moosecamel88 From Singapore, joined May 2011, 46 posts, RR: 1 Posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 8390 times:
Hello everyone!
For those who have read my recent TR, Royal Jordanian: KUL-BKK-KUL, I did mentioned about a joyride to Phuket (HKT) which I will now share.
It was a last minute decision to book a flight to HKT. The night before flying, I was at an internet cafe searching for reasonably priced flights and found an outbound flight for THB 1750 (USD 57 / EUR 40) on Orient Thai Airlines and an inbound flight for THB 2880 (USD 94 / EUR 66) on Thai Airways.
The easiest way to get to DMK would be to take a taxi but I wanted some adventure so I chose to take the train instead. I decided on that decision as it would only cost me THB 5 instead of a few hundred Bahts if I were to take the taxi. Now, that's a lot of THB saved!
I boarded the train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station and it was a good 1hr+ train ride before I reached Don Mueang Station
Don Mueang Station
Walking up the ramp towards the overheard bridge which led you to the international terminal (which is no in use)
After crossing the overhead bridge, there was a good 1.5km walk before you reach the domestic terminal
Check-in was quick and efficient.The agent was extremely courteous and I could sense that the journey ahead was going to be a pleasant one! I was also glad to learn that OX doesn't charge you for checked baggage under 20KG! They even serve free snacks and drinks! Now that's many brownie points for a budget airline!
Check-in desks belonging to Orient Thai Airways. The other airlines operating from DMK are Nok Air and Solar Air
The flight was delayed for more than an hour but I had no qualms about that.
My boarding pass
To be honest, I did not know what type of plane OX had in their fleet. I was expecting the usual B737 but I was extremely surprised when I saw an MD-82 smiling at me as it pulled into Gate 63! This is really special for me because we rarely get to see MDs around in SIN!
The flight
Sawadee ka / Sawadee krap! At the entrance of the plane, a cabin crew greeted me with a typically-Thai [i]wai/[i] greeting that involved placing the palms together and simultaneously bowing the head slightly while politely . As I walked through the aisle, the remaining cabin crew members did the same too!
As the last few passengers were entering the aircraft, the pilot gave an announcement apologising for the slight delay which was not elaborated on further. As soon as all the last passenger settled into his seat, the cabin crew prepared themselves for the safety demonstation which was done the old fashioned way!
And this is how you put on your oxygen mask.
Signs.
Push it...
...and it pops open!
Soon enough, we were airborne.
Cabin service proceeded once the seatbelt signs were switched off
Each passenger received a snackbox
It consisted of a tuna pie and green tea-sufficient for a short flight.
I decided to do a little exploring.. So lets start with the toilet..
WOW!
The level of comfort when doing your 'business' here is far beyond any expectation!
Signs on the toilet door.
Cabin during flight.
Awesome legroom!
A very good-looking set of crew.
Here's the final crew member.
Prior to landing in HKT, the cabin crew lined the aisle and presented the passengers with a final [i]wai as the purser gave a short thank you speech.
And the journey ended with a picture of my in the cockpit! That's a first for me!
I flew back to BKK the very next morning on TG! This was my virgin flight on TG so I was pretty much excited and looking forward to the experience. During check-in, I had specifically requested for a window seat at the rear of the plane and the agent gave me seat 55A.
My boarding pass.
A true beauty smiling back at me!
The Queen of the SKies from another angle.
The Flight
The load in Y was
I had the whole row to myself!
That's me in my seat.
The headrest cover with TG logo.
Takeoff from HKT was simply stunning!
You don't need PTVs with fancy systems when you have a beautiful sky to look at out of your window
Snackbox
It consisted of orange juice, chicken burger and a yummy fruit cake.
View of the cabin during flight.
Making our way into BKK
That's me with a cabin crew.
TG definitely have one of the most genuinely polite and caring cabin crew.
It was a wonderful experience flying with TG and I will definitely fly with them again in the future!
HELyes From Finland, joined Oct 2010, 654 posts, RR: 1 Reply 1, posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 8309 times:
Thanks for the TR!
It was interesting reading as I will soon fly to HKT and BKK via SIN. I have been flying a lot around Thailand but never tried OX, looks a great LCC.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): TG definitely have one of the most genuinely polite and caring cabin crew.
True, Thai people generally are like that, polite and friendly. I was just checking the TG flights from HKT to BKK, very tempting business fares there.
initious From Singapore, joined Dec 2008, 1011 posts, RR: 16 Reply 2, posted (1 year 12 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 8096 times:
Hey Mustafa!
A wonderful rendition of one of the most popular domestic flight in Thailand, the land of a million smiles! It must feel great to fly on the MD-80 since we do not get them at SIN and they are an "endangered" type now. Orient Thai looks pretty solid for the short flight though sometimes the safety record can make me think twice about flying on them.
