Sun Bus

Sun Bus is a private transport provider based in Mo Chit Bus Terminal in the north of Bangkok. The buses on all services are air conditioned VIP buses as well as having individual television screen in the back of each seat and massage seats on some services, these perks mean that Sun Bus is a very popular choice with both locals and visitors.

The main routes operated by Sun Bus include services from Bangkok to the northeast of the country such as the Chaiyaphum, Loei and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces.

Bangkok–Chaiyaphum

There are nine departures each day between Bangkok and Chaiyaphum, starting at 08.00 until 00.00. The buses leave Bangkok every two hours throughout the day with slightly more irregular departure times from Chaiyaphum. The journey usually takes five hours in either direction with tickets priced at THB326.

Bangkok–Khon Kaen

You can also visit the neighbouring province of Khon Kaen, with three buses heading in both directions each day. Buses depart at 08.00, 20.00 and 22.00 from Bangkok and at 10.30, 20.30 and 22.30 from Khon Kaen. The journey lasts seven hours and is priced at around THB475. There are also three daily departures to Loei from Bangkok (this is the same bus which heads to Khon Kaen first). This trip will take nine hours and cost THB6660. There are also three departures from Loei to Bangkok at 09.00, 19.00 and 21.30 and stop in Khon Kaen on the way.

Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima

Another popular route is the Bangkok – Nakhon Ratchasima service which has nine departures each day from 08.00 until midnight. The trip is shorter than the other services, taking around four hours, whilst tickets are priced at THB220. The first return journey to Bangkok leaves at 01.30 so you can arrive in the capital for 05.30.

There is a very good range of possible departure times to choose from. There is bound to be an option that you will like, whether you need to arrive back into Bangkok for a certain time to catch a flight or train to another destination, or you want to travel overnight as you are on a tight schedule.

The buses are of a higher standard than you may be used to when travelling around Thailand or Asia in general.

The buses on these services are both clean and comfortable, good news if you’re thinking of one of the longer overnight services that are on offer, such as Bangkok to Khon Kaen.

Anyone who has travelled on buses in Thailand will be very pleasantly surprised to find individual television screens in the backs of the seat in front of you. There are films and television programs available to watch throughout your journey, with several options translated into English. This will definitely pass the time if you are travelling during the day or you cannot sleep during an overnight ride.

Some services on Sun Bus routes do not have an on-board toilet but there are frequent stops for you to use the bathroom, stretch your legs or buy some more snacks for the journey. This can be a bit annoying but is very common in Thailand, as regular travellers on buses throughout the country will know.

Delays are fairly common, especially when arriving into notoriously busy Bangkok. However, this is something that is out of the control of Sun Bus and little can be done about it except ensuring that you allow plenty of time if you are on a tight schedule or need to be at the airport for a certain time.

Despite Sun Bus services boasting personal television screens and very high-quality comfortable vehicles, Wi-Fi is not available on most of the buses. This is a little surprising as some other operators do offer this service but, although a little inconvenient, it should not cause too many issues, especially on the short Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima route.

Customers are usually pleased with the comfort on-board Sun Bus services, a very important factor during a long or overnight journey.

On some services you can even enjoy massage chairs to really relax you before you sleep during the rest of the journey.

The buses are fairly new and in good condition so remain a popular choice for visitors as well as Thai customers. The fact that there are television screens for each passenger is a real perk as well.

The biggest issue remains delays, especially if you are due to arrive in Bangkok during rush hour. However, this is obviously an issue for all private transport providers and not just Sun Bus. Make sure you leave plenty of time in case of delays or maybe even considering making the journey by train so as to avoid traffic. Although, it is worth pointing out that delays on train services can be common as well!