Ride by Bus & Train [SE Asia] – Info, Research, Tickets

Transportation
By Gems Of Travel
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In This Post

Explore the topic of booking tickets (offline and online) & researching land transportation in SE Asia.  This includes both, bus and train travel.  There’s a lot to know.  Be sure to Travel Smart & Secure On Travel Days.

Within this post, we detail riding between cities (within a country), and between countries where you’ll cross at a land border.  At land borders you will be processed at 2 immigration building – one for the country of exit (stamp out) and one for the country of entry (stamp in).

As usual, checkout our tips provided throughout this post.  GemsOfTravel has learned things the hard way, and we wish you the smoothest and safest of travels.

Riding by mini bus between cities in Vietnam.
Riding by bus between cities within a country, or to a different country within Southeast Asia.
Riding by mini bus between cities in Thailand.
Riding by mini bus between cities in Cambodia.
The side of a Thai (Thailand) double-decker tour bus with colorful murals on the side, including a Joker faces from Batman. The bus is driving through a temple-style entrance, and it barely fits through.
Front and side of a Thai (Thailand) double-decker tour bus with colorful murals on the side. The front has 2 horizontal rows of 6 subwoofer speakers each, a horizontal row of 13 spot lights, and a mural on the upper deck's front window.

Researching (for SE Asian Travel)

Use some or all of these.

( 1 ) Bus & Train : Use 12go.com for timetables, routes, and to get names of the local bus operator companies.

( 2 ) Online – bus station reviews : The bus station may have information via pictures & reviews on Google/Apple Maps.  This includes the routes, schedule times, and drop-off point for your destination.  Thanks to everyone who posts informational reviews!

Tip

Read the reviews before booking, starting with the lowest.  This will set your expectations.

( 3 ) In Person – bus station : Similar to “# ( 2 )”, you can also enquire information at the bus/train station, in person.

Inquiring on bus/train timetables and purchasing tickets directly at the station.
Inquiring on bus/train timetables directly at the station.
Inquiring on bus/train timetables directly at the station.

( 4 ) Trains : The Man In Seat 61 (seat61.com).  This guy knows everything about trains, Southeast Asian trains included. His site is a great resource!

Note

Spontaneous : Prefer being spontaneous or making last-minute decisions?  Read “Travel Planning – Booking Ahead vs Last Minute (SEA Travel)“, another post from GemsOfTravel.

Tip

Be super-duper clear where the drop-off (destination) and pick-up (departure) points are, before purchasing the ticket. Sometimes, they can be very far outside the city.

We have purchased a ticket at location, but told the actual departure station is 15 minutes away down the road!

TRAIN – Trains By Country

There are many train seat options.  However, the bench seating (cheap ticket) is not too bad for most rides of 3-5 hours.  Anything longer you should consider upgrading to a higher class seat.

Cambodia 🇰🇭

Known for being slow, not on time, unexpected break-downs, and certain lines don’t run anymore (from Poipet going eastward).

That being said, it can be a more comfortable ride than taking a bus due to the poor quality roads (very bumpy). We are referring specifically to/from Kampot and Sihanoukville.

A full picture of the Kampot Campboda train stations showing the roof, station sign, passenger waiting area, food sellers with snacks on a table, and a small glimpse of the ticket office in the background. The station is open-air with no walls on the font and rear. This allows a cool breeze to flow through it on a hot day.
Passenger waiting area at the Kampot Cambodia train station. The station is open-air with no walls on the font and rear. This allows a cool breeze to flow through it on a hot day.
Bench seating on the inside of the Cambodian train cabin. Each bench seat can seat 2 adults. The bench seating is in groups of 2 bench seats for 4 adults total, one bench seat facing forward plus another facing rearward. There is a little bit of leg space in between. The layout arrangement is bench seating on the left-hand side, then a middle row ailse, and another set of bench seats on the right-hand side. Windows slide down for a cool breeze. There is a luggage rack mounted above all of the seats. Safety handles are mounted on the ceiling within the ailse.
Bench seating on the inside of the Cambodian train cabin. Each bench seat can seat 2 adults. The bench seating is in groups of 2 bench seats for 4 adults total, one bench seat facing forward plus another facing rearward. There is a little bit of leg space in between. Windows slide down for a cool breeze. There is a luggage rack mounted above all of the seats.

