Philippines - a glimpse of Clark (DMIA) Airport

Since the travel ban to Yemen has been lifted, I am now enjoying my monthly vacation in my home. I feel great and refresh, unlike my previous vacations where I need to wander outside Philippines.

Being able to spend my vacation at home, I have decided to blog about the Philippines. I believe that our experience in Clark Airport can provide some important details to those who are planning to book their flight from here.

In this regard, as my way of supporting my daughter's new online shop, I accompanied my wife to Bangkok last weekend to purchase ladies clothing apparel. The cheapest plane tickets available back then were offered by Tiger Airways or SEAIR from Clark.

That was the first time that my wife and I would fly from Clark Airport or DMIA. We have flown many times before from NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 hence, we were both apprehensive since we were not familiar on how things were going on at Clark Airport not to mention the travel time. Moreover, we have read on the net that numerous passengers are being offloaded at Clark daily. Nevertheless, we were successful in our travel to Bangkok using the said airport.

I have made this post to give an insight to other travelers who are planning to fly from Clark airport using a private vehicle.

To make it simpler, the following is the breakdown of our expenses:

* 45 + 173 = 218 pesos toll fare from Manila to Dau (exit at SCTEX)
* 16 liters unleaded gas at roughly 49 pesos per liter = 784 pesos for round trip
* 90 pesos per 24 hours parking fee (park and fly) = 200 pesos for less than 36 hours.
* 1620 pesos for travel tax per passenger
* 500 pesos for terminal fee + 100 pesos security fee per passenger
* 218 pesos toll fare from Dau to Manila

At the end of NLEX, we exited at SCTEX. Before approaching the tollgate of SCTEX, we turned right at Mc Arthur Highway exit and traveled until the town proper of Mabalacat. At the cross road of Mabalacat and NLEX entry, we turned left and entered Clark gate. From here, we traveled 7 km more to reach Clark airport. Inside Clark, the roads are free from traffic but you need to stay alert and follow the road signs directing you to DMIA. It took us around 1 hour from SM North to DMIA; my odometer clocked a distance of around 100 km, one-way.

We availed the Park and Fly facility of the airport. It was simply an open parking space. Upon entering the parking area, a parking coupon would be issued to you. Take extra care of the coupon since they will charge you 500 pesos if you lose it, not to mention the hassle of proving that you are the owner of the vehicle. In addition, you can use the parking coupon as proof that you'll come back in case the immigration officer will try to offload you. I gave 20 pesos tip to the security staff for providing me vital info regarding the Park and Fly procedure and the assurance that the parking area is well guarded for 24 hours. Upon returning, we found our car in good condition. My family car's 4 wheels and side mirrors were still intact, lol. Nothing missing and no additional scratches just misty windshield due to rain. There was no fuzz in leaving the car park as well. They simply asked and logged my ID (license) after I surrendered the coupon and paid the 3 days parking fee; no need to show any car documents. Actually, I paid 200 pesos only since our car haven't completed 36 hours inside the parking area.

waiting area in front of gate 2

the entire food court

the lonely escalator at departure area

Clark is definitely a small airport. It has two departure walk-in gates (1 & 2) at the ground floor while there are three passenger tubes (3, 4 & 5) at the 2nd floor departure level. The smoking room Duty Free and VIP room are also located at the second floor.

The check-in area is dated, hot and small. You'd find both the travel tax and terminal fee counters within this area. If my recollection serves me right, there are only 14 check-in counters. The immigration procedure was a breeze maybe because of our dirty and worn-out passports. However, I noticed that several passengers were being escorted by immigration officers toward departure gate during final call.

Ground floor boarding or waiting area is usually crowded unlike on second floor. There is a small food court at the ground floor where the temperature is quite comfortable. I can't imagine how you'd make yourself comfortable in case your flight will be delayed. It seems that two flights can easily fill the entire ground floor waiting area for (gates 1 & 2). Nonetheless, the airport staffs are all nice and approachable.

Since we were flying by budget airline, we walked from departure gate no 1 up to the tarmac, about a hundred meters. The wife was hysterical because at past 3PM, the temperature was still hovering at more than 30 degC and her umbrella was inside our checked-in luggage. I switched my internal body mode into deaf mode. Nevertheless, our flight to Bangkok was smooth except for one minor observation. We were surprised to note that SEAIR flight stewardess uniforms were similar to majorette attire. They wear light blue fitting blouse and pleated dark blue miniskirt with black legging. Shoulders were adorned by stars. The plane wasn't full.

