By Bus in Bangkok

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By Bus

Arriving & Departing

Bangkok has three major terminals for buses headed to other parts of the country. The Northern Bus Terminal, called Mo Chit, serves Chiang Mai and points north. The Southern Bus Terminal, in Thonburi, is for buses bound for Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Phuket, and points south. The Eastern Bus Terminal, called Ekkamai, is for buses headed to Pattaya, Rayong, and Trat provinces.

Most bus companies do not take reservations, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. This is seldom a problem, however, because the service is so regular that the next bus is sure to depart before long. For example, VIP buses from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi depart every 15 minutes.

The air-conditioned orange-color 999 buses are the most comfortable. They have larger seats that recline. A hostess serves drinks and snacks and a movie is usually shown on longer trips. If no 999 bus is available on your route, stick with the air-conditioned blue VIP buses. They aren't as luxurious, but are still comfortable.

Bus Stations

Eastern Bus Terminal (Sukhumvit Soi 40, Sukhumvit. 02/391-2504. Subway: Sukhumvit; Skytrain: Ekkamai). Northern Bus Terminal (Phaholyothin Rd. behind Chatuchak Park, North Bangkok. 02/936-2852 up to 66. Subway: Chatuchak Park; Skytrain: Mo Chit). Southern Bus Terminal (Pinklao-Nakomchaisri Rd., Talingchan, Thonburi. 02/435-1200).

Getting Around

Although city buses can be very crowded, they are convenient and inexpensive. For a fare of B4 to B6 on the non-air-conditioned buses and B10 to B35 on the air-conditioned ones, you can travel virtually anywhere in the city. Air-conditioned microbuses, in which you are guaranteed a seat, charge B25. Most buses operate from 5 AM to around 11 PM, but a few routes operate around the clock.

The bus routes are confusing, but someone at the bus stop should know the number of the bus you need. You can pick up a route map at most bookstalls for B35. Buses can be very crowded, so be alert for pickpockets.