K Buddy
- About
- Popular Routes
- Stations
- Reviews
- Schedule and Timetable
About K Buddy
While some travellers feel skeptical about vans, a good choice of destinations and competitive prices make vans one of the most popular means of transport for others. Vans are always more flexible than big buses. If there is a sudden request for rides to some new destinations, van operators are always the first to offer their service. Indeed, it is easier to launch a new route if you operate a vehicle of 10-15 pax capacity, isn’t it?
K Buddy operates van service and offers tickets with easy online booking. Check them if you are looking for options to travel by van.
What are the Main Stations of K Buddy?
K Buddy’s vans run to and from the following terminals:
- Chiang Rai Transfer
- Chiang Rai Town Transfer
- Vientiane Northern Bus Station
- Huay Xai Transfer
- Accha Indian Dhaba
- Pai Indian Restaurant
- Accha Indian Dhaba
- Chiang Rai Transfer
- Huay Xai Transfer
- Sokprasert Bus Terminal
- Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
- Chiang Mai Arcade 2
- K Buddy Bike
- CoolMuang Coffee
- K Buddy Bike
What are the Most Popular Routes of K Buddy?
The most popular trip destinations of K Buddy’s timetable are:
- Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai - Huay Xai
- Chiang Rai - Luang Prabang
- Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
- Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang
- Chiang Mai - Luang Namtha
- Chiang Rai - Vientiane
- Chiang Mai - Pai
- Huay Xai - Luang Prabang
- Chiang Rai - Luang Namtha
- Pai - Chiang Mai
- Huay Xai - Chiang Rai
- Huay Xai - Luang Namtha
- Chiang Rai - Hanoi
- Chiang Rai - Pai
- Pai - Chiang Rai
- Chiang Rai - Thakhek
- Chiang Rai - Pakse
- Chiang Rai - Don Det
- Chiang Rai - Savannakhet
- Pai - Chiang Khong
- Chiang Rai - Hue
- Chiang Rai - Da Nang
What are the Vans Classes & Prices of K Buddy?
As a rule, it is not possible to choose a ticket class when travelling by van. Yet you can check with the operator and/or choose the type of van which serves your route. Some vans seat only 9-10 passengers, others accommodate up to 15 travellers. The former case means you may have more legroom, wider seats and a more comfortable ride, the latter – be ready for a limited space for your legs, elbows and your luggage. Read reviews on K Buddy van service to be sure they meet your expectations.
Pros & Cons of Van Travel
Pros of Van Travel
- Vans often reach the destinations where neither buses nor trains travel. These include secondary towns and smaller villages
- In most cases vans are the fastest way to get to your destination if travelling to relatively short distances overland simply because they are smaller than buses and more maneuverable
- Vans can let you get off at a more convenient point enroute – not necessarily at the terminal, what actually can save you loads of time and money in some cases.
Cons of Van Travel
- Some vans can be quite cramped with limited space for luggage available. Well, actually almost all vans offer limited luggage space and if you have more than one bag, suitcase or backpack, it may be a good idea to buy a separate seat for your luggage – yes, you will pay double for your trip, alas
- It is worth checking if your van runs on schedule or leaves when full – in the latter case you may end up waiting too long as on several routes it can take quite a time for a van to fill up.
- You should know that van drivers are notorious for their speedy driving. Even the most reputable companies sometimes fail to persuade the drivers to respect the speed limits. Even if your van driver does not insist on it, always buckle your seatbelt while travelling by van
- If you easily get seasick and your trip includes winding stretches, chances to feel motion sickness are higher while travelling by van than by bus. Take your medicine half an hour before your trip to be on the safe side.
