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[daviddrinkell]

I want to travel by VIP/1st Class bus/coach from Bangkok to Khon Kaen. I have tried Nakhonchai website but unfortunately it's in Thai and I don't read Thai. Can anyone tell me where this service leaves from in Bangkok, (is it. Morchit?) and can it be booked through a local travel agent? Does anyone know if there is another good bus service on this route?

Thanks for your time.

[craigt3365]

I think more buses leave from Chatuchak for Issan than Morchit. I've done the trip quite a few times. Never booked a ticket, just showed up. VIP buses to KK leave all the time. I think many don't advertise on the web?

[asanee]

NCA has its own small terminal as little beyond the big Mochit-any taxidriver should know.

They run hourly daytime, the trip takes 6 hrs.

On the other half hours there is the combo of Cherd-Chai/?? (forgot-maybe KhonKhaentour) with similar service, from the main Mochit. No-local agents are of no help, nor needed. Except for the very few crush days (like before 1/1 and Songkran)-just turn up and buy ticket. Though This forum has its quirks and it seems forbidden to say something slightly negative-for both is the draw of the lotteree as to which bus you get-no comp. can only have brandnew coaches. NCA also has older and rather used ones.

[Tafia]

Try Chan Tours leaves Mochit every hour their ss service is excellent, tv, music comfortable reasonable.

I use them from Udon to Bkk and return never had cause to complain

[daviddrinkell]

Try Chan Tours leaves Mochit every hour their ss service is excellent, tv, music comfortable reasonable.

I use them from Udon to Bkk and return never had cause to complain

[/quote

Thanks for all the information. Very Useful. I found these phone numbers if anyone else needs them.

Chan Tour

Bangkok +662618718/19/20

Khon Kaen +6643247333

Udon Thani +6642343403

Also Nakhon Chai Air (NCA) Call Center:- +6629360009 (I'm told it's hit and miss if you get anyone who can speak English at NCA)

[daviddrinkell]

Timetables given on this link.

http://www.khonkaen....ain-info-kk-bkk

[afarang]

I think more buses leave from Chatuchak for Issan than Morchit. I've done the trip quite a few times. Never booked a ticket, just showed up. VIP buses to KK leave all the time. I think many don't advertise on the web?

NO buses leave from Chatuchak ,It is a market.Chan tours has a booking office near there, But most people go to Morchit. where at least 3 companies run VIP services to K.K.,Sadly very little information about buses is available on internet

Edited July 17, 2011 by afarang

[MHayward]

In my opinion, whatever you do...

DO NOT use any other company than Nakhon Chai Air...Translate the Website with Google or give them a call, all the Operators speak good english.

Any other company does not come near them for Standards of Safety and Service....forget the rest. I only use NCA now.

Cheers, MH

[daviddrinkell]

In my opinion, whatever you do...

DO NOT use any other company than Nakhon Chai Air...Translate the Website with Google or give them a call, all the Operators speak good english.

Any other company does not come near them for Standards of Safety and Service....forget the rest. I only use NCA now.

Cheers, MH

Thanks for the advice. NCA seem favourite.

Cheers DD

[richard_smith237]

While fully aware that the Op has specifically requested information about the bus routes, given the abundance of accidents lately reported I wonder whether air travel becomes a far more viable option; especially as Bkk-KK has a very convenient 3 flights per day (I think) and one way prices are between B1800 and B2800 (depending on promotion and how busy the flight is).

[themikeymeister]

Book well ahead if you want their top service.

I have tried going to the NCA terminal 24 hours ahead, but still full booked.

Plan ahead!!!

NCA is a brilliant bus service, with fantastic customer care.

[afarang]

While fully aware that the Op has specifically requested information about the bus routes, given the abundance of accidents lately reported I wonder whether air travel becomes a far more viable option; especially as Bkk-KK has a very convenient 3 flights per day (I think) and one way prices are between B1800 and B2800 (depending on promotion and how busy the flight is).

