Fly Surat Thani vs Samui +Taxi vs MRT Don Muang Bangkok Airport

[@SideTripLife]

PART 1 Koh Samui Ferry to Donsak: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHe1f52hjtenn6c Khanom Intro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKi5pWire6qsiK8 PKK my 1st vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGipdmWVq9aCmbs Tip Jar: www.buymeacoffee.com/SideTripLIFE Bitcoin: 3QbwGdsuKLnxfzovXDy7aB8wSoP2Qx8nbn

[@heatherdavies1894]

Personally I 💖Bangkok. I love the absolute organised chaos, the noise and the crazy traffic (though I do hate the pollution 😞). It's a city you either love or hate but arriving at the airport and walking out of the terminal I always get such an exciting feeling.

[@freelancekate8919]

thanks its always nice watching your videos and you have a nice accent to listen to. Thanks

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers Kate. btw, 1st person to like my Canuck accent, thanks eh;)

[@byoai]

Very hard to say what it is exactly but even after at least 20 visits to Bangkok I still feel the same way. It still feels exotic enough for me that I feel transported not only to a different place but also a different time. Completely lost in a strange country, feeling utterly unimportant. What a relief these days. Thanks so much for your videos. With all these people vlogging about Thailand these days, your videos are still my favorite.

[@SideTripLife]

@svnjmr Thanks

[@NickyDunn]

Hiya, always watching and giving my thumbs up. Informative. Good vibes. Have a great Friday and Weekend. Happy Easter.

[@SideTripLife]

Thx kindly Nicky. Btw, I see that in between being super moderator and also running your own cooking channel, you decided to renovate the back yard??? Also note you just had a birthday, so happy belated and pls don't forget to put up your feet and find time to relax too:)

[@NickyDunn]

@@SideTripLife Thank you. 😁🥰

[@nimblemonkey]

Another great video! I love all the information. I took a trip to Koh Phangan based on one of your earlier videos, and I'm planning a trip to Koh Samui for after Songkran. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@SideTripLife]

Thank you nimblemonkey, enjoy your upcoming trip

[@add8305]

You’re so right about the unique ‘aroma’ of Asia. Whether it be Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong Kong etc there is a distinct aroma which conjures up (to me) exotic destinations, excitement and intrigue. I love it! Can’t wait to return. Keep up the great videos!

[@edward88881]

Great video! The saddest day of my vacations is the day I arrive home. You proved it doesn't have to be if you live in the right place. Looking forward to your next video.

[@SideTripLife]

Top comment, thank you Edward. I feel both very fortunate and very grateful to be here. New vid series begins next week.

[@Moz8476]

@@SideTripLife can't wait

[@stuartbrewster6086]

love your content..me and the wife will be checking out khanom this winter. so will be looking for a long term rental..keep up the good work

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks Stuart and for anyone looking in here's an intro to Khanom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKi5pWire6qsiK8

[@andyinasia0]

Totally agree, as soon as I leave the airport and the heat, smell and sound hits you I know I'm home. Nothing quite like it.

[@garyreilly2025]

Love watching your vids man, recently retired in Thailand and gonna start traveling internally soon, Surat Thani and Khanom is my first trip thanks to your video last year

[@SideTripLife]

Thx Gary, enjoy your travels and retirement. LOVE Khanom! Pls say Hi to Miss Nadine for me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKi5pWire6qsiK8

[@SeanHendy]

You're so right about the people of Thailand. When I get asked why I have been to Thailand as many times as I have, my answer always includes 'the people'. My last trip in 2012 (I am beyond itching to get back, it has been far too long), was for a month, most of which was in Phuket staying in a small hotel with about 12 rooms and a handful of staff. I really didn't want to go home, I felt like I was at home, but when I left, without warning I noticed that ALL the staff (bar staff, manager, chef, maids) had gathered to say goodbye. To say I was choked up is an understatement and it took a lot to hold back the tears as we drove off. I struggle to think of any of the other countries around the world I have been to where I have experienced anything that personal.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks for sharing :) STL

[@davet5260]

Great job!!!! Thanks for all you are doing.

[@jerryleelewis8979]

Happy Songran,stay safe and healthy.

[@SideTripLife]

Sawadee Pi Mai /Happy Thai New Year. May the year ahead be better for all:)

[@antruok4950]

Good options for that journey - Great detail as always - happy days 🍻😎👌👍👊🙏

[@talast2000]

yup, love the chaos from the big city. and in the old days I hate the heat wave that came crash into me once the door to the outside is opened. now I miss it.

[@jimjanlekha891]

Good comparisons of costs and times. I heard if you’re a Samui’s residence, BKK Airways discounts you 50% on your flights. Have you heard that before? Always great videos sir.

