Naluang
- About
- Popular Routes
- Stations
- Reviews
- Schedule and Timetable
About Naluang
Bus is a convenient way of travel no matter whether you need to get to a neighboring town a couple of hours away or venture further afield crossing the whole country. Whatever your budget, buses have you covered. Express buses offer the most affordable ticket price for travellers who have very little money to spend. VIP options are geared toward those who do not want to compromise on comfort. Before you jump on a bus, make sure you choose the type of service which suits you best. For a long-haul trip look for a VIP or first-class coach which provides non-stop service to your destination or just call a minor number of stations along the way. Express or local buses in many cases may prove an acceptable choice for shorter trips, but longer rides are often not the best buy. Study the timetable before going as many long-haul destinations are served by night buses, and some offer wider seats or sleeper berths for such travels. Make an online reservation for your bus ticket with Naluang. Other travellers’ reviews will help you to choose the best ticket and coach class.
Naluang Popular Stations
The main stations covered by Naluang’s buses include:
- Chiang Khong Green Bus
- Luang Namtha Bus Terminal
- Pagbang Slow Boat Pier
- Huay Xai Bus Station
- Naluang Bus Station
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
- Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
- Vientiane Northern Bus Station
- Vientiane Northern Bus Stop
- Meuang Feuang Bus Station
- Naluang Bus Station
- Chiang Khong Green Bus
- Chiang Mai Arcade 2
- Ban Don Mai Slow Boat Terminal
- Luang Prabang Transfer
- Vang Vieng Bus Terminal
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Chokprasert Bus Terminal
- Luang Namtha
- Nan Bus Terminal
Naluang Top Destinations
Naluang buses ply a number of routes and here is the list of some of the most popular ones:
- Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng
- Luang Prabang - Vientiane
- Vientiane - Vang Vieng
- Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang - Hanoi
- Chiang Rai - Luang Prabang
- Ubon Ratchathani - Pakse
- Vang Vieng - Vientiane
- Bokeo - Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang - Luang Namtha
- Luang Prabang - Bokeo
- Luang Prabang - Oudomxay
- Luang Prabang - Xiangkhouang
- Luang Prabang - Phongsali
- Luang Prabang - Loei
- Luang Prabang - Hue
- Oudomxay - Bokeo
- Luang Prabang - Nghe An
- Vientiane - Nang Ha
- Luang Namtha - Vientiane
- Vientiane - Luang Namtha
- Nang Ha - Luang Prabang
Naluang Ticket Prices & Bus Classes
One of the best things about bus travel is that you can almost tailor-make your trip adjusting it to your requirements for privacy and comfort. Different classes and types of buses cater to the different needs of travellers. The cheapest trips are normally offered by standard-class buses. They may be called local, express or ordinary. These are a good choice for shorter trips. Sleepers or VIP coaches are good both for longer and overnight trips. They may offer berths or wide soft reclining seats, sometimes with built-in massage options, blankets, soft drinks, and snacks, or more substantial meals on board or during toilet or refuelling stops. Travelling by night buses allows you to save on a hotel room, but to ensure the most comfortable ride do choose the class of your bus wisely. Prices always depend on the distance you ride and the type of coach. For some, even shorter trips, it is worth investing some extra money and buying a seat on a VIP bus as it can save you twice as much time as you spend travelling by an ordinary bus.
Travel by Bus: Pros & Cons
Pros of Bus Travel
- Bus is the best choice to get to destinations that are not connected by rail or planes. The network of buses often covers almost the whole country, and their routes are well and long-established.
- Opposite to air travel and sometimes rail travel, taking a bus does not require arriving at the bus station much in advance. Check-in, even on international routes, does not take much time. Luggage allowances are usually very traveller-friendly, and the fee for extra luggage, if limits are set, is normally not very high.
- Bus tickets can be more affordable compared to air or fast train tickets. There is always a choice of ticket classes for all pockets. Cheaper standard options may be a bit slow and do not offer top comfort, but anyway acceptable and bring you to your destination. On longer routes, toilets or toilet stops as well as snacks, water, and sometimes toiletries and blankets are almost always included in the price.
- If you are ready to spend more, some VIP coaches offer seating comparable to business class on a plane with wide soft reclining seats, blankets, fewer passengers, and many other perks to make your trip a pleasant journey.
Cons of Bus Travel
- Newer intercity bus terminals are very often located out of the city close to bigger highways to allow buses to avoid city congestion. Unfortunately, it may create extra challenges for travellers, too. Getting to such a terminal may be a problem as in some destinations there are restrictions on vehicles allowed to enter the terminal, and you will have to use special carriers to get there. This results in higher costs as prices may be inflated. Also do calculate extra time if you are travelling during rush hours, especially if you are not familiar with the traffic situation at your starting point.
