After shopping at Bangkok for a few days, I decided to travel from Bangkok to Phuket next. There are a few transportation options that can be considered to get to Phuket from Bangkok such as by train, ferry, bus or just taking a flight. Of course, taking a flight would take less time but if you compare taking the train, ferry or bus, I would suggest taking the bus from Bangkok to Phuket.
For the most backpackers, they will try to save as much money as possible in terms of accommodations when travelling. So it's a good thing that the bus from Bangkok to Phuket takes about 12 hours because I can just rest in the bus. Besides, I really enjoy watching the scenery of the countryside along the way from Bangkok to Phuket.
1. Check-in at the Phuket Travel counter, Southern Bangkok Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
2. Proceed to the bus platform at Southern Bangkok Bus Terminal
3. Boarding the Phuket Travel VIP Bus
4. Bus stops for a break
5. Arrival at Phuket Bus Terminal 2
1. Check-in at Phuket Travel counter, Southern Bangkok Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
Phuket Travel's counter number is 23, 63 and 64, which are located at the Ground Floor of Southern Bangkok Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). You are advised to reach the Southern Bangkok Bus Terminal about 30 minutes before the departure time so you can check-in at the counter. That's when you need to present your printed voucher to redeem the actual Phuket Travel bus tickets. The Phuket Travel staff will inform you the time and platform number for you to board the bus when they hand the bus tickets to you.
2. Proceed to the bus platform at Southern Bangkok Bus Terminal
Before you proceed to the platform, you need to present your bus ticket at the staff waiting at the Check Point. After that, you can either take a lift or the staircase to the platform (Lower Ground floor) or get the bus.
3. Boarding the Phuket Travel VIP24 Bus
Once you reach the platform, you will need to proceed to Phuket Travel's counter (no. 60). You have to present your bus ticket to the staff at the counter to check in your luggage. They will help you label your luggage and place them into the bus. You just need to confirm the labels on the luggage and then proceed into the bus.
The staff will then distribute food and drinks to passengers when most of the passengers have boarded, and there's also a TV in the bus to entertain the passengers during the first 3 hours of the journey.
Note: The counters with even numbers are located on the right hand side while the counters with odd numbers are located at the left hand side.
Since the journey usually takes about 12 hours, it's advisable to buy some additional food and drinks to bring with you in the bus because the bus will only stop at once at a rest stop after 7 hours into the journey.
There's even a built-in toilet in the bus.
4. Bus stops for break at 1.30AM (Thailand Time)
The Phuket Travel VIP24 bus stops at Chumphon for a 30-minute break. Passengers are allowed to get off from the bus to get a bite to eat, buy some snacks, souvenirs or go to the toilet.
5. Arrival at Phuket Bus Terminal 2
After the 30-minute break, the bus continues the journey to Phuket, arriving at the Phuket Bus Terminal 2 around 6.15AM. Every passenger is required to collect their luggage after getting off from the bus.