[@SideTripLife]

Yep, a friend is 'local' Bangkok Airways discount member

[@iant45199]

Your Island series was First Class, very informative as always, keep up the great work sir.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks kindly Ian

[@politanene]

Awesome! Love the info. When I'll go, next year may I hire you for tours? 😃

[@civivva4501]

Because you have travelled a lot your videos show easy movement from point A to point B if i filmed my travels there would be the view of me looking at my ticket 500 times, looking at the map 1000 times, deciding to go 1 way and then going another. Getting lost SEVERAL times, swearing, wishing I was home, looking at food. AND THEN 5 hours after the estimated time getting to my destination. LOL

[@Matt1975ism]

Your Vlogs are superb sir, so informative and interesting. Because of you I will be staying in Bangrak when I go to Samui later on this year 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@lumij]

Very interesting video, as always! Thanks! Have you considered wearing a clip-on mic to make your voice easier to understand?

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks LucaM. Apologies the sound comes and goes, plus wind etc etc but.... I really prefer to keep it simple. That's why I mainly just use my 2 year old phone to film. No wires, plugins, or extra stuff to buy, pack, charge, etc etc. Also the one most use, rode wireless go 2, costs min $200!! (and not actually wireless btw, have to constantly mount and plug receiver unit into & onto phone or camera Zzzzz....) So pls pardon the annoying at times sound fluctuations but hey, it's all natural ;)

[@therobfruit]

Lucas has a point here. Sound is awful, just as you lame excuses. Just make your sound better and it will become so much more fun to watch your video's. It's actually very simple and you can keep on filming with your phone. Thanks.

[@lumij]

@@SideTripLife Thanks for your reply! I actually don‘t know much about possible mic options. I just thought there would be some bluetooth option that works as simple as headphones. My guess is that you could grow your number of viewers by quite a substantial number if your voice would be easier to understand. Just my 5c 😉

[@ForRiel]

Wow, Dirty Don isn't so dirty anymore! Glad to see that airport come of age. We have spent some quality time there over the years. Beer prices are good! Great video, loving the view of Bangkok. 🎉

[@SideTripLife]

Beer still cheaper in Cambodia tho;) For anyone looking in wanting the latest Cambodia news, click 'For Riel' channel name above

[@rolandet]

I know you dread BKK looking more like Singapore every day, but as soon as you mentioned familiar smells, the first thing I thought of was my last arrival in SG. It's probably the chemicals they use to kill anything under 1cm, but it's oh so familiar.

[@VinitCoburn]

Hi there STL, since you won't reveal your name. I can't make out your Canadian Accent some time....Ha Ha Ha, just kidding! Noticed that after watching all your 4 Islands beaches series, I realized you didn't do the East Coast of Koh Phangan at all with exception of Haad Rin. I spent some time on Haad Tong Nai Pan Noi some 25 years ago and found it to be a total lost paradise. Like you I love that castaway beach bungalows atmosphere and was hoping to see from your videos if the place has changed a lot or not, or if it still retains that secret charm. I am also trying to find more info on Haad Salad and Haad Than Sadet which are pretty remote and difficult to access in those days. I wonder if the roads have improved to all those places and if there are still rustic beach bungalows to be found on those beaches. Will you be continuing more videos beach series now that things are getting back to more normal? I'm sure price must have skyrocket from 2 years ago, to be expected but I hope not to a point they turn off the backpacker set.

[@SideTripLife]

Hi. Definitely plan to hit the East Coast in an upcoming revisit. Stay tuned

[@fernandodesenho]

Great info man, Thanks a lot.

[@foundatsea3483]

Terrific coverage, thanks as always! Could you do a walk through of a major electronics store? I'm in Boston, looking to potentially retire in Thailand and am curious what Apple and major PC laptops, external HD's, phones, TVs, tablets, DSLRs, DJI drones, video cameras, stereos and gadgets etc cost (and what's available) there. Thanks!

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks. You can find or order whatever you need here but some electronics prices may be better in the West. To compare prices, suggest have a look at Lazada Thailand (change language to Eng). Also, at the end of this vid is a brief look at Fortune Town, Bangkok's best I.T. mall: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noqUdXxja8aDhaM

[@foundatsea3483]

@@SideTripLife thanks. Just saw that in a Thaiger YT episode covering local apps. Also found the IT Mall in BKK wow. Really enjoy your side trips and remarkable first person coverage. Many thanks

[@crazyawakening]

I’ve done both the air Asia flight and the Bangkok air. It seems like a tossup between what’s the better way. Sure you save 50 bucks but do you end up using a lot of energy and time to do that so I guess if you’re on a tight budget then it’s a good option especially if you’re young and full of energy. But especially for folks that are just traveling for a few weeks I would think taking Bangkok air would be the way to go.

