Tiếng Việt
Bus Travel to Thailand - Etrip Bookings
Thailand has many attractions and activities that draw visitors to this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Tourists often travel around to explore cities, temples, beaches, and scenic landscapes. But what is the best way to travel around such a large country like Thailand?
Well, this may surprise you, but most tourists and locals travel across Thailand by bus.
Intercity bus tickets are inexpensive, and thanks to the country’s well-developed bus network, you can take a bus to almost anywhere. In this guide to bus travel in Thailand, we will explain all the advantages and disadvantages of traveling around the country by bus, whether by public buses or private buses, including the more expensive and comfortable VIP buses. 🚌🇹🇭
Is it safe to travel around Thailand by bus?
To be honest, traveling by bus in some Asian countries can be frightening if a crazy driver is behind the wheel, speeding along narrow and uneven roads. Fortunately, in Thailand, traveling by bus is generally safe.
Public city and suburban buses are usually a bit old and uncomfortable, so they are more suitable for short-distance travel. Meanwhile, private companies offer trips on newer buses that are in good condition and regularly maintained, making them more suitable for long-distance travel.
On these buses, the seats are comfortable, there is air conditioning, and there may even be a toilet on board. As a rule, bus drivers maintain a safe speed of about 60–70 km/h, depending on the type of road and road conditions. 🚌🇹🇭
Where to buy bus tickets?
There are quite a few ways to buy bus tickets in Thailand. First, you can purchase tickets at a bus station or contact a travel agency in the city where you are staying. In addition, you can buy tickets online through a travel agency such as etripbookings.com.
Although it is fairly simple for an experienced traveler to buy tickets at a bus station, someone visiting Thailand for the first time may feel a little nervous or unsure about what they are purchasing. A travel agency can help ease these concerns; however, you will have to pay more for the ticket because the agency will add its commission to the price. Also, in places such as Khao San Road in Bangkok, you might encounter an unethical agent, so keep this in mind.
For the reasons described above, we recommend using the services of a reliable online travel operator such as etripbookings.com. Buying tickets online is much easier because you can explore all available options, read reviews from other travelers, and then book your ticket. In addition, if you encounter any problems or need to change your booking, you can turn to a large company for assistance. 🚌🌏
As mentioned above, buses in Thailand can be either public or private. The management and organization of passenger transportation on government buses are handled by local authorities, and travel on these public buses is available to everyone.
Typically, public buses operate within cities and over short distances, as well as on some popular intercity routes. Because government buses are older, less comfortable, and may not be well maintained, we do not recommend using them for travel from one city to another. However, public buses are the best option for traveling within the city. 🚌🇹🇭
Private bus operators in Thailand
Long-distance travel is best done on buses operated by private companies. Basically, in Thailand there are two types of buses: “Express” and “VIP.”
Express buses in Thailand.
Despite its name, an express bus does not necessarily allow you to travel from one city to another in the shortest time. Yes, you will arrive at your destination faster than with a public government bus, but express buses may still make several stops along the way, stopping at other bus stations and even picking up passengers directly from the roadside.
Although this increases the total travel time, it can work to your advantage if you find yourself somewhere outside the city or if you did not have time to buy a ticket in advance. By hopping on an express bus, you can buy your ticket after boarding!
So, how comfortable are Thai express buses? In fact, they are quite comfortable. They have soft seats that can recline slightly, and in addition, there is usually a restroom on such buses. As a rule, express buses are air-conditioned, and some companies even include water and/or snacks in the ticket price. Buses also stop along the way, giving passengers a chance to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, buy food, or use other facilities.
The downside of express buses is that they have limited legroom and the seats are quite narrow. However, they are inexpensive for travel and there are many long-distance routes available. Keep in mind that express buses are very popular not only with tourists but also with local residents, so they are often sold out before the day of departure, especially during holidays and festivals. To make sure you get a seat on the bus you need, book your ticket in advance on the etripbookings.com website.
VIP buses in Thailand.
Despite the name, VIP buses in Thailand are not only for very important people! Instead, the “VIP” label simply indicates the higher level of comfort these buses offer. VIP buses in Thailand are considered reliable, fast, comfortable, and—despite all these advantages—still affordable.
Yes, a ticket for a VIP bus will cost more than a ticket for other types of buses in Thailand, but compared with travel prices in Western countries, Thailand offers excellent value for money.
When it comes to comfort, VIP buses usually have only three seats in each row—two on one side and one on the other. As a result, the seats on VIP buses are wider than those on standard or express buses. This means passengers have more space, including extra legroom, because there are fewer rows on VIP buses compared to express buses. The seats on VIP buses recline smoothly and comfortably, so if you travel overnight, you can get some sleep.
As a rule, Thai VIP buses provide water and snacks, and there is usually a restroom on board. In addition, these buses are equipped with TVs, although most of the channels are in Thai. The ticket price often includes a voucher that can be exchanged for a meal at one of the designated stops, where you can also buy food to take with you on the bus.
However, Thai VIP buses also have a few minor drawbacks. Air conditioning is essential on buses, but on VIP buses it often runs at full power and can be very cold, so don’t forget to bring a sweater or jacket with you. In addition, VIP buses make fewer stops than express buses. For some people this may be an advantage, but not for those who like to get off frequently and stretch their legs. On the other hand, with fewer stops, you will reach your destination faster.
Green Bus Company in Thailand.
Green Bus VIP bus at Chiang Mai Bus Station.
It is also worth mentioning the Green Bus Company, which is an excellent option for traveling in northern Thailand. Although its buses operate mainly in the north, they also run routes from east to west across the country, as well as south to Phuket. The company’s main base is located in Chiang Mai, and most routes pass through this city. One of the most popular routes is Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai.
About 20 daily departures are available on this route, making Green Bus an excellent option for traveling from Chiang Mai.
In addition, Green Bus uses new and very comfortable VIP buses that are larger than the buses used by many other well-known companies. Therefore, Green Bus is an ideal choice for those who value real comfort and are willing to pay a little extra for it. At the same time, some routes operated by the company use older buses (express buses) that are in poorer condition and are not very comfortable.
If it is important for you to have amenities such as a restroom on the bus, as well as services like snacks on board, be sure to book your ticket on the etripbookings.com website, where the type of bus you are purchasing is clearly indicated.
In summary, traveling by bus around Thailand is a great way to explore this wonderful country. You can see much more from a bus window than from an airplane window, and bus tickets are usually much cheaper than plane tickets. Thanks to the wide range of bus companies and routes available, traveling by bus is one of the most convenient ways to get from one city to another.
Buses in Thailand are comfortable, reliable, and affordable. The only downside is the time it takes to travel from one city to another.
