Thailand Night Buses: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

The overnight bus is a backpacker rite of passage in Thailand. You board in the evening, the lights go out, the AC cranks up to freezing, someone hands you a blanket and a snack box, and you wake up in a different city. It is practical — you cover distance and skip a hotel night. And when you get it right — a good company, a good seat, the right preparation — it is one of the most efficient ways to travel.

When you get it wrong — a dodgy company, the back seat, no warm clothes — it is a long, cold, uncomfortable night that leaves you exhausted.

This guide helps you get it right.

VIP Bus Companies: The Rankings

Not all Thai bus companies are equal. The difference between the best and worst is like the difference between business class and a budget airline seat — same journey, completely different experience. And unlike flights, the price difference between the best and worst bus is only 200-400 baht.

Here are the companies worth knowing, ranked:

Tier 1: The Gold Standard

Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์) — NCA

The unquestioned best bus company in Thailand. NCA operates VIP 24-seat buses (called "Gold Class" and "First Class") on major routes from Bangkok to the north, northeast, and south.

• Seats: 24 per bus (3 rows of 8, 1-2-1 configuration on Gold Class). Massive legroom. Seats recline 50+ degrees.
• Amenities: Personal entertainment screen, USB charging, blanket, pillow, meal box (sandwich, cake, juice, water), hot towel.
• Service: Professional drivers, on-time departures, clean buses.
• Safety record: Best in the industry. NCA has GPS tracking, speed limiters, dual drivers on long routes, and a rigorous maintenance program.
• Routes: Bangkok → Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, and many more.
• Price: 600-1,000 ฿ depending on route and class.
• Booking: nakhonchaiair.com (English), NCA app, Mo Chit Terminal, 12Go Asia.

Verdict: If NCA operates your route, take NCA. Do not overthink it.

Sombat Tour (สมบัติทัวร์)

Thailand's second-best bus company, and some backpackers prefer them to NCA. Sombat operates VIP 32-seat and VIP 24-seat buses on major routes.

• Seats: VIP 32 (standard fleet) and VIP 24 (premium service). The VIP 24 is comparable to NCA Gold Class.
• Amenities: Blanket, pillow, snack box, water, charging ports.
• Service: Reliable, professional, clean.
• Routes: Bangkok → Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Udon Thani, Nong Khai.
• Price: 500-900 ฿ depending on route and class.
• Booking: Sombat Tour app (excellent, English), sombattour.com, Mo Chit Terminal, 12Go Asia.

Verdict: Excellent company. The app is arguably better than NCA's. The VIP 24 service is on par with NCA.

Tier 2: Very Good

The Transport Co (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด — Bor Kor Sor, บขส)

The government-operated bus company. BKS runs a massive network of routes across the country, from VIP to standard AC. Quality varies more than private companies, but their VIP services are solid.

• Seats: VIP 24, VIP 32, and Standard AC classes available.
• Routes: Everywhere. BKS has the most extensive route network in Thailand.
• Price: 10-20% cheaper than NCA/Sombat Tour for the same class.
• Booking: Bus station ticket counters, 12Go Asia.

Verdict: Good for routes not served by NCA or Sombat Tour. VIP 24 is comfortable. Standard AC is fine for shorter journeys.

Lignite Tour (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์)

A private operator covering Bangkok to northeastern (Isaan) destinations. Well-maintained VIP buses, professional service.

• Routes: Bangkok → Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan.
• Price: Similar to Sombat Tour.
• Booking: Station counters, 12Go.

Tier 3: Acceptable

Phet Prasert (เพชรประเสริฐ): Covers southern routes. VIP buses are decent. Bus Bunga (บัสบุหงา): Southern routes, generally reliable. Sri Mongkol Tour: Northern routes, standard service.

Avoid: Tourist Buses Booked from Khao San Road

This deserves its own section because it is the most common mistake backpackers make.