[@SideTripLife]

Agree Michael

[@rabmos8320]

I had the exact same trips 2 weeks ago. Flew directly to Samui and back via Surat Thani. I left my hotel in Chewang at 10:30am, took 12pm Seatran ferry and arrived at Surat Thani airport at about 3:30pm for 7pm Nok Air flight. Unfortunately, my flight delayed for about an hour so I didn't get to my hotel in Silom until about 10pm. Should have just taken the direct flight back to Bangkok.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks for the trip breakdown Rab. 10-10 is a long travel day! To be fair though, the Surat/URT - Don Muang/DMK option could be done in 5 hours door to door if, IF all goes to plan/sched... Samui/USM - Suvarnabhumi/BKK direct makes more sense but as tourists thus prices return, the ferry/van/URT option may make more cents....

[@adullahalyammahi2791]

Greetings from Dubai 🙋❤

[@SideTripLife]

Hello Dubai and thanks for dropping by

[@shirleyboy8859]

I like a little City visit...... But the Beaches are where I would love to be...... :-))

[@loredanaocchipinti]

Hello!At Surat Thani Airport is the Lomprayah desk office as well?I still don't know if I'm gonna take ferry or catamaran to head Phangan,I think with ferry is a long way but it's more safe for my stomach in case the sea is not in a 'good Mood" 😅 have you ever used Lomprayah?Which one do you thing it's the right option?

[@SideTripLife]

Both the large car ferry and the Lomphrahya Catamaran are similar stability in rough seas but the Lomphraya cat should be faster. Best advice - sit at rear as less wave motion and if feeling woozy, do NOT close eyes - instead look out the window at the horizon or at a fixed point (land/passing boat, etc). Also, if you can, go sit OUTSIDE on the deck and again do not close eyes. It is just 2-2.5 hours so you can do it and then enjoy lovely KPG :)

[@loredanaocchipinti]

@@SideTripLife Thank you so much!You didn't answer my previous question,has Lomprayah a ticket desk at Surat Thani Airport or do I have to purchase it at their office in BKK? 🙏

[@SideTripLife]

Sorry, there should be a desk at the airport too. If you cannot find, ask for Phantip Travel desk. They can arrange transport and boat tix. For all ferry options and schedule, see online phanganferries (Seatran is newer/nicer than Raja ferry)

[@loredanaocchipinti]

@@SideTripLife Thank you again 🙏🌺

[@SideTripLife]

Last ferry is soon. If you cannot get one today, stay in Surat Thani Town. I stay at Harbour Front Hotel but now other vloggers film it too so it really gets booked up. Try to stay near Night / Riverside market, it is so nice. Then next day walk to Phantip Travel office (or call them to pick you up) to go to ferry.

[@Мишаня-у6х]

Хорошего путешествия! 👍

[@terencecoeart]

Great comparison video. It boils down to saving approx $10 per hour of travel. Two week millionaires will probably rather go direct from Samui and longstay/budget travellers may opt for via Surathani. In Bangkok I prefer using the Skytrain / MRT over dealing with taxi drivers who only want to go where it suits them " because of traffic " etc and trying to rip you off given the chance.

[@SideTripLife]

Thx for the hourly breakdown and spot-on conclusions Terry. I did make an error though stating 5-6 hours commute Samui-Surat Thani Airport, it should be more like 4 or so all in. Regarding the oft thorny Bkk taxi debate, will paste my response to an earlier comment below: --------------------------- I get that reaction but just not as a blanket statement covering ALL (or even most Bkk cabbies). Majority of my rides have been fine, couple mishaps here and there of course (and I don't put up with 'no meter' nonsense). Mishaps also down to my poor pronunciation of a destination (as many of us do if we're honest;) or my own lack of knowledge of an issue or construction up ahead etc. Also, often times a driver doesn't want to accept a fare to an area where there's a traffic snarl as when the passenger hops out, there he is stuck waiting in the mess with no fare. Or, doesn't want to take a fare a ways out whereby the driver has little chance of getting a return passenger. One could say 'Hey, not MY problem' and I get that perspective too, I just also see the driver's plight. Of course we can try to make improvements to fix some of this (but some may not like paying for it...) First, raise driver standards and then raise their wages. Pay the drivers a living wage by raising the 35 Baht /approx $1 min taxi flag fall rate for the first time in 20 years (imagine working a job where you've had no raise for over 20 years???) I'm talking 40-45 baht instead of 35. Drivers who pass the higher taxi/driver standards get the raise, customers get the better rides. Add a rush hour surcharge of 20 baht (Uber and others in UK/US etc have done this, ok for the West but not here?) Make all taxi's conform to app routes and rates for no haggling and more direct routing. However, this will all require more rules/regs/bureaucracy and accelerate the 'Singaporenication' of my beloved freewheeling Bangkok but hey, 'progress' et al.... Meanwhile, as stated in my vid, if no meter, I just smile and hail the next cab and vast majority of my selected cabs, cabbies and rides are just fine (in fact usually tip a round-up at a minimum). To conclude, many wish Thailand to have both world class safety and other standards 'like home' (just at a fraction of the price;) but for me, half the reason I came here was to get as far away from the way it is becoming 'back home'... Anyways, cheers and happy travels (and careful what you wish for on the road to the Singaporenication of Bkk...) STL