No,it doesn't. Also there have not been an "abundance" of accidents.This is a figment of your imagination. There was one ,BKK-C.M. This was NOT a route bus ,it was a "charter " operator. Yes , they are not good/.The route buses -Blue and White do have an excellent safety record, especially operators such as Nakornchai Air and Chan Tours.Personally ,I prefer a sleeper train, much more fun. Can socialise, have a beer etc..Buses that leave from Morchit for the North and North-East , do have a very good safety record.

[in2fridge]

oddly enough was talking to a "farang" yesterday who regularilyuses NCA to KK and he raved about the comfort,free snack food etc ..wouldn't travel with any other...

[daviddrinkell]

That's great. I'll take NCA or Chan Tour. I'm told there's a ground floor and upper floor at Morchit. Does anyone know which one I should go to for Khon Kaen services or do they use both?

[afarang]

That's great. I'll take NCA or Chan Tour. I'm told there's a ground floor and upper floor at Morchit. Does anyone know which one I should go to for Khon Kaen services or do they use both?

All North-Eastern buses ,you book on the 3rd floor ONLY

[Metapod]

Try Chan Tours leaves Mochit every hour their ss service is excellent, tv, music comfortable reasonable.

I use them from Udon to Bkk and return never had cause to complain

Chan is who I use also.

Last time I had an amazing VIP bus. The seats had built in mechanical massages, and every seat had it's own LCD screen for movies.

[richard_smith237]

While fully aware that the Op has specifically requested information about the bus routes, given the abundance of accidents lately reported I wonder whether air travel becomes a far more viable option; especially as Bkk-KK has a very convenient 3 flights per day (I think) and one way prices are between B1800 and B2800 (depending on promotion and how busy the flight is).

No,it doesn't. Also there have not been an "abundance" of accidents.This is a figment of your imagination. There was one ,BKK-C.M. This was NOT a route bus ,it was a "charter " operator. Yes , they are not good/.The route buses -Blue and White do have an excellent safety record, especially operators such as Nakornchai Air and Chan Tours.Personally ,I prefer a sleeper train, much more fun. Can socialise, have a beer etc..Buses that leave from Morchit for the North and North-East , do have a very good safety record.

Fair enough, I stand corrected regarding the safety of the Blue and White busses. However, there are an abnormally high number of incidents on Thai roads involving busses. I still have little trust in the safety of bus drivers for which ever company they work for (thats just my opinion - figment of imagination or not).

I'm assuming this is an 8 hour journey by bus - compared to a 1 hour flight (plus check in time). I wonder why someone would choose the bus over flying unless money or a fear of flying is an issue.

[daviddrinkell]

According to NCA timetable it takes 6 hr 5 min on first class coach which isn't too bad. I'm in no rush to get there and judging by the comments I've read it's a very comfortable journey. The first class coach on Nakon Chai Air certainly looks luxurious on their website and the price is excellent. It leaves me with more money for the holiday too.

Cheers

DD

[afarang]

I can only say ,I have been travelling by bus and train in Thailand for 22 years and amazingly ,I am still alive to tell the tale. A lot of nonsense is written by farang , who, in the main DO NOT use these forms of transport, If I am travelling overland I never fly. I much prefer to use land transport. I had to travel from Plackonchai to Bkk.and return(6 hours each way) , weekly for 5 years. I did it by bus .I survived !!!!!. I will admit ,I do love sleeper trains for long distance travel. The socialisation is most enjoyable. You see and experience things that are impossible by air. Be a brain, travel by train. Be a pain ,travel by plane. Says It All?

[Sam Drucker]

A couple of points about Nakhon Chai Air and Chan Tours:

Last I heard, NCA has 3 First Class busses daily (each direction) between BKK and KK. One leaving around 11:00 am, and two leaving around 11:00 pm. These busses have extra comfort from "shell-type" seating (like airline Business Class), although it is not a "lay flat" seat. It is also set up with wider seats, as it is 3-across (1-2) seating. These busses tend to get booked well ahead of departure time; many times it is days ahead. If you want to go this way, book ahead.

