Travelling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by bus?

[TerenceR]

Hi, would first class buses allow travelling with a suitcase? Me and my friend will be travelling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok via bus, and we need to carry a suitcase with us for our extra stuff. If they would allow it, how would it go? Also any particular bus company you might wanna suggest and how to book? Thank you so much in advance.

[AlexRRR]

Common on man....where have you lived all your life? all long range bus's have luggage and storage compartments under the seating area, ever noticed how high up you sit in a bus?

[TerenceR]

Okay I must have forgot to tell you this is my first time on such kind of bus, because where I'm from most buses won't allow a suitcase. Thanks anyway.

[mcfish]

Okay I must have forgot to tell you this is my first time on such kind of bus, because where I'm from most buses won't allow a suitcase. Thanks anyway.

Where you from?

[Tywais]

Okay I must have forgot to tell you this is my first time on such kind of bus, because where I'm from most buses won't allow a suitcase. Thanks anyway.

Not sure you may be thinking of city (metro) buses but cross country buses certainly have lots of luggage area. Example below of 'how it would go'.

[TerenceR]

Okay I must have forgot to tell you this is my first time on such kind of bus, because where I'm from most buses won't allow a suitcase. Thanks anyway.

Where you from?

the Philippines

[TerenceR]

Okay I must have forgot to tell you this is my first time on such kind of bus, because where I'm from most buses won't allow a suitcase. Thanks anyway.

Not sure you may be thinking of city (metro) buses but cross country buses certainly have lots of luggage area. Example below of 'how it would go'.

Hi thanks a lot for this photo, I know its hard to believe but here in Manila, only stuff for sale like fruits and vegetables or raw materials go into that area of the bus, very rarely they allow personal items in there. I am just new to travelling alone and if I get the chance to travel, my parents take care of it most of the time and its always fly, fly and fly. Yeah anyway I got the answer I need so thank you so much.

[dddave]

Just like the Philippines, many Thai bus stations are infested with touts who will try to sell you overpriced tickets on substandard buses. They have too many various stories and spiels to list; just ALWAYS buy from a ticket window.

If you GOOGLE "Bangkok-Chang Mai buses" and read a bit, you will get a pretty good idea of what is available.

[craigt3365]

You'll have no problem with your luggage. VIP buses are quite nice. There are some dodgy ones, normally sold to the backpackers. Stick to the better ones and you'll be OK.

Have a fun trip!

[samuijimmy]

Taking the train would be far more comfortable, sleeping cars are not that bad! Luggage not a problem!

Leave CM in the evening arrive BKK early next morning!

[Lancashirelad]

Okay I must have forgot to tell you this is my first time on such kind of bus, because where I'm from most buses won't allow a suitcase. Thanks anyway.

Where you from?

the Philippines

I have visited the PI many times and made several bus journeys, Philtranco & others always allow luggage underneath.

CM to Bkk by bus is about 10 hrs. Nakonchai Air bus co. have a good reputation, just a shame they seem to be replacing their Mercedes fleet with some cheap Chinese stuff. However as has been said the overnight train is a very popular option worth considering. Cheap, relaxing and a great social experience. (unless you travel in a freezing cold first class compartment). Also statistically much safer than long distance overnight inter provincial buses.

Edited November 22, 2015 by Lancashirelad