There was nothing special when we came back after 3 days at 11:30PM. We were glad that an airport shuttle bus was used to bring us to the arrival gate upon disembarkation. The arrival procedure was also smooth and effortless. Forget about Duty Free. We saw a Philtranco counter at the arrival area and several hotel service vehicles in queue outside the arrival exit gate.

It is worth  mentioning that inside Clark area, most of the roads are well lighted during night time. We were traveling alone in the middle of the night but we felt secured due to 24 hours security inside Clark. We left Clark from Mabalacat gate then drove directly to NLEX. Needless to say, I need to stay fully awake and alert for the whole duration of our travel back to our home. Some parts of NLEX were pitch black thus I need to switch my headlights into high beam from time to time. More so, I need to overtake countless of poorly lit trucks. We had a few minutes of stop-over at one of the gas stations inside NLEX to buy water; I noticed some military personnel on stand-by at the station. Anyhow, wife and I arrived safely in our house and due to shopping and driving fatigue I immediately fell into comatose-like sleep.

Clark airport has big potential to become one of Philippines premier international airports as long as plane tickets remain competitive and the safety and comfort of passengers coming from other places or provinces is assured. In our case, we were able to avail a reasonably priced ticket for MLA-BKK-MLA flight and we found it cheaper and more comfortable to use our own vehicle instead of going to Clark by public transport. In addition, my actual gasoline expense was even cheaper when compared with NAIA's 3 terminals airport taxi where a single trip to our home can easily fetch a thousand pesos. During rush hours, I believe travel time  from Clark airport to our home is almost the same when I come home from NAIA terminal 1 airport.

Even so, Clark airport needs to be upgraded and expanded in case they will add more flights. According to the web, Clark runway conforms to international standard and can even accommodate Airbus A380 and the space shuttle.

It is in this regard that my wife and I are willing to fly from Clark airport in our next out of the country journey as long as the entire flight costs is more economical compared with NAIA terminals flights.

Part Two (03 Nov 2012)

Wife and I left for Bangkok from Clark airport on 31 Oct to replenish our daughter's online shop inventory.

This time, we traveled up to the tip of NLEX and exited at Sta. Ines. At Mabalacat town intersection, we simply crossed the road until we reached Clark gate.

We were elated to learn that the terminal fee was reduced to 350 pesos plus 100 pesos for security fee. Hence, each of us paid 450 pesos.

We availed again of Clark's Park and Fly facility; no need tipping the guard. It seems there is a dedicated open parking area for this purpose unlike before where all cars were using a common parking area. We noticed that some cars were even covered. Obviously left there by their owners for longer period. I just hope that their car covers would still be there when they come back.

Coming back from Bangkok, as usual, we were transported back from the plane to the airport by big buses. There were only 2 immigration staff attending to all Filipino passport holders thus it took us more than 30 minutes in queue.

We immediately proceeded to Park N Fly area. I paid 300 pesos for more than 3 days parking. As usual, my ID (license) was asked by the parking staff for recording purposes. Perhaps due to fatigue it took us 30 minutes of driving inside Clark complex before we were able to locate Mabalacat gate. My wife who was born and raised in the city was a bit nervous since some areas inside Clark were creepy and uninhabited. More so, we sometimes reached some dead end and most of the time we were driving alone at 12 midnight. I was thinking that maybe we have an unseen passenger in our car and when I told this to my wife she went ballistic. I decided to keep quiet since an angry wife was more frightening than a "creepy white lady," lol. Once we were able to locate Mabalacat gate, the mood changed from eerie and silence into festive. It was a breeze driving through NLEX but be aware though that many poorly lit trucks were traversing NLEX during night time.

We arrived at home at past 1 am and I immediately fell into deep sleep after a relaxing hot shower while wife and daughter spent time rummaging through all those ladies apparel we bought for our online shop.

Part Three (22 Feb 2013)

Additional shots at DMIA. We are back in Bangkok for business trip

Open area parking and Park n Fly Entrance

Inside the Parking and Park N Fly - this place is safe and guarded 24 hours

Entrance to International Departure gate

Before reaching the departure gate, you would pass along the domestic departure gate while the arrival gate is located behind or after the international departure gate. Anyhow, the airport is small and you won't get confuse or lost, trust me.

