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Yun
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I've read the Bangkok to Koh Samui/PN/Tao guide, as I am planning a trip in the other direction (Koh Tao to Bangkok).
My question is regarding buses - the guide says do not take any private buses from Khao San road. However if I am in the opposite direction, how will I know which buses are safe and which are not?
Can anyone recommend any safe options to leave Koh Tao in the afternoon with an overnight bus/train to Bangkok?
#1 Posted: 14/9/2007 - 14:56
somtam2000
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Yun -- you just have to read it backwards!
Unfortunately the only way to dodge the private buses is to go to Chumphon bus station and pick up a govt bus from there. They leave regularly and unless you're travelling in super-peak season you shouldn't have a problem.
If you opt for train, just book a through thing from Ko Tao -- trains don't have the same problem the private buses suffer from.
#2 Posted: 14/9/2007 - 15:00
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Yun
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Thanks Somtam. I read the guide backwards, but the area on buses (other than the warnings) tells me to where to book from in BKK, not Koh Tao - so I was hoping to avoid a problem going the other way.
For example, Lomprayah seems respectable in terms of ferries, but I suppose their buses are just as unsafe as the other private ones?
Is the best option to do it independently and just to turn up at Chumphon bus/train station and take whatever sleeper is available? (rather than booking a combined ferry/bus or ferry/train ticket online)
#3 Posted: 14/9/2007 - 15:20
naomi1971
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well, for me i took the bus from Khao San raod. it is ok, cheap, big and clean bus, and comfortable. Only the private bus stop at a restaurant on the way, that i don't like and hate it. Because it's very very dirty.
But if you like to go other way, maybe you can read this website. I hope it will help you.
http://www.thai-tour.com/eng/suratthani/kohtao_travel.html
http://www.railway.co.th/English/Time_HTML.asp
Enjoy...
#4 Posted: 14/9/2007 - 20:15
MJS
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I'm not sure you'll find a seat available if you just show up at the train station! I've booked a combined bus/train/boat ticket from bangkok to koh samui and koh tao a couple of times. And a combined boat/bus/train ticket from koh tao/koh samui to bangkok. I think it's a bit cheaper than buying seperate tickets and you don't have to worry about making the connection in time or getting lost.
I remember travelling with Songserm. No complaints about this company.
#5 Posted: 15/9/2007 - 19:43
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Lomprayah is fine for a through ticket. By private companies I mean travel agents running their own buses - these are the problematic ones. Songserm likewise, as MJS says, no complaints.
#6 Posted: 16/9/2007 - 09:14
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