2AM Arrival in BKK, what to do?

[Grotesqspade]

I will be arriving in BKK in November of this year. I have a 17 day trip planned.

 

One of my concerns however is my arrival time to the airport will be just after midnight. After factoring in collections of baggage and getting my bearings, I'm guessing I won't be arriving in downtown Bangkok till 2 AM.

 

Couple of questions:

#1 - Just take a metered taxi from the airport or would it be better to arrange scheduled pick up service (i.e. Limo)?

#2 - My flight from the states will be a redeye. I may not be ready for bed due to the time difference. If I am game for entertainment, are there after hour bars? From what I've read following the government army issues, nightlife shuts down after 2 AM? What options are available if you are wide awake at two in the morning on a Saturday in Bangkok?

#3 - I will be staying at the Dream hotel. I have scheduled the start of my stay the day before. I was planning to contact the hotel to confirm that they are aware of my 2 AM arrival and check in. Any concerns that this might not work or has anyone had any similar situation of an early check-in?

#4 - Would it be easier to bring a unlocked phone and purchase a Sim card on arrival? Or would it be less of a hassle to go to a local mall later that day and purchase a simple phone in Thailand?

[rowy]

1- Just take a metered taxi from the airport.

 

3- The only way to know for sure is to contact the hotel direct and explain the situation to them.

 

4- If you have an unlocked phone that will work here, just get a sim card when you arrive.

[HarleyRider]

1 - if you've been to BKK before and are comfortable with the taxi, then metered taxi...but if you haven't traveled around BKK much, might want to see how much the hotel charges for an airport pickup.

 

3 - If you are arriving at 2am on the 10th and have the reservation starting the 9th, shouldn't be any issues...just let the hotel know you're arrival time,  You're paying for the 9th so they will hold the room

 

4 - If you have an unlocked phone and you're happy with it..just bring it.  If you're looking to upgrade, some good places to get a new a phone in BKK

[0069]

1.. Metered taxi. no problem. You will get a receipt from the counter and the driver will get a copy so he is aware of the destination. You will only have to pay the price on the meter + 50 baht airport surcharge and the toll for the highway if you choose to use that (reccomendable even at that time of the night and should be no more than 60 baht)

2. As others have stated - best to contact the hotel to make sure they know about your ETA.

3. Use an unlocked phone and buy a thai SIM, much cheaper - also for long distance calls. If you do not have an unlocked phone you can buy one in BKK (many places sell both new and second hand phones) MBK is one option. Be aware of thai copies though especially if you buy a smartphone. It will work perfectly in Thailand but might not work in your homecountry and you cannot change the OS (Android or other) to an original as this will kill the phone instantly. I know by experience, Bought a Samsung S4 in March and it does not work in Europe at all. Will bring it back next time and try to resell it for a slim amount of what i paid

[ianjamesmax]

Since you're arriving in November,you've got time to buy a sim before you go.Try getting one on E-Bay

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=thai%20sim&_sop=15&_clu=2&_fcid=1&_localstpos&_stpos&gbr=1&_zpclkd=1

[Grotesqspade]

Since you're arriving in November,you've got time to buy a sim before you go.Try getting one on E-Bay

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=thai%20sim&_sop=15&_clu=2&_fcid=1&_localstpos&_stpos&gbr=1&_zpclkd=1

Thanks, I've just ordered a prePaid SIM card from TRUE.

 

If I can set up the phone prior to my trip & have it working the minute I land, that would be ideal.

 

Thank you for the link & suggestion.

[Grotesqspade]

1.. Metered taxi. no problem. You will get a receipt from the counter and the driver will get a copy so he is aware of the destination. You will only have to pay the price on the meter + 50 baht airport surcharge and the toll for the highway if you choose to use that (reccomendable even at that time of the night and should be no more than 60 baht)

2. As others have stated - best to contact the hotel to make sure they know about your ETA.

3. Use an unlocked phone and buy a thai SIM, much cheaper - also for long distance calls. If you do not have an unlocked phone you can buy one in BKK (many places sell both new and second hand phones) MBK is one option. Be aware of thai copies though especially if you buy a smartphone. It will work perfectly in Thailand but might not work in your homecountry and you cannot change the OS (Android or other) to an original as this will kill the phone instantly. I know by experience, Bought a Samsung S4 in March and it does not work in Europe at all. Will bring it back next time and try to resell it for a slim amount of what i paid

Thanks for the response. I ordered an unlocked phone from Amazon : Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini GT-i8190 factory Unlocked International Verison BLUE + a SIM card from TRUE: hope to get the phone set up and ready when I land.

 

I will follow your advice & call the hotel to make sure my arrival time is clear.

 

I think the taxi is my best option, too.

 

Again thanks for the help.

[wackyjacky]

Well everything else is covered. Let's talk sleeze. Try the soi bars on Suk & Soi 11. There will be plenty of FLs on Suk close to your hotel too. Climax & Penny Black are open late - late too. Check the threads over on PA. Usually if I get in as late as you, I try to stay awake on the flights, arrive fucking exhausted, crash for 10-12 hrs, & wake up on BKK time. UP2U, depends on your horniness factor.

Edited August 29, 2014 by wackyjacky

[BKKSC]

I tend to just relax the first 12-24 hours. After 25 hour flight, I'm too exhausted to p4p upon arrival. Exhaustion leads to a weaker immune system. I want every advantage I got for the trip. If you don't stay healthy, it can ruin a few days

Edited August 29, 2014 by BKKSC