Thailand 🇹🇭

The country has an extensive route that goes all up and down the country + to the borders of Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia. Bangkok being the center, branches out to Chaing Mai, Nong Kai (Laos border), Pataya, and all the way through the southern beach destinations including the Thai/Malaysia border.

The 3rd class seats (cheapest ones) are actually comfortable, although they only have an air fan blowing and windows that slide down for a cool breeze.

Passenger waiting area at a typical Thai (Thailand) train station. The waiting area is outside with a roof and seating underneath on a long sightly elevated concrete pad that extends the full length of the train. The rail track is to the side, along the waiting area. There are several railway staff available for assisting passengers.
Bench seating on the inside of the Thai (Thailand) train cabin. Each bench seat can seat 2 adults. The bench seating is in groups of 2 bench seats for 4 adults total, one bench seat facing forward plus another facing rearward. There is a little bit of leg space in between. The layout arrangement is bench seating on the left-hand side, then a middle row ailse, and another set of bench seats on the right-hand side. There are several natual-air fans mounted on the ceiling. In addition, thw windows slide down for a cool breeze. There is a luggage rack mounted above all of the seats.

Tip

The sleeper train 🚂 between Chiang Mai and Bangkok (Thailand 🇹🇭) is a popular bucket list item.  Do it once if you must.

However, the VIP bus with NakhonChai Air is cheaper, way more comfortable, faster, meals/snacks/drinks included, and the departure/arrivals times are much better than the train.  Oh, and there is not yelling the every stop’s name like they do on a train while you are trying to sleep on a bumpy train ride.

Riding by mini bus between cities in Thailand.
Day time bench seating on the inside of the Thai (Thailand) train sleeper cabin. During the day, each bench seat can seat 1 adults. The bench seating is in groups of 2 bench seats for 2 adults total, one bench seat facing forward plus another facing rearward. There is a good amount of leg space in between. The layout arrangement is bench seating on the left-hand side, then a middle row ailse, and another set of bench seats on the right-hand side. Windows slide open for a cool breeze. For each grouping of bench seats, there is a luggage rack to the side, and a small ladder for when the seating gets converted to bunk beds at night time. The passenger decided to keep some baggage on the bench seat with them to closely hold onto their belongings, while another bag is locked and tethered to the storage rack to prevent theft.
Day time bench seating on the inside of the Thai (Thailand) train sleeper cabin. During the day, each bench seat can seat 1 adults. The bench seating is in groups of 2 bench seats for 2 adults total, one bench seat facing forward plus another facing rearward. There is a good amount of leg space in between. The layout arrangement is bench seating on the left-hand side, then a middle row ailse, and another set of bench seats on the right-hand side. Windows slide open for a cool breeze. For each grouping of bench seats, there is a luggage rack to the side, and a small ladder for when the seating gets converted to bunk beds at night time. The passenger decided to keep some baggage on the bench seat with them to closely hold onto their belongings, while another bag is locked and tethered to the storage rack to prevent theft.
Day time bench seating on the inside of the Thai (Thailand) train sleeper cabin. During the day, each bench seat can seat 1 adults. The bench seating is in groups of 2 bench seats for 2 adults total, one bench seat facing forward plus another facing rearward. There is a good amount of leg space in between. The layout arrangement is bench seating on the left-hand side, then a middle row ailse, and another set of bench seats on the right-hand side. Windows slide open for a cool breeze. For each grouping of bench seats, there is a luggage rack to the side, and a small ladder for when the seating gets converted to bunk beds at night time. The passenger decided to keep some baggage on the bench seat with them to closely hold onto their belongings, while another bag is locked and tethered to the storage rack to prevent theft.
Night time bench seating that is converted to bunk beds on the inside of the Thai (Thailand) train sleeper cabin. Each bunk bed is for 1 adult. There is one bunk bed at the bottom, and another above with a ladder to climb up into it. There are curtains for the windows and to enclose each bunk bed, while the lighting in the aisle remains on at night. For each grouping of bench seats, there is a luggage rack to the side, and a small ladder to climb up into the upper bunk bed. The passenger has a bag that is locked and tethered to the storage rack to prevent theft.
Night time bench seating that is converted to bunk beds on the inside of the Thai (Thailand) train sleeper cabin. Curtains are partially closed. Each bunk bed is for 1 adult. There is one bunk bed at the bottom, and another above with a ladder to climb up into it. There are curtains for the windows and to enclose each bunk bed, while the lighting in the aisle remains on at night. For each grouping of bench seats, there is a luggage rack to the side, and a small ladder to climb up into the upper bunk bed. The passenger has a bag that is locked and tethered to the storage rack to prevent theft.
Inside the bunk beds on the inside of the Thai (Thailand) train sleeper cabin at night time. Curtains are fully closed and the bunk is dark, with lighting slightly bleeding through the curtains that enclose the singe bunk bed. Each bunk bed is for 1 adult. The passenger decided to keep their baggage inside the bunk bed with them at time to hold onto their belongings, while another bag is locked and tethered to the storage rack to prevent theft.