Travel agents on Khao San Road (ถนนข้าวสาร), in Patong, on Koh Samui, and in other tourist hubs sell cheap bus tickets on unmarked "tourist buses." These are typically:

• Not licensed for long-distance routes. They are minivans or converted buses operating without proper permits.
• Cramped. They cram as many seats as possible, with minimal legroom.
• Unsafe. They often use a single driver for the full journey (no rest breaks, no driver swap).
• Targets for theft. Your luggage goes in an unsecured hold accessible from outside. There are documented cases of luggage being rifled through during stops.
• Unreliable. Departure times are suggestions. The bus leaves when it is full.

The price savings of these tourist buses (maybe 100-200 baht less than a legitimate VIP bus) are not worth the discomfort, safety risk, and theft risk. Always book from an official bus terminal or directly through a reputable company.

What Happens on a Night Bus: The Full Experience

If you have never taken an overnight bus in Thailand, here is what to expect, hour by hour.

Before Departure

Arrive at the bus terminal 30-45 minutes before departure. For Bangkok, this means:

• Mo Chit Terminal 2 (หมอชิต 2): Northern and northeastern routes. Located in Chatuchak, far from central Bangkok. Take BTS to Mo Chit station, then taxi or bus.
• Southern Bus Terminal (สายใต้ใหม่, Sai Tai Mai): Southern routes (Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, Hat Yai). Located in Taling Chan, west Bangkok. Taxi is the most practical way to get there.
• Ekkamai Bus Station (เอกมัย): Eastern routes (Pattaya, Koh Chang, Trat). Located next to BTS Ekkamai station — the most convenient terminal.

At the terminal, find your departure gate (listed on your ticket), have a seat, and wait. There are 7-Eleven stores, food stalls, and toilets at all major terminals. Buy any last-minute snacks or water here.

Boarding

Your bus arrives at the gate 15-20 minutes before departure. A staff member checks tickets and loads luggage into the hold. You get a numbered luggage tag — keep it.

Board the bus, find your seat, stash your carry-on in the overhead rack or under your seat. Settle in. A stewardess (on VIP buses) distributes blankets, water, and snack boxes.

The First Hour

The bus navigates out of Bangkok traffic. This can take 30-60 minutes depending on departure time and route. The lights stay on, the entertainment screen plays music or a movie, passengers settle in. This is your last chance to use the toilet before the first rest stop.

The Snack Box Ritual

Around 30-60 minutes into the journey, the stewardess distributes the snack box. A typical NCA/Sombat Tour snack box contains:

• A small sandwich (ham and cheese or chicken)
• A piece of cake or sweet bread
• A juice box or bottle of water
• Sometimes a small Danish or cookie
• A wet wipe and napkin

It is not a meal, but it is a nice gesture and enough to stave off hunger before sleep.

Rest Stop (2-3 Hours In)

The bus pulls into a large rest area (จุดพักรถ). These are specifically designed for overnight buses and feature:

• Clean toilets
• 7-Eleven
• Food stalls selling rice dishes, noodles, and snacks (40-80 baht per dish)
• Coffee and drinks
• Sometimes a small convenience store

You get 15-25 minutes. The driver announces the stop time (in Thai — listen for the bus number or ask a fellow passenger). Do not wander far. Buses will leave without you if you are late.

Lights Out

After the rest stop, the lights go out. The stewardess might hand out eye masks on premium services. The AC intensifies. This is when you need your blanket — and ideally a hoodie.

Try to sleep. The seat reclines significantly on VIP buses. Some people sleep well; others do not. It depends on your ability to sleep sitting at a 40-50 degree angle in a cold, slightly vibrating vehicle.

Second Rest Stop (Optional)

On longer routes (10+ hours), there may be a second rest stop around 3:00-4:00 AM. The lights come on briefly. Most passengers sleep through it unless they need the toilet.

Arrival

You arrive at your destination between 05:00-08:00, depending on the route. The bus pulls into the terminal, luggage is unloaded, and you present your tag to claim your bag.

You are now in a new city. Early morning. Probably tired. Find coffee before doing anything else.

