But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

Robert Burns Scots Poem 1785

All of us at some point in our life have had plans go awry. They could have been simple plans, evil plans, vacation plans, business plans, financial plans or relationship plans.  But it is part of life that plans don’t always go as envisioned or hoped for.

When I was serving in the military we would always include Murphy on the manifest for every mission we executed. We did this because we knew if anything could go wrong it would and that name was a constant reminder. It was a necessity to not only plan for redundancy but also to have a plan b.

The Ubon Ratchathani Chamber of Commerce made plans to offer taxi service with a home base at Ubon’s airport. This service was suppose  to be active for testing May 1. I posted this story a few days ago but now I must recant it. Or at least part of it.

Things are not always as they seem. At the 11th hour there was a change of venue and the taxi service is now headquartered at Ubon Ratchathani main bus terminal. There are indeed here in town. I have seen them driving around, but without fares.

So if you read my story and bounded out of the airport terminal building after claiming your luggage from the carousel you would have been disappointed in your search for a blue and yellow sedan.

I can only surmise the reason for this change. There has been no reason given. But such is life. The only thing we can count on is change. You can still catch a cab at the bus terminal or call dispatch to come pick you up wherever you may be in Ubon Ratchathani.

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Ubon Ratchathani Change of Taxi Home

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1. Ubon Ratchathani Airport Taxi To The Runway Metered Taxis Make Debut in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand It was...

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It was inevitable. It is progress, though some might consider just the opposite. I have read that Udorn Thani has taxis now and I have seen and ridden in metered taxis in Korat. Before recent days the only places I have observed taxis in Thailand was Bangkok and Samui Island. But now we have them here in Ubon.

It has been confirmed by an unnamed source that metered taxis will be put into service at the Ubon Ratchathani Airport beginning May Day or Labor Day, May 1, 2011. This will be great news for some travellers as I have received many inquiries regarding the availability of taxis to and from the airport.Now you have a new option when it comes to Ubon Ratchathani transportation.

According to the source the new taxi service is the brain child of Ubon Chamber of Commerce who are seeking ways to improve life in their home town. Taxis will add to the cars that are currently available at the two car rental booths and from the hotels who send vans to meet incoming flights. This was all because for whatever reason local tuk tuks were never allowed to wait at the airport when the planes were arriving.

The premier service package is suppose to be active beginning May 1. It is unknown how many there will be but if it is a success I am sure the numbers be increased. It is also unknown if there will be alternative staging areas such as Ubon Main Bus Terminal or Ubon Train Station in Warin. For now can only say for sure they will be at the airport.

This might be good news for some Ubon residents who are currently driving taxis in Bangkok. I don’t know the numbers but it seemed everytime I was in a taxi heading to one of the Bangkok airports when I told them domestic I was always asked, “Where are you going? Chiang Mai? Phuket?” and more often than not when I replied, j”Ubon”,  I would be told, with a big smile, “I am from Ubon”.  So they can find some work they are qualified for closer to home.

I was just informed by UbonLeaks that the initial beta testing for the debut Ubon Ratchathani meter taxi service will be on three vehicles. So if you want to use it in the test period you best double time to the taxi stand or you will be out of luck. However, after the undisclosed test period they plan to have 50 taxis in the fleet. The meter drop will start ticking at 30 Baht and then according to mileage. If you call for pick up there is a 20 Baht service charge.

There is a contact number 089-421-6040, this is the mobile phone of the manager/dispatcher. They are in the process of getting a permanent land line number but for now this is it. Do not count on English being spoken at the other end of the line.

With only 3 cars in the fleet you won’t see many around town. But soon enough they will be a fixture and a common sight.  If you are flying in and out of our fair province  on May 1 you just might be one of the first fares for the new Ubon Ratchathani metered taxi service.

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Ubon Ratchathani Airport Taxi To The Runway

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Ubon Ratchathani International Airport

Since my initial experience flying to Ubon there have been many changes.  Some changes in the name of competition and others for economic reasons.

You could fly from Ubon to Danang, Viet Nam eight years ago but that service has since been cancelled. Thai Airways International increased daily service between Ubon and Bangkok from 2 to 3 times a day. Oh yes and air fares increased as well.

Air Asia flew onto the scene bringing competition and discount fares with their no-frill service. “Now, everyone can afford to fly” is their motto. If you are ok with boarding and finding your own seat and paying for any food or refreshment then it’s the service for you.

The happy travellers to and from Ubon had a choice. You could choose different times, different carriers and different levels of service.  Things were looking good with the local air travel.

Finally, the new Bangkok International Airport opened. It was billed as the gateway to Asia. Suvarnabhum Airport was state of the art and ready to serve the masses. It is a nice airport but when travelling from Ubon to Bangkok  the flight is just over an hour. The journey from Suvarnabhumi to the city could take 2 hours or more.