NCA has Gold Class busses going frequently throughout the day and evening. These busses are usually easy to get without advance booking. Seating is a conventional 4-across (2-2) format. I believe they have individual screens at each seat now too, although maybe that is not on the entire fleet yet?

NCA uses lower-profile busses that are single level. NCA does the trip between KK and BKK nonstop.

Chan Tours busses all feature the 3-across 1-2 seating. "S Class" is their answer to NCA's "First Class", though it seems more like a gussied-up conventional Chan Tour bus, whereas NCA First Class seems to have been designed from the ground-up as a unique product.

Chan uses the more typical tall dual-level busses. They look very high if you've ever driven behind one. They look like they could tip over easily. And I've had some Thai people (whom preferred NCA Gold Class even though Chan offered added comfort of 3-across seating) tell me they thought the NCA busses were safer as they were lower. I can't argue with appearances. But honestly, I've been on the Chan Tours busses several times and have never gotten a hint of a feeling that the bus was unstable or likely to roll over.

Chan makes a 10 minute stop each direction at the Korat bus station (Nakhon Ratchasima.) So their published times are longer. The stop is enough time to run into the biffy, and get something to drink or eat at the convenience store to take with you for the rest of the journey. Korat is just about half way on the trip.

Can't say I am impressed with either company's attention to non-Thai speaking people. Both seem to dig in their heels on offering any kind of English on their websites. I took NCA First Class once and seemed to be largely ignored by the hostess when my girlfriend was asleep. She wouldn't even look in my direction, apparently because I didn't speak Thai and she didn't want to try to communicate any other way.

Both companies advertise for their "S-Class/First Class" products that they have some type of GPS function. I've never seen a hint of that actually being on their video systems. As far as Video content goes, as a farang what's offered has never appealed to me, but the peace and quiet does (compared to a bus with a TV playing a Thai movie or music videos from a VCD, with the sound cranked up!) With video at each seat, it is quiet and I can play my own MP3 music through ear buds and actually hear it!

[daviddrinkell]

Thanks Sam. Very informative. I arrive in Bangkok on a Friday evening and want to travel to Khon Kaen on the following Tuesday, preferably on the 1115 first class NCA bus. I'll book at Morchit on the Saturday and take the best on offer at the time.Thanks againDD

[daviddrinkell]

By the way, Google translate (On Google Chrome web browser) works well enough on Nakhon Chai Air website http://www.nca.co.th/index.php to understand most of it.

Thanks to MHayward for suggesting it !!

Cheers DD

Edited July 19, 2011 by daviddrinkell

[dddave]

Getting accurate information at Mor Chit can be very difficult. Even official looking "Information Clerks" will try to steer you to a bus company that gives them a commission. They will whip out a little booklet with all the "Official" fares, usually about 40% higher than actual. Even the third floor ISAN section security guard got into the game trying to get me to go with a tout.

Since most of the ticket windows have signage only in Thai, it can be very hard to find the one you want, especially with voracious touts haunting you every step. Call and try to find out the window numbers in advance, it will save a lot of grief.

[daviddrinkell]

Getting accurate information at Mor Chit can be very difficult. Even official looking "Information Clerks" will try to steer you to a bus company that gives them a commission. They will whip out a little booklet with all the "Official" fares, usually about 40% higher than actual. Even the third floor ISAN section security guard got into the game trying to get me to go with a tout.

Since most of the ticket windows have signage only in Thai, it can be very hard to find the one you want, especially with voracious touts haunting you every step. Call and try to find out the window numbers in advance, it will save a lot of grief.

Thanks for the warning.

Is there a Nakhonchai Air sign? How about at their own bus terminal?

[Finlaco]

Their number is on their website. They have several English operators and u can book on the phone and then before midnight pay at any 7-11 for ฿25 using the booking reference. Very easy.

[Finlaco]

A couple of points about Nakhon Chai Air and Chan Tours:

Last I heard, NCA has 3 First Class busses daily (each direction) between BKK and KK. One leaving around 11:00 am, and two leaving around 11:00 pm. These busses have extra comfort from "shell-type" seating (like airline Business Class), although it is not a "lay flat" seat. It is also set up with wider seats, as it is 3-across (1-2) seating. These busses tend to get booked well ahead of departure time; many times it is days ahead. If you want to go this way, book ahead.

