Navigating around Thailand

[Gaybutton]

If you're anything like me and easily get lost, especially in Bangkok, then a good GPS is just the thing. It comes in particularly handy if you drive in Thailand. Even though you might be in Thailand only as a holiday maker, you might want to rent a car and drive to all sorts of places within Thailand. A GPS can be extremely helpful.

 

Excellent maps are available for Thailand. In Bangkok, the best of the maps is available through ESRI (see http://www.esrith.com/Eindex.cfm ). They'll install a highly detailed map of all of Thailand into your GPS. The price for the software is 7000 baht. You do have to take your GPS and personally go to ESRI in Bangkok and have them install the software for you. Bangkok is their only location in Thailand and despite the fact that there are ESRI outlets elsewhere in the world, only the Bangkok location carries the highly detailed map you probably want.

 

The recommended GPS is a Garmin GPS. I use the Garmin C340 StreetPilot and it works beautifully. All you have to do is select where you want to go, either manually or by touch screen on the maps and you're all set. The GPS will guide you by voice and map. For example, suppose you are in Pattaya and you want to drive to the Tarntawan Place Hotel. All you have to do is select it on the list of hotels and the GPS does the rest. It will give you a map and voice directions. You'll hear things such as "Turn right in 100 meters." "Turn right here." "Turn left at Soi 29." "Take exit 4, Rama IV and then keep left." If you miss the turn, no problem. The GPS will automatically re-route you and get you to your destination. Considering all the one way and confusing streets in Bangkok, once you have a GPS you won't know how you ever lived without it.

 

It even tells you where hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc. are located and will guide you right to them.

 

If you are going to get a different brand of GPS or different model of the Garmin GPS, I suggest contacting ESRI first to make sure they have, and can install, the software on the brand and model you have or intend to buy.

 

It can come in handy even if you don't drive. If you are in a taxi, sometimes the driver doesn't have a clue where to go. Sometimes you might wind up with an unscrupulous driver who will drive you all over town, trying to jack up the fare. Having a GPS handy can certainly solve that kind of a problem.

 

If you are getting a Garmin GPS, or already have one, go to the Garmin web site (see http://www.garmin.com ) and download their free web updater. Once you install it, you can download free updates. My GPS came with only a female voice. The web updater has additional voices, including a male voice if you prefer. That's what I preferred. I downloaded it and it installs directly into the GPS. Once it's installed, simply go to the Language menu and select the voice. Additional languages are pre-installed in most GPS systems, but if you need a language that isn't pre-installed, the web updater probably has just what you need.

 

It's a great gadget to have and they are small enough to be easily carried. If you are going to do any serious traveling around Thailand, I highly recommend getting one.

[payless]

good info, thanks

 

[PattayaMale]

I heard that mio 720 from miotech is also very good. It has a mobile phone, pda, etc.

 

Gaybutton, where did you buy your Garmin C340? Price? Did you look at the nuvie line? Do you know what Geezer has?

 

Thanks

[Guest Geezer]

As most of you know the GPS receiver (Garmin, Magellan, mobile phone manufacturers etc.) is hardware, just as Compaq, etc. is computer hardware. Without the software (the map) a GPS unit is as useful as a computer with no software installed.

 

ESRI, with extensive facilities in BKK, has the only acceptable map of all Thailand. Several months ago I met a gentleman living in Pattaya who had purchased a GPS only to find the map installed in it was of Bangkok and didn’t cover Pattaya and most of the rest of the country.

 

SO, you must be sure the GPS unit you purchase has the ESRI map installed. You can buy a GPS many places in Pattaya, but realistically, the only place you will find knowledgeable sales people, a selection of models, and competent service is at ESRI in BKK which is also a Garmin dealer. If you want a GPS/pocket PC, a GPS/phone, etc. you should first call ESRI to be sure it is compatible with the ESRI map.

 

ESRI (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Sathorn Nakorn Tower, Floor 22nd

100/38-39, North Sathorn Road,

Silom, Bangrak,

Bangkok, 10500

02 636 8421

 

Oh, I have a Garmin.

[PattayaMale]

I can find prices outside of Thailand for different Garmin units. It is better to have a visiting friend bring one in or buy here in Bangkok for about how much. I see the maps are 7000 but do you have an idea of the cost of the Garmin Unit?

Thanks

[Guest]

Thank you guys for all this information. I did not even know this was a possibility in Thailand.

 

The new IPhone has updated their map area as well but nothing near as good as the Garmin or GPS.

 

For those of you that drive, this must be a godsend.

[Gaybutton]

I see the maps are 7000 but do you have an idea of the cost of the Garmin Unit?

 

For most electronics, it is usually less expensive if they are bought outside of Thailand, especially at the current exchange rates. I suggest contacting ESRI to make inquiries about their prices and to also check prices in your home country. eBay might be a good place to purchase a unit too.

 

Incidentally, regarding power, mine has a built-in lithium ion battery. At first I was somewhat surprised because it came with no power cord to plug into a wall socket to recharge the battery. It came with a plug for a car's cigarette lighter and with a USB cable. It charges up via the USB cable and/or the car plug. My particular model might be useless if you don't have a computer or a car unless there is an optional wall socket plug available.

 

As for where I bought mine, that won't do you much good. I have a nephew who works for an electronics company. He was able to get me my unit at a dramatic discount, which would be unavailable to others unless they happen to have a relative or friend with access to that kind of a discount.

 

It is possible that buying directly from ESRI could be the less expensive method if they sell their units pre-loaded with the Thai software. You'll have to check unless someone who already knows posts a response.

[Guest Geezer]

The best way I know to get the information you require Is to call ESRI in BKK, and ask for the model numbers and prices of the units they have available. Then go online for prices and specifications of the same units in your home country.

 

Prices will usually be much cheaper if you have a friend bring the unit from your home country, as there would be little or no import duty.

 

Incidentally, the detail of the ESRI map is outstanding. Enter Panorama Pub, or Boyz Ambiance and within less than a second not only are they highlighted on the map along with your position, but also their address and phone number appear. Touch a button and the route is highlighted. You can’t drive and look at the GPS simultaneously? No problem. A voice warns you of each upcoming turn, and counts down the number of meters until you make it.

 

I used to waste time trying to find the outdoor gyms in Lumpini Park to watch muscle boys working out. Then I noted the location on my pocket GPS.