Hi,

Visited the old town today to be told a bus direct to Phuket would cost me and my girlfriend 2300 baht each. I was wondering if anyone had a cheaper way to travel that would hopefully be direct. Thank you.

A year and a half ago I took the Green Bus direct from Phuket to CM. They also go from CM to Phuket. A VIP ticket then was 1900 baht. This trip takes 22 hours and is not recommended. It would probably be cheaper to take a cheap bus (not VIP) to Hua Hin, e.g., or anywhere south of here on the route to Phuket, then a cheap bus on to Phuket.

How was the bus you travelled on? A 23 hour journey is quite something to do by bus so we are hoping if we chose to go direct the bus is of a good standard. Did you stop off anywhere also?

AirAsia does CNX → DMK for 790 baht and Bangkok Airways does BKK → HKT for 1,500 baht.

Although you’ll have to add luggage fees if you have checked in bags, and timing the flights might be a challenge, but seems more attractive to me than 22 hours in a bus for about the same (granted, you are asking for cheaper options).

Update: If you go by plane there is also the airport shuttle to consider. But if you’re on a tight budget, be aware that Phuket is one of the more expensive places that you can go.

590 baht CNX to HKT.

How was the bus you travelled on? A 23 hour journey is quite something to do by bus so we are hoping if we chose to go direct the bus is of a good standard. Did you stop off anywhere also

The bus left Phuket at 15:00, stopped at 20:20 (5 hr 20 min). Second stop 06:38 (10 hr 18 min after first break). Arrived CM 12:50. Green Bus VIP is fabulous! Great seats, etc., but 20+ hours is too long even on a bed of feathers.

AirAsia does CNX → DMK for 790 baht and Bangkok Airways does BKK → HKT for 1,500 baht.

Although you’ll have to add luggage fees if you have checked in bags, and timing the flights might be a challenge, but seems more attractive to me than 22 hours in a bus for about the same (granted, you are asking for cheaper options).

Update: If you go by plane there is also the airport shuttle to consider. But if you’re on a tight budget, be aware that Phuket is one of the more expensive places that you can go.

Just to point out that the Bangkok Airways fare would include 20 kgs hold-luggage allowance, 30 kgs if you have their (free) frequent-flyer card.