NCA has Gold Class busses going frequently throughout the day and evening. These busses are usually easy to get without advance booking. Seating is a conventional 4-across (2-2) format. I believe they have individual screens at each seat now too, although maybe that is not on the entire fleet yet?

NCA uses lower-profile busses that are single level. NCA does the trip between KK and BKK nonstop.

Chan Tours busses all feature the 3-across 1-2 seating. "S Class" is their answer to NCA's "First Class", though it seems more like a gussied-up conventional Chan Tour bus, whereas NCA First Class seems to have been designed from the ground-up as a unique product.

Chan uses the more typical tall dual-level busses. They look very high if you've ever driven behind one. They look like they could tip over easily. And I've had some Thai people (whom preferred NCA Gold Class even though Chan offered added comfort of 3-across seating) tell me they thought the NCA busses were safer as they were lower. I can't argue with appearances. But honestly, I've been on the Chan Tours busses several times and have never gotten a hint of a feeling that the bus was unstable or likely to roll over.

Chan makes a 10 minute stop each direction at the Korat bus station (Nakhon Ratchasima.) So their published times are longer. The stop is enough time to run into the biffy, and get something to drink or eat at the convenience store to take with you for the rest of the journey. Korat is just about half way on the trip.

Can't say I am impressed with either company's attention to non-Thai speaking people. Both seem to dig in their heels on offering any kind of English on their websites. I took NCA First Class once and seemed to be largely ignored by the hostess when my girlfriend was asleep. She wouldn't even look in my direction, apparently because I didn't speak Thai and she didn't want to try to communicate any other way.

Both companies advertise for their "S-Class/First Class" products that they have some type of GPS function. I've never seen a hint of that actually being on their video systems. As far as Video content goes, as a farang what's offered has never appealed to me, but the peace and quiet does (compared to a bus with a TV playing a Thai movie or music videos from a VCD, with the sound cranked up!) With video at each seat, it is quiet and I can play my own MP3 music through ear buds and actually hear it!

Great review. Well balanced. We need more of this on TV. Yes it's ok to critise Thai service if it's not as advertised.

[Tanaka]

A few months ago we took the overnight Chan Tour bus from Udon to Bkk. Departing time from Udon was 11pm and arrival time in Bkk should be 07am. We arrived at 5am!! The idiot driver was absolute flat out all the time passing cars and other buses constantly. Never again.

[dddave]

Their number is on their website. They have several English operators and u can book on the phone and then before midnight pay at any 7-11 for ฿25 using the booking reference. Very easy.

That is really useful information; thanks!

[daviddrinkell]

A couple of points about Nakhon Chai Air and Chan Tours:

Last I heard, NCA has 3 First Class busses daily (each direction) between BKK and KK. One leaving around 11:00 am, and two leaving around 11:00 pm. These busses have extra comfort from "shell-type" seating (like airline Business Class), although it is not a "lay flat" seat. It is also set up with wider seats, as it is 3-across (1-2) seating. These busses tend to get booked well ahead of departure time; many times it is days ahead. If you want to go this way, book ahead.

NCA has Gold Class busses going frequently throughout the day and evening. These busses are usually easy to get without advance booking. Seating is a conventional 4-across (2-2) format. I believe they have individual screens at each seat now too, although maybe that is not on the entire fleet yet?

NCA uses lower-profile busses that are single level. NCA does the trip between KK and BKK nonstop.

Chan Tours busses all feature the 3-across 1-2 seating. "S Class" is their answer to NCA's "First Class", though it seems more like a gussied-up conventional Chan Tour bus, whereas NCA First Class seems to have been designed from the ground-up as a unique product.

Chan uses the more typical tall dual-level busses. They look very high if you've ever driven behind one. They look like they could tip over easily. And I've had some Thai people (whom preferred NCA Gold Class even though Chan offered added comfort of 3-across seating) tell me they thought the NCA busses were safer as they were lower. I can't argue with appearances. But honestly, I've been on the Chan Tours busses several times and have never gotten a hint of a feeling that the bus was unstable or likely to roll over.

