Pattaya - Hua Hin Ferry

[barrys]

Thinking about the future, if this venture proves successful and passenger numbers continue to grow, no doubt some deep pocket Thai or foreign corporation will step in and introduce a competing service with perhaps some kind of behemoth vessel. It always happens, and I hope this original group can maintain market share when it does and grow their business to stay competitive.

The present company already has a plan and the finances in place to operate a larger, faster vessel on the route if the demand is there.

Barry
I really hope this is going to be a success this time.

Do you feel any sense of reluctance because of the service departing/arriving at Pak Nam Pran rather than a direct Pattaya – Hua Hin service?

The reason I ask is that I hope you stay in Pak Nam Pran, as docking in HH will probably lead to the same problems that the previous service had.

Docking in Hua Hin, which would obviously be ideal, is ruled out by the fact that there are no (dis)embarkation facilities or safe and secure moorings for the boat itself.
The same is true of Bali Hai in Pattaya.
So, until this situation changes, the arrangements will remain as they are now - ensuring complete safety for passengers and the vessel.

[barrys]

Just taken a look at the Catamaran, doesn't look like motorbike transit is doable

Don't know what made you think that!
We've done it already

[Super Joe]

Just seen, http://www.thailivingferry.com

Apparently a night of wild celebrations turned ugly among the Pattaya Russian community after someone pointed out that they had mis-interpreted the 350 Baht service

Glad to hear it's going well, will have to give it a go sooner rather than later

SJ

[barrys]

Look forward to welcoming you on board SJ

Service cancelled tomorrow 29 December and Friday 31 December due to high wind and waves.

Next scheduled crossing will be on Sunday, 2 January weather depending.

[PeteC]

Barry, do you know if Ocean Marina allows vehicle parking for boat passengers somewhere in their complex? Thanks. Pete

[barrys]

Hi Pete

There's a multi-storey car park in Ocean Marina which you can simply drive into without being asked anything.
Have done it many times and never had a problem.

[Lev]

HHAD is now the online booking agent for the new ferry service, a dedicated page and booking form with schedules will be online shortly.

Watch this space!

[barrys]

For those who might be interested, the service is scheduled to resume this Sunday, 2 January following the the high winds and waves of the last few days.

Ferry leaves for Pattaya from Paknampran at 1.30, free pick-up from clock tower at 12.45 p.m. or in front of the Intercontinental Hotel at 1 p.m.
Arrival in Pattaya 4.45 p.m.

To book, call one of the numbers below or send email to tan@huahincruises.com or go into our Crepes & Cruises booking office.

[barrys]

The service is becoming increasingly popular, with multiple telephone inquiries on a daily basis.

60 people used the ferry yesterday.

The service will operate again this Wednesday, 5 January, but the crossing on Friday, 7 January has unfortunately had to be cancelled because of high wind and waves.

For more information and bookings, please use the contact details below.

[hhfarang]

Barry, how can you tell several days ahead of time about the high wind and waves? Just curious as I thought that stuff was like predicting the weather... a bit hit and miss.

[barrys]

We use a combination of a couple of websites and have learned over the years to gauge their reliability.

With the ferry service, it's also important to give people reasonable notice so they can amend their travel plans, so this means erring on the side of caution.

It's not an easy decision to cancel, obviously, because it leads to loss of revenue but its surely preferable to the "devil may care" attitude shown in the past by other boat operators at this time of year in various parts of Thailand.

[Lev]

You can now book the ferry online here: http://www.huahinmedia.com/huahinferry.php

[pharvey]

With the ferry service, it's also important to give people reasonable notice so they can amend their travel plans, so this means erring on the side of caution.

Certainly appreciated - A good friend of mine and somewhat ''green'' traveler visited us in HH over the festive season and took advantage of the crossing to Pattaya on the 2nd (determined to investigate ''Walking Street''). As we were leaving on the 1st, he was left to fend for himself in HH but we had been assured on booking that all would be OK and if for any reason the crossing was canceled, alternative arrangements would be made.

Have to say, after speaking to him today, he thoroughly enjoyed the trip and has nothing but good things to say about all arrangements from the pick-up at the Clock Tower to his drop off in Pattaya.

Can't say I'm a great fan of Pattaya, but the Long Haired General is determined to experience all the ''sights & sounds'' of Thailand (and no doubt the world at some stage), so we'll be taking advantage of the crossing ourselves in the future.

Hope the service continues on!!

[barrys]

Hi pharvey

Thanks for the on our service.

Mermaid Cruises is the service provider on this side, so if anyone does have any questions or comments at all about the service, please contact me and I will deal with them personally.

[hhfarang]

With the ferry service, it's also important to give people reasonable notice so they can amend their travel plans, so this means erring on the side of caution.

It's not an easy decision to cancel, obviously, because it leads to loss of revenue but its surely preferable to the "devil may care" attitude shown in the past by other boat operators at this time of year in various parts of Thailand.

Thanks Barry, that's exactly what I wanted to hear (or read, as the case may be). I asked the question because I've been asked it elsewhere so I wanted to give the straight answer directly from you or one of the operators of the ferry.

It is very unusual for any transport service in Thailand to take the comfort and safety of passengers seriously so I'm happy to hear that this company is doing that.