After 3 nights in Bangkok, we were back in Philippines. We arrived at past 1 AM at Clark Airport. To my surprise, I was asked to pay for full 4 days of parking. Before, we used to pay 90 pesos per day plus number of hours in excess of one day. But now, even if our car didn't stay for full 4 days, I was billed 360 pesos.

Since we arrived at unholy hour, I decided not to exit at Mabalacat Gate; I am sure that we would be traveling alone in mostly dark roads before we reach Mabalacat Gate. I followed the lighted main road going to Main gate (SCTEX) and because of my unfamiliarity inside Clark I made a mistake by staying at the middle of the road even if I need to turn left at the intersection. The security immediately stopped and apprehended me after I made a left-turn. Actually, it was dark and I didn't see him but after turning left he turned on his flashlight and asked me to stop and surrender my license. I told him that I was lost and I need to travel back to Manila. He threatened to confiscate my license and issue a ticket for "obstruction;" I begged him to be considerate since I am not familiar in that area and there wasn't any car behind me at the intersection. I even added that it would be very difficult for me to return back the following day to redeem my license. Upon seeing on my license that I came from Rizal province he told me that he would radio his superior and blah, blah. I knew that he was simply buying some time expecting me to initiate "to bribe" him but I stood my ground and even ready to accept the ticket. Eventually, he returned my license and showed me the direction towards SCTEX. I paid 4 pesos from Clark South Interchange (SCTEX) to NLEX. Shortly thereafter, we were cruising inside NLEX.

It was raining cats and dogs at that time and my windshield wiper was running continuously. Considering that many poorly lit trucks were traveling along NLEX during night time we opted to have a coffee break at the first gas station along NLEX. When the rain has subsided and I got my caffeine shots, we continued our journey back to Manila.

After more than an hour, we exit at Mindanao Avenue, we arrived at McDonald's, near Trinoma Mall and spent time there until 5 AM. We can't afford to bother our kids and neighbors at past 3 AM; our neighbors' dogs would be definitely excited to welcome us, lol. The wife bought breakfast take-outs for our kids.

Just to add, you don't need to leave your car key to the security staff. I never left my car key whenever I avail Park n Fly at DMIA. I always bring it with me.

Part Four (21 April 2013)

On our recent family trip to Hong Kong/Macau/Shenzhen, we booked our tickets again by Tiger Airways (SEAIR) via Clark Airport.

This is how far you need to walk before boarding the plane.

Indian nationals being escorted and sent back to Singapore

Fortunately, several deportees were asked to transfer to a smaller van thus we were able to use the Airport Bus or due to summer temperature they decided to allow the passengers to use the bus. Either way, it was a welcome relief especially to my wife.

We left our family car for 5 nights at Clark Park N Fly. Upon returning and after a grueling 45 minutes at the immigration area, I asked my family to wait at the arrival gate while I fetched our car from the parking area. I paid 450 pesos for 5 nights and made a U-Turn back to departure/arrival area where my family was waiting; there was no need for them to walk up to the parking area anymore.

We followed the direction towards Main Gate until we reached the Clark South Interchange going to SCTEx. I paid 4 pesos tollway fee. In no time at all we were cruising along NLEX.

09 June 2013

We went back to Hong Kong for our online shop. Going to Clark Airport we passed at North Clark via SCTEx and paid 12 pesos. However, while going back to Manila this morning I decided to pass at South Clark Interchange via SCTEx and paid 4 pesos. I prefer the South Clark Interchange since it is nearer to airport and cheaper.

From 16:00 Hour 06 June to 13:00 Hour 09 June, I paid 300 pesos for park N Fly.

As usual, all of us fell in line at 3 immigration counters. You are lucky if you can finish the immigration procedure within 30 minutes.

09 November 2013

new terminal but not yet operational

A few days back, with the wife and daughter, we left for Bangkok City through Clark Airport. We noticed that a new terminal has been constructed beside the old terminal. Moreover, there was a huge improvement at the waiting and boarding area.

