Transport Co Intl
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About Transport Co Intl
Quick company Intro
Transport Co Intl is a bus company that runs buses around regional destinations in Thailand as well as international buses from Thailand to Laos and Cambodia. Buses, particularly for international routes, are spacious although may vary in model, size, and condition depending on the schedule.
All buses are large and have air-conditioning and some routes have meals and snacks served on board such as simple fried rice, sponge cake, tea, coffee, and juice. There is also a steward allocated to most buses to help with refreshments and any other needs.
For international buses, crossing at the border is facilitated by the company as well as help and payment for the visas (although this is extra and not included in the bus ticket price).
Routes served by Transport Co Intl
There are a variety of routes served by Transport Co Intl around Thailand as well as international routes to Cambodia and Laos. Tickets can be bought on the spot at the bus station when you board the appropriate bus. Below some of the most popular routes are listed.
Thailand–Cambodia
Bangkok (Thailand) to Siem Reap (Cambodia) is served by one or two daily buses – depending on the season. Buses leave at 8 am and 9 am and the journey takes 9 hours. Tickets start from THB1000.
There are also buses heading from Bangkok (Thailand) to Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Buses leave Bangkok at 5 am and the journey takes 13 hours. Tickets start at THB1200.
Thailand–Laos
There is a direct bus from Bangkok (Thailand) to Vientiane (Laos). This route is especially popular among those who need to obtain their Thai visa as the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane is the most convient for this purpose. Buses depart at 6 pm and take 11 hours. Tickets start at THB1100.
All the international buses between Thailand border towns of Khon Kaen, Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchaburi and their Lao counterparts of Vientiane, Savannakhet and Pakse are also operated by Transport Co Intl. Tickets cost between THB50 and THB200 depending on the route and should be bought on the spot.
Pros
One of the big pros with Transport Co Intl is that they cover long distances for less money then flying or taking a ferry.
All buses have air conditioning.
Buses have ample legroom and reclining seats for passengers who wish to sleep.
Tickets for many routes can be bought on the spot and don’t need to be booked in advance.
Food is included on long haul bus journeys as well as drinks and snacks.
Cons
Tickets do not include visa fees which passengers will need to pay themselves at the border for international buses.
Border crossings can take time to navigate due to the large volume of passengers.
Toilets are located on most buses which means stops are infrequent if you want to stretch your legs and usually take place in rural areas.
Keep in mind
Passengers with special diets may find a lack of meal choices.
Food is not always plentiful or of a high standard so you may wish to take additional snacks or drinks with you as there may be limited options to buy these along the way.
If you buy a ticket on the spot you may have to wait for the next bus if the first one is full.
What travellers say
There have been some reports of buses taking passengers to certain hotels once at their destination and refusing to drop them in the centre of town or at pre-booked hotels. Make sure you are clear about where you want to be dropped off before you board the bus. Normally you are supposed to be dropped at the official bus station.
Consider taking local transportation once you arrive at your destination (such as Siem Reap) to continue any onward travel and minimize delays or miscommunication.
Some passengers have reported that the visa process at the border can be confusing and that stewards on buses making international journeys can help with this. They usually however charge an administration fee on top of the visa price so decide ahead of time if you would like to deal with the visa process yourself or have staff facilitate this for you.
Buses are air-conditioned and this can sometimes be quite fierce. As such take a blanket or sweater with you to keep out the cold.