I would like to go to Surat Thani on Thursday or Friday and it would appear that the easiest way is by bus.  I have looked on-line and an air conditioned coach from Phuket Bus Station seems a good option, but then a Thai person told me that the minibus would be better.  I cannot find where I could catch a minibus from!  I would like advice please, from anyone who has travelled this route, on whether coach or minibus is better and, if the latter, where I would find one.  Thanks for your help.

Minibus may be a few baht cheaper and a bit quicker but likely 10 times more dangerous. Just go to Phuket bus station and hop on a coach .

regular air con bus is fine from town. 

Don't listen to the Thais. Take the bus and not mini bus, you'll be cramp and not safe, those moron drive like maniac. 

30 minutes ago, phuketrichard said:

regular air con bus is fine from town. 

I am traveling to puket from pattaya by car.best way to go off at chumpon past ranong? Or surat Thani and across??? Tq.

Edited September 26, 20169 yr by davjensteph

Get the regular bus as stated above it maybe a bit slower but it isn't anywhere near as dangerous.

The minibuses are dangerous in my opinion and I will only travel by minibus if there isn't another option.

If you don't mind arriving at your destination and having to get your white knuckles pried from the seat in front of you and have clean underwear you can change into at your destination then fine save a few baht and take the minibus.

14 hours ago, davjensteph said:

I am traveling to puket from pattaya by car.best way to go off at chumpon past ranong? Or surat Thani and across??? Tq.

Take the way via Surat. It will save you about 3 hours of drive. On the other hand, the way via Ranong is beautiful (viewwise). If you want more than just A-to-B, it is the way to go. Or to say it differently: Up tp you.

Phuket to surat; Quickest

Head towards Krabi, ( yea i know that seems strange but)  u will see a turn off towards the left, well posted  to Surat Thani, Take it

less than 3 hours by car

 

 

puket from pattaya by car

Head south to Surat Thani and before u arrive at Surat you will see the sign to Phuket off to the right

 

Slower more scenic, turn at Chumpon towards Ranong Via Khao Lak adds a hour or so

 

Edited September 27, 20169 yr by phuketrichard

Agree with others , Ranong route much more scenic but takes longer and can get very very wet at this time of year.

Edited September 27, 20169 yr by joecoolfrog