Service on TG was as usual great with smiles from the cabin crew and their 744s are surely something to savour while they're still here for years to come!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 3, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 7979 times:
Hi Mustafa,
great report with high-quality pictures! I had been looking forward to this one.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): outbound flight for THB 1750 (USD 57 / EUR 40) on Orient Thai Airlines and an inbound flight for THB 2880 (USD 94 / EUR 66) on Thai Airways.
Sounds pretty good! I recently booked a cheap HKT-BKK flight on Bangkok Air.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): To be honest, I did not know what type of plane OX had in their fleet. I was expecting the usual B737 but I was extremely surprised when I saw an MD-82 smiling at me as it pulled into Gate 63! This is really special for me because we rarely get to see MDs around in SIN!
Yes, they have some veteran MD-82s (mostly former CO birds) - but they also have two (relatively young, 1993-built) MD-81s once operated by JAL. And since there are Japanese words and signs in the cabin I guess you had one of these - which are even rarer birds! Never forget to write down the registration!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): TG definitely have one of the most genuinely polite and caring cabin crew.
It seems you had a nice flight on TG. I was a bit disappointed when I flew TG for the first time last year. If you are interested:
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8275 posts, RR: 56 Reply 4, posted (1 year 12 months 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 7774 times:
Hi Mustafa,
Looks like a couple of decent flights and quite a contrast in machines flown.
OX looked pretty good here, I never expected free food offerings, I thought they were the pack them in and charge them to breath type of airline, I'm proven wrong!
OX is indeed a hidden gem in the aviation world - a low fares airline with full fare service, and damn good one.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): I was at an internet cafe searching for reasonably priced flights and found an outbound flight for THB 1750 (USD 57 / EUR 40) on Orient Thai Airlines
Very good fare!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): The easiest way to get to DMK would be to take a taxi but I wanted some adventure so I chose to take the train instead. I decided on that decision as it would only cost me THB 5 instead of a few hundred Bahts if I were to take the taxi. Now, that's a lot of THB saved!
Wow, just 5 THB? and i thought the bus was cheap!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): I boarded the train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station and it was a good 1hr+ train ride before I reached Don Mueang Station
Oh, that's why it's so cheap but if you're not in a hurry, why not?
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): After crossing the overhead bridge, there was a good 1.5km walk before you reach the domestic terminal
Damn, didn't know it was that long. Why don't they move the train and bus station? it's very unpleasant to walk this distance with luggage in the Bangkok heat.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): Sawadee ka / Sawadee krap! At the entrance of the plane, a cabin crew greeted me with a typically-Thai [i]wai/[i] greeting that involved placing the palms together and simultaneously bowing the head slightly while politely . As I walked through the aisle, the remaining cabin crew members did the same too!
Exactly the service I had, OX's crews are great.
The TG flight looks also nice, always fun to make short flights on a big plane, with the 747 always the best.
Thank you for posting this,
LY
"In our country, those who do not believe in miracles are irrational" - David Ben Gurion.
moosecamel88 From Singapore, joined May 2011, 46 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (1 year 12 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 6808 times:
Hi HELyes,
Quoting HELyes (Reply 1): It was interesting reading as I will soon fly to HKT and BKK via SIN. I have been flying a lot around Thailand but never tried OX, looks a great LCC.
I hope you'll have a great flight and am looking forward to reading it!
Quoting HELyes (Reply 1): Thai people generally are like that, polite and friendly.
They certainly are..
-mus-
Hi Daniel,
Quoting initious (Reply 2): It must feel great to fly on the MD-80 since we do not get them at SIN
Yes! I've got one more MD flight to look forward to at the end of the yr!
Quoting initious (Reply 2): Orient Thai looks pretty solid for the short flight though sometimes the safety record can make me think twice about flying on them.
I did hear about their safety record but planes are built to stay in the sky so I don't worry that much :p
-mus-
Hi PH,
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): great report with high-quality pictures! I had been looking forward to this one.
Thank you for your kind comments! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy posting it up.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): Sounds pretty good! I recently booked a cheap HKT-BKK flight on Bangkok Air.
I hope your flight with Bangkok Air will be a wonderful one cause it seems like an airline that takes customer service very seriously!
-mus-
Hi Mark,
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 4): Looks like a couple of decent flights and quite a contrast in machines flown.
Yes, if only the duration of those flights were a little longer..
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 4): OX looked pretty good here, I never expected free food offerings, I thought they were the pack them in and charge them to breath type of airline, I'm proven wrong!
Me too! I'm always happy to get free food too. Even if it's only a snackpack.
-mus-
Hi LY,
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 5): Thank you for both reports. Both are great, your OX report reminded me my OX flight on January 1st this year:
It's my pleasure to share them with all. I've read your report and it seems like you enjoyed the flight!