Again, we availed Clark's Park n Fly facility. It seems more passengers are flying from Clark. the Park n Fly area was getting crowded nowadays. by the way, make sure that you arrive 2 hours before your flight; I was the last passenger accepted by Tiger Airways staff. Fortunately, I dropped my wife and daughter at the departure gate before I parked our car. Wife and daughter begged the counter staffs to wait for a few more minutes. After I have checked-in they closed the counter. After a couple of minutes I saw two ladies being refused check-in by Tiger Airways staffs. We arrived 50 minutes before our flight due to traffic at NLEX caused by seasonal travelers during the all saints day holiday.

Just to add, Tiger Airways staff have replaced their uniforms. They wear a tangerine fitting blouse and pants; great improvement from their previous majorette attire.


Additional tip, if you have heavy luggage then you may drop your companions with the luggage directly in front of departure gate then drive back to the entrance of park and fly. You can do a u-turn at the corner of the exit side of park and fly. The same thing when you arrive, take your car first  from the parking then drive back to the arrival gate to fetch your companions. 

Thailand - Pantip Plaza (Bangkok)

on-going promo with gorgeous dancers performing outside

I have read and heard about this indoor IT mall since I started visiting Thailand. This place is known as an IT and electronic paradise according to some write-ups. Nothing great I told myself thus I didn't even bother to visit the place during my previous stay in Thailand since I thought I can find all my IT and electronic needs in Manila especially at SM North Annex. I remember, the only time I spent in Pantip PLaza was when I watched a dance sales promo outside its main doors last year. However, my initial impression with Pantip Plaza was shattered due to two circumstances. 

Few months back, my youngest kid complained that his Ipod Shuffle USB connector was broken, as usual. I wasn't surprised because most of his gadgets eventually ended up in trash especially those with cables such as ear & head phones, USB chargers and so on. In short, I bought him from CD-R King an ipod Shuffle replacement cable for around 180 pesos, as I remember. Few weeks back, the replacement cable went kaput. Nothing to worry. I told my wife to purchase another replacement cable from CD-R King. The cable was out-of-stock in all CD-R King branches for quite some time thus I started to get worried. From that time I started seeing on my FB wall about an "unusable Ipod Shuffle" and pictures of damaged connector. When I arrived at home last week, I can't bear seeing him using his Champ mobile phone to listen to his music and if he wasn't satisfied he'd use our Yamaha stereo. I need to act fast. Otherwise, I'd go crazy whenever he played those "noises" on our stereo.

In addition to the above, I bought my daughter a couple of years back an Asus netbook, Eee PC 1000H netbook. After a year, the battery went dead. My wife and I have been searching for a replacement battery in Philippines and in Dubai duty free ever since. Sad to say, we were not able to find a replacement battery even from Asus distributor in Philippines. I pity my daughter because she had to bring with her the charger wherever she will use her netbook.

Because of this, I begged my wife to allocate some time in searching for those items in Pantip Plaza; we were in Pratunam area last weekend to purchase merchandise for our daughter's new online shop. Fortunately, Pantip Plaza remains open until 9 pm hence after our shopping galore at Platinum mall, it closes at 7 pm; we trekked down to Pantip Plaza. I wasn't expecting much though because we have been frantically searching for these items in Manila for quite some time without any luck. Actually, we focused in Manila's shopping malls only since we have no time to visit other places such as Quiapo and Divisoria.

Upon entering Pantip Plaza, I felt that maybe we'd find the items we were searching for since the place was teeming with all electronics items I can dream of. This building is truly a shopping paradise for those who are looking for consumer electronic and IT products.

We approached one mobile shop and asked for Ipod Shuffle cable. Unfortunately, they didn't have replacement cable; they have original Ipod Shuffle set only. Nevertheless, they asked their assistant to search for the cable and after 10 minutes we were testing the new cable. The price tag was 250 Baht but I was able to haggle it down to 150 Baht. I tried my luck, I asked if they have replacement battery for my daughter's netbook. After 30 minutes I have the item in my hand. The initial price was 1650 Baht with one year warranty but I was able to lower it down to 1500 Baht. I knew it was quite expensive but considering the effort we spent looking for it I never regretted paying that much for I knew that my daughter would truly enjoy using her netbook with a new and working battery.

We decided not to explore Pantip Plaza anymore after we have purchased these two items due to fatigue and sore legs and feet.

Hence, as what my Thai friend once told me, you will find all the electronic and IT items you need in Pantip Plaza including pirated DVD and CD; he was correct indeed.

