Sawadee Esan

4.3
99 customer reviews
  • About
  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
  • Reviews

About Sawadee Esan

Quick company Intro
Based in Morchit bus terminal, located in the north of Bangkok, Sawadee Esan serves towns in the northeast of the country, including Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai. Sawadee Esan is one of the most popular and well-known operators along this route and only use express buses.

Routes served by Sawadee Esan
Sawadee Esan operates a frequent service out of Bangkok.

Bangkok–Nong Khai & Nong Bua Lamphu

The most popular of all the company’s routes connects the capital with the border town of Nong Khai in Isan. The trip takes about 10 hours and costs THB500. Nong Khai is a handy starting point for onward trips to Vientiane in Laos, located on the other side of the Mekong River. There are several night departures from Bangkok between 19.00 and 21.00.

Buses depart for Nong Bua Lamphu at 20.30 and 21.10, arriving at 05.10 and 05.50 respectively (a journey time of 8 ¾ hours). The return journey leaves Nong Bua Lamphu at either 20.30 or 20.45, costing the same and taking almost nine hours.

Bangkok–Bueng Kan & Udon Thani

There are five departures each day to Bueng Kan, between 06.45 and 21.00. This trip takes around 11 ½ hours, costing THB590.

You can also reach Udon Thani using this operator, there are two buses per day (leaving at 19.45 and 21.00, arriving at 05.15 and 07.10 respectively). You can make the 9 ½ hour trip for around THB500.

Pros
The buses used on trips with Sawadee Esan offer surprisingly high quality wifi onboard, something that those used to travelling on buses in Thailand will know is not always the case, despite what you might be promised when booking.

The quality of the buses on these routes are better than average and an improvement on what is offered on trips with their competitors. The seats are far more comfortable than you'd expect and the buses can even run ahead of schedule, something that is almost unheard of in Thailand!

Cons
Unfortunately, there are no individual screens onboard Sawadee Esan’s buses. Instead there will be one larger communal screen with speakers dotted throughout the bus. This can be a little annoying if you were hoping to relax with a good book or get some sleep but the TV is usually turned off after a couple of hours so you don't have to put up with it for too long.

For many, a more problematic issue will be the absence of charging points on the bus, especially if you need to contact someone en-route and your battery is running low.

Whenever travelling on overnight buses or trains it is always a good idea to set an alarm ahead of your stop to ensure you don't miss it. This is also true on services run by Sawadee Esan, especially if you are getting off before the end of the route, as the staff onboard can't always be relied on to wake you up. It's best to make sure you're awake in plenty of time to avoid any hassle.

Keep in mind
Sawadee Esan is a good choice for any passengers looking to head toward the border with Laos. Bueng Kan and Nong Khai are well-connected with towns across the Laos border and with Vientiane. There are also services to Khon Kaen, one of the major cities in the Isan region, which can be quite difficult to reach.

What travellers say
Customers are always pleased with the quality of the wifi on these buses, it's far more reliable than you'd expect and a good way to pass the time before you get some rest. Unfortunately, the lack of charging ports on the bus mean that you don't want to use up the whole battery!

Overall, Sawadee Esan is a very popular choice for anyone headed from Bangkok to destinations in the more remote Isan region.

Read more

Sawadee Esan Popular Routes

Bangkok - Nong Khai
19:45, 20:29, 21:00
Bangkok - Bueng Kan
18:15, 19:30, 19:45, 20:55, 21:00
Nong Khai - Bangkok
16:00, 18:00, 18:30, 18:40, 19:00, 19:40
Bangkok - Udon Thani
18:15, 19:30, 20:29, 20:30, 20:55
Bangkok - Nong Bua Lamphu
19:49, 20:29
Bangkok - Sakon Nakhon
20:30
Bueng Kan - Bangkok
16:30, 16:40, 17:00, 17:10, 17:15, 17:20, 17:30, 17:50, 18:00
Sakon Nakhon - Bangkok
18:00, 18:25, 18:35, 19:00, 19:10
Udon Thani - Bangkok
17:30, 17:40, 17:50, 18:00, 18:50, 19:20, 19:30, 19:40, 19:50, 20:00, 20:10
Nong Bua Lamphu - Bangkok
18:40, 18:50, 19:20, 19:30, 19:45, 19:50, 20:00, 20:20, 20:30
NaN Passengers

