Tourist Buses
These are called by many names - VIP, 1st Class, Luxury, Super VIP and many others besides. Generally Tourists buses are quite comfortable and will head on a pretty direct route to wherever you are heading. The routes are pretty clear, and you will usually depart from a main tourist area (Kho San Road) and arrive at a similar area. This saves you some steps, but you will not see the real Thailand and you will usually be dealing with "Travel Agents" who are trying o hustle you to book something (diving, hotels, mini-golf) with them at much higher prices than you would actually pay..Your trip will cost you as much as 3 times as much as you would pay for a government bus, for the same or lower quality. The drivers are all freelance and have little or no training. In addition there are frequent reports of thieves working the buses - especially on the Bangkok to Koh Tao/Samui buses
Government Buses
These are all blue or orange, with the destination and stops written on the front and sides. These are usually only available at Government Bus stations, though you may be able to hail one from a roadside stop. At Government Bus Stations you will often encounter people walking up to you to sell you tickets to the route you're going on. Sometimes these are the boys who work on the buses and are trying to fill empty seats (they get paid on how full the bus is). They may also be touts that are trying to divert you to a private company bus for a higher price as well as commission on hotel rooms and other expenses you will incur. Be cautious. They will not rob you, but they may not be what they seem.The primary tourist bus departs Khao lak at 17.00 it costs 700 baht (or more, depending on which travel agent you go to). There are no tourists buses direct from Bangkok. Expect to be dumped off in Surat Thani. From there they may or may not have arranged transport onwards to Khao Lak. Not worth it!
VIP BusesThe government VIP bus has larger seats (three across instead of four) that recline further. There is a restroom on board as well as snack service and blankets served by the stewardess. There are also fewer stops along the way. Generally these are the long routes (more than 8 hours) and run at night to avoid traffic. These are the most comfortable buses in Thailand and a GREAT way to travel. You will need to prepurchase your ticket for these. If a travel agent is purchasing one for you, he will adding a commission as these are a set price and non-negotiable. There is currently a system in place to order tickets online, but not in English. The VIP bus runs once a day from Khao Lak to Bangkok, departing at 1730 it takes approx. 11 hours to get to BKK it costs 1030 Baht. The VIP from Bangkok to Khao Lak departs at 19:00 and arrives at 06:00. Same cost.
1st class buses
These buses are comfortable by any standards, with a toilet onboard, movies (usually a Thai version of old classics like Rambo or Predator or Terminator) and infrequent stops. The seats recline, but not all the way. You will stop at a roadside cafeteria for a meals. The First class departs Khao Lak at 19:00 and costs 625 Baht. First Class Bus from Bangkok to Khao Lak departs at 2030
2nd class buses These buses are still comfortable but are budget. There will not be a toilet on board, the seats will only partly recline and there will be more frequent stops. These are fine for day time rides, as you can see the country side and the frequent stops allow you to get out and stretch your legs and use the restrooms at the bus sations. People selling local treats wil also introduce you to Thai fast food. Not recommended for overnight journeys. Departs Khao Lak at 1700,1800 and 2000 costs 575 baht. Several times a day from Bangkok (the Phuket bus)
Here is the schedule of buses from Bangkok (the southern bus terminal). We are referred to as Tabramu?
Once you get to Khao Lak, we'll be happy to arrange accommodation and of course the best damn diving in Thailand!
