The Best Bangkok Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Posted By : PhilipS3185
My wife and I had a "memorable" tour experience with Elephant Bus Tour when we were yelled and shouted at by the bus driver in June, 2024.
Here is the story:
The tour itself is fine and the buses (we hopped on and off 3 times, so had been in 3 different buses) are in relatively good condition, except that ALL doors separating the aircon and roofless compartment have faulty locks which automatically slide open when the bus turns right (centrifugal force)! It is very annoying when you are sitting close to the door and it opens every now and then (hot air rushes in). Everything was fine until we were onboard of our last leg, in which we were planning to get off at the last station (#16) of the route, the Central World. It was about half past 4 when we realized we were the only 2 passengers left on the bus (upper deck of course). We passed Siam Paragon but it was not the place where hopped on, so we thought the bus would turn around and get to Central World eventually. Boy, we were WRONG!
Seconds later, the bus stopped at a red light and the driver was dashing up to the upper deck, yelling "GO, GO….!" He looked at us as if we didn't pay and sneaked onto the bus! My wife was so scared and I was shocked as well. We were in the middle of street and there were lots of traffic, as expected. The driver literally threw us out of the bus when it was still on the 3rd lane! We were both startled and when we both got to the sidewalk, it was green light and the bus drove away, and I didn't have a chance to take a picture of the bus and the driver! (I was never a TikToker!)
Yes, it could probably be the worst tour experience for both of us. My question is, even if we missed the last stop, why couldn't he just pull over and let us leave safely? Besides, EVERY driver is responsible to check if ALL passenger has left the bus at the terminus. He definitely failed to do his duty properly and now he blamed us for not alighting? What kind of logic is that?!
Back home, I reported the incident and complained to Elephant Bus, the agent which we booked our tickets from, and the Thailand Tourism Board. Result? Both Elephant Bus and Thailand Tourism Board never responded to my email, as if "...well, you just met our grumpy driver, that's all, no big deal..."
The booking agent is very professional though and asked me the details of the incident, which I did reply. Too bad I did not have a picture of the driver and/or the bus hence the case was unwillingly dismissed. The agent was kind enough to refund part of our expenses.
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Posted On : 2024-07-15 04:14:14

Posted By : Chloe_A
A good way to see the city! My accommodation was slightly out so I really appreciated the hop on hop off and it was so easy to navigate and find the stops! the bus drivers were really helpful and I really enjoyed the guide that you follow along with.
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Posted On : 2024-06-29 22:45:05

Posted By : collms
A fantastic way to have a look around Bangkok with limited time. The bus was comfortable, air conditioned with earphones for commentary on the different stops - in fact I wished I had taken a cardigan (I was a bit cold). The meeting point was easy to find and we were pleased with our experience. With more time it would have been good to have the ticket for 48 hours and hop off at a few of the stops, maybe next time.
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Posted On : 2024-06-20 05:00:45

Posted By : davidwQ2305JS
We decided to take the Hop On Hop Off Bangkok Bus to get an appreciation of where the best tourist attractions are located and how easy or difficult it may be to reach them. Our full circuit tour took 2.5 hours and the double decker bus provides great viewing. The top deck is air conditioned and covered except for a few rows of seats up front that are exposed and make for better viewing or photographs.
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Posted On : 2024-06-11 01:51:42

Posted By : Freedom25453049549
Bus was fine. The driver was safe. The described tour was followed. But that's about it.
There was no schedule. The bus seemed to depart Siam Parragon, when it was judged there were enough passengers.
There was no commentary in any language for anyone, just piped music. The driver spoke no English.
We made the mistake of getting off at a stop to do some sightseeing. We then watched the bus stop as we ate. There was no apparent consistency. When we came to leave, we waited for 1 hour 10 mins but no sign of an Elephant bus, so took a taxi back.
Difficult to believe that this was a one-off experience. Cannot recommend.
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Posted On : 2024-06-02 03:44:01

Posted By : Aditya_V
Worth it, great glimpse of Bangkok if you are on a short trip. They have a good commentary, even upper deck of the bus are cool with sun blinds and enclosed space.
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Posted On : 2024-05-30 02:36:39

Posted By : Shawn_S
It is an ok low effort way to drive by the best tourist spots. However, hop off opportunities are limited to complete the full loop, due to traffic. They could eliminate a couple of stops at the malls at the beginning to save 30 minutes. Waited 35 minutes for a bus and by the online map, we didn’t just miss one.

With a good tour book, train pass, and google maps, can save time and money.
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Posted On : 2024-05-24 16:31:27

Posted By : Muhammad_M
During visit offer 24 Hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs,.
Wonderful and flexible.
Definitely will tell my friends and will share my experience with you
Thanks
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Posted On : 2024-05-11 07:50:48

Posted By : shivanisR9872AC
Looking to enjoy and experience the city, while also learning about its history, heritage and culture. Book elephant GOGO without any further thoughts
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Posted On : 2024-05-04 17:07:27

Posted By : esaberbach
If you are expecting the typical Hop on Hop off bus ride, don’t. My suggestion is that you don’t get off unless you are prepared to wait an hr for your next ride. it made it worse that their bus tracking system was down. I’d rather not say more I hate to give a bad review
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Posted On : 2024-04-30 16:37:26