Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal
Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) is a bustling gateway to Thailand's southern wonders, offering diverse transport options and a lively lo...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the rush and secure good seats.
Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal
Best Time
Beat the rush and secure good seats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) is a bustling gateway to Thailand's southern wonders, offering diverse transport options and a lively local market experience.
"It feels more like a small shopping mall with restaurants, massage parlors, and amenities."
🎯 Ticket Confusion? Ask for Help!
Express buses are upstairs, minivans outside. Students often help direct lost travelers.
💰 Minivan Fares are Similar
For minivans, prices are usually comparable between companies for the same route.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Southern Province Express Buses
1st Floor
Your gateway to destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani. Book VIP for comfort on long journeys.
Minivan Departures
Ground Floor (Outside)
Ideal for shorter trips to places like Hua Hin or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Sai Tai Center Night Market
Behind the Terminal
Discover affordable street food, clothes, and local finds. A true hidden gem!
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Chaos
Getting There & Around
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ticket Confusion? Ask for Help!
Express buses are upstairs, minivans outside. Students often help direct lost travelers.
💰 Minivan Fares are Similar
For minivans, prices are usually comparable between companies for the same route.
💺 Buckle Up!
Seatbelt enforcement isn't strict; always buckle up for safety on longer journeys.
🍜 Food Court Delights
The food court offers great, reasonably priced meals. Perfect for a pre-trip bite.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ticket Confusion? Ask for Help!
Express buses are upstairs, minivans outside. Students often help direct lost travelers.
💰 Minivan Fares are Similar
For minivans, prices are usually comparable between companies for the same route.
💺 Buckle Up!
Seatbelt enforcement isn't strict; always buckle up for safety on longer journeys.
🍜 Food Court Delights
The food court offers great, reasonably priced meals. Perfect for a pre-trip bite.
🛒 Convenience Stores Galore
With three 7-Eleven stores, you'll find snacks and essentials easily.
🗺️ Sleeper Bus Adventures
Consider overnight sleeper buses for long-haul trips to places like Chiang Mai. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal is a massive, sometimes chaotic, but ultimately functional hub for southern travel. While navigation can be confusing, the availability of numerous bus companies, affordable food options in the food court, and nearby night market make it a practical starting point. Some travelers note delays with minivans, but the overall connectivity is praised.
"A bit chaotic, unorganized and confusing bus terminal (located inside the mall) mainly to the southern provinces. To buy ticket for bus, from G floor (entrance) need to go upstairs to 1st floor. For minivan, on G floor, have to go outside the building towards parking lot. As these are mostly private bus / van companies, you have to go and pick which one you want to travel with and the fares are quite the same across companies for the same destination. Note that minivans are for shorter distance so for destinations like Huahin, you have to travel by minivan from here.
Once on board, please be reminded to buckle up because it's not strictly enforced and nobody cares.
Other less confusing options to check bus / van schedule, book or buy ticket, visit transport.co.th or via app 12Go or BusX
As this terminal is a bit isolated and not connected with either BTS or MRT, you have to get here either by bus or taxi."
Ben Werakit
"We booked bus hear
Bankok to phuket
long journey buses are available
Very big bus terminal."
Shakya
"A little bit confusing. For express bus, go to level one. But for minivan to other provinces, its at ground floor outside the building. When I was there, a few school students wearing the uniform were there to help with the traffic and some of them also helped the old people carrying their bags around the terminal.
The minivan 994 supposed to depart at 2pm but delayed to around 3.30pm with oversold ticket and took time to resolve the problem."
raknita
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Siam, take the BTS SkyTrain Silom Line to Bang Wa Station. From there, a taxi to the Southern Bus Terminal costs around 80 THB and takes about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus #511 directly from Siam.
No, the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal is not directly connected to the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway. You'll need to use a taxi or a local bus to reach it.
Several bus routes serve the terminal, including the #511 which is a common option from central Bangkok areas like Siam.
Yes, taxis are a convenient way to reach the terminal, especially from BTS stations like Bang Wa. Expect the fare to be around 80 THB from Bang Wa.
Travel time can vary depending on traffic, but it typically takes around 30-45 minutes by taxi or bus from central Bangkok.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for express buses to southern provinces are sold on the 1st floor of the terminal building.
Minivan tickets are typically purchased on the ground floor, outside the main building, in the parking lot area.
Yes, you can check bus and van schedules and book tickets online through websites like transport.co.th or apps like 12Go or BusX.
Prices vary by company and class. A regular bus to Phuket might cost around 715 baht, while a VIP bus could be around 1050 baht.
For popular routes or during peak travel times, booking in advance is recommended to avoid delays or sold-out tickets, especially for minivans.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It can be a bit chaotic and confusing, especially with express buses on the 1st floor and minivans outside on the ground floor. Look for uniformed students who often help direct passengers.
The terminal is more like a small shopping mall, featuring restaurants, a food court, massage parlors, and even three 7-Eleven stores.
Yes, there's a great food court with good and reasonably priced food options, as well as various vendors and restaurants.
Yes, the Sai Tai Center Night Market is located right behind the terminal, offering affordable street food and shopping.
Yes, you can take an air-conditioned bus, like the #511, from the Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak, which takes about 2 hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the bustling atmosphere of the terminal, the diverse buses and minivans, and the vibrant Sai Tai Center Night Market behind it.
Yes, you can photograph the exterior of sleeper buses and, if permitted, the interior to showcase the unique travel experience. +1
The Sai Tai Center Night Market offers colorful stalls and street food scenes perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while evenings are great for capturing the vibrant night market atmosphere.
You can capture the contrast between the busy terminal and the local life around it, including the nearby night market.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terminal: A Traveler's Guide
Don't be surprised if you see uniformed school students assisting travelers; they are often there to help direct people and manage the flow of traffic. This helpfulness is a recurring theme mentioned by visitors.
Beyond its primary function as a bus terminal, Sai Tai Mai has evolved into a mini-shopping complex. You'll find a variety of amenities including restaurants, a food court offering delicious and affordable meals, and even several 7-Eleven convenience stores for quick snacks and essentials. This makes it a convenient place to spend time before your departure or upon arrival.
Beyond the Buses: Exploring Nearby Attractions
+1For a unique market experience closer to the terminal, the Sai Tai Center Night Market is a must-visit. Located just behind the bus station, this market is a local favorite for its incredibly affordable street food, clothing, and various goods. It's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in local life and grab a delicious, budget-friendly meal.
+1Another fascinating destination accessible from the terminal is the Maeklong Railway Market. This market is famous for its stalls that are quickly retracted when a train passes through. You can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to reach this unique market, often described as the 'folding umbrella market'.
Overnight Journeys: Sleeper Buses and Trains
While the Southern Bus Terminal primarily focuses on bus services, it's worth noting the broader Thai transportation network. For instance, sleeper trains are also a popular option for inter-city travel in Thailand, offering a different kind of overnight journey.
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