Re-entry in NK and VIP Bus to udon from bkk??

[katfishjohn]

Hello I have two questions.. one.. I am currently on a one year visa and want to go to laos for a holiday for a few days or so. Can I buy a re-entry permit in nong khai? Also.. whats the best VIP bus service from Bkk to udon? Any replies are much apprecaited.

[Paul]

You can get a re-entry permit at any immigration office. For those in Udon, we can use either the Udon office or Nong Khai.

I think the best company for the bus from Bkk-Udon is Chan tour. Departs from Mo Chit (Northern Bus terminal. Double decker comfortable buses.

[arjay]

Paul, I'm interested in the choice of bus company. Presumably you've used that bus? Do you sit upstairs or down? I would anticipate that upstairs would bounce and sway about more? Does it take the same sort of journey time as single deckers?

[BKKSTAN]

And what are the costs?

[Paul]

Paul, I'm interested in the choice of bus company. Presumably you've used that bus? Do you sit upstairs or down? I would anticipate that upstairs would bounce and sway about more? Does it take the same sort of journey time as single deckers?

Yes I have used that bus. The seats were larger than other buses - just a 2/1 configuration ( 2 seats one side and a single seat the other) and had good reclining mechanisms including a rising footrest as you recline. Blankets, snack and a bottle of water too. (And the obligatory tv movies)

I sat downsatirs last time where there are much fewer seats and also a novelty 'hatch' where the relief driver slides in and out of into his sleeping hole ")

I wouldn't say the bus bounces and sways all that much - the suspension is adequate.

I was amused as to why you think the journey time will be different to a single decker bus making the same journey - but no, the journey time is the same (about 8 hours) and last time I travelled (about 3 or 4 months ago, it cost about 400 baht one way.

The Northern bus terminal is very rough and ready and the people who use this terminal are generally poor upcountry people. Be prepared for a lot of stares and gossip and finger pointing.

[arjay]

Thanks Paul.
I was in fact researching it for my GF's use!!

I couldn't cope with 8 hour bus journeys, and would probably need a carrier bag full of sick bags!!

[Paul]

Thanks Paul.
I was in fact researching it for my GF's use!!

I couldn't cope with 8 hour bus journeys, and would probably need a carrier bag full of sick bags!!

Jeez - u should try the 12 hour Pattaya - Bangkok bus journey, on a single decker bus much less comfortable than the Bangkok bus.!!!

I have always wondered why they have nice buses for the (relatively) short Bkk-Udon , yet have older crappy buses for the longer more tiresome routes.

If the driver isn't a nutter (I know- the odds are stacked against it) then the bkk-udon bus isn't that bad and you can get a few hours sleep.

Weigh it up against flying. You need to arrive at the airport at least one hour before check in - so say one and a half, plus half an hour to get there - thats 2 hours.. An hour for the journey makes 3 hours, then 30 minutes to get out off the airplane and into the arrivals hall - 30 minutes to find the bus or taxi so now 4 hours then at least an hours journey into Bkk - makes it 5 hours

5 hour journey - for about 2000 baht (including to/from the airport)
8 hour journey (with snacks !) 400 baht !

You pays yer money - you takes yer choice

[BKKSTAN]

I choose the overnight train everytime!Connect right there to the subway that connects to the skytrain,Get there refreshed,no taxis!

[Paul]

Also.. whats the best VIP bus service from Bkk to udon? Any replies are much apprecaited.

Also:
I think if this is going to keep going -we might need to move it to the transport section !

[arjay]

Jeez - u should try the 12 hour Pattaya - Bangkok bus journey, on a single decker bus much less comfortable than the Bangkok bus.!!!

Did you mean Pattaya to Udon? If not, that's a very slow bus you catch, - 12 hours Pattaya to Bangkok!!

I get travel sick on buses and coaches and coudn't face the crazed kamikazee bus drivers, so has to be plane or possibly train for me.

That said, I've never used a train in Thailand. They seem less secure or safe than the UK, though clearly not as risky as buses or coaches in LOS.

[Paul]

OOps - well spotted Arjay - yes I did indeed mean 12 hours from Pattaya to Udon.
Makes the 8 hours from Bkk-Udon look like an express LOL

I have used many buses in Thailand and it may be me just getting more accepting of their driving but the drivers don't seem maniacs any more - especially on pre-booked tour buses.
The nutters still ply the cheaper buses which stop every 30 seconds touting for passengers - and the journey takes forever. But a tour bus (as they are known) has ticketed seats and 'usually' will not stop at the roadside for more passengers - just at designated bus stations.

[BKKSTAN]

Since I have done a lot of driving in Thailand,I have chosen the train over taking a bus!The train clatters along at about 50Kmh,but I sleep or read and get to my destination rested.I guess one could do the same on a bus,but they way I see the buses being driven,I am not comfortable in the control of some of these maniacs!

[valentine]

Ever tried using the toilet on these buses? Its a real shoe cleaning experience

[BKKSTAN]

If you can get by the smell?

[arjay]

Yes, I've sat near a toilet, with a door that wouldn't stay closed. It beats one of their inhalers anyday!!

[beer monkey]

Yes, I've sat near a toilet, with a door that wouldn't stay closed.

me too on a night Bus from Phuket to bangers, Wafting smells coming from the Hong narm on one side and a big fat chinese bloke snoring his head off for ever in the oppersite row of seats, and the bus broke down for 2 hours from phuket ,a bit of pipe burst.