Malee Van

Malee Van is one of the largest operators based in Bangkok servicing the popular beach resorts such as Hua Hin, as well as the surrounding towns. They offer fast and direct transport to some of the most popular tourist spots in the country and are well-used by everyone from Thai families heading to the beach for the weekend to expats travelling to and from Bangkok for business.

This company focus on providing transport links between Bangkok and the southern towns of Hua Hin, Cha Am, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Pranburi, with a regular and reliable service throughout the day. All vans departing Bangkok leave from Sa Tai Mai, the city's southern bus terminal.

Bangkok–Hua Hin

The Bangkok to Hua Hin route is the most popular trip offered by Malee Van. Tickets cost THB180 for the 3-hour journey, with 29 services departing every day. Vans leave every 30 minutes between 05.00-19.00. The return journey from Hua Hin costs the same, but with 27 departures each day, between 06.00-19.00.

Bangkok–Cha Am

On the road from Bangkok to Hua Hin lies the smaller and quieter town of Cha Am. You can reach here by van from Bangkok for THB160, with departures every 30 minutes between 05.00-19.00. This journey usually takes just under 3 hours.

Bangkok–Pranburi

Trips from Bangkok to Pranburi (3 ¾ hours) and Prachuap Khiri Khan (4 ½ hours) cost THB180 and THB220 respectively. Departures for both destinations are every 30 minutes between 05.00-19.00. The return journey from Pranburi to Bangkok costs the same but with departures from 06.00 until 19.00, also every ½ hour.

Hua Hin–Prachuap Khiri Khan

Vans from Hua Hin leave for Prachuap Khiri Khan every 30 minutes with a journey time of 1 ½ hours. There are very regular departures throughout the day between 06.00-19.00, priced at THB100.

Hua Hin–Pranburi

From Hua Hin you can also head to nearby Pranburi for just THB100, with vans leaving every ½ hour between 06.00-19.00. This trip only takes 30 minutes, so perfect for a day trip. The return journey costs the same but takes around 1 hour instead.

Pranburi–Prachuap Khiri Khan

From Pranburi you can also reach Prachuap Khiri Khan in just an hour with services between 06.00-19.00 costing THB100.

Due to services departing every 30 minutes throughout the day, you are almost guaranteed a seat on the very next van. It's a hugely reliable schedule with most trips arriving on time, or sometimes even early, something that is very rare in Thailand and neighbouring countries.

Unlike some other companies it is possible to be put onto the next service, without having to pay for another ticket, if you miss your scheduled van.

The services run by Malee Travel are excellent value for money, often less than the amount charged by many of their competitors.

Like all vans on this route, and most throughout Thailand, there is very limited space for luggage. It may be the case that you have to pay for an additional seat to store your luggage as space is at a premium. This might not happen in every instance, but don't be surprised if you need to!

It's worth noting that unlike many other transport providers based in Bangkok, Malee Travel services leave from Sai Tai Mai bus station in the south of the city, not Mo Chit in the north. This is important to bear in mind when booking your ticket and makes this one of the best choices if you are staying in the south of Bangkok and want to head down to the beaches.

Malee Travel receive glowing reviews for the reliable service they offer, with one of the most regular departure schedules around. It's hard to find another company that offer departures every 30 minutes throughout the day, on any route!

Also, based on the price many rate Malee Travel very highly. THB180 is a highly competitive price for the popular Bangkok – Hua Hin route, with some companies charging far higher rates for this trip as there is a lot of tourists making the journey.

The majority of negative reviews focus on the space within the van, although, in truth, this is no more of an issue than on any other van used for these trips. Luggage space is very limited so it can get cramped inside. If you're heading from Bangkok direct to Prachuap Khiri Khan, you may not fancy 4 ½ hours inside so it might be worth considering breaking up the journey and spending a night or two in Hua Hin or Cha Am to make the trip more pleasant.