Hope last ? - BKK to Surin - less stress - what would you recommend

[kanderson]

I'll try not to ask to many questions. Hopefully last question.

I was just thinking maybe I should ask - how would you do it.

Say I arrive at swampy at 11AM - don't want to stay in BKK.

1. Nok Air to Uban - bus (or car) to surin - original plan

2. Train goes to Surin but might arrive at Midnight. I'm leaning toward this at the moment.

3. Bus ( haven't looked at schedule yet ). I like the cheap price but I'll be pretty tired etc..

other ?

I know I can figure it out one way or the other but all suggestions are very much appreciated.

I speak enough Thai to get around OK - so not paranoid. Smoother the better.

What would you do - or be thinking ?

[bushmill]

Have a talk with some of the Taxidrivers. I met guys in Surin / Sisaket they got a lift for 3500 - 4000 Baht with taxi.

Cheap busses are not recommended then better take Nakhon Chai air around 560 baht/trip

[puchooay]

NCA bus Bangkok to Surin. Excellent service and non stop. Should take about 6 1/2 hours.

[siam2007]

the combined flight / Van service offered by NOK is actually pretty good and hassle-free, and you are guaranteed your onward travel from Ubon to Surin even if the flight is delayed. strongly recommend this

[kanderson]

the combined flight / Van service offered by NOK is actually pretty good and hassle-free, and you are guaranteed your onward travel from Ubon to Surin even if the flight is delayed. strongly recommend this

I didn't know about the Van service - thanks.

One thing that is a bit worrisome is the extra charges for heavy bags. They allow 15 k or something - I'll have 25 - so add 350 Bt x 2 I guess.

I'll probably fly as you have recommended.

I'll be wasted from traveling - need easy.

Bus is tempting and I wouldn't mind saving a few baht - no doubt.

I'll be booking in a few days. I really appreciate everyone taking time to give info.

[khwaibah]

Nok Air. Fly and ride. http://www.nokair.com/nokconnext/aspx/Availability.aspx

[KhunBENQ]

1. Nok Air to Uban - bus (or car) to surin - original plan

Ubon Ratchathani?

Suv. to Don Mueang and then to Ubon? (about 170 km from Surin)

Makes no sense. Does not buy you time compared to bus from BKK.

Nok Air now flys to Buriram at 14:20h.

Much closer. (flight is quite expensive though up to 2400 oneway).

You could make it from Suv. to Don Mueang in time I would guess (11h to 14:20h)?

The airport transfer bus is quite smooth to use.

I made in 45 min (might have been a lucky day though).

From Buriram to Surin you could negotiate a taxi (about 60 km).

Edited February 26, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[kanderson]

1. Nok Air to Uban - bus (or car) to surin - original plan

Ubon Ratchathani?

Suv. to Don Mueang and then to Ubon? (about 170 km from Surin)

Makes no sense. Does not buy you time compared to bus from BKK.

Nok Air now flys to Buriram at 14:20h.

Much closer. (flight is quite expensive though up to 2400 oneway).

You could make it from Suv. to Don Mueang in time I would guess (11h to 14:20h)?

The airport transfer bus is quite smooth to use.

I made in 45 min (might have been a lucky day though).

From Buriram to Surin you could negotiate a taxi (about 60 km).

I was just looking at the time schedule for Nok Air - exactly as you say = depart Don Muang 14:20. This worries me the most. Not much time to spare if anything goes wrong.

Also fly and ride is some 2,400 Bt + 700 Bt extra weight for 2 bags.

Now I know Ubon was completely wrong. Thanks everyone, I know a lot more than I did this morning.

[kanderson]

NCA bus Bangkok to Surin. Excellent service and non stop. Should take about 6 1/2 hours.

I am really considering NCA now .

Does anyone know if I go to Mochit terminal ? ( I think that's wrong )

NCA website not working.

It seems they have buses leaving every couple hours. I like that.

[kanderson]

Ok I got it. Close to Mo chit.

I think I just get a hotel and ride the bus in the morning.

Thanks for all the info.

[elwood]

Ok I got it. Close to Mo chit.

I think I just get a hotel and ride the bus in the morning.

Thanks for all the info.

The NCA bus calls in to Mo Chit after leaving their own terminal, just a few minutes - but much easier and more comfortable to board at NCA's terminal.

Mo Chit is crowded and can be a headache negotiating if you are new to it.

Good idea to print a Google map of NCA's place - most drivers know it but I have had a couple who didn't (must be Southerners!).

[NiwPix]

Well, now that you seem to have made up your decision, let me make your life difficult again

I just saw that Air Asia has a special from Don Muang to Buriram for 390 Baht. But you have to book this week and the deal is available as of late march / early april....I'm not sure when your arriving in bkk. Also, remember that with Air Asia you have to book checked luggage.

[KhunBENQ]

search result...

Can an insider check, whether this is the desired NCA station?

(Kamphangpaet 2 Rd)

Street view:

https://goo.gl/maps/VXwy2

As a map:

https://goo.gl/maps/QrG1A

13.8282798,100.5523473

Edited February 26, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[KhunBENQ]

NCA website works for me.

NCA schedule BKK to Surin.

Last "day" bus leaves 14:25h, arrives 20:25h.

If you are lucky you can make it one hour earlier.

http://www.nca.co.th/timetable-bkk-surin.html

Edited February 26, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[khwaibah]

NCA website works for me.

NCA schedule BKK to Surin.

Last "day" bus leaves 14:25h, arrives 20:25h.

If you are lucky you can make it one hour earlier.

http://www.nca.co.th/timetable-bkk-surin.html

About 650 baht each way.

[KhunBENQ]

But you have to book this week and the deal is available as of late march / early april....I'm not sure when your arriving in bkk.

Would be an option if the op arrives on or after April 2.

This is the date when the service starts.

http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2015/02/airasia-launches-bangkok-buriram-daily-flights/

Edited February 26, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[bushmill]

NokAir offers Fly & Ride Bangkok (Don Mueang) - Buri Ram - Surin

[elwood]

search result...

Can an insider check, whether this is the desired NCA station?

(Kamphangpaet 2 Rd)

Street view:

https://goo.gl/maps/VXwy2

As a map:

https://goo.gl/maps/QrG1A

13.8282798,100.5523473

Right on the mark KB.

[kevc]

Nakhorn chai air from Mochit to Surin leaves 8.30 am very morning though usually gets into Mochit around 8.45. If your going into Bangkok one night you can telephone to book your seat they speak English they'll give you a booking number and you pay for it at 7/11. Bus leaves from platform 15.

[Cam Khao]

First class sleeper train from BKK to Surin.

About 1,200 Baht.

Get on at around 8pm, go to sleep, wake up in Surin at about 5:30am the next day.

Book the lower bunk (it's a 2 bunk room) and chances are you will travel alone in the room, as people know if only an upper bunk is free in first class they will be traveling with a stranger, so they may as well book 2nd class instead.