K Buddy Stations
Chiang Rai TransferChiang Rai Town TransferVientiane Northern Bus StationK Buddy BikeHuay Xai TransferK Buddy BikeAccha Indian DhabaCoolMuang CoffeePai Indian RestaurantAccha Indian DhabaChiang Rai TransferHuay Xai TransferSokprasert Bus TerminalChiang Rai Hotel TransferChiang Mai Arcade 2
K Buddy Company Reviews
D B
Daniel BZero communication
Our hotel was a bit out the city, we received confirmation from 12Go but no further information. We looked up the provider on Google to find their Whatsapp and messaged over 24 hours before. We received no response despite multiple messages. 2 hours before pick up I decided to call to check the pick up was okay, we were told we had to meet at the meeting point (this information was not provided). After the call they finally opened the numerous messages I'd sent and rang back saying they'd send someone which they did.
In the end it worked out and driver at both ends was very nice and the vehicle was fine. I've unfortunately left 2 stars because of the stress caused by the complete lack of information and on 12Go it says 1h 30m transfer - this was more like 3 hours total.
Vehicle could also do with a clean inside.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Sep 11, 2026
P S
Philip STransportation was great. Drivers were very helpful and helped for smooth border processing. The trip from Huay Xai to Chiang Rai took just 2 hours.
Bus CLASS--9, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Sep 7, 2026
B R
Benjamin RHigh points:
* We arrived safely at our destination.
* The border crossing itself was straightforward.
* After entering Laos, the staff eventually directed us to the correct bus and we reached Luang Namtha without any major issues.
Low points:
* Pickup was late, and communication about the delay was limited.
* The taxi was overcrowded and uncomfortable for five passengers with luggage.
* One of the most uncomfortable moments was when the taxi driver repeatedly asked how much we had paid for the transfer, started making phone calls about it, and later asked us for a tip. It created an awkward situation that shouldn’t happen during a prepaid transfer.
* The company is not transparent about the type of transportation you’ll actually be using. When you book, you don’t know whether you’ll travel by private van, taxi, tuk-tuk, or an old local bus. The ticket guarantees you’ll reach your destination, but not the comfort or the means of transport.
* Assistance at the border was minimal, so you should be prepared to handle the visa and immigration process on your own.
* The bus to Luang Namtha was in poor condition, and the long meal stop made an already long journey even longer.
Overall: If your only priority is getting from Chiang Rai to Luang Namtha at a reasonable price, this service does the job. However, the lack of transparency, inconsistent transportation, and poor communication make it difficult to rate higher than 3 stars.
Van Van + Sleeper Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Aug 4, 2026
A R
Amy RIncredible! Van was clean and comfortable, got there earlier than expected and driver even dropped me off at my hostel! Would absolutely recommend!
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 26, 2026
L
Laura A massive thank you to our driver who drove back to the terminal after dropping us off when we realised we had left a bag. Very much appreciated. Ride was was on time, efficient and as described.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 20, 2026
P B
Pieter BOk sleeper bus, aircon too cold, but thin blanket provided, drivers non-communicative, only English word they seemed to know is "no".
Horrendous road conditions, good driver though 400km average speed 30km/h
Bus Taxi + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 20, 2026
T G
Tina GVery good
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 14, 2026
E V
Eloi VSuper kind and smooth trip. Highly recommend
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), May 31, 2026
C C
Christina CWhat’s good:
- Easy to book, confirmation email sent immediately
- My transport was an 11-seater, vehicle looks new-ish and clean
- I was picked up from the comfort of my hotel (instead of having to go to the bus station)
What can be improved:
- No communication from service provider apart from the auto confirmation email. I have to WhatsApp them to ask what time is pick up (I was informed pick up is between 1 - 1:30pm) & if driver is going to come and find me in lobby
- Driver was driving very fast - it felt unsafe. He was racing through pot holes and overtaking cars. I understand this may be common / how driving is in Thailand, but felt unsafe. I rather the travel time is 4 - 4.5 hours and he doesn’t have to rush
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), May 17, 2026
S M
Susan MAvoid
we had to chase confirmation of pickup by whats app. We were informed pick up 1pm to 1.30 we had to get our hotel to call they didn’t pick us up until 1.50 then drove like a maniac speeding and tailgating other cars to get to the pickup point for van did not feel safe at all. No apology for lateness
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Apr 19, 2026
M C
Max CPros:
The driver arrived early to pick us up from the hotel.