After that we experienced the split airport era. International flights arrived and departed from the new airport but domestic Thai flights originated and terminated at Don Muang. Oh that is Thai Airways and Nok Air, a subsidiary of Thai Airways, while Air Asia’s hub remained at Suvanaphum.

Nok Air, another value airline made a short lived appearance in Ubon. I used their service on several occassions and found it satisfactory.  They only lasted a few months and then had to cancel several routes, including service to Ubon. Their departure was for economic reasons, I guess you cannot Fly Smiles only.

The changes to Ubon Ratchathani air travel continue.  All Thai international and domestic flights are due to be reconsolidated at Suvarnabhumi Airport beginning the end of March 2009. That is good news for international travellers who must connect to domestic flights but bad news for in country air passengers.

What is the current state of air travel to Ubon Ratchathani? We are serviced by two airlines, Thai Airways and Air Asia. Thai Airways offers 3 daily flights, morning, afternoon and evening with stable fares. Air Asia has been reduced to a single flight a day. Their fares vary according to supply and demand. If you check their rates on the Internet you will often find promotions for future dates. People who want to travel to Ubon in October might be able to get a steep discount if act now.

The story of air travel to Ubon Ratchathani is constantly changing but has always been available.  Here is a place to go if you want to check out the latest Ubon-BKK flight schedules.  Happy travels.

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Ubon Ratchathani Ever Changing Air Travel

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I caught the songtaew at the entrance door to Tesco Lotus. The southbound route drives through the Lotus parking lot after 10:00 in the morning. Before that they stay on Chayangkun Road. I rode it to it’s southern terminal/starting point on Highway 2178 (Kantaralak Road) across from Ban Go School.

It stops and begins there in Ban Go and heads north to Ban Don Klang on Soi Techno across from Ratchathani University, formerly known only as Techno.

As I said the ride was rather uneventful, yes I like a good adventure, so I spent my time gathering info, watching people, and enjoying the trip. From beginning to end the journey took a bit more than an hour. I got off on Soi Techno to stretch and wait for a songtaew to take me back to Lotus.

It was around 12:30 and my stomach suddenly alerted me to the fact that it hungry and needed some lunch. Phad Thai immediately came to mind so I was off in search of a shop that offered Phad Thai. Being near a school there is an abundance of cheap food shops so I easily found what I was looking for. In no time at all I had consumed my meal and paid my 20 Baht. A small price to pay for a filling, good-tasting lunch. Amazing Thailand.

Line 3 Route South to North:

• Highway 2178 in Ban Go
• Through Warin around the market
• Upparat Road
• Phrom Rat Road (south to north)/Phrom Thep Road (north to south)
• Khuan Thani Road
• Luang Road
• Phichit Rangsan Road
• Thepyothi Road
• Sapphasit Road
• Upparat Road
• Chayangkun Road
• Highway 231
• Highway 212
• Soi Techno

Line 3 Highlights South to North:

• Warin Market/Bus Terminal
• Samchai Coffee Warin
• Nakon Chai Air Terminal
• Ubon Buri Resort (must walk from Upparat Road to resort)
• Big Market
• Sri Isan Hotel
• Main Post Office
• Wat Tung Sri Muang
• Risotto Restaurant
• Sapphasit Apartments
• Sapphasit Hospital
• Police Station
• Sincere Restaurant
• Intro Pub Indo China Restaurant (Vietnamese)
• Cozy Restaurant
• Swing Party House
• Robinsons
• Racha Hotel
• Regent Palace Hotel
• Pathumrat Hotel
• Thai Airways
• Rajabhat
• Ubon International Hotel
• Ubon Sports School
• Tesco Lotus
• Nong Bua Market
• Northeastern Polytechnic College
• Rajavej Hospital
• Labor Office
• Big C
• Makro
• Bus Terminal
• Ban Don Klang
• Ratchathani University

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Ubon Ratchathani Line 3, A leisurely Ride

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When I fist came to Ubon Ratchathani, Line 2 was serviced by a full-sized public bus as a part of Ubon Ratchathani transportation system. During that era I only rode it one time.

I was a bit apprehensive to ride one of these buses due to their obvious state. They must have been in service back in the 60′s or 70′s when Americans and Australians were posted at the Royal Thai Air Force Base, Wing 21.

What I noticed most was their attitude as these white buses made their way down the road. Viewing the vehicle from the front it was easy to see the rear peeking it’s butt out and one side or the other. It appeared as though they were executing a “Tokyo Drift” maneuver while driving in a straight line. Many of the buses also listed to one side or the other like a ship rolling on it’s side just before descending to the bottom of a sea.

The much used buses were finally put to rest and granted a well deserved retirement about a year after I made Ubon my home. They were replaced with the currently used white mini-buses or songtaews.

Line 2, which is white in color, runs south to north from Ubon Ratchathani Train Station to Skill Development Center. It is the line you would take if going to or arriving at the Ubon train station.