Vietnam 🇻🇳

The country is very long and mountainous. The train line connects the capitol, Hanoi, to Saigon (a.k.a. Ho Chi Minh City). The train line goes along the coast and runs frequently.

Stopping along the coast at Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Tang are only a couple of the many coastal stops to enjoy! Be adventurous a little bit, and find those hidden gems!

Malaysia 🇲🇾

Very nice, clean, and modern train. The train is well priced, smooth, and very comfortable. So, we cannot think of any negatives to mention.

The train lines mainly go along the coast connecting Singapore, KL (Kuala Lumpur), Penang Island (Butterworth stop), and further up to the Thailand border. So, you can cross the Thai/Malaysia land border via the train.

If you go to Penang [Island], then note: Butterworth station is across the bay from Penang Island (not to be confused with Pengang state south of Butterworth). There is a ferry for about 2 Ringit ($0.50 USD) that goes from the train station and takes you across the bay to Penang Island. It’s right next to the station, so easy to access and find.

Laos 🇱🇦

Arguably not convenient to book or to ride. The stations are far out from the main cities, so the taxis profit by charging high prices to get to/from there.

This train is very nice, though it’s stations are far away 🙁 from the destinations of Vientiane, Vang Vien, and Luang Prabang. Expect a long taxi ride there 🙁. Oh, and Grab does not exist in Laos 🙁. The train is new, fast, and modern; built by the Chinese government.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Indo has a good train system, but unfortunately no train on the popular destination of Bali Island – only the mainland. Going from Jakarta to Yogyakarta (pronounced “Jog-Jakarta” by the locals) and onwards is definitely doable.

Indo trains are modern train and reliable. You can book the 2nd class, which has large comfortable seating. The 3rd class seats are the cheapest seats. These 3rd class seats are great in Thailand, but NOT GREAT in Indonesia – the seating is very close together. For short trips (a few hours), you’ll be okay. But, for long trips (>5 hours) you’ll be uncomfortable. People with short legs were even in pain, let alone long legs. Either way, it is do-able if you want to save money!

Indonesia train first class seating. There are 2 seats side-by-side with lots of leg room and lots of padding. The seats include a fold-out table for food on board, arm rests, and ability to recline backwards. Baggage storage is above the seating. Windows have curtains. The layout is 2 seats side-by-side, a middle aisle walk way, and another 2 seats. All seats are facing forward.
Food severd on an Indonesia train for first class ticket holders. The food is resting on a table that folds out of the seat. The food is rice with some curry meat, a little bit of egg, and a few peanuts.
Indonesia train third class bench seating. Each bench seat is assigned for 2 adults, but is quite tight. The bench seating is in groups of 2 bench seats for 4 adults total, one bench seat facing forward plus another facing rearward. There is very little leg space in between., and it is painful on long rides. The layout arrangement is bench seating on the left-hand side, then a very narrow middle row ailse for walking, and another set of bench seats on the right-hand side. There are a few split-duct airconditioning units that run very cold. There is a luggage rack mounted above all of the seats. Lighting stayins on at night time.

BUS – Bus Companies By Country

There are a few good operators that you should stick with.  We say “good”, but your experience may vary.  GemsOfTravel does believe that these are the best options,  though.

Southeast Asia operates with a mentality that “you need us, and we are all you’ve got to choose from so deal with the service”, at least for bus transportation (not always, but it happens).  However, we have never had a bad experience with the below operators.

Keep in mind that there are many different bus types to choose from.  For long distances (over 6 or 7 hour rides), a VIP bus or sleeper bus is worth the extra money.  They are so much more comfortable.

You can get cheap bench seat busses, full-sized busses, and mini busses & vans.