- Buses are probably the means of transport which runs out of schedule more often than trains or planes. They are heavily dependent on the road situation which sometimes can be unpredictable – accidents, road construction works, detours, etc. This is especially true for travels during weekends, high season, or national holidays. Do keep this in mind and do not plan tight connections.
- Travelling on certain routes or during the most popular periods may require advanced booking. Bear in mind that it is not always possible to show up at the bus station and hop on the next bus – tickets may well be all sold out, so organize your trip accordingly.
NaN Passengers
Naluang Stations
Chiang Khong Green BusLuang Namtha Bus TerminalPagbang Slow Boat PierHuay Xai Bus StationNaluang Bus StationChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2Vientiane Northern Bus StationVientiane Northern Bus StopMeuang Feuang Bus StationNaluang Bus StationChiang Khong Green BusChiang Mai Arcade 2Ban Don Mai Slow Boat TerminalLuang Prabang TransferVang Vieng Bus TerminalUbon RatchathaniChokprasert Bus TerminalLuang NamthaNan Bus Terminal
Naluang Company Reviews
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Eszter Ghi.
the price you charge is double the official price at the bus station. the bus only leaves when it is full. so we had to wait 40 min until other passangers came.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Mar 13, 2024
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Manjinder CThe bus left Luang Prabang 3.5 hours late and arrived in Vang Vieng 4 hours late. The bus service had more people packed in than seats available so we each had very little room and after picking up even more people on the route I ended up with a stranger sitting in my feet. The roads they drove down could barely even be called roads with us getting stuck multiple times but I guess that's not the bus's fault
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Feb 6, 2024
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Matteo BVery old bus,we were crammed like sardines no leg room,agony for all passengers!!!
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Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jan 13, 2024
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Alexander KNice trip. Everything fine
Bus Express, Naluang, Dec 7, 2023
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Karita MThere was a driver+ 25 passengers (incl. 4 toddlers) in a van!! Even the local people were not satisfied. There were of course not seat belts for anyone. The driver drove dangerously. The trip took 10hrs. Luckily co-passengers were very nice and friendly.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Nov 25, 2023
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Jenna KOur van left a bit late and it was very crowded. We made it to our destination about 30 minutes later than expected but otherwise the trip was fine. Affordable price.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Nov 21, 2023
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Fiona EHad no idea what to do or where to go
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Aug 9, 2023
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James HWe arrived at the station at 07:15 for an 0830 bus. The office then gave us a ticket for the 0730 which we thought was great. We got on at 0730, about 6 people with tickets, we then drove around the corner and more people, without tickets got on, including loading a moped into the van! We eventually left at 0800 and arrived at out destination at 1030 (we were supposed to arrive at 1000 when leaving at 0830...). We needed up with about 16 people in what should have been about 13 seats. Driver was nice enough but annoying that so many people got on without tickets.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Aug 1, 2023
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Clara BThe van it’s supposed to carry 14 people. We were 21.
The way of driving wasn’t safe at all.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jun 26, 2023
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Srividya RIt was a mini van with lots of people and animals in it. The dog threw up in the bus. The driver was picking up his mates and chatting on the phone and driving when it was so dark and raining cats and dogs. We reached 90 minutes late. I would not recommend this to anyone.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jun 25, 2023
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Mhairi SSqueezed into a 14 person bus with 20 people! Air con was very weak! The journey is very bumpy and windy roads! Would have been better off riding the train
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Mar 24, 2023
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Ralph KEverything worked out perfect, the tickets and transfers arrived on time. The train arrived at the destination even earlier.
Train First Class, Naluang, Feb 5, 2023
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Janine SOverall, the booking with 12go Asia did work fine for us. It was convinient to book over the app instead of having to go to the Luang Prabang train station. The pick up and the train ride went very easy, and I think it is much more comfortable than a bumpy ride in a minibus.
The description on the voucher however caused a little bit of confusion, as we were not sure about the pickup time and how to get the real train ticket. We finally called the operator, (over my skype account) Nualang, and from there on it was very easy. The operator brought us our ticket to the hotel, and confirmed the pick up time.
The procedure is such, that the person who brings the ticket, makes a picture of the recipient, to ensure all is delivered and confirmed. The staff of the operator was helpful, friendly and spoke decent english.
Train First Class, Naluang, Feb 3, 2023
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Lyn GGood communication from 12go company re confirmation. The ticket was delivered to my hotel (by Nualang (hadn't needed to print the voucher out which meant a waste of people's time getting hotel to do it). Minibus pickup was exactly on time. However, it was 90 mins earlier than necessary to catch the train - Luang Prabang train station is sterile and barren. Huge building but nothing inside but hard seats- can't even get water let alone snacks. The Chinese train is OK.
