Jolly Travel

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About Jolly Travel

Traveling can be an adventure, and sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination. This is especially true when traveling from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe, a journey that involves a van ride, a stop at Pak Bara pier, and a speedboat ride. The journey begins at the train station, where travelers are picked up by a van. The van also makes stops at a couple of private hotels outside the city center, which can take some time to locate. The drive to Pak Bara pier can be a bit fast-paced, which might be a concern for those who value safety above all else. However, once at the pier, the process is quite orderly. From the Jolly Travel shop, travelers pay a terminal fee and a National Park fee before waiting to board the speedboat.

The speedboat ride is direct to Koh Lipe, which is a change from previous years when there were stops along the way. Despite the fast-paced van ride, travelers generally find the overall transfer experience to be good, as they are able to travel from point A to point B in one piece. However, it's important to note that communication with the company can sometimes be a challenge, as they may not always respond to emails.

Booking a private transfer from Hat Yai to Pak Bara and a speedboat to Koh Lipe is quite easy with Jolly Travel. The company is service-minded and offers different payment options. The private taxi service is reliable, with on-time pickups at the airport entrance. The drivers are service-minded and are willing to stop for breaks if needed. The vans and taxis used are clean and well-maintained. The boat crews are skilled, especially in handling the waves during the wavy weather in July.

However, not all experiences with the company are positive. Some travelers have reported that the boat service is not always direct as advertised, with stops made to drop off packages. This can be frustrating, especially after an early morning flight and a two-hour van transfer. Some travelers have also reported issues with the return trip from Koh Lipe to Ao Nang. The cost of the return trip is higher, and the minibus service only goes halfway, after which travelers are dropped off at a bus station to continue their journey on a local minibus. This can result in delays and additional costs.

Despite these issues, many travelers find Jolly Travel to be very organized with their bookings. The company confirms everything a couple of days before the trip, and the van ride to Pak Bara pier is faster than expected. The fare for the return trip is a bit cheaper, and the van is ready to take travelers back to their hotel as soon as they arrive at the pier.

Traveling from Khao San Road to Siem Reap is another journey that can be quite an adventure. The bus journey can be delayed, and the van may need to stop for fuel multiple times. Travelers are dropped off at a 'visa office' just outside the border, where they are charged an extra fee for the visa service. The men at the office can sometimes be inappropriate towards female customers. After the visas are processed, the bus continues towards the border, making multiple unnecessary stops along the way. Once in Siem Reap, travelers are dropped off just outside the city, where they are met by tuk-tuk drivers. However, some travelers have reported being overcharged by these drivers.

In conclusion, while traveling can be an adventure, it's important to be aware of potential issues and challenges along the way. Whether it's a fast-paced van ride, a non-responsive company, or unexpected stops and charges, being prepared can help ensure a smoother journey.