The van was big and comfortable enough.
Cons:
The driver was scrolling through TikTok the whole time, if not on TikTok he was on YouTube.
During the break in the trip he said we had 20 minutes, after 20 mins everyone was in the bus but we had to wait 15 more minutes for the driver while he was smoking.
No communication from the company, because they picked us up from our hotel I expected a message to confirm pickup location like I have had before.
Overall, the experience was fine.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Mar 22, 2026
A V
Ary VVan was average, and the driver is a danger in the wheels, for those bumpy roads
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Mar 18, 2026
M B
Maayan BThe service was fine until we crossed the border to Laos , the sleeper bus was late to departure, and instead of 24 hours trip it became almost 30 hours because the kept going of track and picking on and of random people who didn’t even have a seat in the bus and just set on the floor.
Van Van + Sleeper Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 26, 2026
P E
Paul ELate, dirty vehicle poor communication on the operator. The delivery from the Laos border was the most inefficient and time wasting experience of my life. Much better to just get a tuk tuk.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 25, 2026
S U
Sumit UReached on time
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 20, 2026
H G
Hervé GBon rapport prestation/ prix
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 18, 2026
V T
Valerie TThe driver wasn’t driving safely, I worried if I will arrive alive.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 17, 2026
R R
Robbert RVery safe and easy ride to Chiang Rai.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 6, 2026
M F
Marius FPickup perfectly on time from the hotel and we were on the way to the border relatively quick.
The whole process until drop off at Huay Xai took 2 hrs longer than advertised. (4hrs total door to door)
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 5, 2026
R H
Rachel HFast efficient service. Just make sure you arrive early for pick up.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 4, 2026
A V
Arnaud VHad a good trip. Faster than bus, confortable, on time and esau to book.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 3, 2026
V S
Vanessa SOn the ticket it said we were supposed to be there AT LEAST 40 min before departure. We were there 30 min before and were told we are the last ones. But more people kept showing up also wanting to go to Chiang Rai. So there were not enough seats in the van. They had to organize another one which took them AN HOUR. So we sat there on the street for 1 1/2 hours and still had to leave people behind (I actually don’t know what happened to them). The van was ok, the driver was super nice and they stopped half way. The driver was average but the organization was aweful.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jan 26, 2026
N E
Nalissa EMy pick up was on time as the first passagner, but quite disorganized for others. He didn't have all the correct pick up addresses and it took over an hour to get out of Chiang Rai. He was a good driver, much safer than previous experiences. I've learned that door to door isn't necessarily the best option.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jan 25, 2026
C V
Camilla VThe driver was slightly late but that didn’t bother me at all, I had contacted the operator and they were on the phone to me straight away. I was on my own and so the driver offered me a seat in the front which was lovely as I got to appreciate the gorgeous views along the way.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jan 12, 2026
B B
Bohumil BEverything went easy
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jan 8, 2026
A K
Amanda KIt was a good ride. We stopped at a rest area about an hour and a half into the drive.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jan 7, 2026
D R
Dimitri RThere were not much information from 12GO, luckily I traveled with 2 other person who booked through the bus station and received phone numbers and more details through WhatsApp.
The bus left 2h later than schedule and the trip took longer as well.
The van waiting for us at the border left as we were Kate and we had to wait an additional 1h30, the trip took about 24h in total, instead of 17h. The bus isn't confortable and the bed have to be shared.
There were not enough bed available because some luggage had to be stored on beds since the boot was full of eggs and chickens...
Worth ride I had in a bus.