What to Bring: The Night Bus Kit

Packing the right items transforms a night bus from miserable to manageable:

Essential

• Hoodie or warm layer. The AC is brutal. Even with the blanket, you will be cold in shorts and a t-shirt.
• Earplugs. Engine noise, road noise, snoring passengers, mysterious beeping from the driver's console. Earplugs are non-negotiable.
• Neck pillow. The provided pillow is small. A U-shaped travel neck pillow prevents your head from lolling sideways and waking you up.
• Phone charger and cable. USB or power outlets are available on most VIP buses. Arrive with a dead phone, and you cannot navigate your new city at 6 AM.
• Snacks. The snack box is small. Bring your own nuts, dried fruit, bread, or whatever you like for the journey.
• Water bottle. A 1-liter bottle is enough. Refillable bottles are better than buying plastic at every stop.

Recommended

• Eye mask. Some rest stops have bright lights that wake you. An eye mask helps.
• Compression socks or warm socks. Your feet get cold. Taking off your shoes and wearing warm socks makes sleeping easier.
• Motion sickness tablets. If you are prone to motion sickness, take Dramamine (ยาแก้เมาเรือ, available at any pharmacy for 20-40 baht) 30 minutes before departure.
• Small daypack as pillow. Stuff a jacket into your daypack and use it as a cushion between you and the window.
• Offline entertainment. Download a podcast, audiobook, or Netflix episodes. WiFi on buses is unreliable.

Leave in the Hold

• Large backpack
• Anything you will not need during the 8-12 hour journey

Keep your valuables (passport, money, phone, laptop, camera) in your carry-on bag with you at all times.

Safety: The Honest Assessment

Thailand's road safety record is poor. The country consistently ranks among the top 10 worldwide for road traffic deaths per capita. Buses are part of this statistic.

The Risk

Overnight bus accidents in Thailand make headlines several times a year. The most common causes:

1. Driver fatigue. A single driver covering a 10+ hour overnight route without adequate rest.
2. Speeding. Pressure to arrive on time, especially when the bus departed late.
3. Mechanical failure. Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or steering on budget operators.
4. Road conditions. Unlit roads, sharp curves, construction zones, livestock crossing.

Putting It in Perspective

Despite the alarming headlines, millions of overnight bus journeys happen safely every year in Thailand. The fatal accident rate for reputable VIP operators (NCA, Sombat Tour, BKS VIP) is significantly lower than for budget operators and tourist buses. Choosing the right company is the single most important safety decision you make.

How to Maximize Safety

1. Choose Tier 1 or Tier 2 companies. NCA and Sombat Tour invest heavily in safety — GPS tracking, speed governors (limiting top speed to 90-100 km/h), dual drivers on long routes, regular vehicle maintenance.

2. Avoid tourist buses. The cheap minivans and unmarked buses from travel agents have the worst safety records. They are not regulated to the same standards as licensed bus operators.

3. Wear your seatbelt. Most VIP buses have seatbelts. Most passengers do not use them. In a sudden stop or collision, a seatbelt is the difference between sitting in your seat and flying out of it.

4. Sit in the middle. Statistically, middle seats are safest in a frontal or rear collision. Aisle seats are safer than window seats in a side-on collision.

5. Check the bus condition. When you board, glance at the bus. Does it look well-maintained? Are the seats clean? Is the emergency exit clearly marked? If the bus looks neglected, the maintenance probably is too.

6. Monitor the driving. If you are awake and the driver is swerving, speeding excessively, or driving erratically, this is a red flag. You can report dangerous driving to the Department of Land Transport hotline: 1584.

Women Traveling Solo

Overnight buses are generally safe for women traveling solo in Thailand. The environment is public, other passengers are present, and VIP buses have assigned seating (you know who is next to you before you board).

Tips:

• Choose an aisle seat if possible (easier to get up without climbing over a stranger).
• Sit near other women or families if the bus is not full and you can switch seats.
• Keep your phone charged and your hostel address saved offline.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong — aggressive fellow passengers, erratic driving, the bus going to unexpected locations — speak up or call for help.

Incidents of harassment on VIP buses are rare. They are more common on cheap tourist buses where the passenger mix is less predictable and the operator is less accountable.

Booking Your Night Bus

From Bangkok

Mo Chit Terminal 2 (Northern/Northeastern Routes)

The largest bus terminal in Bangkok and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Getting here is the hardest part — it is in northern Bangkok, far from most tourist areas.

