Getting To Khao Lak Bus Service
Khao Lak Bus Service
If you come from either Phuket or Bangkok, just let the driver know that you wish to get off in Khao Lak at the Supermarket. That is the center of our town and quite close to our shop. If you are arriving from other parts of Thailand, you should be able to ask for Khao Lak (Pronounced Cow Lack). If it seems like you are getting a run around, ask for Takuapa (Pronounced Tock-oo-ah-pa) which is a main transit hub 30 km north of us. Frequent buses depart from there to our town. Again, just mention the supermarket and everyone knows what you mean.
Khao Lak is on the main North-South route between Phuket and Bangkok
Buses come in four main catagories:
These are called by many names – VIP, 1st Class, Luxury, Super VIP and many others besides. Generally Tourists buses are quite comfortbale 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 get you to book something (diving, hotels, mini-golf) with them at much higher prices than you would actually pay. You will also be away from competition that could offer you something better. Your trip will cost you as much as 3 times as much as you would pay for a goverrnment bus, for the same or lower quality
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 government VIP bus has larger seats (three across instead of four) that recline further. There is a restoroom on board as well as snack service and blankets. 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 commision as these are a set price and non-negotiable. There is currently a system in place to order tickes online, but not for our sleepy little town. Keep chekcing back…
These buses are comfortable by anyones 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.
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.
VIP bus runs once a day, departing at 17.45 it takes approx. 11 hours to get to BKK it costs 895 Baht
There is one First Class bus per day departing at 17.00 it costs 580 Baht
Second Class buses depart much more frequently Every 2 hours from 8.30 until 20.00
The cost is only 420 baht
The primary toursit bus departs Khao lak at 17.00 it costs 700 baht (or more, depending on which travel agent you go to)
Departures from Bangkok are very frequent, check travel agents (do not end up in Phuket and then taking a minibus back to Khao Lak – they will sell you this trip!) or better yet go to the government bus station and ask for your tickets there. There is usually a VIP departing at 19.00, and a 1st class separting at 7.00.
