K Buddy

Good transport and vehicles

I booked a van for 1pm which didn’t arrive. Sent the company a message asking if all was okay. They assumed I was booking not that I had already booked the transfer. An hour and a half after the pick up time a small taxi arrives. Once we were on the move the transfer across the boarder was fine - just a general lack of communication which would have been appreciated.

Zero 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.

Transportation was great. Drivers were very helpful and helped for smooth border processing. The trip from Huay Xai to Chiang Rai took just 2 hours.

High 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.

Incredible! Van was clean and comfortable, got there earlier than expected and driver even dropped me off at my hostel! Would absolutely recommend!

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.

Ok 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

Very good

Super kind and smooth trip. Highly recommend

What’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

Avoid 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

Pros: 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 was average, and the driver is a danger in the wheels, for those bumpy roads

The 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.

Late, 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.

Reached on time

Bon rapport prestation/ prix

The driver wasn’t driving safely, I worried if I will arrive alive.

Very safe and easy ride to Chiang Rai.

Pickup 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)

Fast efficient service. Just make sure you arrive early for pick up.

Had a good trip. Faster than bus, confortable, on time and esau to book.

On 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.

My 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.

The 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.

Everything went easy

It was a good ride. We stopped at a rest area about an hour and a half into the drive.

There 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.

Everything 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.

Good vehicle

Good but they don't stick to schedules

Double 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

Left Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with 2 hours late, without telling us ..

Very comfortable and kind

Very 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.

The driver was excellllent. Je Drive Not dlowly, but made the Circus very smooth, so you could stand it much better. I gellt really Safe.

I 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.

Amazing driver? Best in town, cleanest vehicle I have ever seen and very polite and warm

I 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.

Very profesional driver.

The 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.

Uh, 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.

This 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.

The 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.

Overall 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.

The 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

The 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.

First 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

Everything smooth and on time. Guys helped at border crossing and we got free sandwiches before the boat.