Typical full-sized bus in Southeast Asia from transporting passengers between cities or to do a land border crossing.
Under-cabin baggage storage for a typical full-sized bus in Southeast Asia.
Riding by mini bus between cities in Vietnam.

On the comfy side, there’s big VIP buses with big comfortable chairs and meals served, and long-distance sleeper busses that you can completely lay down in.

Sleeper bus in Vietnam that is 3 beds wide. The center bed has 2 rows on each side. The bus width is bed, row, bed, row, bed.
Sleeper bus in Vietnam that is 3 beds wide. The center bed has 2 rows on each side. The bus width is bed, row, bed, row, bed.
Sleeper bus in Vietnam that is 3 beds wide. The center bed has 2 rows on each side. The bus width is bed, row, bed, row, bed.
Sleeper bus in Vietnam that is 3 beds wide. The center bed has 2 rows on each side. The bus width is bed, row, bed, row, bed.
VIP bus that can be taken between cities or do a land border crossing from one country to another in Southeast Asia. Inner cabin with toilet to the left.
VIP bus that can be taken between cities or do a land border crossing from one country to another in Southeast Asia. Inner cabin seating with toilet in the back.
VIP bus that can be taken between cities or do a land border crossing from one country to another in Southeast Asia. Inner cabin seating.
VIP bus that can be taken between cities or do a land border crossing from one country to another in Southeast Asia. Inner cabin with night lighting.

Tip

✅ The bus can drop you off at random place along the route – just ask them.

You may want to do this and catch a taxi (ride-hailing is better) to save time & money, instead of completing the full route and then back-tracking.

Be sure to ask the driver’s assistant or driver.  We have done this several times! You’ll notice that this is actually common practice by the locals.

How To: We (1) ask 🙋 if we can do it, (2) keep watch on Maps 🗺️ for when we get close to where we want to be dropped off, (3) inform the driver when we get to that point, and (4) get off the bus at the 📍random location. (5) FYI: don’t forget luggage 🧳💼 in storage below.

Example:  We have done when the bus was passing by the airport.  We were let off the bus, and we used Grab (ride-hailing) to get to the airport.  This saved us over an hour of time, plus the extra cost of the taxi from the bus station to the airport.  Can you say, “Win!”

Within Country

It’s quite impressive how many busses are running in the country at a time for foreign tourists and locals, both.

Cambodia 🇰🇭

– Giant Ibis
– LarryTA
– Vireak Buntham Express (VET)
– Capitol Tours and Transportation

Thailand 🇹🇭

– Nkhon Chai Air (their VIP bus is good).
– There many non-branded busses that you can book at the station.

Vietnam 🇻🇳

– Futa Bus Lines
– Son Tung

Note

In Vietnam 🇻🇳, there many non-branded busses, but we choose to stick with these name-brand operators while in Vietnam.  Otherwise, it seems that the likelihood of running into issues is increased.

Between Countries

–

To the Land Border Only (not through it)

Many busses just drop you off at the land border, and you are on your own after that. However, Giant Ibis takes you completely through.

–

Through the Land Border

Giant Ibis connects Thailand (Bangkok), Cambodia, and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City). Their bus service will take you completely from the starting country, through the land border, and to the destination in the final country. Giant Ibis is a well respected bus operator – check their reviews. For GemsOfTravel, Giant Ibis has been the most reliable and professional bus company that we know of. Since they are a Cambodian company, they have many routes connecting Cambodian cities, too.

A full-sized passenger bus crossing the Thailand - Laos land border. This immigration border is where passengers exit one country (exit stamp) and enter another country (entry visa or stamp).

–

Hybrid method

Vireak Buntham Express (VET) has a service that will take you from Cambodia and drop you off at the border. The service has a pre-arranged [non-VET-branded] bus service waiting for you at the other side of the land border that takes you to your destination in Thailand. This pre-arranged bus is contracted by VET. We do not know if Vireak Buntham Express (VET) can do the same for Thailand to Cambodia. Services change frequently, too, so you never know how it will be modified in the future.

Offline Booking – Locally & Directly

Booking directly with the company is best (that’s our opinion).  The local stations are where you want to start when enquiring about booking a ticket in person (in person is ‘offline’).  Hotels and hostels often sell bus tickets at their front desk.

Warning

Hotels and hostels: Your results will vary when buying through these middle-men -> some sell tickets from shady companies, and some of them overcharge.  This is, of course, not always the case.