Sawadee Esan Stations

MochitNong KhaiBan PhueBan DungNam SomNong HanBueng KanNa YungSangkhomFao RaiPhon PhisaiSawang Daen DinRattanawapiBan MuangNong Bua Lam PhuSuwannakhuhaBueng Kan Bus TerminalSam Liam IntersectionNong MekBan Klang YaiBan LaoBan TaiKhok SiKut Ruea KhamSi WilaiPhon CharoenNon SombunKhai SiChiyaphonPak KhatKut Din ChiKut KrasuNa DanNa Kham HaiKhon SaiMonkey ParkNong Bua DaengThung Yai Udon Thani

Sawadee Esan Company Reviews

S M
Good nice driver (he was doing everything himself - no assistant). We arrived on time, maybe even a bit early. However, rather old bus with basic comfort. No plug to recharge our mobile phone. Bottle of water and a little bit of food provided - no meal.
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Dec 19, 2023
R P
I really enjoyed this trip. The driver was always on time. I did not expect this at all, but we were well fed, treated to sweet biscuits and provided with water. It was very pleasant. In addition, there was a warm blanket on the bus. All the people who provided the trip were kind and polite.
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Dec 12, 2023
R P
I really enjoyed this trip. The driver was always on time. I did not expect this at all, but we were well fed, treated to sweet biscuits and provided with water. It was very pleasant. In addition, there was a warm blanket on the bus. All the people who provided the trip were kind and polite.
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Dec 12, 2023
I V
First was put on a rather new and comfy bus with seats layout 1+2. If you get the single seat it's very nice (seats number 1, 4, 7, 10, ...). BUT 5 minutes before departure they figured that I am supposed to take another bus, which was older, less comfortable and spacious, and had 2+2 layout. On top of that, departure time from Nong Khai in the ticket was 19:00, however the bus is scheduled for 19:30, and the actual departure was 20:00. Arrival time to Bangkok in the ticket was 4:15, actual time was closer to 5:00. The service and the staff was nice and friendly.
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Dec 6, 2023
V G
Our driver, was right on time. He let us make individual breaks :) The music was nice and bus was comfy! He even showed us a view point. So we had all in all a really good trip
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Sep 14, 2023
M W
The bus was not in good condition, old and not comfortable
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 5, 2023
S S
The air conditioning was not cold enough,
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Nov 16, 2022
J J
The call button to reach the bus driver was broken. This caused some consternation when I thought I missed my stop. It turned out OK, but it's a small thing easily fixed that could make a big difference to someone.
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Aug 9, 2022
S L
I sat in a lower deck bus and had an aweful toilet smell whole journey.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Apr 17, 2019
A A
Excellent!
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Apr 16, 2019
J B
Ticket from 12go can be exchanged at the huge and chaotic Mo chit terminal to the bus ticket. Bus was okay. Quite clean, but very cold AC. The seats are large enough for tall people, but not very ergonomic. Sleeping is still possible. The toilet was very dirty, try to not use it. They provide a blanket, a small bottle of water and some cookies and a hot meal with rice. The meal was extremely spicy and nothing for vegetarians. Overall good experience, everything on time.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Apr 2, 2019
M A
Everything is perfect except for the airconditioning was freezing!
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 23, 2019
P L
Good bus and staff.They give some rice to eat at start of travel. But cold aircon, have to wear pants even they give a blanket.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 3, 2019
R V
Bus departure & arrival is on time and bus dropped me off at Thai-Lao border which is good for me since i do not need to take tuktuk or taxi anymore from Nong Khai bus station to the border. I like that the bus provide blanket since it gets really cold inside the bus. They also provide a small bottle of water, small pack of cookies, and a rice meal. What i don't like is the toilet inside the bus stinks. You can smell the stinky urine all over the bus even the strong air conditioner on. Next time i need to go Nong Khai i will use this bus company again.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Feb 27, 2019
S K
Morchit bus station is huge and chaotic, but people are rather helpful and i didn't have a problem finding my bus. The bus was amazing, seats are huge and you can lean them back quite far. I booked the front seat so had a lot of extra leg room too. We came to the destination point like 30min before the planned time. The only cons i can think of is that it was FREEZING (but they do give you a blanket) and wi fi didnt work (didn't bother me as i had data anyway).
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Feb 18, 2019
M N
Everything went completely smoothly. VOUCHER was redeemed at the Morchit bus station against a ticket. On the VOUCHER was noted at which counter you had to report to the bus station. Service on board good, but unfortunately it was extremely cold in the bus. Old problem in Southeast Asia.
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Feb 17, 2019
T H
Very Goods, thank you very much
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Jan 16, 2019
S B
