Phet Prasert

Phet Praset connects Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai calling en route to other northern Thai destinations, what makes it very handy if travelling in that part of the country. Tickets from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai cost THB350 and buses leave at 11 pm. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and buses arrive in Chiang Mai at 4.15 am.

Travelling from Isan to the North, Khon Kaen to Chiang Mairoute passes through Phitsanulok, Phrae and Lampang.

Tickets on this service cost THB600. Buses leave at 5.15 pm, 7.15 pm, 8.15 pm and 10.15 pm. Buses travel overnight and the journey takes around 10 hours. Note that you will arrive between 3 am and 8 am depending on the schedule you choose.

Another popular route connects the northern capital of Chiang Mai to one of the largest provincial centres of Isan, Khon Kaen, thus facilitating travelling between the North and the Northeast.

Tickets cost THB600. Buses depart at 4 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm with the journey taking around 13 hours overnight. Buses arrive in Khon Kaen between approximately 5 am and 9 am.

Pros
Phet Prasert offer the chance to travel long distances across Thailand cheaply.

There are a number of routes to choose from that access destinations in Isan and the North of Thailand.

Many buses run overnight so although journeys are long there is also the chance to sleep for most of it.

Buses are spacious, have reclining seats so that you can sleep and have a lot of legroom.

Buses have air conditioning and also provide meals, drinks, and snacks.

Buses are equipped with toilets which limits the need for stops.

You can buy your tickets online.

Buses have a system to tag bags to make sure that you don’t lose your luggage.

Cons
Schedules are often not strictly adhered to and buses may not leave on time which you will need to factor in when arriving in a new destination.

As many of these routes run overnight you may find that you arrive at your destination in the early morning when many hotels may not be open and transport may be limited so make sure to plan accordingly.

Buses have their own toilets on board although they are often poor quality.

Keep in mind
The website for this company is mainly written in Thai which means that it can be hard to find information if you are not a Thai speaker.

Drop off and pick up are at major bus terminals and do not include hotel transfers which you will need to arrange yourself.

What travellers say
Passengers have reported delays as many buses do not leave on time. As such make sure to be flexible with regards to your travel time. Try not to have a short window upon arrival at your destination if you are planning onward travel as delays may cause you to miss your connection.

Some passengers have reported that the air conditioning on the buses is very cold although blankets are offered as part of the service. Plan accordingly by bringing your own sweater or other clothes.

There have been limited reports of passengers not receiving drinks and refreshments such as cakes or snacks as advertised. Food should be provided on buses but passengers may wish to bring their own provisions in case there is no food available.