• How to get there: BTS to Mo Chit → taxi or bus to terminal (15-20 minutes, 50-100 baht by taxi). Or Grab directly to Mo Chit 2 from anywhere in Bangkok.
• At the terminal: Find your operator's counter (NCA is on the 2nd floor, Sombat Tour has their own building nearby, BKS counters are on the ground floor).
• Buying tickets: Walk up to the counter and state your destination, date, and preferred departure time. The staff will show you available seats on a screen. Choose your seat (lower numbers are near the front), pay in cash or card, receive your ticket.

Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai — Southern Routes)

Located in western Bangkok. Less chaotic than Mo Chit but equally far from central tourist areas.

• How to get there: Taxi or Grab (200-400 baht from Khao San Road/Sukhumvit). No convenient BTS/MRT connection.
• Operators: BKS, Phet Prasert, Bus Bunga, and various regional companies.

Ekkamai Bus Station (Eastern Routes)

The smallest and most convenient terminal, located next to BTS Ekkamai station.

• Routes: Pattaya (2 hours, 120 baht), Trat/Koh Chang (5-6 hours, 250-300 baht), Rayong, Chanthaburi.
• Note: Not for northern, northeastern, or southern routes.

Online Booking

NCA website/app: Book Nakhonchai Air directly. Select route, date, departure time, and seat. Pay by card. Receive e-ticket by email. Show on your phone at the gate.

Sombat Tour app: Same process. The app is well-designed with English support and seat maps.

12Go Asia: Aggregates multiple operators. Good for comparing options. See our 12Go Asia review for the full breakdown.

When to book online vs at the station:

• Book online if: peak season (December-February), weekends, Thai holidays, or you want a specific seat.
• Buy at the station if: off-peak, flexible on timing, or departing that day (many buses have availability for same-day travel).

Popular Overnight Routes

Here are the most common night bus routes with practical details:

Bangkok → Chiang Mai

• Duration: 9-11 hours
• Departures: Every 30-60 minutes from 17:00-22:00 (Mo Chit 2)
• Best operator: NCA Gold Class (departs 20:00, 21:00, 21:30)
• Price: 600-900 ฿ (VIP 24), 450-650 ฿ (VIP 32)
• Arrival: Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station, 04:00-07:00

Bangkok → Chiang Rai

• Duration: 10-12 hours
• Departures: Evening departures from Mo Chit 2
• Best operator: NCA or Sombat Tour
• Price: 650-950 ฿ (VIP 24)
• Arrival: Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, 05:00-08:00

Bangkok → Surat Thani (for Gulf Islands)

• Duration: 9-10 hours
• Departures: Evening from Southern Bus Terminal
• Price: 500-850 ฿ depending on class
• Note: Combined bus + ferry tickets to Koh Samui/Phangan/Tao are available

Bangkok → Krabi

• Duration: 10-12 hours
• Departures: Evening from Southern Bus Terminal
• Price: 500-1,000 ฿ depending on class
• Arrival: Krabi Bus Terminal, 05:00-07:00

Bangkok → Phuket

• Duration: 11-13 hours
• Departures: Evening from Southern Bus Terminal
• Price: 600-1,000 ฿ depending on class
• Note: This is a long bus ride. Consider flying (often 800-1,500 ฿ with AirAsia).

Bangkok → Udon Thani

• Duration: 8-9 hours
• Departures: Evening from Mo Chit 2
• Best operator: NCA, Sombat Tour, or Lignite Tour
• Price: 450-800 ฿
• Arrival: Udon Thani Bus Terminal, 04:00-06:00

Bangkok → Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Departures: Frequent from Mo Chit 2
• Price: 200-400 ฿
• Note: Short enough for an evening bus (depart 18:00, arrive 22:00-23:00)

Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai

• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Departures: Frequent from Chiang Mai Arcade Station
• Price: 150-250 ฿
• Note: Too short for overnight. Take a daytime bus.

Common Questions

How cold is the AC really?

Very cold. We are not exaggerating. Thai bus drivers keep the AC between 16-20 degrees Celsius (60-68 Fahrenheit). Coming from 35-degree heat outside, it feels arctic. Wear long pants, a hoodie, and socks. Use the blanket. Some veteran bus travelers bring their own fleece.

