Taking the bus in SE Asia is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get around. However, it can seem like a scary adventure, especially if it’s your first time in SE Asia. But as a solo female traveler, I can tell you the buses are safe, easy, and comfortable to ride between cities and countries. All you need to do is follow my tips below to make sure you book the right bus and are prepared for your journey.
Booking Your Ticket
Booking your ticket online in advance (even the night before or the morning of) saves you time and stress. Don’t waste time showing up at the bus station only to find that there are no seats on a bus to the location you want to go to for 8 hours.
When you book online, they’ll email you a virtual ticket that usually has a QR code. You’ll still need to check in with your passport when you arrive at the bus station but it’s a lot faster. This is an easy way to ensure you’re getting on the right bus, too. They’ll point you in the right direction once you check in or let you know of any departure delays.
Depending on which SE Asian country you’re in, there are different bus lines that run throughout the country and by land across borders. It’s best to do a quick Google search “bus X city to X city” to find reviews from other travelers.
If you can, find a company that goes to multiple countries that you plan on visiting. Oftentimes, they’ll offer points for using their services more. Who doesn’t want to save more $$$ while traveling around SE Asia?
Reputable Sites to Check
Things to Consider When Booking
While you might be a budget-friendly traveler like me, if you’re going to be on a bus for more than 4 hours, do yourself a favor and spend a little extra money for comfort. I promise you’ll be glad that you did! Having a comfortable seat with enough legroom is super important for long bus rides. Trust me, you don’t want to be squeezed in on an overcrowded bus that smells awful as you swereve around on windy roads.
One time I selected the cheapest bus which was $22 USD over paying an extra $8 USD for the $30 USD bus. As soon as I got on the bus, I instantly regretted it. Luckily, it was only a 4-hour bus ride – which is still a long time but it could’ve been worse. I couldn’t put my legs down flat because there wasn’t enough room. I had my knees to my chest nearly the entire time, so obviously I couldn’t sleep which was a miserable ride. There was also no AC and I had a window seat (always) but I was baking in the sun. I got off the bus a sweaty cranky mess. On my return trip, I spent $8 USD more and was so much happier!
Arrive Early
Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early to retrieve your ticket and find the correct bus. I’ve really pushed my limits on this one in the past and arrived at the bus station as the bus was pulling out. Luckily, they stopped it and since I had my virtual ticket it was an easy board. But I knew everyone on the bus was rolling their eyes at me and I could’ve missed my bus delaying all my travels for hours. Learn from my mistake!
What to Pack for Riding the Bus in SE Asia
You’ll put your large backpack or carry-on suitcase underneath the bus, so you’ll want to make sure you have these essentials in your bag that are on board with you.
- Tissues – most places you stop in SE Asia won’t have toilet paper
- Snacks & Water – never know how long the bus ride will be
- Scarf or Sweatshirt – buses are always freezing cold
- Mask – a lot of places still require them
- Portable Charge – to keep your headphones & phone charged
- Download a Book or Music – if you can’t sleep, it’s a great way to make the time go by
- Sleep Maks & Ear Plugs – if you can sleep, make it comfy
- Valuables in a belt bag that will stay on your body
Safety on Buses in SE Asia
As a solo female traveler, I’ve never felt unsafe on a bus in SE Asia. But, I’m also an experienced traveler that’s been traveling around SE Asia for 4+ years. It’s important to keep your valuables close. I always travel with this belt bag because it stays directly on my body. I keep my passport, money, Airpods, and iPhone inside. Then inside my backpack, I’ll have my journal, a book, snacks, and water. This either goes in the seat next to me [always manifesting no one sitting next to me], at my feet if there is room, or above my head. If you do keep it above your head, be aware of your surroundings when you are making rest stops or if the bus is making stops along the way.
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Be Prepared for Delays
The buses in SE Asia usually leave on time but for some reason, they don’t correctly estimate how long it takes. I’ve been on buses that were delayed anywhere from 2 to 6 hours!!! It can be a number of reasons – traffic, flat tire, mechanical issues, longer rest stops, issues crossing the border, etc. It’s best to prepare for delays and set your expectations beforehand to schedule in that buffer time.
One time on a bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the border crossing took a lot longer than it had on my previous trip. After we crossed the border, our bus hit something and we got a flat tire. We had to pull off to the side of the ride and the driver found some locals to help change the tire. But it took at least another hour.
We didn’t anticipate this stop, so there was nothing nearby. This a perfect example of why having extra snacks and water comes in handy. The delay meant that our arrival into the city was during rush hour time causing an additional hour delay from traffic. Unfortunately, someone on the bus was a newbie traveler and he had booked another bus with just 1 hour buffer time. He obviously missed that bus by hours and ended up having to book a hotel room and leave the next morning. [I hope he learned his lesson🤣]
Save this post for your next trip to SE Asia!
If you’re planning to travel by bus in SE Asia, don’t let these minor inconveniences deter you. Buses are a budget-friendly way to travel around and also to see more of the country you’re in! Spend a few extra dollars on the better bus, pack your snacks, and settle in for an adventure!
Looking for more adventures in SE Asia? Check out more posts about destinations & adventures in SE Asia here.