Shame the only ticket bookable was after dark so no scenery to see. And there's a trick in the process where you end up with an 'insurance' price added - I didn't see an option way to 'unchoose' that in the process.
There was a price printed on the ticket that is way less than I paid.
Train First Class, Naluang, Jan 21, 2023
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Liam HWould have preferred just to have train tickets organised and make own way to the station rather than take the transfer.
Train Second Class, Naluang, Jan 11, 2023
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Selvaraju PGood service, very happy with the arrangement pick up from hotel semd to station. Train very smooth n fast...
All enquiries was responded fast kudos to the team...
Train Second Class, Naluang, Dec 30, 2022
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Emma BI found out I paid more than double for my transport (train) from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, booking it by 12go asia. I was used from this agency that the prices were very reasonable, but apparently not for this specific route. For the high price I could've expected a private car, but instead it was a fully booked minivan with a grumpy driver that had to stop at many places. I suggest you book the train via your hostel or hotel, that should be much cheaper and faster.
Train Second Class, Naluang, Dec 28, 2022
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Anja HCompany rejected giving any sort of children discount (for 3 kids) for train tickets, despite that kids under 120cm are free of charge and otherwise are 1/2 price, we were still charged full adult prices when going via the Agency.
Train Second Class, Naluang, Dec 25, 2022
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Davide MThe bus left more than an hour late. It arrived late at its destination. The bus was packed, there were more people than seats
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Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Nov 19, 2022
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Lily BThe service itself was fine, but confirming and receiving the tickets was a nightmare. Someone came to drop our train tickets the day before, only to be called an hour later to say they are the wrong ones and we had to wait where we were until the others could be dropped off. A massive inconvenience and not ideal to be texted/called all the time. Pick up time was not clear and we arrived at the train station far too early. Massively over priced as well, and 12go is not accurate in that you HAVE to book train tickets 3 days in advance. Book with your hostel-cheaper and more convenient.
Train VIP AC, Naluang, Nov 12, 2022
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Paula LThe ride was good. The first 45 minutes we were picking up locals in the city and drove back to the bus stop. One hour after the specified departure time we finally move off. We have made one stop during the drive for half an hour at a restaurant. We arrived in Vang Vieng one hour late.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Oct 21, 2022
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Paul BBooked for the 15/1/22 received confirmation and e tickets then got email on the 14/10/22 saying it’s been cancelled as it’s full, but can travel on the 16/10/22 @ 11.30. Arrived only to be told it’s fully booked again but I can get the 18.20 train even tho I had the tickets for both trips that was so say fully booked. So had to pay for another nights hotel in Luang Prabang and also lost a night in Vientiane that I had already payed for.
Train VIP AC, Naluang, Oct 17, 2022
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Petr S+ The bus was very clean. We liked the view from the bus. There were two stayes where we could go to wc and buy food.
- The bus was late more than one hour. Music in the bus was too loud.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Oct 15, 2022
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Johanne GOn my voucher departure was 11:30 and they asked us to arrive in advance. We didn’t leave till 11:55 and waited in front of hostel for an hour. Unacceptable for me. I know you want the bus to be full but if people not on time not fare for others. Be mindful of your customers’time ! But on highway all the way , easy road to go to vientiane
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Oct 11, 2022
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Fenny LThis was a very bad experience. We had booked a 1st class seat on the bullet train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane departing 11.30. We we arrived for our transfer to the station it turned out our booking had been cancelled and we were now on the slow train in 2nd class departing 16.16. Vevy bad. We now had to kill time and hang around. 12Go tried to book the tickets too late and we missed out and got shuffed on later train. Not happy!
Train VIP AC, Naluang, Oct 4, 2022
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Rattanaporn CWe were booked on a prepaid journey VIP to Vientiane and the day before we simply informed by the Hotel reception that our place wa cancelled (not the train, just our prepaid seats). We were transferred to a normal train more than 4 hours later. That is not the kind of service neither booked normal expected.
Train VIP AC, Naluang, Oct 3, 2022
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Jessica F1. when I reached out to you and asked to be picked up at the hotel you said this wasn’t a pick-up bus. turns out we were the only people starting the journey at the bus station, everybody else was picked up afterwards and paid less money than we did. thanks for nothing
2. the bus driver was on time and we could have left on time but he preferred letting us wait in the hot car for half an hour before coming back, never told us we could wait outside because it’s going to take a while
3. is is really necessary to make a 20 minute stop 10 minutes before the destination?
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Sep 22, 2022
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Frank UEs sollten 11 Stunden Fahrzeit werden, wurden aber 17. Okay, für die Pannen kann der Fahrer nichts aber auch trotzdem muss man für diese Strecke mindestens 15 Stunden ansetzen.