By the way, Pantip Plaza is just one building away from Platinum mall along Phetchaburi road. Diamond Plaza is in between them.

One year of wanderlust for free

My wanderlust story goes like this: the last time I saw my house was in May 2011.

More than a year ago, everything in my life was smooth and proceeding according to my plan. I have a caring family, responsible kids and a stable job. I was blessed with a job that entitled me to work for 4 weeks in Yemen and spend the next 4 weeks in Philippines. However, due to Arab Spring, there were continuous violence in Sana'a city between the government and protesters. Many people have died.

Because of this, the travel alert was raised by our government from alert level 2 to alert level 4 which was mandatory evacuation for all OFW working in Yemen. Several of my colleagues lost their job because they were not able to come back to Yemen. They were on vacation when the travel ban was imposed. I was on duty.

I faced a big dilemma for I need to choose between the welfare and future of my family against my personal safety. I chose to stay and prioritized my family; I have two kids in college and one in high school.

It is in this light that my company has decided to provide logistical support to all their Filipino staff so we can spend our vacation outside Philippines and meet our families elsewhere for a few days. We were provided "extra vacation allowance" and round-trip ticket to any Asean country during our vacation. That started my one year of wandering away from home for free though I must admit that sometimes I need to shell out extra dollars from my pocket whenever I meet my family.

 

In order to have additional funds whenever my wife and kids would visit me I have to spend countless nights in company of complete strangers in one dorm (Hostel) room so I can lower my expenses. Furthermore, I have learned to sleep in the airport to save on hotel fare; I missed those nights spent in plush hotels while in transit in Dubai and Doha. A meal worth a dollar along the street of Bangkok's Khao San road and Singapore's food hawkers became a norm. There were so many experiences that I won't forget since I started wandering.

 

I would never thought of hiking for 10 kilometers around one of Singapore's water reservoir alone in the middle of tropical forest and swampy land. I even attended a Buddhist wedding party in Cambodia. I have slept for two nights in the train while I traveled from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok. I even reached the highest observatory in the whole world and met Pinoy explorer in Dubai.

Some of my friends and relatives were amazed because my family and I have been visiting places for quite some time. Unbeknownst to them, I need to endure the pain and homesickness whenever my wife and kids would go back to Philippines, leaving me alone in an unfamiliar place.

In January 2012, the travel alert to Yemen was lowered from level 4 to level 2. It means, any OFW working in Yemen can now return back to Philippines and go back to their work in Yemen without any fear of being stopped by immigration officers. I was truly elated and excited because I thought I would be able to see my family and finally enjoy my vacation. However, my company didn't allow me to spend my vacation in Philippines but rather asked me to continue wandering away from home for fear that our government might raise the alert level again and I would end up trapped in Philippines during my vacation. I didn't have any choice. I simply hoped that the situation in Yemen would continue to stabilize.

After a few months, at long last, my company informed me that they would allow me to go to Philippines on my next vacation and at the same time the logistical support and "extra vacation allowance" will cease. I don't bother about these things anymore. What was important was a chance to be at home again.

Right now, while working on this post, I am having a glass of Vodka in our room during Father's day. Yes, I am now back in Philippines and after a year of wandering I am now enjoying my vacation. My life has returned back to normal and it is good to reminisce all those happy moments with my family in other countries.

I never thought that I would become a wanderer without breaking the bank and introduce the joy and thrill of traveling to my wife and kids. In a few days, my wife and I will be leaving for Bangkok to purchase clothing apparel for my daughter's on-line shop; she was able to put up an online shop during her 4 days stay in Bangkok. More so, her first Bangkok collection was sold out in a couple of weeks.

My kids' perspective changed as well. Now, they want to see and visit many places; an offshoot of having a father who was forced to wander away from his home during his monthly vacation for the past one year. Next year, my eldest will graduate from college and as a gift to him we are planning to visit the land of my ancestors, China. The following year will be my daughter's turn to graduate, perhaps we'll go to South Korea. These plans will surely put a dent to our savings but I can't stop this fire burning.

As for me, this could be one of the reasons why many Filipinos have decided to work abroad. They can visit places for free while earning decently.





