Bangkok-Hua Hin air shuttle service
A newly-launched Bangkok-Hua Hin air shuttle service offers travellers the option of flying between Bangkok and Hua Hin in only 40 minutes. The air shuttle service, operated by Siam GA (SGA), reduces the travel time between Bangkok and Hua Hin by more than two hours.
With a steady increase in the number of luxury resorts and spas and prime properties opening in the ‘royal paradise’ of Hua Hin, Thailand’s first seaside resort is attracting an ever-increasing numbers of affluent international travellers. This, according to SGA, has led to a demand for an air shuttle service that provides a convenient and welcome alternative to the three-hour drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
The Bangkok-Hua Hin air-shuttle service essentially provides an express transfer service for hotel guests, particularly for travellers arriving on long-haul flights from Europe. In operating its air-shuttle service, SGA works in close cooperation with several leading hotels in Hua Hin namely Anantara Resort and Spa, Evason Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa, Regent Cha-am, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Hotel Sofitel Central Hua Hin and Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. More new hotel and resort properties scheduled to open in Hua Hin and Cha-am are also expected to join.
The airline has been operating four daily flights between Bangkok and Hua Hin since November 1, 2004. The route is serviced by a Cessna 208B Caravan aircraft, with a seating capacity for 12 passengers. The aircraft has been fitted out with plush leather seating. The Cessna is a light aircraft well-suited to low-altitude flights. This offers passengers an opportunity to enjoy an aerial view of the landscape along the route which passes over Bangkok, Samut Prakarn, the Gulf of Thailand, the Chao Phraya River and Petchburi province before touching down in Hua Hin.
With such a short flight, there is no inflight service. However the airline has its own lounge in Bangkok and Hua Hin, where passengers are able to relax and enjoy light snacks and beverages.
A round-trip ticket costs US$135 per person or US$80 for a one-way fare (inclusive of VAT, insurance coverage and other related expenses). Reservations need to be made two days in advance.
Flights depart from Bangkok’s Don Muang Domestic Terminal, with a separate check-in area adjacent to the Bangkok Airways counter. Passengers are requested to arrive at the check-in counter a minimum of 45 minutes before departure time. The checked baggage allowance is 20 kilogrammes per person and an additional 5 kilos for hand-carried items. Passengers are met on arrival at Hua Hin airport and provided with an escorted transfer between the airport and the participating hotel or resort.
The operation is designed to grow with demand, however, initial flight times have been established to accommodate international arrivals from/to Europe, with daily departures scheduled as follows:
Departing Bangkok (BKK): 08.00, 11.30, 15.30, 18.30 hours
Departing Hua Hin (HHQ): 09.30, 13.00, 16.30, 20.00 hours
Source:www.TATnews.org
Bangkok-Hua Hin air shuttle service
are they trying to create a viable travel alternative or a jaunt for tourists staying at the 5 star hotels?
Business as usual
Did without it before,no need for it now , or what ??????????????????What do you think?
ianjames (very Scottish for a Tyke)
I don't know if you were really asking for opinions but this ties in quite nicely with the mini-van / taxi transfer being discussed at
http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/vi ... ight=#3040
If you have to check in at the Airport, wait departure, fly down, disembark and then collect luggage, it is probably as quick to take a taxi / limo (and cheaper - yes I'm a careful tyke too!).
For a weekend away from BKK with just hand luggage, the Cessna is probably appealing.
For pax arriving at Don Muang, not familiar with the country then transfer by car must be the more interesting option.
For EVA or Thai Airways flights from UK the wait
for a Cessna at 18:30 from Bangers would not appeal.
/Peter
I don't know if you were really asking for opinions but this ties in quite nicely with the mini-van / taxi transfer being discussed at
http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/vi ... ight=#3040
If you have to check in at the Airport, wait departure, fly down, disembark and then collect luggage, it is probably as quick to take a taxi / limo (and cheaper - yes I'm a careful tyke too!).
For a weekend away from BKK with just hand luggage, the Cessna is probably appealing.
For pax arriving at Don Muang, not familiar with the country then transfer by car must be the more interesting option.
For EVA or Thai Airways flights from UK the wait
for a Cessna at 18:30 from Bangers would not appeal./Peter
HH flights
Hi,Isabella.
I visited the Siam GA website,but could find nothing about these flights.
I visited the Siam GA website,but could find nothing about these flights.
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Jimsknight
- Amateur
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:34 am
- Location: U.K & Thailand
Would agree with most posters here.
The shuttle service may appeal to holiday makers after a long haul flight. BTW, I wonder if the big hotels will try to make it compulsory if you stay with them, like Xmas and NY meals. Mind you, the plane isn't big enough.
