Are you allowed to bring along luggage on those long trip vans/buses?

[Howitzer]

So i sat in those vans that travel from bkk to the surrounding provinces and noticed that everyone doesn't bring any luggage with them. I only noticed 2 backpackers that placed the bags on their laps on a van ride to ayuthaya. Anyway would the vans allow you to bring luggage on board? As far as i can recall i don't think i have seen anyone do it but who knows. What about the buses?

Anyway here's the deal. I'm travelling from bkk to pattaya and am possibly going to be carrying some luggage along so if i did that without using a taxi or those private cars do the buses or vans allow that?

[SoiBiker]

If you bring anything other than minimal luggage, they may make you pay for an extra seat.

[Howitzer]

If you bring anything other than minimal luggage, they may make you pay for an extra seat.

What is minimal luggage? I am bringing a typical tourist luggage case with clothes etc and my backpack with my lappie in it and a sling bag which i carry on my person.

[SoiBiker]

Anything more than you can carry on your lap, I guess.

[naboo]

I was in a van from Hua Hin to BKK with my father, we both had a bit of luggage with us. We were required to pay for an extra seat. When a paying passanger came along, our luggage was moved so they could sit down.

That was 2008, the last time I took a minivan. The luggage wasn't a factor in that decision though, it was the danger of death that put me off.

[berybert]

If you take a big bus between Bangkok and Pattaya there is no worry about having luggage as it gets stored same as a coach.

If travelling by white van the only thing you should take is several pairs of pants, and expect to use them all.

[eldragon]

If you have more than you can fit in your lap, take a bus. Theyre safer anyway.

[SoiBiker]

Yeah I'd take the bus over the van every time. I'd rather arrive a little later but alive, plus being crammed into those vans is a miserable way to travel.

[norfolkandchance]

Take a Bus

[kkerry]

I was in a van from Hua Hin to BKK with my father, we both had a bit of luggage with us. We were required to pay for an extra seat. When a paying passanger came along, our luggage was moved so they could sit down.

That was 2008, the last time I took a minivan. The luggage wasn't a factor in that decision though, it was the danger of death that put me off.

I had a similar experience the only time I ever took a van. I had the choice of a van leaving in five minutes or waiting maybe two hours for a seat on a regular bus. Paid for the extra seat but five minutes later the van was full so my bag ended up in the aisle for everyone to climb over while I was squeezed in to a back seat. Wasn't impressed with the driving either and haven't been in a van since.

[crazygreg44]

if onkly going f4om BKK to Patty, you should take the bus, it is 130 THB from Subvarnabhumi to Pattaya / Thappraya Road Terminal

any other luggage than your personal bag, is counted extra (one person ticket) with most Vans & minibus.

and yes, three pairs of underwear required for minivan rides, due to their formula one driving skills

[CharlieH]

Better to be late in this world than early in the next !

[thaibeachlovers]

If you bring anything other than minimal luggage, they may make you pay for an extra seat.

That's only vans. Buses have luggage holds and I often take a very large bag, though I don't leave anything of value in them, as out of sight is always a risk. Unless of course the luggage compartment is too small to hold a person.

To Pattaya either Morchit or Ekamai for buses that won't be a risk like private buses. Only use the direct buses though, not the buses that stop all the way to pick up passengers.

[xen]

If you go to Ekamai Bus Station you can get a bus and they have luggage compartments underneath. A bit dusty and security is a bit iffy but in all the years i have travelled from Ekamai to the eastern area , i have never had a drama .

The buses leave all the time - usually about half hour intervals but often you will find the next bus is booked out so you may have wait for a short time until there is a seat available or buy a seat on a bus that does not directly (express) to Pattaya. , or may do the mail run dropping off parcels but just relax and enjoy the scenery such as it is (usually these are the non air-conditioned buses ). Buy some food and drinks either in the bus station or across the road where there are two supermarkets and the usual KFC , Maccas etc. Be flexible with your time and you will be ok.

Buses are safer and nicer than the suicide vans in my opinion.

[SoiBiker]

If you bring anything other than minimal luggage, they may make you pay for an extra seat.

That's only vans. Buses have luggage holds and I often take a very large bag, though I don't leave anything of value in them, as out of sight is always a risk. Unless of course the luggage compartment is too small to hold a person.

To Pattaya either Morchit or Ekamai for buses that won't be a risk like private buses. Only use the direct buses though, not the buses that stop all the way to pick up passengers.

Yes, I was talking about the vans. Maybe I should have made that clearer. I sometimes forget that this place functions as an old pedant's home.

[Sayonarax]

Lol if i paid for an extra seat and was told to move my stuff, I'd lose my shet.

[swampdonkey]

If you have already been in one of the mini vans then you should already know there is no where to store luggage.

[Lancashirelad]

Or of course you could just use Bell Travel who would collect you and your luggage from your Bkk hotel in a mini van, transfer you to a big bus to Pattaya Nua bus stn, then deliver you by mini van to your Pattaya hotel, all for (from memory) about 230 bht.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Lancashirelad