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 5): Why don't they move the train and bus station? it's very unpleasant to walk this distance with luggage in the Bangkok heat.
That's true. It would be more convenient if the train and bus station were situation beside the airport. Yes, the heat and humidity can be a killer at times!!
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 5): Exactly the service I had, OX's crews are great.
I wouldn't mind flying with them again in the future!
-mus-
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38583 posts, RR: 80 Reply 7, posted (1 year 12 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 6794 times:
Hello Mustafa, this is a great trip report. Next time in town, get in touch with me and I can show you some parts of town that would result in a trip report no one would forget.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): Walking up the ramp towards the overheard bridge which led you to the international terminal (which is no in use)
The 'In & Out' label on the box is mis-leading and a very cruel joke for those of us from California.
In & Out burger is a chain of some of the best char-broiled burgers and they serve fresh cut french fries. To us aviation spotters, there is a popular one next to the runway at LAX.
Excellent for spotting and eating their famous double-double cheese burgers.
Looking at that box makes one to think there is a double-double inside but there isn't. The nearest In & Out is 16,000 kilometers away.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): The level of comfort when doing your 'business' here is far beyond any expectation!
Thanks for NOT posting a photo of you doing 'your business'.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): ou don't need PTVs with fancy systems when you have a beautiful sky to look at out of your window
Exactly!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): TG definitely have one of the most genuinely polite and caring cabin crew.
Agreed!
Thai Airways is still my favorite airline.
This was a great trip report!
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2112 posts, RR: 4 Reply 8, posted (1 year 12 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 6790 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): Yes, they have some veteran MD-82s (mostly former CO birds) - but they also have two (relatively young, 1993-built) MD-81s once operated by JAL.
Plus the latest arrivals of Dubrovnik Airlines MD82's. Unfortunately, the days are counted, as OX took delivery already of a first B733... Soon, OX will start with a fleet roll-over, including B767-300 and other more "modern" planes!
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38583 posts, RR: 80 Reply 9, posted (1 year 12 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 6776 times:
Quoting debonair (Reply 8): Plus the latest arrivals of Dubrovnik Airlines MD82's. Unfortunately, the days are counted, as OX took delivery already of a first B733... Soon, OX will start with a fleet roll-over, including B767-300 and other more "modern" planes!
RvXKaz From Singapore, joined Apr 2011, 187 posts, RR: 3 Reply 11, posted (1 year 11 months 3 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 6176 times:
Hi mus!
Thank you for this delightful TR on the different Thai airlines on their domestic routes. Its really such an eye-opener indeed and I am most glad to see that you've enjoyed very much your experience of Thai hospitality in the air! Again, your pictures are stunning and tells a story on their own! Most beautiful journey indeed!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): The easiest way to get to DMK would be to take a taxi but I wanted some adventure so I chose to take the train instead.
Its always nice to take the unbeaten path and I'm most glad you did!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): I boarded the train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station and it was a good 1hr+ train ride before I reached Don Mueang Station
Wow, the journey looks like an adventure in itself! I can imagine the rustic charms of Bangkok that passed you by during the ride!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): The agent was extremely courteous and I could sense that the journey ahead was going to be a pleasant one!
I'm glad even though its a low cost carrier, the check-in staff are still respectful towards the passengers, even some full-service airlines I've flown with had less than helpful check-in staff which really puts a damp to the start of my journey!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): They even serve free snacks and drinks! Now that's many brownie points for a budget airline!
Nice!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): I was expecting the usual B737 but I was extremely surprised when I saw an MD-82 smiling at me as it pulled into Gate 63!
What a lovely surprise! You're really lucky! I wonder how long will the MD-82s fly for much longer...
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): Prior to landing in HKT, the cabin crew lined the aisle and presented the passengers with a final [i]wai as the purser gave a short thank you speech
Wow, Thai hospitality at its best!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): And the journey ended with a picture of my in the cockpit! That's a first for me!
Very nice! A wonderful and rare photo of the MD-82 cockpit! It looks like you had the best time onboard!
Oooh! The presentation looks better than OX, but I guess it isn't a good comparison since TG is more expensive and is a full-service carrier...
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): It consisted of orange juice, chicken burger and a yummy fruit cake.
Nice!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): TG definitely have one of the most genuinely polite and caring cabin crew.
I believe you!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter):
It was a wonderful experience flying with TG and I will definitely fly with them again in the future!
I'm most glad you've had a great time with TG. Despite not having PTVs on some of their aircraft, TG does have a consistent good product, especially for inflight catering!
What an experience it must be for you to have a taste of the MD-82 and the B744 on a domestic route in Thailand! Most wonderful indeed! Who knows how long will these planes be flying for much longer. I am most glad you took a leap and booked this trip impromptu! 4630 THB is a steal considering this experience is indeed priceless!