For ex-pats in HH, it just dosn't seem to make sense. By the time I get a taxi to HH airport - 45 mins before departure - and then a taxi in BKK, say to Sukhumvit, I'd be there already for about half the price overland - by taxi and I'd be able to tell the driver to stop whenever I wanted for some liquid refreshment!!
The shuttle service may appeal to holiday makers after a long haul flight. BTW, I wonder if the big hotels will try to make it compulsory if you stay with them, like Xmas and NY meals. Mind you, the plane isn't big enough.
For ex-pats in HH, it just dosn't seem to make sense. By the time I get a taxi to HH airport - 45 mins before departure - and then a taxi in BKK, say to Sukhumvit, I'd be there already for about half the price overland - by taxi and I'd be able to tell the driver to stop whenever I wanted for some liquid refreshment!!
New aircraft Service
I think the air route that is really crying out for a small aircraft service, is Hua Hin to Pattaya U-Tapao.
The last time I attempted it by minibus, it took 7 hours, after numerous hotel pickups in BKK and a change of vehicle.
I would have thought this 12 seater Cessna could manage it in less than 1 hour.
I think this route would be quite viable for a small air taxi service.
The last time I attempted it by minibus, it took 7 hours, after numerous hotel pickups in BKK and a change of vehicle.
I would have thought this 12 seater Cessna could manage it in less than 1 hour.
I think this route would be quite viable for a small air taxi service.
BKK-HH Shuttle
Can you use the SGA shuttle if you're not staying at any of the participating hotels and resorts?????
It's not on the SGA Aero website
Any contact number for bookings or inquieries?
It's not on the SGA Aero website
Any contact number for bookings or inquieries?
"In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol-
.....It was the worst 20 minutes of my life."
- George Best.
.....It was the worst 20 minutes of my life."
- George Best.
Flights from BKK - Hua Hin
As a frequent business traveler and Hilton point slave, the shuttle flight from BKK-Hua Hin sounds great to me!!!
After flying from San Francisco - Narita (11 hours) then Narita - BKK (another 6hours think?) I would love to jump on that little cessna to get me to Hua Hin right away... if only the connection times were good
My last trip I arrived in BKK at 10:30pm - too tired for a 3hour drive at that hour to Hua Hin. So instead it ended up taking about 20 - 30 minutes by taxi to the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok (Hilton partner - it's all about the points!) Check in, and quickly shower and pass out.
First thing next morning I took a taxi, which I arranged at the airport the night before for 2500 baht. Yes I know that's a lousy deal, but it was better than what the hotel said they could provide - 3500 baht!
The year before the story was worse. The same hotel (Conrad Bangkok)arranged for a shuttle van top take me for 1000 baht. What they didn't tell me was it was a shuttle leaving from another hotel in Bangkok which I needed to take taxi to for another 500 baht. Fine - I've spent 1500 baht but I'm on my way. The only thing is that when we get to what I think is Hua Hin (it was my first time) were really at the Dusit hotel (which I think is either on the outskirts of Hua Hin or maybe completely out of Hua Hin and in Cha Am) So it's another taxi from there as the van driver says "no-no - no Hua Hin"
So considering these two adventures, spending a little extra coin to get me there, complete with shuttle to the Hilton, is easily worth the price.
And considering the prices of things I'm used to seeing in San Francisco, it's still a bargain. Hell - United is charging $450 US for a half an hour flight from San Francisco to Fresno!!! and for those who don't know Fresno - it's an armpit (no offense to anyone from Fresno)
After flying from San Francisco - Narita (11 hours) then Narita - BKK (another 6hours think?) I would love to jump on that little cessna to get me to Hua Hin right away... if only the connection times were good
My last trip I arrived in BKK at 10:30pm - too tired for a 3hour drive at that hour to Hua Hin. So instead it ended up taking about 20 - 30 minutes by taxi to the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok (Hilton partner - it's all about the points!) Check in, and quickly shower and pass out.
First thing next morning I took a taxi, which I arranged at the airport the night before for 2500 baht. Yes I know that's a lousy deal, but it was better than what the hotel said they could provide - 3500 baht!
The year before the story was worse. The same hotel (Conrad Bangkok)arranged for a shuttle van top take me for 1000 baht. What they didn't tell me was it was a shuttle leaving from another hotel in Bangkok which I needed to take taxi to for another 500 baht. Fine - I've spent 1500 baht but I'm on my way. The only thing is that when we get to what I think is Hua Hin (it was my first time) were really at the Dusit hotel (which I think is either on the outskirts of Hua Hin or maybe completely out of Hua Hin and in Cha Am) So it's another taxi from there as the van driver says "no-no - no Hua Hin"
So considering these two adventures, spending a little extra coin to get me there, complete with shuttle to the Hilton, is easily worth the price.