Perfect timing. Good Price. A great bargain for those who love to travel like the local people.
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Jan 8, 2019
I O
It was comfortable.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Nov 1, 2018
T A
Comfortable, provided snacks including a small meal and arrived one hour ahead of schedule. Did not give 5 stars as no USB charging points for phones and WiFi instruction was not present on the bus.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Oct 12, 2018
Y K
Comfortable seat.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Oct 7, 2018
F L
On time and cheap. A very small dinner is served with a 50cl water bottle. A thin blanket is also provided but the air conditioning is so strong that you need to have a pull-over and long pants (I had a scarf but it was not enough). For tall people (>1m90), it's not really confortable to sleep the all night but it is ok for the price. If you want something more confortable, you should take the night train for around 300THB more.
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 6, 2018
R K
Very good seats, arrived 1h30 in advance. Aircon was really cold so be prepared. I can only recommend this company!
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 5, 2018
P H
Everything was ok. Very good and clean bus.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Feb 23, 2018
O P
Great, clean bus, hot meals, plaid, water and dessert.
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Nov 25, 2017
S S
Fast, cheap and comfortable. It arrived one hour before. It's better to bring something warm with you. Air conditioning is strong.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Nov 22, 2017
M P
Late, but early at the end... one stop, a safe drive, comfortable bus. Good travel.
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), May 17, 2017
E T
Perfect bus and driver. Only inconveniënt thing is the airco. It was sooo cold in the bus that i couldnt sleep
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Apr 26, 2017
M H
Clean bus with good seats. I did miss the personal screens with usb charging possibility. And I did miss the massage seats from the bus I usually take to Chiang Mai. Nobody woke me up - the bus was in Udon at 4:30 instead of 6:30! Not sure I they would let me sleep and drive on.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Apr 4, 2017
M G
The best bus I've taken! Very comfotabke seats. Wifi was fast! Loved it.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 26, 2017
D G
Bus left with 1h delay but very confortable. Had a small meal distributed on the bus and a bottle of water. Arrived a bit earlier than expected. All good.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Feb 26, 2017
A W
Very comfortable, no music
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Feb 25, 2017
D K
It was great! Food and water provided and the seats were very comfortable -- reclined almost flat. A bit chilly but they provide a blanket and be sure to wear a sweater! All in all a great trip. Arrived early too.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Jan 18, 2017
C M
Left a bit late and stopped a lotação of times on the side of the road but managed to arrive earlier than scheduled. Free water and mal included but the insiste of the bus was old ans smelly. Lower deck had real low roof
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Jan 6, 2017
J C
The Sawadee Esan VIP bus has big seats with lots of legroom. Bus ran on time.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Oct 16, 2016
P C
Very nice but the clim is too cold ! A meal served at the departure. Just if you can tell the company to adjust the clim it would be perfect.
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Aug 3, 2016
A T
Very comfortable, friendly staff
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), May 13, 2016
B S
Great service on a very comfortable bus. Very happy I chose the bus rather than the train.
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Apr 14, 2016
T A
bus arrived an hour ago, comfy, and served with water and meal
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Apr 1, 2016
B J
Station not easy to find and the bus announced was not the right one. A bit of a hassle but we got it well in advance. Bus very comfortable with a meal and a bottle offered fast we arrived 1 hour in advance.
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Jan 17, 2016
S M
You receive a free bottle of water, meal and snack which were all very yummy. The seats were big and comfy and we arrived 30 mins ahead of schedule!
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Nov 15, 2015
P P
The seat were comfy. The meal and snack were good too. On top of that we arrived 15 mins ahead of schedule! Thanks for the great trip!
Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Sep 17, 2015
K S
Ice cold air conditioning!!! Otherwise perfect. Oh the toilet was under water
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Bus Express, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Aug 1, 2015
ก แ
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 18, 2024
S G
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 15, 2024
M M
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 14, 2024
Y M
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Mar 1, 2024
S Z
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Feb 29, 2024
D F
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Oct 23, 2023
M L
Bus VIP, Sawadee Esan (สวัสดีอีสาน), Oct 13, 2023
4.3
99 customer reviews
5
51%
4
35%
3
12%
2
2%
1
0%
98% of 99 travelers were presumably happy with Sawadee Esan as they left good or no review