[@terencecoeart]

@@SideTripLife Fair and valid points. Thank you for your reply. Enjoy your videos and will be referencing them for future trips such as to Khanom which looks great,

[@SideTripLife]

Cheers Terry! Also for any looking in, here's an intro to Khanom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKi5pWire6qsiK8

[@Djteaser1981]

I freaking love Bangkok! I just want to live there but I have no idea how.

[@thomashanning9119]

Bangkok controlled Kaos I love it!!!

[@SideTripLife]

hear-hear!

[@MrSimonj1970]

3.6m passengers seems like a lot for ST airport! 10K per day, are these real figures or Thai Tourist Board-adjusted?

[@SideTripLife]

AOT max figures old capacity vs new

[@BIGJED75]

Loving the upgrades to Dirty Don, not so Dirty anymore. We love Air Asia.

[@SoloDoloTravel]

Time over $$ any day. Can make more money but cannot make more time for $40 USD easy decision for me. PS. Long time sub. Love your vids.. living the life I dream about.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks and great logic there. However, I still enjoy slow travel too (especially trains;) ie: same trip by train: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGOYY6OJr7NplcU Hua Hin by train: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rofTfIBjp6qopqs Lopburi by train: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpfaZKyVrtWpZ6s

[@JorgenD-original]

Good video and comparing

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks JD

[@สุทธิศักดิ์มธุรพงศากุล]

Happy Songkran Day festival 🤗😉😊🇹🇭🎉🎊💦💦💦

[@barrywaugh2114]

Great video 👌🏻

[@SteveInsidious]

Awesome, cheers Bro

[@SideTripLife]

TY Steve

[@carjo64cj]

Koh Chang next?? Love Koh Chang ❤

[@SideTripLife]

My 1st time to Elephant Isle! Coming soon...

[@carjo64cj]

@@SideTripLife 👍😃😍❤

[@simong7539]

Bangkok Airways own Samui airport, hence the lack of competition.

[@david-reason]

And they charge you for this factor! They also own Trat Airport too.

[@87rahulbose]

There was a nano second of your face in the video, however would definitely like to see yourself on the camera too, not the voice :)

[@SideTripLife]

Hi Rahul. I do appear at times in my vids (albeit briefly) but this channel is not about 'me' rather what's in FRONT of the camera, the places I visit etc. Hopefully there's a space for majority pure content (vs majority selfie fillers;) Cheers, STL

[@therobfruit]

You really should do something about your sound quality on the TV version. It really is soooooo bad. Sorry to say, but we call you the mumbler. Because you're always mumbling something in the background (nobody knows what) and laughing way too much about your own silly jokes. Is it to much asked for to upgrade your sound. This is so amateurish. Thanks for the effort.

[@SideTripLife]

Apologies. Guilty on all counts. 1. I do 'mumble' at times, still dislike talking to myself (try it, it's just weird;) plus am wearing a mask many times, thus muffled 2. I tend to be fairly happy and laugh way too much (sorry bout that;) 3. I don't use a mic as I prefer simplicity, ie just filming with my phone as is. 4. I absolutely am an amateur and do this as I enjoy it (well, excepting this part but I do need to improve so thanks;) I really don't like the idea of having to plug in and then attach external mics, or gimbals and all that jazz, plus charging multiple devices etc etc. However, if they make a truly wireless mic which works well and doesn't cost the moon, for sure I'll consider it (not like the $300 rode so-called 'wireless' mics most vloggers use, which you must then plug a receiver into and attach it on top of your phone or cam). Meanwhile, apologies and thanks for bearing with. Cheers, STL / (Mumbles;)

[@therobfruit]

Thanks for your sporty reply. We do like most of your content though. And the info given is quite nice. A bit too long now and then and a pitty about the sound quality. Hope that you will ever get that "easy to handle" good mic to be able to make it even more enjoyable for us to watch. Good luck. Rob.