With so many things to see and do in Thailand, many tourists who visit this Southeast Asian country plan a trip to visit different cities, temples, beaches and landscapes. But Thailand is a big country and it is not always easy to find the best way to get from one place to another. You may be surprised that traveling by bus in Thailand is the most common. Long-distance buses in Thailand are cheap, and because the network is so extensive, you can go almost anywhere with this mode of transport. Our guide to traveling by bus in Thailand tells you the details, pros and cons of traveling by bus, both in public and private services and in VIP options.
Is it safe to travel by bus in Thailand?
The truth is that traveling by bus in some Asian countries can be a bit scary when you encounter a reckless driver driving on narrow and bumpy roads. Fortunately, buses in Thailand have a very good reputation. Local public bus services often have buses that are a bit old and not very comfortable, making them an undesirable option for long journeys. However, there are private companies that have a fleet of modern buses that are in very good condition and are a safe medium for long distance travel. The seats are comfortable, the buses are air-conditioned and many have a bathroom on board. In general, drivers have rather cautious speeds, around 60-70 km/h, depending on the type of road and its condition.
Where to buy tickets to travel by bus in Thailand
Travelers queuing to buy their tickets at Ekkamai station © Narin Nonthamand / Shutterstock.com
There are several options to buy your bus tickets. The most obvious place is at the bus station itself, but you can also opt for a travel agency in the city where you are staying or an online tour operator such as 12Go. While it’s usually easy to buy tickets at the station, it can be a bit tricky if you don’t know exactly what types of tickets are available and which ones you want to buy. Travel agents can eliminate that step, but you’ll likely pay more for the ticket because the agent charges a commission. In addition, there are unscrupulous travel agencies operating in places like Khao San Road in Bangkok, something to keep in mind when buying your tickets.
For this reason, we recommend using a reliable travel website and 12Go has a very good reputation. Buying online is easy because you can see all available options at once, read the opinions of other travelers and make the best decision. Plus, you get the support of a major company in case a problem arises or you need to make a change.
Public bus service in Thailand
Commuters wait for public bus at Chatuchak BTS station in Bangkok © 2p2play / Shutterstock.com
As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of buses in Thailand: public and private. Public buses, as you know, are operated by local authorities and are designed to be affordable for everyone. You can use this type of bus to get around within a city or for short trips, but there are some services that also run between cities on the most popular routes. As they are mostly older buses that are not very comfortable and may not be in very good condition, we do not recommend using public buses to travel from one city to another in Thailand, although they are perfect for short local rides.
Private bus companies in Thailand
Private bus companies are a fantastic option for long journeys. In general, in Thailand, there are two classes of private buses, Express and VIP
Bus Express in Thailand
An express bus in Thailand
Although they are known as express buses, they are probably not the fastest way to get from one city to another. Yes, they are much faster than local buses, but express buses in Thailand can make several stops at different stations along the way and even pick up passengers along the way. While this makes the journey longer, it can be an advantage if you’re on the outskirts of a city or haven’t had time to buy the ticket in advance. Get on an express bus and buy your ticket on board.
An express bus in Thailand
The truth is that the express buses in Thailand are quite comfortable. The seats are soft and can usually recline a bit. In addition, they usually also have air conditioning and a bathroom on board. Depending on the operator, they may also provide you with water and/or snacks during the trip. These buses stop along the way so you can get off to stretch your legs or grab a bite to eat.
The main drawback is that you may not have much leg and arm room, but they are very reasonably priced and widely available, especially on the more popular routes. But keep in mind that they are also heavily used by the locals, so they usually fill up in a short time and it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance, especially during holiday periods. Book through 12Go to ensure you make the most suitable purchase.
VIP bus in Thailand
Despite the name, VIP buses in Thailand are not only used by important people. The abbreviation VIP stands for a higher level of comfort and luxury than with other buses. Traveling with a VIP bus in Thailand is safe, fast, comfortable and, with all that in mind, affordable. Yes, the VIP buses are the most expensive in Thailand, but compared to transport prices in Western countries, they are still very good value for money.
A VIP bus in Thailand
VIP buses have only three seats per row, arranged with two seats on one side of the aisle and a single seat on the other. This allows for more arm room and a bit more legroom as they have a few rows fewer seats than the express. The seats are soft and recline quite a bit so if you are traveling at night you can get some sleep.
VIP buses in Thailand usually provide water and snacks, as well as bathrooms and televisions, although the channels are only in Thai. The price of the ticket usually includes a voucher to buy food during a stop in a service area, so that you can have dinner or buy something to eat on the bus.
Traveling with a VIP bus in Thailand has a number of disadvantages. One is that while air conditioning is a must, it is usually so strong it can get very cold, so bring a jacket or blanket to keep you warm. Another disadvantage is that they do not stop as long as the express buses. This can also be an advantage, but if you like to get up and stretch often, a VIP bus may not be the best option for you. Although by making few stops you arrive at your destination earlier.
Green Bus in Thailand
Green Bus VIP bus at Chiang Mai bus station © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
Green Bus is worth mentioning as they are a great bus company for anyone traveling in Northern Thailand, although they also run routes throughout the rest of the country, east to west and even south to Phuket. But the main station is Chiang Mai, and almost all of its services are provided in that city. The route from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is the most popular. Nearly 20 buses a day run this route, making Green Bus a fantastic option if you plan to travel from Chiang Mai.
A Green Bus VIP bus
On the one hand, Green Bus runs with new and very comfortable buses that even exceed other popular bus companies. Therefore, if you do not mind spending more to travel more comfortably, this is the best option. In any case, there have also been complaints about old buses that are not in such a good condition and that usually run certain routes (express buses),
and these do not offer those levels of comfort. If you are concerned about the services offered by the bus you are traveling on, make your purchase through 12Go, where you can easily compare the prices and services of each bus.
In short, traveling by bus in Thailand is a fantastic way to visit this beautiful country. You see a lot more from the bus window than from an airplane, and buses are considerably cheaper than flights. With great flexibility of routes and destinations to travel to, buses are the most practical option for getting around Thailand. It is an economical, comfortable and safe option, and the only drawback they offer is the length of the journeys.