Sri Trang

Sri Trang Bus Company operates buses to a range of domestic destinations around Thailand. The main bus station is in Hat Yai and most of the routes run between Hat Yai and other locations. Some also leave from Phuket and Trang. Buses are spacious although there may be some differences between the conditions of the buses used for different routes.

Buses are large and are classified as ‘Express Buses’. There is also an option to upgrade to VIP seating which has extra legroom and a front row seat on some of the buses. On longer journeys passengers are provided with snacks such as cakes as well as blankets and water.

Sri Trang operates a variety of routes around Thailand but is a domestic carrier and does not run any international routes at this time.

Buses from Phuket to Hat Yai depart at 6 am, 7.30 am, 8 am, 8.30 am, 9.30 am, 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 7.30 pm, 8 pm, 9.30 pm, and 9.45 pm. The journey takes 8 hours and tickets cost between THB350 and THB500 depending on the time and class chosen. Note that the 9.45 pm bus is a VIP bus and only VIP tickets at THB500 are available.

This route is a popular way to get closer to the border with Malaysia if you are planning the onward journey via Sadao or Padang Besar crossing further south to Butterworth or Giorgetown in Penang.

[From Hat Yai to Phuket], Sri Trang also offers a number of departures throughout the day at 8 am, 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11.45 am, 1 pm, 6 pm, 7.30 pm, and 9.30 pm with the journey taking between 7 and 8 hours. Tickets cost the same as in opposite direction – from THB350 to THB500. Passengers should note that the 7.30 pm bus is the VIP Bus and only VIP tickets for THB500 are sold on this route.

Another popular route connects the Deep South with just another destination on the Andaman Coast. Buses from Hat Yai to Trang leave at 8 am, 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11.45 am, 1 pm, 6 pm, and 9.30 pm. The journey takes just over 2 hours and tickets cost THB250. There is no dedicated VIP bus on this route. The route is handy if your next destination is the Trang islands, including Koh Libong or Koh Ngai.

One of the pros of travelling with Sri Trang is that it is a cheap and easy way of travelling around Thailand, particularly if you are in the Hat Yai area and want to visit southern Thailand.

Sri Trang buses are spacious and have a lot of legroom and reclining seats. If you are travelling on the longer journeys this means you can sleep on the buses.

Buses are serviced by a local bus attendant to help passengers with anything they may need.

There is the option to upgrade your seat or choose a dedicated VIP bus if you want extra comfort.

Some buses have toilets although this is not always guaranteed and the toilet may be locked. This means that you will have to wait for the rest stops if you need to use the bathroom.

If you take a bus that leaves at night you may find that you arrive early in the morning at your destination and may need to plan accordingly if you want to check into a hotel or travel on to another destination.

Passengers are provided with snacks and some buses on longer routes stop at local cafes along the way. You may however want to bring your own food and drinks, particularly if you have a special diet.

Tickets can be bought on the spot but it is recommended that you book in advance as buses can be full and you will have to wait for the next one.

Travellers reviews
Some buses are advertised as being equipped with Wi-Fi although passengers have reported that this is not always the case. As such plan ahead as you may not be able to access internet on the bus.

There have been reports of buses arriving earlier in their destinations than reported. If you take an overnight bus this may mean that you arrive in the early hours of the morning at around 3 or 4 am so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for when you reach your destination.