Chan makes a 10 minute stop each direction at the Korat bus station (Nakhon Ratchasima.) So their published times are longer. The stop is enough time to run into the biffy, and get something to drink or eat at the convenience store to take with you for the rest of the journey. Korat is just about half way on the trip.

Can't say I am impressed with either company's attention to non-Thai speaking people. Both seem to dig in their heels on offering any kind of English on their websites. I took NCA First Class once and seemed to be largely ignored by the hostess when my girlfriend was asleep. She wouldn't even look in my direction, apparently because I didn't speak Thai and she didn't want to try to communicate any other way.

Both companies advertise for their "S-Class/First Class" products that they have some type of GPS function. I've never seen a hint of that actually being on their video systems. As far as Video content goes, as a farang what's offered has never appealed to me, but the peace and quiet does (compared to a bus with a TV playing a Thai movie or music videos from a VCD, with the sound cranked up!) With video at each seat, it is quiet and I can play my own MP3 music through ear buds and actually hear it!

The GPS on Nakhonchai Air seems to be for tracking purposes only so that they can monitor the bus speed.

[khunbillmex]

My recent experience with Chan Tour I think will be my last. We had seats 1BC which along with 1A are probably the most dangerous and also most uncomfortable. B is the 'center' seat and it is invaded by the video monitor. A and C have nice views until I began to realize after the erratic driving commenced made them the most dangerous – you get to be launched through the front widow to sudden death when the driver finally loses it.

My journey began at the end-of-the line in a small town in Kalasin. There were 3-4 brief stops between there and Nam Phong just north of KK. A couple of frontage road stops arriving in KK and then 30 minutes at the bus station - bus station gas pump – where an attendant came on board and passed out snacks as the bus refueled. Got two sets as I had two seats – the Mrs., at the last moment, wanted to stay back in the village with the twins.. At around 9pm the karaoke videos stopped and all the lights went out* – all of them [my reading lamp never worked]. We took the by-pass around Korat and somewhere 30 minutes or so south of the city we pulled over on the frontage road to a 'truck stop' next to a mostly darkened house. The driver got out and went inside. 10 min later he returned and we were off again. [Hopefully it was only a Red Bull stop but I think it was something else] Approaching Saraburi the wild driving began - lane switching, getting too close to the curbs, near crashes [when it was apparent that the slow truck in front of us was/were signaling and had both no choice nor intention to move back in lane] We hurdled along. Around Rangsit there were two other brief roadside stops. Finally we made it to Mo Chit - hey 30 minutes early – but I'll avoid the double-decker canoe in the future. Came here to the forum today to get skeds of NCA and glad to learn the difference between Gold Class and 1^st

Seats 2 and beyond have foot rests Row 1 doesn't and the seat is too-close-to the floor- to be comfortable.

*Almost forgot – the WC. It's a 8.5 hr trip they have one right? Well after dark I went exploring. It was downstairs [totally unlit] Bag storage backside and frontside. Maybe it's this metal door with a no entry decal? Locked but eventually the sub-driver or whatever exited and I went in and down - no steps and its 50-60 cm to the toilet floor. Loo and a couple of water buckets. No lights. Tried to lock the door – couldn't figure out how and with no lights [what the hell] it was better open

• *Wireless and new busses: at KK gas pump there was a newer ChanTour bus next to us w/ nicer seats and individual video monitors. On the side of the bus was a WiFi decal . Pulled out my laptop and was able to login for a few minutes before we departed.

Nb. I'm not a wimpy traveler – this was a bad ride. Maybe stats show that overall it's safe but this ride was on the edge. I [and 2% of the Thai population of Mexico] live in central Mexico – our busses are state-of-the-art – maybe the best in the world but of course that comes at a price. A 4 .5 hr ride from our town to the capital is around $50 US. The above trip which was over 8 hrs was $13 US - isn't 13 unlucky?