What You Know About Taxi and Airport Transfer Services May Be Wrong
Công cộng Nhóm
Công cộng Nhóm
Navigating the busy roads of Bangkok and the crowded roads of Pattaya is an experience all its own. For... Xem thêm
Công cộng Nhóm
Người tổ chức:
- Organized by
-
-
mô tả nhóm
Navigating the busy roads of Bangkok and the crowded roads of Pattaya is an experience all its own. For many visitors, local taxis provide the most direct and Resource direct way to travel. Understanding the subtleties of catching and using these taxis in each city can alter an often stressful experience into a smooth part of your journey. While both cities offer metered taxis, the similarities frequently stop at that point, with unique systems, challenges, and unwritten rules governing their use. Being prepared is the secret to a successful ride.
In Bangkok, the famous vivid pink, yellow, green, or orange taxis are a ubiquitous sight. The cardinal rule is to always demand the driver using the meter. Simply ask, “Meter, please?” as you get in. A driver who agrees to use the meter is the cornerstone of a fair fare. It is common, especially near popular hotels or popular landmarks, for drivers to refuse the meter and instead offer a flat, inflated rate. In this situation, your wisest choice is to politely decline, step out, and simply hail the next cab. With the sheer volume of taxis in Bangkok, you will usually find a compliant driver within a few attempts.
Beyond the meter, traffic is the primary element for any Bangkok taxi journey. The capital’s infamous congestion can cause fares to rise quickly as the meter ticks. What looks like a short distance on a map can take a considerable amount of time. Using a GPS service like Google Maps to check the live traffic situation can help you decide if a taxi is the best option or if the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway might be faster. For longer trips, such as to airports or between distant neighborhoods, the expressway tolls are an extra charge paid by the passenger on top of the meter fare, so keep some small bills handy.
Pattaya presents a contrasting transport scene entirely. The city famously lacks a widespread network of metered car taxis for general street hailing. Instead, the chief type of public transport is the “baht bus” or “songthaew.” These are converted pickup trucks with bench seats in the back that travel set paths. For a shared ride along the main routes, you simply board and provide a standard fare per person when you get off. To use one as a private taxi, you must settle on a cost for an exclusive trip beforehand, which will be a lot greater than the shared rate.
For personal cabs in Pattaya, you typically cannot flag one down on the street. These vehicles operate almost exclusively through hotel concierges, dedicated taxi stands, or pre-booking via phone or app. Fares are generally agreed upon as a flat rate before the journey begins. Knowing the approximate fair price for your intended trip is essential to prevent overpaying. A short trip across central Pattaya might have a set price, while a journey to the outskirts or to Jomtien will cost more. Asking your hotel staff for standard fare advice is a very smart practice.
In both cities, a few general rules hold true. First, having your destination noted in the local language on your phone or on a piece of paper is extremely useful. This eliminates language barriers and shows the driver exactly where you want to go. Second, try to carry plenty of little bills. Drivers frequently claim not to have change for large bills, which can be a method to get a larger tip. Third, while most drivers are honest, always be mindful of the situation and trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, it is completely okay to end the ride.
Modern technology has also become a traveler’s best friend in Thailand. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in both Bangkok and Pattaya. Using Grab offers several advantages: the fare is fixed and paid electronically, the route is tracked via GPS, and there is no requirement for money or language negotiation. It provides a common and typically less stressful alternative, especially for newcomers or during late-night travels. In Bangkok, it seamlessly supplements regular taxis, while in Pattaya, it is often the surest means to book a private car.
Ultimately, using taxis in Bangkok and Pattaya requires a willingness to adjust. In Bangkok, your mantra is “meter only,” paired with patience for the traffic. In Pattaya, it’s about grasping the local transport and being prepared to negotiate flat fares for private cars. Embracing these differences is part of the authentic adventure. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can assuredly take these services to explore every corner of these dynamic cities, from Bangkok’s glittering temples to Pattaya’s vibrant waterfront, ensuring you spend minimal time stressing about the ride and more time enjoying the destination.