Thank you once again, for bringing us through this remarkable experience of Thai hospitality onboard!
Cheers,
RvXKaz
They say that I'm a dreamer. But I'd only Dreamt Skyward.
LXM83 From Switzerland, joined May 2005, 569 posts, RR: 5 Reply 12, posted (1 year 11 months 2 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 5917 times:
Hi moosecamel88
Nice report and good that you caught the MD-82. It seems the service is very similar to what's on offer with Nok Air, which I took from DMK to HKT in April.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1207 posts, RR: 29 Reply 13, posted (1 year 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 5621 times:
Hello Mustafa,
Your report is a delight, the right amount of very good pics, some narrative text, I love it! It is not 'overdone' like some other reports around here.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Thread starter): Sawadee ka / Sawadee krap! At the entrance of the plane, a cabin crew greeted me with a typically-Thai [i]wai/[i] greeting that involved placing the palms together and simultaneously bowing the head slightly while politely
Now that's a nice way to enter a plane, makes you feel welcome instantly. Would love to see this greeting 'in real'.
moosecamel88 From Singapore, joined May 2011, 46 posts, RR: 1 Reply 15, posted (1 year 11 months 1 week 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 4875 times:
Hello Superfly,
Quoting Superfly (Reply 7): Next time in town, get in touch with me and I can show you some parts of town that would result in a trip report no one would forget.
Sure, I'll drop you a message when I'm coming to Bangkok again!
Quoting Superfly (Reply 7): In & Out burger is a chain of some of the best char-broiled burgers and they serve fresh cut french fries.
It sure sounds delicious!
Quoting Superfly (Reply 7):
Thanks for NOT posting a photo of you doing 'your business'.
HAHAHA! I doubt anyone would be interested to view it!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 11): Again, your pictures are stunning and tells a story on their own! Most beautiful journey indeed!
Thank you for taking time to read and comment on my TR! Yes, I really did enjoy the joyride thoroughly and I hope to share more TRs here!
-mus-
Hello LXM83,
Quoting LXM83 (Reply 12):
Nice report and good that you caught the MD-82. It seems the service is very similar to what's on offer with Nok Air, which I took from DMK to HKT in April.
Hope you had a great flying experience too!
Quoting LXM83 (Reply 12):
Nice to get the 747-400 on the way back!
Definitely!
-mus-
Hey sultanils,
Quoting sultanils (Reply 13): Your report is a delight, the right amount of very good pics, some narrative text, I love it! It is not 'overdone' like some other reports around here.
I like my TRs short and sweet!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 13):
I can imagine, Orient Thai is about the only carrier who still has them in their fleet in your region?
I think there are still MDs flying around in Indonesia..
Quoting sultanils (Reply 13):
Looking forward to more from your hand Mus!
I really appreciate that you take time to read and comment. There'll be more TRs coming up - LH SIN-CGK, MH SIN-LHR etc..
-mus-
Hi MSS658,
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 14): Nice report, like the M82 on the DMK-HKT sector!
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4919 posts, RR: 55 Reply 16, posted (1 year 11 months 1 week 1 day ago) and read 4790 times:
Great report. Thanks. TG has continuously redeemed itself for me the last few times. I had quite a few nasty experience in the early 2000's with them.
BTW, any online site for OX? Or, do I need to call them/email them for a ticket? I am thinking of a trip between BKK and HKG. What aircraft are they using on this now?
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2112 posts, RR: 4 Reply 17, posted (1 year 11 months 1 week 11 hours ago) and read 4684 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): Great report. Thanks. TG has continuously redeemed itself for me the last few times. I had quite a few nasty experience in the early 2000's with them.
Hi, I never had problems... As the crew noticed that I would be a "spotter" on tour, I was invited to join the flight deck. The Latin American guys in their office (I think of Venezuela?!) were great, we had a lot of fun- inclusive a missed approched!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): BTW, any online site for OX? Or, do I need to call them/email them for a ticket? I am thinking of a trip between BKK and HKG. What aircraft are they using on this now?
Just follow the steps via http://www.flyorientthai.com/en/international . Don't try to send an e-mail, it's always better to visit their office. Unfortunately, all exotic B747's (like -100) are out of service. For the moment, it seems the air bridge is be flown with ex JAL B743 or ex CX B744.
Off-topic: are you doing business in Korea as well?! I am still looking fwd for the first TR of BUSINESS AIR THAILAND- http://www.businessaircenter.com . Maybe exotic enough for you?!
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From Singapore, joined May 2011, 46 posts, 
This is really special for me because we rarely get to see MDs around in SIN!
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but if you're not in a hurry, why not?
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