Bus Sleeping Bus + Van + Bus + Van, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 27, 2025
S L
Sofia LEverything was on time and worked seamlessly - HOWEVER, they overly packed the van so it was VERY cramped and people were sitting on the floor. The AC was blasting making it ice cold, and the driver was flying through the curves. We made it safe and sound and an hour early even, but it was a very taxing journey.
Van Van + Sleeper Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 25, 2025
J C
Jacob CGood vehicle
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 19, 2025
A V
Andrea VGood but they don't stick to schedules
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 17, 2025
C R
Christopher RDouble the number of people booked for the one coach that turned up late. We then waited for another coach to take the others. Everyone eventually got there but doesnt give you confidence
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 10, 2025
T C
Thomas CLeft Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with 2 hours late, without telling us ..
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 9, 2025
D L
Diana LVery comfortable and kind
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 7, 2025
D G
Dominic GVery very dangerous driving between Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. 160kph around bends, overtakes around blind corners etc. Do not recommend at all.
Book the GreenBus instead, it may take slightly longer but you will live to see another day.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 4, 2025
J K
Julia KThe driver was excellllent.
Je Drive Not dlowly, but made the Circus very smooth, so you could stand it much better.
I gellt really Safe.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 1, 2025
L H
Long HI know the AC has to be on and cold, since I took some travels before. but this one was freezing and the windows was still foggy. the driver did not knew what he was doing. Other then that it was good.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Nov 30, 2025
D D
Dante DAmazing driver? Best in town, cleanest vehicle I have ever seen and very polite and warm
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Nov 21, 2025
L C
Lauren CI really can't recommend this and would suggest using another tour provider.
Got the slow boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang.
Pick-up was on time and the van was air conditioned. Everything before the border was fine. Smooth leaving Thailand but entering Laos was a nightmare. No guidance given throughout this, other than by a man who couldn't confirm his identity and honestly we thought we were being scammed.
Had to pay visa fee and a tourist tax directly to him, not border officials which really did not seem right.
The transfer was overbooked and me and my partner were crammed into the seat of a pick up with our main backpacks and day packs on top of us. We were provided a sandwich but there was no vegetarian or vegan option.
Made it to the ferry point and we were the last group to get there out of all the other tour providers meaning we didn't and many others didn't get a seat on the actual boat as it was overbooked.
Would I do it again? Yes the slow boat was crowded but had stunning views - but definitely not with this tour provider.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Nov 20, 2025
S B
Salvador BVery profesional driver.
Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Nov 13, 2025
P K
Pallabi KThe van picked up on time. Helped through the border crossing and getting to the slow boat pier. The slow boat was overbooked but the experience was amazing.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Oct 16, 2025
S B
Sarah BUh, the transfers itself was easy and going through the border. If you don’t book with a friend you will be put with a random person in a twin sized bed. I’d recommend bringing a pillow case for the pillow they provide… bring layers it gets VERY cold. Even if you don’t normally get cold you will. Also bring food or your own soup (they have hot water) because the stop they make not many options.
Also no bathroom on bus. And roads are as terrible as they say but bring some gravel and sleeping pill and you’re all good.
Van Van + Sleeper Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Sep 26, 2025
C C
Charis CThis trip was a very expensive (for what you get) and uncomfortable experience I wish 12Go would warn people about! The part from Chiang Mai (Thailand) to the border with Laos was fine and comfy, on a minibus. But it took 17 hours to cover just 505km (from Huay Xay to Luang Prabang) on a very noisy "sleeper" bus, shaking on Laos' insufficient road infrastructure, where you might share a wooden bunk bed with someone you don't know.
Van Van + Sleeper Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Sep 7, 2025
L G
Lavinia GThe first part of the trip to the border was great and seamless - the sleeper bus however was very primitive with two people to a very hard bunk and the roads are very poor so you get shaken around a lot. Would not recommend if you’re a solo traveller. We did get there in good ish time though however I doubt I’ll do it again.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jul 24, 2025
F R
Federico ROverall a good experience, but it’s not for everyone. For slow boat boarding, you need to be fit and have good balance — you'll walk across a wooden plank, and if it’s raining, it gets slippery. There were better and worse moments during the trip. From Chiang Rai to the border, everything was smooth and easy, though communication was lacking. After I contacted them, they told us pickup would be between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., but the van arrived at 5:45.
