Bus to Bangkok?

[Blyish]

I know there are both small buses (more like vans) and larger, air-conditioned buses that go from Hua Hin to Bangkok every day. Where exactly is the departure point for the larger buses? What about the little ones? I need to be in Bangkok by 1pm for an appointment, so what's my best option? And do I simply show up, pay and get on one or do I need to pay in advance or make a reservation or something?

[Big Boy]

Try looking here to start with http://www.tourismhuahin.com/travel-huahin.php

[STEVE G]

I had to travel a couple of times from Hua Hin to Bangkok in April whilst trying to get a flight during the volcanic thing and from what I can work out, there are actually two mini-van operators now, one on Petchakasem road opposite the Esso station and one on the old site just behind.
They both have small offices where you can book or buy tickets, so i would just go and have a word with them before you have to travel, you can book in advance or just show up and get the first available seat.
The same with the larger bus, they have an office down the road from the back entrance to the market where you can book, as shown on the HHAD city map.
If you live on the route the bus or minivans take, you can also get them to pick you up along the way providing you organize it in advance at the respective office, but make sure you give them a mobile number in case they can't find you.

[lomuamart]

As STEVE G says, there are two minibus services running to BKK now from the location he mentions. The transport leaves about every 20 mins from either or when they're full. You won't have a problem getting a seat unless you're traveling on a Sunday or public holiday. The journey takes about 2.5 hrs to Victory Monument which is on the skytrain route.
The air con buses leave about every 30-40 mins, take about 3 hrs to BKK and drop off at the Southern bus terminal in BKK, which is not central.
Both modes of transport start running early in the mornings - about 5.30-6.00am I think.

[Blyish]

I've been here only for a week, so I'm completely lost when it comes to directions. If I tell a taxi driver to take me to "Petchakasem road opposite the Esso station," any chance he'll know what I'm talking about?

[lomuamart]

Take a look here:
http://www.huahinafterdark.com/hua-hin-map.htm
the minibuses go from grid B3/4.

[Blyish]

Thanks so much. That really helps.

[margaretcarnes]

Whichever bus you choose - leave yourself plenty of time to get from the drop-off point in Bangkok to wherever you need to be. Victory Monument gives easy access to the Skytrain, but check out the proximity of the stations to your meeting place.

[E-Dork]

Another thing to think about before you travel....

The minibuses are by far more convenient with speed (supersonic at times) and drop off location but I always travel with the larger buses (166 baht) as they are...

1. more comfortable when you travel. On a minibus I once got seated on that little seat between the driver and the window passenger, basically sitting on the handbrake! Never again!

2. They do not drive at supersonic speed most of the time, and even when they do they are big enough to force everyone else to move to the inner lanes.

The bus station is a little out of the way so you will lose money getting back into central bangkok, I think it's about 200 baht odd for the taxi so really you end up paying double the amount to go on the big bus. It just feels a lot safer in the big buses IMO.

Have a good trip.

[Blyish]

Whichever bus you choose - leave yourself plenty of time to get from the drop-off point in Bangkok to wherever you need to be. Victory Monument gives easy access to the Skytrain, but check out the proximity of the stations to your meeting place.

I'll probably take the minibus, since they seem the leave you closer to the city, and then a taxi. I'm going to Bumrungrad Hospital and I don't want to mess up the time and miss my appointment. Any ideas how long do I need to factor in from Victory Monument to the hospital? (in a taxi). Appointment is at 2pm, so I don't know if that has any effect on traffic.

[E-Dork]

Any ideas how long do I need to factor in from Victory Monument to the hospital? (in a taxi).

I think about 15 minutes should do it. Try putting location details into google maps. Should give ya a more precise figure.

[Terry]

If you are arriving at Victory Monument and want to get to Bumrungrad - why not take BTS skytrain?

About 10 mins on train and a 5 minute walk at the other end - PLUS NO TRAFFIC

Get on at N3 Victory Monument Station and get off at E2 Ploenchit Station - one train - no changes - easy!

When you get off the train stay on the same side (North) of Sukhumvit and keep in same direction of the train. Pass under expressway and turn left into Soi 1. Bumrungrad is about 500 m up.

[johnnyk]

From southern bus terminal (big buses) you can take a city bus or a taxi directly across the bridge and along to VM then skytrain to Bumrungrad.
If it was me I'd take the mini van direct to VM then skytrain.
If you don't like the available seat(s) just wait for the next minivan, they go every 20 mins or so sometimes even quicker because they go when full.

[Blyish]

Thanks for the map, Terry. Helps a lot and it's probably what I'll do. I think the mini-buses just make more sense. I don't want to be dealing with changing transportation (I'm already stressed out about the hospital visit), so I'd rather just go to VM and then take the train.

[PeteC]

I hope all of this is not about the skin rash. Good luck either way. Pete