Line 2 Route North to South:

• Sathani Road
• Sathit Nimankan Road
• Upparat Road
• Khuan Thani Road
• Luang Road
• Phichit Rangsan Road
• Upparat Road
• Sapphasit Road
• ChaengSanit Road
• Ratchathani Road
• Chayangkun Road
• Highway 231
• Highway 212
• Klang Awut Road

Route Highlights South to North:

• Ubon Ratchathani Train Station
• Warin Chamrap Market/Bus Stop
• Nakhon Chai Air
• Mun River
• Ubon Buri Resort
• Big Market
• Tung Sri Muang Park/Museum
• Ubon Hotel
• Ratchathani Hotel
• Main Post Office
• Wat Tung Sri Muang
• Tokyo Hotel
• Cowboys & Indians Pub
• OTOP
• SK Shopping Mall
• Rajabhat University/Cultural Center
• Ubon International Hotel
• Ubon Sports School
• Lotus
• Nong Bua Market
• M&M Coffee Shop
• Rajavej Hospital
• Labor Office
• Big C
• Makro
• Ubon Bus Terminal
• Skill Development Center

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Ridin’ Line 2 Ubon Ratchathani

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Ubon Songtaew Line 1

Line 1 is the green and yellow songtaew that runs north/south from Highway 24 outside of Warin Chamrap district to Highway 24 on the way to Yasothon not far past the Forestry Office.

It was time to do my research ride so I went over to Chaeng Sanit Rd and caught Line 1 (sai neung), songtaew beside SK Shopping Mall. It was late morning so the mini-bus wasn’t too crowded.

It made it’s way through town and across the Mun River to Warin Chamrap. We made a stop near the Warin Market and most of the passengers got off. One of the remaining passengers was actually the fare taker. She looked me over then asked me in Thai, “Where are you going?”, “pai nai?”. I explained to her as best I could that I was just riding to see where the songtaew traveled. She seemed to understand and it gave her a good laugh.

I had no idea where we were going as I had never been on the 1 Line before. It was evident we weren’t terminating in Warin as we were now speeding out of town on Highway 24. We finally ended up still on Highway 24 almost to Ubon Ratchathani University. All that was there were the songtaews and a few roadside food vendor stalls. I guess that was chosen because there was a place to do a U-turn there to head back the way we had come.

As I disembarked from the rear of the pick-up I noticed all the drivers staring at me. I guess they were thinking I might be lost as there was no place to “go” in the vicinity. Surely I didn’t come all the way out there to get some lunch.

A few of the drivers began laughing at me and shouting over to the people running the food stalls. I couldn’t really blame them. It was a bit strange me riding all the way out there for apparently nothing. Maybe I just got on the wrong songtaew.

After about a 10 minute wait the next truck in the queue fired up his engne and pulled out on the soi. I jumped on the back, ready for my ride to the other end. I was the only rider so for the moment at least I had VIP chauffeur service. Pretty cool.

As we were pulling away, one of the food vendors walked out from her hidden location. She was a nice looking girl not yet 30 years of age. She yelled at me, “hello!!” and waved. I promptly returned the greeting. She continued to stare at me as we drove onto the highway and I heard her shout, “I love you.”

I knew she was only joking, (pood len) as she doesn’t know me at all. Besides that I am no longer a young stud and my body is in need of a major makeover. But it’s still good for the male ego to hear such things. We made our U-turn and she hadn’t moved. The last I saw of her she smiled and blew a kiss in my direction. Ah, what can I say? Amazing Thailand.

That was my experience riding the Line 1 songtaew in Ubon Ratchathani.

Route North to South:

Highway 24; Upparat Rd,; Phrom Rat Rd.; Khuan Thani Rd,; Burapha Nai Rd,; Sapphasit Rd,; Chaeng Sanit Rd,; Highway 231; Highway 23.

Route Highlights:

Warin Market & Bus Terminal; Nakhon Chai Air; Mun River; Big Market; Srigamon Hotel; Oliva Italian Restaurant; Ubonrak Thonburi Hospital; Nanatana 3 Coffee Shop; Jumpahom Restaurant; Sapphasit Hospital; Police Station; Sincere Restaurant; Intro Pub Indo Jeen Restaurant; Cowboys & Indians Pub; SK Shopping Mall; Rajabhat University & Cultural Center; Makro; Bus Terminal; Kwan Na Tong Restaurant.

Never know what can happen when you get out and mingle.

UPDATE:

Since I originally wrote and published this post there have been some changes. Now line 1 has extended its route to past Ubon Ratchathani University. That means there are now 3 buses you can use to go out to Ma Ubon.

Several people have experienced confusion about what mini-bus goes where. I have been asked if I could create and post a map with the routes. After much frustration and hair-pulling I have made a page for Line 1 that includes an interative map with the route traced with periodic markers. If you are curious about the finished product you can go test it out here, Line 1 map test page.

This post via UbonBlog which provides valuable and useful information about: Life and Times in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand . Content you can use.

Line 1 Ubon Ratchathani

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