Morchit, Bangkok - หมอชิต

798 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

Morchit Bus Terminal Bangkok is the gateway to Northern Thailand and its largest city, Chiang Mai. The complex also serves several northeastern and northwestern destinations and a few routes to southern resort destinations including Phuket and Koh Samui. Located north of downtown close by Chatuchak Market, the recently-built complex is Bangkok’s largest hub for bus transportation, offering comprehensive city bus routes in addition to long distance trips.

From Morchit Bus Terminal, air-conditioned buses run to Chiang Mai around the clock, taking an average of nine hours at a cost of between 469 baht and 907 baht for the VIP service. Pre-booking online is recommended due to high demand, especially in the high season between November and February and on public holidays. The service continues on to Chiang Rai in the far north, adding up to four hours’ travel time and costing around 100 baht more.

Other northern long-distance routes from Morchit Terminal 1 include Bangkok to Uttaradit, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok, Lampang and Lamphun, Phrae, Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle and Nan. Buses run to the northeastern cities of Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Nong Kai, Si Saket and Buriram. Morchit’s Terminal 2 serves southerly beach destinations such as Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket and Hat Yai, with all except Pattaya some 12 hours by VIP bus from Bangkok.

The new, air-conditioned complex offers comfortable seating, food courts and stalls selling snacks and drinks. Ground floor ticket offices serve the northern region, with the two upper floors taking care of the rest of the long-distance routes. The complex is easily accessible via the Skytrain to Morchit station followed by a 10-minute taxi ride.

For arrivals, there’s a wide choice of public buses heading to all districts including the downtown areas home to the majority of Bangkok hotels and guesthouses. Alternatives include motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks as well as metered taxis for those with considerable amounts of luggage.