This is my entry to the 20th Blog Carnival this June 2012 of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers with the theme "How to fund your wonderlust" hosted by James Betia of journeyingjames: HOW TO FUND YOUR WANDERLUST

For previous PTB Blog Carnival, click here.

Nappark Hostel - Bangkok, Thailand

I have stayed here three times during my past vacations. I always book my stay through net because it is cheaper than walk-in rate. Interestingly, they won't deduct anything from your credit card during the booking process but you are expected to pay the total amount upon arrival. It was a matter of trust. They scored plus point in that aspect.

Nappark hostel is located at Tani road. To make it easier, I always tell the taxi driver to bring me to Khao San road. Tani road is second street from Khao San while Rambuttri road is in between of Tani and Khao San roads. The place is ideal since you can have a relaxing evening by being far from the hustle and bustle of Khao San while being a stone throw away from it.

On my first stay, I was booked in a 20 beds (440 THB per night), mixed dorm room. I availed their long stay promo. I paid 6 nights for 7 nights stay.

20 beds mixed dorm

It was huge mixed-dormitory type room on second floor. You have your own power outlet, night lamp and a small mirror on top of your bed. Quite fascinating isn't it? To complete the picture, I brought out my clothes  hangers. The beddings were quite new and in good condition. The lighted lockers were huge but you need to provide your own padlock.

Aside from the 20 beds mixed dorm room there is another 6 beds superior room also at second floor. It will cost you 550 THB per night. On my third stay in Nappark, I stayed in this room. Although the 2nd floor superior room was roomy, you still need to share the T&B with the occupants of 20 beds room. Sometimes I was in queue for the bathroom especially when all beds in second floor were occupied.

Upon check-in, you will be asked whether to pay a 400 THB deposit for the wrist-type electronic key or leave you passport with them. You may redeem your passport or deposit upon returning the electronic key during check-out. All rooms and main doors have electronic door lock thus without the "wrist band" you won't be able to enter your room. I appreciate this extra security feature.

lounge area

free use of PC with internet at the lounge 

The staff turn off the air conditioning at noontime and turn it on at 6 PM. During this time, they open all the windows, fix all beds and clean all the rooms including T&B. You can stay at the lounge since they kept the a/c running. Actually, it was quite comfortable in the lounge. You can sleep, eat, read books, watch video and surf the net. No one will bother you. It was really cozy to spend time at the lounge.

6 beds superior room at ground floor

On my second stay here, I paid 550 THB per night for superior room at the ground floor. I believe this is the best room that Nappark can offer. 6 beds mixed dorm with ensuite T&B. Not to mention a 6 inches LCD TV attach to your bed. Don't expect cable channels though, just a typical antenna type TV. Due to limited beds, you can enjoy a bit of  privacy and comfort.

Outside the hostel, they have this alfresco style dining or reclined couches. You can order your breakfast or meal from the small kitchenette outside. You can smoke and drink in this area.

Footwears are not allowed inside. You have to leave your footwears outside or use the small shoe lockers at the entrance. Laundry and drying facilities are located at the 4th floor; the rooms at the 4th floor are exclusive for ladies only. Just make sure that you have enough 10 THB coins with you because the laundry and drying machines are coin operated. you can purchase powder detergent soap from the reception.

Among other things, the free use of their extensive selection of DVD is what made Nappark unique for me. Every night I used to borrow and watched the DVD privately (due to curtain in between beds) on my laptop and returned it back the following morning. They have CD music also. Further, wifi is free and fast. I can watch live streaming of TV Patrol and my favorite TV series "The Walking Dead" and "Naurto Shippuden" without any considerable delay.

I have noticed that most of the guests here are westerners and young backpackers. They would stay for few days then off they go to other places. Perhaps because Nappark hostel, aside from being safe and cozy place to stay in Bangkok, is strategically located especially when you need to be near interesting places such as Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and so on and so forth. Moreover, if you intend to make Bangkok as jumping point to other touristy places then this area is unbeatable due to numerous tour operators at Khao San area. Not to mention the extensive bars and restaurants easily accessible within the vicinity.

Finally, Nappark is recipient of several awards due to its great feedback and review from its previous guests. I would recommend this hostel to backpackers who are willing to shell out extra bucks for extra comfort and security. There are other nearby hostels that offer cheaper rates but I doubt whether they can match the level of service and comfort provided by Nappark.

