BUS passengers on a pioneering journey from Phuket to the north of Thailand are beating inflation and rising costs today, and reaping many benefits.
For the fare of just 1652 baht, the passengers are covering the 1487 kilometres to Ubon Rachatani in the deep comfort of padded armchairs, with television screens in the rear of seats in front, and 24-hour service.
The journey may take a little bit longer than the latest China bullet train ripping along at a record 486.1 kmh, but life in the slow lane does have its compensations.
And from all accounts, with China keen to put Thailand and Laos on the rails as fast as a bullet train can fly, it may not be too long before the Ubon Rachatani to Phuket journey is all over in a few hours.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves, which is sometimes a pleasant place to be if you happen to ride on a bus. If we do move a bit faster, what we will find are stops along the way from Phuket at Chumporn, Hua Hin, Petchaburi, Korat, Burirum, Surin, Srisa Ket and U-bom.
The bus leaves Phuket at 9am and does not arrive at its destination, near the Laos border in east Isarn, until 7.30am the next morning.
Never-the-less, the padded massage chairs and the prospect of a real savings in time and money on the old journey via Bangkok should bring smiles to a few travellers' faces.
Departure is from the old bus station in Phang Nga Road, Phuket City. No date has been set yet for opening the new bus station, which cost 128 million baht and was handed over to local Phuket authorities more than a year ago, on December 4.
Fortunately, the Shinnakeart Korat bus company has gone ahead with the innovative route from the old station.
Plenty of people from Isarn head for Phuket each year to find work, and plenty of expats and travellers with time to spare enjoy the pleasures of the passing landscape on a bus ride that no aircraft can offer.
There are 29 seats upstairs on the VIP buses with tv screens, and another 12 downstairs without screens, but at a reduced fare. For 1239 baht, they get to the end of the line for less than one baht per kilometre.
We can't wait now to see how the China bullet train compares on the same journey. By then, Phuket's new bus station may even be open.
For the fare of just 1652 baht, the passengers are covering the 1487 kilometres to Ubon Rachatani in the deep comfort of padded armchairs, with television screens in the rear of seats in front, and 24-hour service.
The journey may take a little bit longer than the latest China bullet train ripping along at a record 486.1 kmh, but life in the slow lane does have its compensations.
And from all accounts, with China keen to put Thailand and Laos on the rails as fast as a bullet train can fly, it may not be too long before the Ubon Rachatani to Phuket journey is all over in a few hours.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves, which is sometimes a pleasant place to be if you happen to ride on a bus. If we do move a bit faster, what we will find are stops along the way from Phuket at Chumporn, Hua Hin, Petchaburi, Korat, Burirum, Surin, Srisa Ket and U-bom.
The bus leaves Phuket at 9am and does not arrive at its destination, near the Laos border in east Isarn, until 7.30am the next morning.
Never-the-less, the padded massage chairs and the prospect of a real savings in time and money on the old journey via Bangkok should bring smiles to a few travellers' faces.
Departure is from the old bus station in Phang Nga Road, Phuket City. No date has been set yet for opening the new bus station, which cost 128 million baht and was handed over to local Phuket authorities more than a year ago, on December 4.
Fortunately, the Shinnakeart Korat bus company has gone ahead with the innovative route from the old station.
Plenty of people from Isarn head for Phuket each year to find work, and plenty of expats and travellers with time to spare enjoy the pleasures of the passing landscape on a bus ride that no aircraft can offer.
There are 29 seats upstairs on the VIP buses with tv screens, and another 12 downstairs without screens, but at a reduced fare. For 1239 baht, they get to the end of the line for less than one baht per kilometre.
We can't wait now to see how the China bullet train compares on the same journey. By then, Phuket's new bus station may even be open.
Well, I have to agree it is dirt cheap considering what is on offer. I hope it will be a success.
My only concern is the rotation of drivers. I hope there are at least three shifts for safety reasons.
Posted by Chris on December 12, 2010 16:45