Triple T

This van service specialise in the popular Bangkok – Trat route and are viewed by locals and visitors alike as one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from Thailand’s capital to the tourist hotspot of Koh Chang. Based in Bangkok, this reliable operator also offers ferry tickets to Koh Chang from Trat.

As mentioned above, Triple T focuses on servicing the busy Bangkok–Trat route. Although there is little in Trat itself, it is a useful gateway to reach the beautiful islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak with ease.

Helpfully, there are two departure points from Bangkok; Mo Chit, in the north of the city, and Ekkamai, the eastern bus terminal. A one-way ticket from either station in Bangkok to Trat costs approximately THB320, with departures throughout the day. As Bangkok is a huge city, having this choice is very useful as it could save you a trek across the city.

Services from Mo Chit depart hourly between 05.00-08.00 and 09.30-15.30, with the final service at 18.30. Vans from Ekkamai run hourly throughout the day from 06.00-19.00, with both trips taking around 5 hours in total.

The return trip from Trat to either Bangkok station costs the same amount (THB320) with vans every hour to both stations (08.00-18.00 to Mo Chit and 05.00-19.00 to Ekkamai).

From Trat it is possible to travel by ferry to Koh Chang. You can make this journey yourself by catching a songthaew to the port and purchasing a ferry ticket there. However, it is much easier and also cheaper to take advantage of the excellent value Bangkok–Koh Chang package offered by Triple T.

This ticket costs just THB350 from Mo Chit and includes a van to Trat as well as the ferry across to Koh Chang. Vans depart Bangkok hourly from 05.00-08.00 and 09.30-12.30, with the full trip lasting around 6 ½ hours. Tickets from Ekkamai station in Bangkok are priced at THB440 for the same trip, with vans leaving every hour between 06.00-12.00.

Note A word of warning if you are planning on heading to Koh Chang without purchasing the Bangkok–Koh Chang package ticket, bear in mind that the last ferry is at 19.00 so leaving Bangkok any later than 12.00 risks missing this service and having to find some overnight accommodation.

It is also possible to buy a ticket direct to the pier where the Koh Chang ferry departs from. However, from Mo Chit this is the same price as the combination ticket so not really a worthwhile option. Priced at THB350, vans depart both Bangkok stations between 05.00-08.00 and 09.30-11.30 (Mo Chit) and 06.00-12.00 (Ekkamai).

As mentioned, the package ticket from Bangkok–Koh Chang offers excellent value for money and is a great option for travellers. This is one of the main reasons that Triple T is such a popular choice on this route.

The flexibility offered by departures from both Mo Chit and Ekkamai is another advantage of using Triple T. Travelling across Bangkok can be difficult and time-consuming, if you're located in the east of the city then it will be far easier to catch a van from Ekkamai, saving you both time and money.

Mo Chit is one of Thailand’s more confusing bus stations, so the information provided on the website is very helpful when trying to locate the ticket office or ask someone for help.

Finally, as there are so many services heading to and from Trat each day, it might be possible to be put on an earlier or later departure depending on availability if you miss your scheduled departure time. This is particularly useful in Bangkok where delays in traffic or on public transport are frequent.

It's worth noting that it isn't possible to choose actual seats in the vans, just to reserve a place, so it is worth getting there early to ensure that you get a good seat and are not stuck next to the luggage.

Also, as some of the vans tend to be a few years old, the air conditioning is not always of the best quality. Again, arrive early to grab a seat close to the a/c to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible.

If you purchase a Bangkok–Koh Chang ticket you will most likely have to change at Trat and catch a songthaew (which will be arranged and paid for by Triple T). For those unused to travelling in Thailand this process may seem chaotic, but don't worry, there is a system and you will arrive in time for your ferry!

Although, it is possible to buy a ticket from Bangkok to Trat and then make your own way to the islands, if you're heading to Koh Chang it is highly recommended that you buy the package ticket which will take you all the way there. There is little to do in Trat itself but if you decide to spend the day there remember that the last ferry departs at 19.00, and it’s around 30 minutes to the pier! This combination ticket costs the same as a ticket to the pier, where you would then have to pay for a ferry, so it does offer good value for money.

The majority of reviews focus on the very competitively priced tickets, especially the Bangkok – Koh Chang ticket, made even more attractive with the fairly quick journey times.

Many reviews highlight the fact that, unlike some other transport providers, Triple T often let you on a later service if you are delayed and there is space on the next van departing. With hourly departures throughout the day, there is never too long to wait for the next one!

The biggest complaint is the age of the vehicles, with the result that the air conditioning can sometimes be unreliable. Unfortunately, this is true of almost all transport companies across Thailand and there is little that can be done about this, except arriving early to ensure you sit as close to the a/c or a window as possible, or bringing your own small fan!