Bus Trip from Siem Reap to Bangkok

I paid 8 USD to Ta Som Guesthouse for my bus trip to Bangkok. Quite cheap compared with other bus agents because Ta Som was also a travel agent of Capitol Tours.

Since I wasn't able to enjoy the scenery during my trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, I requested for a front seat which was fortunately available. The bus stopped at the main road in front of Ta Som at 9:00 AM. My front aisle seat was waiting for me.

I have observed that the bus strictly followed a 100 kph speed limit. Maybe because of several accidents that have happened in the past. The road going to the border was narrow two lane black top road thus our bus sometimes crawled whenever some slow moving vehicles or animals were ahead of us. I won't dare travel along this route during night time.

After some time, our bus stopped in front of Sereisophorn (Siem Reap) clinic for several minutes to pick-up some passengers. We simply waited inside while the new passengers boarded the bus.




After almost 3 hours, we reached Poipet, a Cambodian town at Thailand border. Before alighting, our tour guide pasted a blue sticker on our shirt. Shortly after leaving the bus, we crossed the round-about until we reached the immigration departure gate. I was surprised to see that the departure gate was located along the sidewalk as you can see on the pictures below.

departure gate

Fortunately, there were few people in queue, otherwise it would be very uncomfortable since the temperature was at its peak.



After passing through departure gate, I followed the main road. It was like a market or public place. I had that feeling that given a chance I can easily sneak into Thailand without having Cambodian exit stamp on my passport; I don't remember my passport being checked after leaving the departure area. Anyhow, after 100 meters I reached a bridge and according to the notice board I need to cross to the other side to enter Thailand. Oh yes, it was reverse in Thailand. I just can't imagine how the traffic goes within this area, from left to right then right to left.

entrance to Thai immigration building

By merely comparing these two immigration offices, one can easily distinguish the big difference in facilities and security between them.

After passing Thailand immigration office, we were greeted and herded into a corner by another tour guide. He instructed us to wait for the others. We were all having blue stickers on our shirt. By the way, inside the Thai immigration office, there was a separate line for visa (on-arrival) purchase for non-Asean nationals.

After our group has been accounted for, our guide led us to the market outside the Thai immigration building where a queue of Toyota Commuter minivans were waiting. Our group got separated depending on the available seat on each minivan. Each minivan can accommodate 12 passengers. Considering most of us came from Cambodia, the vehicle was full to the brim not only by people but with luggage as well. If you are claustrophobic, I advise you to go to Aranyaprathet by tuktuk and take a larger government bus or train from there, trust me. We started our grueling trip to Bangkok.

After several minutes, our minivan stopped in front of police checkpoint. All of us showed our passport and the locals their ID. Random checking of passport was conducted. After inspection, we continued our trip.

After 2 hours or around past 2:00 PM, we stopped at gas station. We all alighted due to long lines of vehicles. I was initially annoyed since the other gas station nearby was free of vehicles. I realized later that our minivan was using CNG as fuel hence, this could be the only CNG station in this place. I took the opportunity to buy some pastry since I haven't taken my lunch yet. It was my lucky day. Without any slightest idea, I bought a Durian pastry. I hate Durian. I started hating this bus trip.

After gassing up, we continued our daredevil trip towards Bangkok. We were travelling at around 130 kph. I knew because I drove my car in Philippines at the same speed. However, our minivan was traversing at a two-lane highway whereas I drove my Nissan Grand Livina at 130 kph in a 3-lane one-way superhighway.Our minivan was stuck in traffic for almost 1 hour due to an accident along the highway. I can say that having such a narrow highway and devil may care driver attitude, I wouldn't be surprised anymore.

After a couple of hours, we stopped and gassed up again; I took the opportunity to grab another bite since I have that feeling that I would not be able to take my dinner on time.

I was  correct, our minivan was caught in another monstrous traffic jam inside Bangkok city. In fact, I knew that we have entered an elevated tollway but the traffic was also horrendous.

To sum it all, it took me around 9 hours before I reach Nappark hostel at Khao San area. I was dead tired and famished. I am not going to repeat the same journey again. Nevertheless, it was quite an experience because my patience and endurance was tested to the limit. Surely age was catching up.



MY OTHER BUS TRIPS:

Bus Trip 1 - Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
Bus Trip 2 - Phnom Penh to Sem Reap