Mae Sai Bus Station

Mae Sai is a small town located in the northernmost part of Thailand, near the border with Myanmar. It is a popular destination for people traveling to the border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar. Many travelers pass through Mae Sai while traveling between these two countries. It’s the gateway to the Burmese town of Tachileik, and tourists often use it as a starting point for exploring other parts of Myanmar, or for onward Thailand travel.

This is a spacious and quite comfortable bus station. It has excellent connections with Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Chiang Rai, and other cities throughout Thailand. Below, we will describe everything you need to know about the station, facilities, departures, and how to book tickets from Mae Sai.

Facts about Mae Sai Bus Station

• Nighest and northernmost bus station in Thailand.
• Date opened: 24 January 1996, underwent a few renovations since then.
• Address: Wiang Phang Kham, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130, Thailand.
• Phone number: +66946217436.
• Number of platforms: 15 bus platforms.
• Companies operating: Green Bus, Nakhonchai Tour, Budsarakham Tour, Sombat Tour, Transport Co.
• Available facilities: toilet, seating areas, ticket counters, snack shops, information displays, and songtaews for onward travel.

Mae Sai Bus Station Departures and Schedule

Mae Sai bus station primarily serves as a transportation hub for travelers moving between Thailand and Myanmar. The most popular routes from the station include:

• Mae Sai to Chiang Rai
• Mae Sai <> Chiang Mai
• Mae Sai to Bangkok
• Mae Sai to Tachileik (Myanmar)

Mae Sai to Bangkok Schedule

Mae Sai	Bangkok	Company	Service
17:00	6:30	Sombat Tour	Express 44
17:00	5:35	Budsarakham Tour	VIP
17:20	5:55	Budsarakham Tour	Express
17:10	6:40	Sombat Tour	VIP 20

Mae Sai to Chiang Mai Schedule

Mae Sai	Chiang Mai	Company	Service
9:30	14:40	Greenbus	Express/VIP Combo
15:00	20:10	Greenbus	Express/VIP Combo

Tickets from Mae Sai Bus Station

You have 2 options to get tickets from Mae Sai:

1) Buy tickets at the station, there are many ticket booths in the station hall, belonging to all the companies that operate from the bus station. This is the cheapest option but doesn’t always guarantee you a seat on the same day. Buses are often overbooked, so you might have to wait for the next departure which is later in the day.

2) Book tickets online via the partner website. You can choose all the available companies from Mae Sai, without the need to go from booth to booth. You can also book in advance and have a guaranteed seat on the day. This is slightly more expensive due to the partner website’s commission, but saves you lots of time and hassle.

Facilities at the Station

Mae Sai bus station is a relatively new and spacious station. It has all the facilities you would expect from the bus station:

• There are displays with bus departures and arrival information and platform numbers.
• Open-air seating between the two rows of platforms, and additional indoor seating available in the ticket hall.
• Ticket counters belonging to each of the bus companies operating from the station. They are located in the main ticket hall.
• Parcel service for the convenience of travelers – in some ticket booths.
• A variety of snack stands offering refreshments for passengers in and around the station.
• The 20° North Hotel is located just in front of the bus station, providing easy accommodation options for visitors.
• There’s a good selection of restaurants within a 600-meter radius of the station, offering diverse dining choices for travelers.
• A small 24/7 coffee shop nearby for those in need of a caffeine fix at any time.
• Songthaews waiting outside to transport passengers around the town and its surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mae Sai Bus Station

How do I get to the Mae Sai Bus Station?

You can reach it from the town by taxi or a songkaew. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available around the town for local travel.

What are the operating hours of the Mae Sai Bus Station?

The bus station typically operates during daylight hours, roughly from early morning until early evening. 

Are there any restrooms or facilities available at the bus station?

Yes, there is a restroom available for travelers.

Can I buy tickets for other destinations from the Mae Sai Bus Station?

Yes, you can buy tickets for various destinations from the station. There are many ticket counters for different bus companies operating from the station.

Is there a parking area at the Mae Sai Bus Station?

There is a parking area in the street in front of the station.

Are there food and refreshment options near the bus station?

Yes, there are many snack stands or small food vendors near the bus station and on the nearby streets.

How long does it take to travel from the Mae Sai to Bangkok?

The travel time from Mae Sai to Bangkok by bus can vary significantly depending on factors like the type of bus, the route taken, and traffic conditions. Typically, this journey can take around 10 to 12 hours or more by bus.

Are there any hotels or accommodations near the bus station?

Yes, the 20° North Hotel is located right in front of the Mae Sai Bus Station. There are also other hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity to choose from.

Can I find taxis or other transportation options easily outside of the bus station?

Yes, taxis and songthaews (shared minibusses) are typically available outside the Mae Sai Bus Station.