Can I bring food on the bus?

Yes. There are no restrictions on food. Bring whatever you want. Just be considerate — avoid strong-smelling food (durian is banned from most buses, and for good reason).

What about toilet breaks?

VIP 32 and VIP 24 buses have onboard toilets. They are small and get progressively less pleasant during the journey, but they exist. All overnight buses make at least one rest stop at a proper rest area with clean toilets.

Do buses have WiFi?

Some do. NCA Gold Class and some Sombat Tour VIP buses offer WiFi. It is a mobile hotspot shared among all passengers, so it is slow and unreliable. Do not count on streaming anything. Download your entertainment before boarding.

What if I miss my bus?

You forfeit your ticket. There are no refunds for no-shows. However, if you are at the terminal and your bus has not left yet, run to the gate — they might let you on. If you miss it entirely, go to the ticket counter and buy a ticket for the next departure.

What about luggage security?

Your large bag goes in the hold underneath the bus. You receive a numbered tag. When you arrive, you present the tag to retrieve your bag. The system works, but keep all valuables (passport, money, electronics) in your carry-on.

Theft from the hold is rare on reputable VIP companies but has been reported on tourist buses. Another reason to avoid Khao San Road bus tickets.

Are there night buses between smaller cities?

Yes, but options are limited. Bus services between smaller cities (e.g., Chiang Rai to Nan, Sukhothai to Khon Kaen) often run during the day. Overnight services mainly connect Bangkok to major destinations. For smaller city-to-city routes, check at the local bus station for available schedules.

Night Bus vs Train Sleeper: Which Overnight Option?

This question comes up constantly. If a sleeper train is available on the same route, should you take the bus or the train? Here is the comparison:

| Factor | Night Bus (VIP 24) | Train Sleeper (2nd AC) | |---|---|---| | Sleep quality | 5-6/10 (reclined seat) | 8/10 (flat bed) | | Price | 600-900 ฿ | 700-900 ฿ | | Speed | Usually 1-2 hours faster | Slightly slower | | Availability | Higher (more departures) | Lower (limited sleeper berths) | | Temperature | Freezing AC | Comfortable AC | | Toilet | Small onboard + rest stops | Multiple per carriage | | Food | Snack box + rest stop meals | Dining car + vendors | | Safety | Good (reputable companies) | Better (fixed track, slower speed) | | Social | Quiet (everyone sleeping) | More social (dining car, station stops) | | Arrival condition | Tired but functional | Rested |

Our verdict: If a sleeper train serves your route and berths are available, take the train. The flat bed makes an enormous difference in sleep quality, and you arrive genuinely rested instead of merely alive.

If the train is sold out, the bus is a perfectly good backup. Just temper your expectations — you will not sleep as well, and you will arrive feeling it.

For routes with no train service (Bangkok to Krabi, Bangkok to Phuket, most Andaman coast destinations), the VIP 24 bus is your best overnight option. Do not compare it to a train — just appreciate it for what it is: a reasonably comfortable way to cover distance while you sleep.

Night Bus Etiquette

Thai bus culture has unwritten rules. Following them makes the experience better for everyone:

Do:

• Keep your phone on silent after lights out. No one wants to hear your message notifications at 1 AM.
• Use headphones for any audio. No speakers, ever.
• Recline your seat gradually. A sudden recline into someone's lap is unpleasant for both of you.
• Keep your belongings organized. Do not spread across the overhead bin or into your neighbor's seat space.
• Return your seat to upright during rest stops. This lets the person behind you get out easily.
• Use the provided plastic bag for trash. Do not leave garbage on your seat.
• Thank the driver (ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ — khob khun khrap/kha) when you get off. They drove through the night for you.

Do Not:

• Talk loudly after lights out. Whisper if you must communicate.
• Use your phone flashlight. The screen brightness is bad enough — a flashlight is worse.
• Eat strong-smelling food. Save the somtam (papaya salad with fermented fish sauce) for the rest stop.
• Hog the armrest. The eternal travel struggle. Share.
• Open the curtain at rest stops when your seatmate is sleeping. The light will wake them.
• Leave the toilet door open. Self-explanatory.

