Getting to the different tourist destinations by bus from Bangkok is both a convenient as well as an affordable way of travelling. Bus, as a means of transportation, is for instance an excellent substitute for train.
Northern Bus Terminal: The Northern Bus Terminal is located not far from the weekend market, Chatuchak, and the skytrain station Mo Chit. You can get to the Northern Bus Terminal either by skytrain and then by taxi or by one of the local buses (i.e. Aircon-buses: line 510, 512 and 523 and other buses: line 3, 49 etc). The phone number to the terminal is +66—(0)2—936 28 41. From the Northern Bus Terminal you can go by bus to destinations such as Ayuttaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Khaen, Korat, Mae Hon Song, Nong Kai, Sukhothai, Surin and Udon Thani. To a majority of the destinations there are several departures every day.
Eastern Bus Terminal: The Eastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok is sited just next to the skytrain station ”Ekkamai”, on Sukhumvit Road. Apart from getting here by skytrain, it is convenient to come here with bus. Line 501, 508, 511 and 513 stops here (aircon buses). From the Eastern Bus Terminal buses to Pattaya, Rayong, Trat and Ban Phe depart. Should you be going to Koh Chang, you shall take the bus to Trat, whereas you shall get on the Ban Phe-bus if you are travelling to Koh Samet. In both these cases you must then take a boat to get to the islands, respectively. The phone number to the Eastern Bus Terminal is +66—(0)2—391 25 04. Normally, the buses depart many times per day — in some cases a couple of times every hour. The fares are low with western measures. It will not cost more than 200 baht to get to Pattaya by bus.
Southern Bus Terminal: The Southern Bus Terminal is located not very far from Khao San Road. However, you will have to cross Chao Phraya River to the Thonburi side. Among other destinations are Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket and Suratthani. Travelling to Hua Hin will not cost more than 130 baht and takes approximately 3,5 hours. It is possible to get to the Southern Bus Terminal either by aircon-bus (i.e. line 503, 507 and 511) or by ordinary busses (i.e. 30, 124 or 127). The phone numbers to the Southern Bus Terminal are +66—(0)2—435 12 00 and +66—(0)2—435 71 92.
Khao San Road: The backpacker street Khao San Road does obviously not have any bus station in its right meaning. However, since there are a large number of tourists in this area, mini-buses as well as larger buses depart to the tourist destinations from Khao San Road and places nearby. The prices are normally slightly higher than if you go from any of the above mentioned bus terminals, but on the other hand is it very convenient to choose these options if you happen to stay in the area. To book a ticket is fairly easy; just visit one of the many tour operators that you will find in almost every corner of Khao San Road.
