8 tips for taking the night bus in Southeast Asia

At first glance, the idea of a night bus might be intimidating. However, they are often the most affordable, low-emission and flexible way to travel around Southeast Asia. If you're willing to rough it or can adjust your plans, they allow you to be spontaneous and drive off into the sunset at a moment's notice. They are also sometimes the only way to reach remote mountain villages in Vietnam, quiet beaches in the Philippines and other stunning locations around the region. 

When I got on my first night bus from Ayuthaya to Chiang Rai in Thailand, I was relieved to find that it was so much more calm and comfortable than what I had built up in my head. If anything, it’s like taking a red-eye except I had way more space, could go on my phone and didn’t have to deal with jet lag. The buses are certainly manageable, but you just have to come prepared for all of their quirks. 

From what to bring to how to avoid getting left behind at rest stops, here’s everything you need to know to survive your first night bus. 

1. Book early and intentionally 

While the buses allow you to be far more flexible than a flight, it’s still worth booking your tickets in advance when you can. You can book your rides with several companies, but 12Go Asia is the most popular. During busy seasons, popular routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai can get booked up a few weeks in advance.

Booking in advance will also just give you more options when it comes to timing and comfort. I prefer to leave later at night so I have the best chance of sleeping and I won’t arrive too early in the morning. I also found that the photos on the booking websites were pretty reliable, and some buses are definitely more comfortable than others. For example, buses with two rows tend to be more comfortable and even come with curtains for privacy and a bed-like seat. On the other hand, some places only offer reclining charter bus-like seats. 

2. Plan your movies and music in advance 

The nice thing about a night bus versus a flight is that you’ll have more access to cell service, especially if you have an eSIM. You’ll generally be able to text or check social media like normal, but you may pass through some remote regions. I recommend downloading anything that you want to watch or listen to in advance, not too different from going on a flight. 

3. Download a map of your destination before you go 

There’s no guarantee that you will have service when you get off the bus and you’ll probably be pretty sleepy. Make it easy for your future self by doing your research before you board. Download your maps so you can access them offline, especially if you intend to walk to your accommodations from the bus. If you plan on taking a taxi, look up approximate prices ahead of time to ensure that you get a fair deal. 

4. Charge your devices 

If you’re on a night bus, odds are you’re gonna be on it for a while. While there may be charging ports on the bus, don't count on it. Definitely charge everything you have before you go, including your headphones, phone, tablets and portable chargers. Keep an eye on your battery if you’re going to need your phone once you get off the bus. 

5. Pack carefully and put valuables in a smaller bag 

Your larger bag(s) will be stored under the bus. Things can get rocked around on windy roads, and it’s a pain to get your stuff out from down there. Be sure to bring a smaller bag, like a backpack or tote, to carry anything you’ll need during the ride and any valuables. 

I keep my laptop, passport and spare cash in my small bag so I don’t have to worry about them. I also make sure I have some snacks, an extra bottle of water, a portable charger, a sleeping mask, hand sanitizer, a pack of tissues, ear plugs and a neck pillow. Even though it’s sweaty outside, night buses can get pretty cold so I also recommend a sweater. 

6. Be prepared for limited restroom stops 

Be sure to use the bathroom before you get on a night bus, because bathroom stops are few and far between. You can ask your driver when they’ll be stopping, but odds are there will be a few hours between each restroom.

Additionally, you should be warned that the bus may go through very remote areas in the country, so the bathrooms may have squat toilets or will just be less clean than you are used to. On night bus stops, I saw some pretty dirty bathrooms. Definitely bring tissues or toilet paper as well as some hand sanitizer to make yourself more comfortable. 

7. Don’t get left behind on rest stops 

When the bus stops, listen to whatever time they tell you to get back on. If you’re buying snacks or going to the bathroom, do not dilly dally or mess around. While they usually do a headcount before they get back on the road, getting left somewhere remote is not worth the risk.

I often like to stretch during the rest stops, but I do so right next to the bus so I can keep an eye on it. 

8. Plan a rest day 

Much like a red-eye flight, you will probably want to spend the day resting and relaxing before an early night. I always request an early check-in for the day I arrive so I can put down my bags, shower and lay down before starting my day. 

Better yet, plan to do something nourishing and relaxing.  Depending on your itinerary and destination, the day after the night bus is the best time to get a Thai massage, drink some Vietnamese coffee or lay on a sunny beach. Treat yourself, you’ve earned it.