Arriving at 5 AM: What to Do When You Get There

You arrive at your destination bus terminal at 5 AM. You are tired, slightly disoriented, and standing in an empty parking lot with your backpack. Here is the plan:

Immediate Steps

1. Claim your luggage. Present your tag, get your bag, check that everything is inside.
2. Find a toilet. Every bus terminal has them. Some charge 5-10 baht.
3. Get coffee. Even at 5 AM, there is usually a coffee stall or 7-Eleven open at or near the terminal.
4. Get oriented. Open Google Maps. Where is your accommodation? How far is it? Can you walk?

Getting to Your Accommodation

Most hostels and guesthouses do not allow check-in at 5 AM. Your options:

Wait at the terminal. Find a bench, charge your phone, and wait until a reasonable hour (08:00-10:00). Boring but free. Most terminals have food stalls that open around 06:00.

Go to your hostel anyway. Many backpacker hostels have a common area or lobby where you can wait. Some allow early check-in for an additional fee (100-200 baht). Call or message ahead.

Find a 24-hour cafe. In major cities (Chiang Mai, Phuket Town, Surat Thani), there are sometimes 24-hour restaurants or cafes near the bus terminal.

Get Grab. Even at 5 AM, Grab usually has a few drivers active in major cities. The ride to your hostel might cost 80-150 baht. If no Grab drivers are available, motorcycle taxis at the terminal will take you.

Early-Morning Food

Thai mornings start early. By 06:00-06:30, street food vendors are setting up:

• Jok (โจ๊ก): Rice porridge with minced pork, egg, and ginger. The quintessential Thai breakfast. 30-50 baht.
• Pa Tong Ko (ปาท่องโก๋): Thai fried dough sticks (similar to Chinese you tiao). Dipped in sweetened condensed milk or soy milk. 10-20 baht.
• Khao tom (ข้าวต้ม): Plain rice soup. Light, warm, and soothing after a night on a bus. 30-50 baht.
• Iced coffee (กาแฟเย็น, kafae yen): Sweet, strong, and essential. 25-40 baht from any street cart.

Night Bus Packing Checklist

Print this or screenshot it before your next overnight bus:

Wear on the bus:

• Long pants (not shorts)
• Hoodie or light jacket
• Warm socks (take shoes off on the bus)

In your carry-on (keep with you):

• Passport and money
• Phone + charger cable
• Earplugs
• Eye mask
• Neck pillow
• Water bottle (1L)
• Snacks (nuts, fruit, bread)
• Motion sickness tablets (if prone)
• Wet wipes (for freshening up at arrival)
• Toothbrush + small toothpaste (for the rest stop)
• Offline entertainment (downloaded on phone)
• Address of your destination hostel (saved offline)

In the hold (large bag):

• Everything else
• Nothing valuable
• Nothing you need during the journey

Our Night Bus Strategy

After many overnight buses across Thailand, here is our recommended approach:

1. Always take NCA or Sombat Tour if available. The extra 200-300 baht over a standard company is the best money you spend in Thailand.

2. Book a window seat in rows 3-5. Far enough from the driver's area to be quiet, not so far back that you feel every bump. Window gives you something to lean against.

3. Arrive at the terminal with time to spare. Buy dinner at the terminal food stalls (better than the snack box), use the toilet, and board relaxed.

4. Wear your warmest clothes on the bus. It sounds ridiculous when it is 35 degrees outside. Do it anyway. You will thank yourself at 3 AM.

5. Put earplugs in before the lights go out. Do not wait until the snoring starts.

6. Skip the second rest stop. If you have managed to fall asleep, do not let the 3 AM stop wake you up fully. Keep your eye mask on and stay in your seat unless you desperately need the toilet.

7. Have your arrival plan ready. Know where your hostel is, have the address saved offline, and have a Grab estimate in mind. Arriving at 5 AM in a new city while sleep-deprived is not the time to start figuring out logistics.

For a broader comparison of buses and trains, see our bus vs train Thailand guide. For more about sleeper trains as an overnight alternative, check our sleeper train guide.