Der Fahrer war sehr hilfsbereit und freundlich, deshalb noch 2 Sterne.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Sep 20, 2022
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Jessica FFor my first question, I got support very quickly but unfortunately, for my next one I never got a reply. Ticket Drop-Off at Hotel was very nice, we didn’t know this was coming and couldn’t gather that information from the voucher but worked well.
Train VIP AC, Naluang, Sep 20, 2022
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Johnny NTaxi transfer never showed and train was late.
Train VIP AC, Naluang, Sep 18, 2022
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Celine VThe trip itself was good. But there was a lot of confusion around the pickup time. Also we were picked up at 11am and the train left at 2 pm. Way too early.
Train VIP AC, Naluang, Sep 9, 2022
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Anna KThe bus was fine. We were late around 30 min but the driver agreed to drop us off closer to the hotel which was nice)
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jul 27, 2022
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Maria AIn theory the trip was supposed to take 1 hour and a half, but it took 3 hours and we left late.
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Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jul 24, 2022
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songkiat PYou said 1.30 （hrs.) But it took more than 3 hrs. To the vanvieng bus stop. Driver stop more than 12 times. To add more local passengers until all 18 person. ITS TERRIBLE.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jul 13, 2022
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Ben VThe chauffeurs were helpful with filling in the documents needed to get into Laos. The bus was clean, enough stops for us to go to the toilet as wel, and we even got a little snack pack with a bottle of water, juice, and cookies, couldn't really expect more I think.
Sleeping was a bit hard with all the turning the bus had to do, but that's obviously just the way it is, can't blame anyone for that. And we even arrived two hours early. That was a bit annoying since it was 3am... But there were tuktuks waiting, so it was still easy to get into the city. But maybe take that into account when looking at accomodation.
Bus Sleeper, Naluang, Mar 17, 2020
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Heather MIt took over 2 hours longer than stated on the ticket, which wasn't helped by the flat tyres and the half an hour meal break the driver had in a shop that refused to serve any of the passengers.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Mar 7, 2020
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simon JPack up car was late. After leaving the van came back to pick up late présentées. Flat tyre on the way
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Mar 2, 2020
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Juan PIt is quite a long trip, but make 3 or 4 stops along the way to bring food as there are not many places to buy it.
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Bus Express Sleeper 41, Naluang, Feb 27, 2020
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Catherine FThere is not a lot of leg room on the minibus but the journey was comfortable and the driver was safe. The rest stops were also regular enough and the included lunch was a nice bonus. Many thanks to the driver for keeping us safe on the mountain roads!!
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Feb 25, 2020
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Kethelyn KWe had to wait around 2:30h to go with the bus
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Feb 23, 2020
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Budihardja BVery full passeger , not convenient for 8 hours journey.
we have free for lunch at a restaurant.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Feb 16, 2020
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Jan BService was ridicously bad. Too much people for one van. Wanted to put 2 little children on one seat. No communication during stops and driver that wants earn quick money by letting extra people in the bus,
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Feb 6, 2020
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Maisie HBus was on time and got us where we needed to be but it was a pretty awful journey. The bumps were so bad we were jumping out of our seats, but I guess that’s not the bus company’s fault. Would still do it again for the price
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Feb 3, 2020
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Jill FAlthough the drive during the daylight hours was no where near as bad as some of the reviews we read, we found that the bus was not fit for driving at night!!! The headlights hardly worked and so the driver was going so slowly that the last 26km took nearly 2 hours!! He was blinded by trucks coming towards us and his only safe reaction was to stop until it passed. The minivan should not be on the roads.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jan 25, 2020
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Heikki EFast and on time. Perfect 8 hr adventure trip! Even lunch was included in the ticket price which was a big surprise.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jan 24, 2020
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Marlies SAlles bestens geklappt. Sehr umsichtiger und angenehmer Fahrer.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jan 22, 2020
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Gerard VThe communication about the pick up was very bad. So we missed the bus we booked. We did go one later. The driver was al lot of time busy with bis telefone. That was very scarry because of the very bad and dangereus road. The minivan was old and the suspension also. It was the worst trip we ever made.
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jan 12, 2020
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Sergey PI had to change mini-van and move my baggage from one van to another because number of passengers was bigger than number of places and we waited 45 minutes to resolve it. Yet i do not consider it as big problem and in some way it was funny :)
Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jan 10, 2020
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Roussel SVery practical to come and pick us up at the foot of our hotel, with a little bit of advance!
On the other hand, driving is very sporty, sometimes even dangerous on these mountain roads! Do not eat anything 1h before
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Van Regional 14pax, Naluang, Jan 8, 2020
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Bryan MSleeper bus Monday and Friday only. Definitely worth doing this 17 hour journey on one of those days, for that reason. Bus was not 100% full, they granted my request to not share a bed since I was traveling solo. Driver was safe, border crossing easy. I am satisfied with the trip.
Bus Sleeper, Naluang, Dec 26, 2019