Why use the Private transfer service?

Good question, the main ‘Getting Here‘ page which you have probably already seen details the ways in which you can get to Koh Chang.  The island is easily accessible by bus from Bangkok or the Cambodian border.  But spending most of the day on a crowded bus which stops at half a dozen small towns isn’t everyone’s idea of the ideal way to travel.

For anyone flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, or who’s staying a couple of nights in Bangkok first, and wanting to head direct to Koh Chang,  the options are limited.  If you want to get here as quickly as possible, you fly.  If you want to go as cheaply as possible, you take the bus.

Coming from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, Cambodia to Koh Chang there are even fewer possibilities – especially if you want to avoid all the scams that you will have read about in your guidebook or on travel discussion boards.  You either fly out to Bangkok and then head back to Koh Chang either by plane or bus (very inconvenient and can be expensive if you’re travelling with your family.)  Or buy a ticket for a shared minibus – this will be cheap, and the reason it’s cheap is because this overland route is notorious for rip-offs & scams along the way.

So if you’re either simply looking for a convenient compromise on both cost, comfort and time or are arriving late night and don’t want to spend  a night in Bangkok before heading to Koh Chang there is a reliable alternative.

Who provides the service?

To provide this service I have partnered with a well known Koh Chang based tour agency. They are a licensed tour operator who have been operating on Koh Chang for several years.  Clients on Koh Chang include many of the  European package tour operators and luxury  resorts.  They aren’t the cheapest tour agency, but for a price difference of a couple of hundred baht, I’d prefer to deal with an agency that has a reputation for reliability and has experienced, European  management which ensures that any arrangements that are confirmed will stay confirmed and won’t change at a later date.

Since 2005, we’ve arranged several hundred private transfers for visitors to this site, including quite a few for people staying at our guesthouse.  I’ve yet to receive any complaints from anyone unsatisfied with the service provided. Of course, there have been times when the vehicle has broken down or the air-conditioning stopped working and these were resolved by the tour agency very quickly, within minutes, and to the satisfaction of the customer.

The vehicles

Anyone who has travelled by minibus in Thailand before will know that seatbelts aren’t fitted as standard to rear seats in Thailand. However, since January 2008, the minibuses used for transfers booked through this site have been fitted with specially designed rear seat belts. And from mid 2009 onwards, most vans  have LCD TVs and DVD players fitted plus the day’s ‘Bangkok Post’ or ‘The Nation’ newspaper and other reading material provided for passengers.

The minivans used will be new model Toyota Commuter or Hiace.  For couples or small families a small car, Toyota Avanza, is sometimes used, depending on availability.  For couples who like a bit more comfort, a new model Nissan Teana saloon is available for a small surcharge.

How to enquire about availability or book a transfer?

Simply complete the booking form on the following page.   When I receive your details I’ll confirm whether a private transfer is available and will also confirm the price. At busy periods (from mid December to mid February )you should book as far in advance as possible.

Then, if you decide to go ahead with your booking, just  let me know and I’ll pass your details on to the manager of the tour agency who will contact you direct to make the necessary arrangements.