Buses & Minivans
Buses are Thailand's cheapest long-distance transport and connect virtually every place in the country. Quality ranges from rickety local buses to comfortable VIP buses with 24 seats.
Bus Classes
| Class | Seats | Equipment | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP 24 | 24 (3 rows) | Wide, AC, snacks, blanket, almost flat | €€€ |
| 1st Class | 32–36 | AC, toilet, snacks | €€ |
| 2nd Class AC | 40–44 | AC, tighter, basic equipment | € |
| 2nd Class Fan | 40–44 | Fan only, windows open | € (cheapest) |
Important Bus Connections
| Route | Duration | VIP Price | 2nd Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Chiang Mai | 9–11h | 650 ฿ (17 €) | 400 ฿ (10 €) |
| Bangkok → Phuket | 12–13h | 900 ฿ (23 €) | 550 ฿ (14 €) |
| Bangkok → Krabi | 11–12h | 800 ฿ (21 €) | 500 ฿ (13 €) |
| Bangkok → Surat Thani | 9–10h | 650 ฿ (17 €) | 400 ฿ (10 €) |
| Chiang Mai → Pai | 3–4h | — | 150 ฿ (4 €) |
| Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai | 3–3.5h | — | 150–250 ฿ (4–7 €) |
Minivans
On shorter routes (2–5 hours), minivans are the most popular option. 12–15 seats, AC, often faster than the bus because they drive directly. The downside: tight seats, high speed, and sometimes reckless driving.
- Bangkok → Kanchanaburi: 2.5h, 120 ฿ (3 €), from Victory Monument or Southern Bus Terminal
- Bangkok → Hua Hin: 3h, 180 ฿ (5 €)
- Bangkok → Ayutthaya: 1.5h, 60 ฿ (1.55 €), from Victory Monument
- Krabi → Ao Nang: 30 Min., 150 ฿ (4 €)
Booking
Online: 12go.asia (best overview), busonlineticket.co.th. At the Bus Station: Spontaneously possible, but book VIP buses in advance on holidays!
Bangkok's Bus Terminals:
- Mo Chit 2 (Northern Terminal): North, northeast, some southern destinations. Coordinates: [13.8148, 100.5546]
- Sai Tai Mai (Southern Terminal): South, west (Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Phuket). Coordinates: [13.7625, 100.4365]
- Ekkamai (Eastern Terminal): East (Pattaya, Koh Samet, Koh Chang). Coordinates: [13.7198, 100.5859]
Achtung
Minivans on the Chiang Mai → Pai route are notorious for fast driving on 762 curves. Those prone to motion sickness should take tablets and sit in the front — or switch to the slower (but safer) bus.