And considering the prices of things I'm used to seeing in San Francisco, it's still a bargain. Hell - United is charging $450 US for a half an hour flight from San Francisco to Fresno!!! and for those who don't know Fresno - it's an armpit (no offense to anyone from Fresno)
BKK - Hua Hin flight
I forgot one more thing...
This last trip out I mentioned that I took a taxi (at about 11:30pm by the time I got off the plane, picked up my luggage, made the taxi arrangements etc) from BKK to the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok and had also arranged for a "limo" to take me from the hotel to Hua Hin the next morning.
Well, those living there can attest, the use of the word "limo" only means a private car/taxi as opposed to a shared bus.
So the next morning at the scheduled time 10:00am, the same driver from the night before shows up - right on time - very punctual. My "limo" was some kind of old Volvo I think. Air didn't work that well, but I was just happy to be on my way to the Hilton in Hua Hin.
The downside - as nice and friendly as the driver was, 20 minutes into the trip, I can see through the rearview mirror that his eyes are getting very heavy and he starts nodding off!!! Speeding through Thai traffic with a driver struggling to stay awake!!! So much for me getting a little nap on the way down.
So I make sure to talk rather loudly to him to try to keep him awake. Now I'm actually afraid for my safety!!! I actually had to tell him several times to pull off to stop for coffee and an energy drink - stretch etc.
On the way back to BKK from Hua Hin I hired a local driver who the Hilton referred me to and whom I had hired the year before for some sightseeing. Nice husband and wife team (maybe?) - decent car - Toyota I think, and only 1500 baht.
This next trip, if the cessna flight times don't work out, I will likely make arrangements through the Hilton to have that Husband/Wife drive team pick me up in Bangkok. Very nice people and compared to the previous arrangements - a bargain at 1500 baht.
I know the expats there have said they can get taxi arrangements for less, but so far I haven't seen it. Then again, it's not like I'm haggling over it either.
Cheers!
This last trip out I mentioned that I took a taxi (at about 11:30pm by the time I got off the plane, picked up my luggage, made the taxi arrangements etc) from BKK to the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok and had also arranged for a "limo" to take me from the hotel to Hua Hin the next morning.
Well, those living there can attest, the use of the word "limo" only means a private car/taxi as opposed to a shared bus.
So the next morning at the scheduled time 10:00am, the same driver from the night before shows up - right on time - very punctual. My "limo" was some kind of old Volvo I think. Air didn't work that well, but I was just happy to be on my way to the Hilton in Hua Hin.
The downside - as nice and friendly as the driver was, 20 minutes into the trip, I can see through the rearview mirror that his eyes are getting very heavy and he starts nodding off!!! Speeding through Thai traffic with a driver struggling to stay awake!!! So much for me getting a little nap on the way down.
So I make sure to talk rather loudly to him to try to keep him awake. Now I'm actually afraid for my safety!!! I actually had to tell him several times to pull off to stop for coffee and an energy drink - stretch etc.
On the way back to BKK from Hua Hin I hired a local driver who the Hilton referred me to and whom I had hired the year before for some sightseeing. Nice husband and wife team (maybe?) - decent car - Toyota I think, and only 1500 baht.
This next trip, if the cessna flight times don't work out, I will likely make arrangements through the Hilton to have that Husband/Wife drive team pick me up in Bangkok. Very nice people and compared to the previous arrangements - a bargain at 1500 baht.
I know the expats there have said they can get taxi arrangements for less, but so far I haven't seen it. Then again, it's not like I'm haggling over it either.
Cheers!
Attempted to use the SGA Cessna service from Hua Hin to Bangkok yesterday.
I was called back to work with no notice and needed to make a 19:30 pm connection at Don Muang. Contacted HH airport, they told me of a 16:30 pm flight arriving at 17:10 pm - perfect. B3300 one way - as I wasn't paying for the ticket and I live near the airport I could have an extra 1.5 hours at home or so I thought.
When I actually called back to confirm the reservation was told solly flight cancelled VIP coming.
This was a scheduled flight ..... at B3300 single / B5800 return this isn't a good way to run a service.
Got a taxi for B1800 instead.
I was called back to work with no notice and needed to make a 19:30 pm connection at Don Muang. Contacted HH airport, they told me of a 16:30 pm flight arriving at 17:10 pm - perfect. B3300 one way - as I wasn't paying for the ticket and I live near the airport I could have an extra 1.5 hours at home or so I thought.
When I actually called back to confirm the reservation was told solly flight cancelled VIP coming.
This was a scheduled flight ..... at B3300 single / B5800 return this isn't a good way to run a service.
Got a taxi for B1800 instead.
I'm interested in using this service, but it doesn't have an online booking system or a 'contact us' page. Booking is via printing a Word doc and faxing back. The form asks for more info than I am prepared to put on one piece of paper! Does anyone know of an email address for SGA, so that I could communicate with them directly?