OP: Don't take stationary taxis (or tuk tuks, or Songthaews) waiting outside shipping malls, hotels and tourist places.

Get a passing one on the road.

Then a lot of this will disappear. And no, the prices are not reasonable.

[naboo]

Cheapest way there, get a red Song Taew to Wararot Market, then a yellow Songtaew from the river in the direction of Doi Saket getting off at Central Festival. 20B for red, 10B for yellow. Whether the inconvenience is worth saving the money is up to the individual.