Bus and train stations 🚌 🚂 in Southeast Asia are typically well-populated with support staff.

Busses are the most flexible – having lines going nearly anywhere you want to go.  If they don’t, then someone working there will know how to route you to your destination by having you switch busses somewhere along the way.

See “Researching” above for how to find local bus companies.

Keep in mind that larger cities have multiple bus stations, as is the case for Bangkok, KL (Kuala Lumpur), and Jakarta.  So, research and choose the bus/train stop location that suits you best.

Note

Different stations might have different departure/arrival times 🕜, and different bus 🚌 company brands. This will influence your choice for the bus stop location.

Online Booking

Directly on the operator’s website

You can book directly with the bus company on their website.  This may be (1) cheaper, and (2) have options available such as selecting your seat.

For operator names: (1) see our list of operators, above, or (2) you can use a ticket booking website to find the names of the bus companies.

This is often how GemsOfTravel prefers to book when using online booking.  Though, our first preference is to book directly at a bus station or operator’s office if we can.

Ticket booking websites

12go is the most comprehensive booking website in Southeast Asia, that we know of.  However, an online booking website may charge up to double the cost, compared to booking directly in person at the local bus or train station.

– 12go.com
– Tiket.com  (for Indonesia)
– Camboticket  (for Cambodia)

Tip

Tiket.com In Indonesia 🇮🇩 : Tiket.com allows you to pay for the booked ticket at a local convenience store such as Indomaret.  It will email you a code, and then you provide that code along with the money to the cashier.  Afterwards, you will receive an email confirmation along with your ticket. Pretty cool!

Warning

Always pay attention to the 📍 pick-up and 📍drop-off locations.  Be very clear on this.  They are not always as clear-cut as you’d think.  Confirm the drop-off point with the on-site staff before boarding the bus.

PROs and CONs:  Online vs. Offline Transportation Research & Booking

Offline (Direct onsite booking at the local station)

PROs

  • Times and Routes : More options for time tables and route options than online booking.  Southeast Asia can be informal, so when at the station you’ll notice there are more route options that aren’t listed online.
  • Cost : Cheaper.  No middleman fee paid to online booking sites.  GemsOfTravel has experienced tickets  being 50% cheaper than online.
  • Information : You can get more information by talking to the ticket sales at the station.
  • Convenience : You can go the station and buy a ticket same day.  This is recommended for some routes, but not for others.
  • Pick-up & Drop-off Points : The busses are flexible, and will often drop you off wherever you want along the way.  All you have to do is ask them to stop.  At the station they can inform you of tips on how to get to a destination.  They will tell you which bus to take and where to stop.  You can even hop-off and transfer onto another bus.

CONs

  • Convenience : Online is easier and more convenient for booking tickets, especially if you book the in advance.
  • Pick-up & Drop-off Points : Ambiguous communication as to where the drop-off points are (This applies to busses. Trains have stations, so they are clear drop-off points).  This has never been an issue for us, however it makes planning a little more challenging if you need to arrange a ride from the station to somewhere specific.  But, again, never an issue.
  • Bus/Train Types & Seating : The bus type information is not always clear when you book onsite.  You’ll have to look online on their website for better information.

Online (Online ticket sale websites)

PROs

  • Times and Routes : The long list of routes and time tables is a great place to start when planning your route. 
  •  Convenience : Buying online is easy – buy anytime, anywhere.
  • Options (Time and Routes) : Online is a very good reference for times and routes, and should be where you start when planning your route.  Online can be just as good as local booking, and even provide alternate pick-up points other than local bus or train stations.  Conversely, this online list might not be fully comprehensive, and there could be routes not listed online.  Enquiring onsite at the station can open doors to routes you did not know were possible.  It’s hard to say which is better for Times  Routes – online or offline – you should use them both.
  • Bus/Train Types & Seating : Online the bus type is clearly stated with pictures.  And, you can go to the bus company’s online website to review what they offer.  While onsite they just sell you a ticket, and they do not know much about the bus types and seating.
  • Pick-up & Drop-off Points : Might state the exact pick-up and drop-off point, but sometimes not.

CONs

  • Cost : More expensive than booking directly onsite.  Middleman fee – the middleman ticket website must be paid.  GemsOfTravel has experienced tickets double price compared to offline (onsite direct booking).
  • Options (Time and Routes) : Online may not (and often do not) have all the routes and times that the local station can inform you about.

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