Border crossing was easy but very slow. The staff always made sure you were guaranteed your next ticket and connection. Visa management felt a bit sketchy. In total, you’ll need to pay a Laos entry fee of 20 Baht and a visa on arrival, which costs either $40 USD, 1,800 Baht, or 1.2 million Kip. My advice, based on current exchange rates, is that USD is much cheaper — try to exchange in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai the day before departing.
After the border, the next bus takes you to the pier for the slow boat. At the pier, they give you a sandwich and offer a Laos SIM card for a good deal. The boat is crowded and the chairs are horrible — but you’ll survive. After 7 hours, you land in Pak Beng. Be smart and book a room in advance; it’s a very small but nice village.
The boat on the next day is a million times better — comfy chairs, even tables, kind of like a floating train. Over two days on the river, you’ll see beautiful landscapes, though visibility can be poor when it rains. The river looks like chocolate and is full of floating plastic.
Once you arrive in Luang Prabang, you’ll cross another plank to disembark. The pier is far from the city, close to the airport, and crowded with thirsty tuktuk drivers looking for prey — they charge 50,000 Kip per person. My advice is to set up a Loca app account (Laos’ version of Uber) in advance and skip the tuktuk. A Loca ride from the pier to the city costs around 140,000 Kip.
Honestly, I think it’s way more fun than taking the train and cheaper than flying — but it’s slow and will test your patience and resilience. If you’re lucky, you’ll make friends during the trip, which is a great way to pass the time and socialize. Luang Prabang is truly beautiful.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 30, 2025
R R
Robert RThe transfer was from Thailand to laos, the part in chiang rai was very good, everything was on time, except the fact that we couldn't contact the provider to ensure that everything was ok, the problems started on the laos side, they charge 40 use, if you have older notes than they don't accept them and after you can change them in a very low rate, if you pay in baht or lak kip than they charge more money, there's a two day ride in a slow boat, each for about 7-8 hours, it's owful , it's not comfortable and there's not much space, stay one night in a small village and the next day continue to luang prabang for another 8 hours, than you take a took took to the city
That journey is for the strong spirit and mind
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 25, 2025
A M
Anya MThe driver on route to the Thai border was lovely! Made a lot of stops and was very friendly. After crossing the border the experience was not as pleasant. Our sleeper bus was stuck in a ditch for around 2.5 hours at 2am. We also arrived 4 hours later than expected. We understand that the bus being stuck was no one’s fault but there were no instructions or information given from the drivers who were also not very friendly.
Van Van + Sleeper Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), May 20, 2025
A G
Adam GFirst day on slowboat was great. The second day was a different boat with less seats which led to many people sitting on the floor. This made it hard to access the bathrooms and shop
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), May 4, 2025
H B
Hayley BEverything smooth and on time. Guys helped at border crossing and we got free sandwiches before the boat.
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Apr 21, 2025
N S
Nina SComfortable seats and our driver was so helpful with the visa application process!
Bus Van + Bus + Song Taew, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Apr 14, 2025
S U
Stefano UFrom Chang Mai till Laos border was really good. Nice van, lovely prossional drivers. Nice help at the border.
Laos bit was really bad. The bus was terrible. I was obliged to share my berth with some teen stranger. Air-con freezing could. And blasting music in and out all the night long. Resulting nobody could sleep. Rude, grumpy drivers and staff. Last thing. You get dropped off at 10 km from the town after a night of poor sleep. Here the tuktuk gang comes to try to reap you off. So either one walks 10 k uphills or accepts to pay an arm and a leg to go to town. Be prepared.
Van Van + Sleeper Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Mar 30, 2025